The most beautiful religious buildings United Kingdom

Nicknamed the Iona of the East, this abbey is located on an island in the Firth of Forth. Inchcolm Abbey was founded as a priory in 1215 by David I, but Alexander I before him had already dreamed of building a place of worship there after taking refuge there during a storm. Surprisingly well preserved, it is one of the best preserved monastic buildings in Scotland. Remarkable objects include a humpbacked tombstone dating from the 10th century, a superb fresco of a funeral procession and an octagonal chapter house (1200s), as well as remarkable stone screens. The cloister is the most complete of its kind in Scotland, creating a moving atmosphere conducive to meditation. From the 14th to the 16th centuries, there were numerous English raids during the various Anglo-Scottish wars. In 1560, the Reformation put an end to its religious activity but the site remained occupied, particularly militarily. The island is also famous for its wildlife, seals and tusks from the First and Second World Wars

One of the most beautiful views is probably the one you get from the water, when the boat docks.

Practical info: Inchcolm Abbey can be visited by ferry from South Queensferry. Two companies serve the island and offer cruises, with or without a stopover on the island: Forth Boat Tours and Maid of the Forth. Count a 3-hour excursion for about £15 per adult, plus the cost of the site visit. Guided tours are available, as well as a quiz to make it more fun.

Dunfermline Abbey is the final resting place of King Robert the Bruce and the burial place of 11 kings and queens of Scotland. Founded as a priory, Dunfermline was transformed into an abbey by David I and later became a royal mausoleum. Its nave is particularly impressive and its Romanesque architecture of great beauty. You can take a walk in the monks' refectory and admire the breathtaking view of the valley from the palace's windows.

One of Britain's most famous cathedrals, it also boasts the tallest church spire in the UK. It was built between 1220 and 1258 in the early English Gothic style. The cloister, chapter house (which houses one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta), tower and spire were not completed until 500 years later. The ceiling of the nave is also beautifully painted. Behind the altar, you'll admire the highly-constructed perspectives, with their pure, perfectly-balanced lines. The arches are painted green or red, accentuating their slender appearance, while the black marble columns add rhythm to the beauty of the proportions. In the cloister, two cedar trees flourish, protected by stone galleries. In the evenings, light shines through their needles, reflecting a soft, slightly green light onto the pale grey walls beneath the bell tower... The painter Constable immortalized this architectural masterpiece and contributed to its popularity. Another must-see is England's oldest working clock. It's a must-see that's sure to leave no one unmoved!

Cathedral Close: the cathedral precinct, built in 1333, is the largest in England. It includes Mompesson House and other beautiful medieval houses. Even today, the site is closed every evening, and residents each have their own key.

Founded in 1446, the Rosslyn Chapel has seen its popularity grow since Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code. It also (and above all) inspired Walter Scott's poem The Lay of the Last Ministrel. A guide will introduce you to the many treasures of the chapel. You can discover them with the help of explanatory sheets, free sheets or a paid booklet (in French) inviting you to a rich journey. Meet the famous "green man" and many myths. Indoor photos are prohibited, so as not to disturb visitors in large numbers.

Renovated at great expense in the th century, the Gothic Cathedral of Manchester could appear relatively recent. The first building, however, dates from the th century and the one we see still today emerged from land in the th century. Several times expanded, it was damaged by the IRA bomb and by the bombings of the Second World War. It is one of the most interesting buildings in the city, with beautiful modern windows and some of the oldest of in Europe.

A small Franciscan chapel surrounded by a garden is nestled behind Greyfriars Guest House. Pass the double doors, move to the river and turn left before the bridge. Ideal for a quiet and relaxing stay in the city centre.

Bath boasts a splendid Gothic abbey, renovated by Henry VII and built on the site of a Saxon monastery that was the coronation ground for Edgar, the first king of England, in 973. Now restored to its original splendor, with the vibrant colors of its fan-shaped vaults, the church has a new look. Its construction, in 1499, was interrupted and resumed in 1609, resulting in a mixture of styles. During the reign of Elizabeth^I, it was nicknamed the "Lantern of the West", in homage to its immense stained glass windows: 56 scenes illustrating the life of Christ.

Its three towers dominate the West End skyline and are visible from many places in Edinburgh, including Princes Street. The different phases of its construction spanned from 1874 to 1917 and the cathedral now has some beautiful neo-Gothic features. It is famous for its Paolozzi stained glass windows, Robert Lorimer's crucifix and massive organs. Its choir is one of the most active and recognized in the country.

Canterbury Cathedral is the seat of the Anglican Church and is the undisputed emblem of the city and a spiritual centre for many believers around the world. It is one of the unmistakable landmarks of southern England, which will delight history lovers. In the rest of the country, only a few other religious buildings can boast of such renown, such as the cathedrals of York, Westminster or St Paul's. The church dedicated to St Augustine, which stood here before, was destroyed in a fire in 1067 and the present colossus was erected between 1070 and 1503. Impressive, imposing, fascinating, there is no shortage of adjectives to describe its historical interest, which is based on a mixture of several architectural styles, including an excellent example of perpendicular Gothic. The Romanesque crypt is the only remaining vestige of the 11th century and remains one of the highlights of the visit. It was on the steps leading up to it that the famous Archbishop Thomas Beckett was assassinated by the knights of Henry II in 1170. Canterbury Cathedral also contains the tombs of Edward, the Black Prince, hero of the Hundred Years' War, as well as Henry IV and Joan of Navarre, topped by their recumbent figures. Don't miss the frescoes in the Saint Gabriel Chapel (12th century), the stained glass windows in the Trinity Chapel depicting the life of Saint Thomas Beckett (13th century), the clock in the transept, the mosaic and the curved escutcheons in the floor behind the altar, the cloister and the chapter house.

This cathedral stands out in the London landscape with its architecture closer to the Byzantine style than to the Gothic style so familiar in England. Originally, the site belonged to Benedictine monks, who initiated the construction. In the ^17th century, part of the land was sold to build a prison. In 1884, the Catholic Church acquired the site. From then on, the cathedral was dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, and was built in neo-Byzantine style on the model of Saint Sophia in Istanbul, according to plans by architect John Francis Bentley. The foundation stone was laid in 1895 and the structure completed eight years later. The interior is impressive, decorated with marble and mosaics, but is still very dark and unfinished, with a bare ceiling. The chapels and columns are delicately decorated in gold, earthy red and green. This is the seat of the Catholic Church in Great Britain. The fourteen stations of the Stations of the Cross, created by sculptor Eric Gill, are world-renowned. The cathedral is the architectural masterpiece of Victorian architect John Francis Bentley (1839-1902). To prepare for the cathedral's construction, he organized a four-month European tour to visit churches and basilicas dating from the "primitive" period. Westminster Cathedral is one of the UK's busiest churches.

St Magnus is the northernmost cathedral in Britain. Its construction began in 1137 and lasted 300 years. Its Romanesque architecture is one of the most interesting in Scotland. St Magnus, to whom it is dedicated, had a reputation for great kindness. During a raid from Norway against Anglesey, Wales, he refused to take part in the fighting and remained on the ship reciting psalms. King Eystein II granted him part of Orkney, which was then under the authority of his cousin, Hakon, and they ruled together from 1105 to 1114.

The first view of the cathedral is impressive. It is surrounded by a large park covered with funerary stelae and one can immediately see its cruciform structure at the intersection of which rises the large square tower, with its clock and pinnacles.

For more than a century, this site was a central place of pilgrimage and the majestic ensemble still exerts its aura... However, it all begins with the mystical solitude of Saint David, who led a life here withdrawn from the world, totally devoted to the Spirit... The holy man, who ate bread and herbs and dipped his body in ice-cold water to numb his ardour, influenced the Irish Church through his asceticism! It was during the reign of Henry I that the place took a more administrative and official turn, when it was decided that St David would be at the centre of the diocese. It is possible that the location was also chosen for reasons of political strategy, given its proximity to Ireland. Construction of the cathedral began in 1131, and it was also from this time that it became an important religious centre in Europe. In the 14th century, during the reign of Bishop Henry of Gower, the architecture took on the appearance it has today. Until his death in 1347, he oversaw major works in the cathedral, which he envisioned as his future tomb, and also built the wall separating it from the houses of the village. The present official entrance to the site is the only original of the four gates of the enclosure.

This abbey, now in ruins, was built in 598 by St Augustine to celebrate the success of the evangelisation of England. The building was for a long time the exclusive domain of the monks, before being used as a royal residence after Henry VIII had created his own religion and ordered the destruction of religious monuments. It contains the tomb of St Augustine and the burial places of various Saxon kings. The kings of Kent and the archbishops of Canterbury are also buried here. The site has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988.

On the tiny island of Lamb Holm, between St Margaret's Hope and Kirkwall, lies this small chapel with a fascinating history. It was built by Italian prisoners of war during the Second World War. They began to build a real place of worship with everything they had at hand: military barracks, tin, concrete and wood. In spite of these makeshift raw materials, they managed to recreate a small architectural gem with a bell tower, columns, wall paintings and even an altar.

Founded in 1150, Dryburgh Abbey did not reach the levels of wealth of its neighbours, Melrose, Kelso and Jedburgh. Nevertheless, she was just as overwhelmed by the wars. In 1322, as King Edward II's army withdrew south, the soldiers set fire to it. It was one of three fires in his history. It remains a bewitching ruin. The cloister and some of the painted walls have survived admirably through the ages, but perhaps the main attraction is the tomb of Sir Walter Scott, which lies here not far from his sumptuous home.

Founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks, Melrose Abbey was heavily damaged by the English troops of Richard II in 1385. It was then completely rebuilt and most of the visible remains date from this period. Outside, some of the sculptures are very surprising, like goblin cooks and a pig playing the bagpipes. Inside, several Scottish kings are buried, like Alexander II. Above all, it contains the heart of Robert the Bruce, making it an important place of pilgrimage in the country.

This beautiful ensemble consists of the monastic remains attached to St Mary's Priory Church. Built in 1070 by Benedictine monks, it is now used to organize private events. However, we can linger in front of its facade, and in particular the beautiful window, known as Geoffrey's window. Traditionally, the site has been linked to Bishop Geoffrey of Monmouth, author of The History of the Kings of Britain, which relates the arrival of Christianity with the Celts, the departure of the Romans and the legend of King Arthur. The three sculpted heads below are those of the Knight, the Angel and the Miller. This trinity represents that of the government of the city, the Church and the business world. The panel on the left represents the coronation of King Arthur and his queen, Guinevere, in Caerleon. The central panel depicts Geoffrey writing his book and wearing the Benedictine black habit. On the right panel is King Vortigern listening to Merlin tell him the legend of the red and white dragons, the origin of the Welsh flag.

Much less well known than St Paul or Westminster, Southwark Cathedral is a splendid building, practically hidden by the trees and tall buildings that surround it. A very fine example of English Gothic architecture, built in the 13th century, it has been rebuilt and restored several times, including the central nave, rebuilt in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style. On the left, do not miss the 15th century keystones. Shakespeare buried his brother here in 1607, a monument is dedicated to him.

The current Anglican cathedral replaced the old building, which dated from 1776 and was destroyed. The reconstruction took place in several stages, from 1899 until 2007, when a stainless steel spire was added to the bell tower. Meanwhile a Celtic cross (the largest in Ireland) was incorporated into the pediment and dedicated to the victims of the First World War. It is also the burial place of the Unionist Edward Carson (1854-1935), one of those who worked for peace. The monument is in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter and gave it its name.

The Beauly Priory is currently a ruin, but these remains, on the riverside, are a very pleasant visit for those who love religious heritage and mystical places, full of history and haloed with a certain magic. This priory is one of the three priories founded in Scotland around 1230 by the Valliscaulian order. This little-known order of monks originated in Dijon. He advocated poverty, chastity and obedience. Today, the walls of the abbey church remain, housing beautiful funerary monuments.

Originally a Saxon church, it became a Benedictine abbey in 998 and was subsequently extensively enlarged and decorated. It is one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic in the region, and should not be missed. The building's most striking feature is its magnificent, typically English fan vaults. The one over the choir is even the oldest large vault built in England. Simon Jenkins once wrote: "I'd put Sherborne's roof up against any contemporary Italian Renaissance work".

This abbey, now in ruins, is known as the oldest Christian shrine in Britain and is linked to Joseph of Arimathea. A fire destroyed the building in 1184, and the monastery, which had been rebuilt, was abandoned in 1539. Legend has it that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were buried on the estate, but their remains were lost when the site was dissolved. Don't miss Abbot Dunstan's kitchen, particularly well preserved. There's also a small museum on site.

A Gothic masterpiece from the 12th century, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful in the Southwest with its imposing façade. The West Front is twice as wide as it is high and represents the Last Judgement with a very special finesse. Once you enter, you can admire the magnificent nave of the building, as well as its 15th century library and old books. You should not miss the astronomical clock (14th century), a small jewel of craftsmanship that comes alive with a knightly battle every quarter of an hour, to the delight of visitors.

The Church St Alfege marks the place where Alfege, Archbishop of Canterbury, was killed by the Vikings on 19 April 1012. A church was built in 1290 and King Henry VIII was baptized in 1491. It is a storm that in 1710 damages the building, then it is asked Nicholas Hawksmoor, assistant of architect Christopher Wren, to rebuild it. During the Blitz in 1941, the church was bombed and the roof was affected. Walls and tower are spared, but the interior is largely devastated.

Very beautiful contemporary artists'installations are displayed in the nave of St Mary's church. At the time of our passage, Cornelia Parker, an artist who was approached for the Turner Prize in 1997, set out his Twenty Pieces of Silver, old pieces of silver crockery crushed and suspended at the church ceiling to form 36 circular forms. These exhibitions, organized in collaboration with Tate, are always an opportunity to discover a major artist of the contemporary international scene.

It is possible to reach Davaar Island on foot and at low tide during a short hike of 6.5 km, without big difference in altitude. You can explore the sea caves, including the famous crucifixion painting. You then reach the lighthouse further north. The itinerary is available for free on the walkhighlands.co.uk website.

Caution : This hike can only be done at low tide, otherwise you may get stuck. Make sure you get the information you need before leaving!

The building is relatively new, having been designed in 1846 and completed only in 1910. Initially a simple church, it became the cathedral of the diocese of Argyll in 1920. This cathedral does not impose from the outside. Nor is it absolutely grandiose on the inside. However, it deserves to be mentioned because it mixes, in an original and moving way, the spiritual dimension and industrial architecture. A Gothic church with industrial elements, riveted beams instead of stone columns, is not often seen.

Around 432, Saint Patrick was busy converting pagans by the thousands. His charisma was such that a local chief gave him a barn(sabball) to live in while he was in the Strangford Lough area. It is now known as Saul's church and was rebuilt in the 12th century after it was burned by the Vikings. To the north, on the top of a hill (called Slieve Patrick), stands the world's largest statue of St. Patrick. A charming spot, from where one can enjoy beautiful views of the lake

The splendid ruins of Grey Abbey, founded in 1193, are among the finest examples of Anglo-Norman architecture in Northern Ireland and can be the object of a pleasant and bucolic walk. The Cistercian monks also had a great knowledge of plants and their benefits. In this elegant setting, an aromatic garden has been reconstituted by an association of villagers next to the ruined building, with more than forty medicinal essences. A visit not to be missed if one passes in the area!

At the intersection of 5 miles and Banbury Road is the small cemetery of Wolvercote, in the suburbs of Oxford, opened in 1894. This is where the tomb of the famous author of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings is located. J.R.R. Tolkien (Beren) and his wife Edith (Luthien) lie under a modest grave. The author had returned to Oxford to live after his wife's death. A detour to make for Middle-earth fans wanting to pay tribute to him. It is also the only Oxford cemetery with a section dedicated to people of the Catholic faith.

To the north of Perth is the small town of Dunkeld with its cathedral, which is of great historical interest and was very influential before the Reformation. Built between 1250 and 1501, the cathedral is rich in different styles, ranging from Romanesque to Gothic. It is said that the relics of Saint Columba were kept here before being sent to Ireland. In 1689, the Battle of Dunkeld pitted the Jacobites against the Orangemen in the surrounding area, which was resolved by a victory for the latter. Today, the building is still used for services.

Built in the early 16th century, this noble medieval church is the work of Alasdair Crotach MacLeod of Harris & Dunvegan, eighth chief of the MacLeod clan. It is one of the most ambitious buildings in the Outer Hebrides, and its form is attributable to the people's former ties with Ireland. He was buried here when he died in 1547 and his tomb is of great beauty. Some of his descendants lie there with him and the stelae and sculptures are impressive. History lovers will be conquered.

Taken out of the ground in 1128, Kelso Abbey was one of the wealthiest in the country during the Middle Ages. Its Romanesque style was of great quality and it had many churches, schools and farms in the Cheviot Hills. Unfortunately, the raids of the English King Henry VIII caused him much damage in the 1540s, when his son's union with the young Mary Stuart had been annulled. Although only a part of its former glory remains, you can still enjoy its unique architecture and cloister.

This cathedral covers several periods, from the 11th to the 15th century. This gives it an interesting mix of styles, with some pre-Romanesque parts, such as the base of its tower, contrasting with the rest of the building, which is mostly Gothic. Andy Murray was married here, and there is also a memorial stele in memory of the victims of the massacre of March 13, 1996. You can see the grave of Mary Drummond, a mistress of James VI, and her two sisters, who were all allegedly poisoned... Guided tours are offered on Sundays in summer (2pm and 4pm).

It is a church whose foundations date from the 13th century, and rebuilt in the 1860s, forming a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The dedication to St George is reminiscent of the Anglo-Norman influence in this part of Gower. He has been the patron saint of Christian chivalry in Britain since the year 800. Beautiful stained glass windows, including one in the west designed by Nathaniel Westlake in 1905. Next to the choir is a cross probably dating from the 9th century - considered to be one of the oldest Christian objects on the peninsula.

One of the oldest monasteries in Great Britain. Its secluded location at the foot of the Black Mountains in the picturesque Ewyas Valley makes it particularly romantic. The Augustinian priory was founded in the 12th century by Father Ignatius, a knight converted into a hermit. We discover the moving ruins in the open air, with the eight elegant arches of the nave, in both Norman and Gothic style. Parts of the transept and the massive cross-shaped tower are remarkably well preserved. A real pleasure for the eyes, far from the hustle and bustle of the world..

Don't think it's the church of the Holy Evil! Here, rough comes from the Scottish rood, which means cross, as in Holyrood Abbey. Founded in the 12th century, the building that stands here today dates from the 15th century, making it the oldest in the city after the castle. James VI was crowned by John Knox in 1587 and its characteristics are magnificent. The organ, first of all, but also the medieval wooden roof, the stunning stained glass windows and the imposing pillars. A little piece of history worth a look.

To the south of the village, overlooking the Irish Sea, you can visit this church dating back to the ^6th century. Saxons, soldiers of the ^12th-century Welsh prince Gruffydd ap Rhys, as well as Cromwell's soldiers during the Civil War, are said to have taken refuge here. Even today, religious expeditions to the island of Bardsey (considered the "Rome of Wales" in the ^12th century) set off from this church. You can also visit the cemetery, where some tombs date back to the ^6th century. For further information, visit the website.

This chapel is located in a nice overhanging corner. During the last French invasion (22-24 February 1797), the French established their headquarters in a neighbouring farmhouse. A 1620 Welsh Bible, the oldest in the country, damaged by occupants using it to start a fire, was found there in the 1990s. It is kept at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. The site is a good starting point for a walk along the coast to Carmaeg Wasta Point (9 km round trip).

Next to the church stand the picturesque remains of an ancient abbey. It was built in 1115 by Robert Fitz Martin. In the nave of the ^13th-century abbey church, you can see the remains of medieval floor tiles.

Next door is Coach House, converted into a museum housing an exhibition of beautifully carved medieval stones and intriguing engraved Christian stones. The Sagranus stone, dating from the ^6th century, is the oldest and features inscriptions in Ogham, the ancient Irish alphabet.

The church of Llanrhaeadr is a church that should not be missed. It's a real gem hidden in this little hamlet. There are multicoloured stained glass windows, including those in the wing, the famous "Jesse Windows", which tell the story of Jesus' lineage through Jesse, David's father. Then, a little further on, we see the Virgin and Child, surrounded by twenty-one of their ancestors, whose names are inscribed on the sides in Latin, who illuminate with a thousand lights the interior of the church dated 1533. Don't hesitate to walk around, either.

Begun in the ^13th century, the Anglican cathedral of St. Asaph(Eglwys Gadeiriol Llanelwy in Welsh)as we see it today was built, for the most part, between 1284 and 1392. The reconstruction of the building was partly financed by donations from pilgrims who came in great numbers to worship at this popular site, whose origins are not well known. Stained-glass windows in the north wing illustrate the legend written by the monk Jocelyn, the only "explanation" of the origins of this ^12th-century shrine. Depicted are Saint Kentigern, whose miracle was to discover a gold ring lost by the queen in a salmon he caught, and Saint Asaph. The latter's miracle is said to have been to carry hot iron in his cloak at St. Kentigern's behest, for want of any other means: neither the cloak nor his skin burned.

Literature and legends have always accompanied the history of this church, whose bishops were also eminent men of letters. In 1152, Geoffrey de Monmouth, author of theHistory of the Kings of England, an important work of medieval literature and a benchmark of classical British literature, became bishop of this diocese, followed by William Morgan, translator of the Bible into Welsh! In fact, it was Geoffrey of Monmouth (1100-1154) who gave King Arthur a prominent place in his main work. It was from this point onwards that the character's appeal to European literature and culture began.

1.5 km from the coast, the island of Caldey welcomed Celtic monks in the 6th century, replaced in the 12th century by Benedictines of St. Dogmaels who founded a priory there, then it was bought by Cistercians. The few monks who live there today, known as Trappists, follow very strict rules: seven prayers a day!

On the island, you can visit the Saint-David chapel and the monastery, but above all a very old Celtic cross on which is an inscription in ogham, an old Irish alphabet from the 6th century.

The foundation of this site as a holy place dates back to the 5th century. A stone church, built as early as the 9th century on this hill overlooking the town, bears witness to the important cult of St. Gwynllyw, the site's founder. "Woolos" is the Anglicism of the name of a Welsh nobleman who converted to Christianity after a divine vision. Remains of these earliest stones can be seen in the chapel at the west end of the cathedral. But most of the building was destroyed in the 15th century by the Welsh prince Owain Glyndwr, leader of his people's revolt for independence... The decapitated statue of Jasper Tudor, who helped rebuild the building after Owain's death, can be seen on the west facade and bears witness to the turbulent civil war.

Miraculously, some fine Romanesque arches remain in the cathedral's nave from these repeated assaults. A plaque commemorating the Chartists was also installed here. (Chartism was a British workers' emancipation movement of the mid-19th century. For more info, see the Pontypool page) The cathedral's website is also very instructive, since as well as providing information on the cathedral itself, it gives a chronology of the evolution of religion in the country. We learn, for example, that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the cathedral in 1962, and that restoration of the medieval roof was completed in 2017.

The Kymin is a 4-hour wooded park estate located on the hill of the same name, about 1 mile east of Monmouth, overlooking the Wye River. It includes a neo-classical round house and a naval temple, both built in the late 18th century by the Monmouth Picnic Club (or Kymin Club). The site was used to organize social events and banquets. The positioning of the Round House meets the criteria of the Summer Houses, very popular at the time, which were built on a site intended to offer guests a sublime view of nature.

Superb Gothic cathedral built around 1215 with breathtaking stained glass windows. The Celts were the first to pray at the top of this hill; then came the Norman people: the font baptismal inside the building testifies to their passage. The exterior, rather austere, contrasts with an interior coloured by the light of the stained glass windows and the finesse of the sculpted wood pan in the nave. Brecon Cathedral frequently organises concerts of Welsh choirs, for a dive in the heart of the Celtic soul.

It's a masterpiece by architect Hawksmoor, a disciple of the great Christopher Wren. Christ Church stands sovereign in a once wretched, outlaw neighborhood. Why such a church in such a nauseating neighborhood? Spitalfields was the Huguenot quarter in the ^18th century, a stronghold of non-Anglican Protestants, and a means for the Crown to assert its religious superiority. Jack London describes it as the haunt of the unfortunate in Le Peuple d'en-bas.

St Patrick's Church is a neo-Gothic church dating from 1815 in memory of St Patrick, with a bell tower of gigantic proportions that soars towards the Belfast sky, somewhat alone in this street that seems deserted by pedestrians. To get a better general view of the church, one should go to Little Donegall Street (opposite, a parallel street). The effect is striking with the parking lot in front and the old decrepit red brick buildings, the church alone seems to have resisted the passing of time.

St George's is the oldest Anglican church in Ireland (1816). It was once the site of a chapel where historical events related to the conquest of Ireland took place. Oliver Cromwell's troops used the roof as a musket ball, King William III gave a sermon in the pulpit still used today... Later, the IRA attacked the building many times. The building is massive and impressive, somewhat pompous with its pediment and six Corinthian pillars supporting it.

This monastery houses a congregation of Catholic missionaries (the Redemptorists, a movement founded in 1732 in Italy) who do not practice dogma (no baptism, marriage, burial...) but preach the word of Jesus in everyday life and help the poorest. The French Gothic building was built between 1890 and 1911, with an impressive stained glass rose window on the façade (6 meters in diameter). During the political events that agitated the city, this congregation facilitated talks between religious communities.