Posted on
December 21, 2025
in
Photos
We love modern architecture as much as the next urbanite, but there’s something irreplaceable about the grandiose buildings of yore. Palatial subway stations and glassy skyscrapers are never quite as majestic as temples or European cathedrals. Fortunately, two of our best photographers found time this week to snap beautiful examples of the latter. Our Photos of the Week are remnants of a grander age.
Bruges is known for three excellent things: pommes frites, waffles, and architecture. In taking this picture, Red Mezz managed to eclipse the first two, a feat we’d previously thought impossible. The massive tannenbaum on the plaza doesn’t hurt matters, either.
Most places of worship have names that are plain or obscure – of a saint, say, or perhaps just the neighborhood it serves. These places are not nearly as bold as the Lotus Temple, a New Delhi hotspot that resembles its many-petaled namesake. Kudos to Phileasfogg for centering the temple in the frame.
More Ancient Cities on IgoUgo
Photos of Cairo
Photos of Rome
Photos of Athens
Posted by tdbeckwith (Thomas Beckwith)