This year Aleteia took its readers on dozens of virtual journeys to holy Catholic sites around the world. The stunning photography, history, insights into sacred art, and travel information contained in these articles provided a useful tool for those planning a trip themselves, and inspiration for those who just wanted to learn more about their Catholic faith.
Here are the 10 most popular Art and Travel articles in 2018:
10. The Veiled Christ in images: the miracle of transparent marble
Giuseppe Sammartino’s sculpture of a dead Jesus, covered by a “transparent shroud carved out of the very same marble block shared with the rest of the statue, earned him a well-deserved place in the history of Western art.
9. Here are the sacred places you can pray to St. Michael, enemy of Satan
During the crisis afflicting the Church, readers were interested in sacred sites specially connected to St. Michael.
8. Exclusive Photos: Exploring the oldest church in the world
Aleteia’s Jeffrey Bruno takes readers on a virtual tour of the “oldest church in the world” in the ancient port city of Aqaba in Jordan.
7. PHOTO GALLERY: The most beautiful images of Corpus Christi from around the world
A virtual journey alongside Corpus Christi processions that have taken place around the world. A longstanding tradition in Europe, the procession has been regaining popularity in the United States as parishes take the opportunity to publicly give witness to their faith.
6. The 15 oldest Catholic churches in America
From the Spanish missions in the American southwest and California, to the churches founded by British Jesuits in Maryland, here are some of the oldest Catholic churches still standing and open for worship today.
5. Exclusive Photos: A pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Oliver Plunkett
Join photojournalist Stephen McElligot on a a journey that drew him closer to St. Oliver Plunkett as he followed in his footsteps from St. Oliver’s birthplace in Ireland to his persecution and martyrdom.
4. A surprising modern-day abbey in Canada
The stunning photographs in this article capture the beauty of the new Val Notre-Dame Abbey, “a glass case nestled in the heart of a forest.”
3. What is that frightening sculpture behind the pope?
After some readers took to social media to ask about this unusual work of art, we set the record straight. It’s known as “The Resurrection,” created by the sculptor Pericle Fazzini, who created it in 1965.
2. 20 “Secrets” of the Sistine Chapel
A virtual tour of the little known curiosities of Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
1. 7 Sanctuaries linked by a straight line: The legendary Sword of St. Michael
A mysterious imaginary line links seven monasteries, from Ireland to Israel. Is it just a coincidence? These seven sanctuaries are very far from one another, and yet they are perfectly aligned.
And today we celebrate...