Germany: Basilica Vierzehnheiligen
Basilika Vierzehnheiligen aka Basilica of the Fourteen Holy Helpers is absolutely incredible and unlike any other place of worship around Germany – it’s an a masterpiece of late baroque aka rococo style taken way over the top. The Basilica was designed by the architect Balthasar Neumann and constructed between 1743 and 1772. The church is dedicated to the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a group of saints venerated for their intercession during the Black Death in the Middle Ages. Key features of the Basilica include its stunning interior, characterized by elaborate stucco work, frescoes, and a high altar dedicated to the Fourteen Holy Helpers themselves. There is also a central shrine, surrounded by a baldachin, where pilgrims come with their prayers. The interior of the basilica is so immensely ornate and decorated that it’s often called the “god’s ballroom”. Your neck will seriously hurt after starting at all the ceiling decorations and frescos. The exterior is also super impressive, golden color burning bright in the morning or evening sun.
