You don’t have to have strong spiritual beliefs to enjoy a visit to a house of worship or a spiritual site. Virtually all religious sites allow travellers to enjoy the sanctuary space as long as they are respectful.

Christ Church Cathedral (founded c.1028) is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin.
I think that churches, cathedrals and other houses of worship offer a special insight into the beliefs and culture of a country. If you want to experience world famous art, reflect on the lives of princes, poets, and politicians or simply have a moment of personal reflection, you will enjoy visiting a house of worship. They are also of interest for those who love to connect with local culture, revel in architectural wonders or are just interested in local history.
For many travellers, visiting a house of worship is a deeply personal occasion. Some people are seeking spiritual guidance and comfort and others are looking to renew and enhance their faith. Travellers of all different beliefs cross the globe to visit those locations that are meaningful to their faiths.
For me, any opportunity to travel is an opportunity to connect to people of different cultures, faiths, and ways of life. Visiting a house of worship helps facilitate that connection and I always welcome the chance to learn more about different religious backgrounds.
I also love how houses of worship are gatekeepers of history, art, literature, and architecture. When I learn the history of a house of worship, I’m really getting to know a city, it’s people, and it’s community.
In some cases, houses of worship welcome as many tourists as they do worshippers. While you might be surrounded by hoards of tour groups, always remember:
- You are in a sacred site. Be Respectful. You don’t have to agree with or condone the place of worship you are visiting, but you should be respectful for the way others worship.
- Be Sincere. Visit a church because you sincerely want to learn about the building or know what they believe and practice, not because you want to mock and ridicule their faith.
- Dress modestly. If you are unsure as to what is appropriate attire follow the rule that covering more of your body is always more appropriate than covering less.
- Respect signs indicating photography rules.
- Don’t take photos during a service.
- Keep your voice down. Try not to interrupt those visiting for religious purposes.
“I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit.” – Khalil Gibran
17 Responses to Things to remember when visiting a Church or Cathedral
Very nice and amazing pics.
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Thank you, I will definitely have a look!!
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🙂 it will be my honour
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Beautiful post!
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Thank you so much!!
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beautiful invitation
to touch sacred
ancestors 🙂
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A great way to learn about the people of an area
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Both times in the UK I’ve violated a rule in a cathedral. One rule I didn’t know and the other I should’ve known better. I apologized profusely.
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It hapens….I always feel uncomfortable while taking photos inside a religious building but always try and be respectful.
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Even though I’m not religious, I always like to take a bit of time for reflection if I visit a church. To find a little bit of peace and quiet. Same goes for mosques etc. Nice thoughts!
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I agree. Temples, churches and mosques are great places to find a bit of peace and quiet!
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They are just overwhelmingly peaceful places, aren’t they.
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Definitely! I always get lost in the peacefulness.
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Very informative post. Thanks for sharing. Check out my blog when you have a chance.
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Thank you very much and a very warm welcome to my journey!
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Places of faith are also central to many communities and you can meet interesting people there.
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This is so true!
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