Photo of the Day Archives

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Cairo, Egypt

Last Updated on: June 13, 2026 by Tom Bartel

The Mosque of Muhammad Ali (no relation to the boxer) in Cairo was built in the first half of the 19th Century by the then ruler of Egypt Muhummad Ali … Read more

Watchtowers, Golden Bay, Malta

Published on: February 14, 2015 by Tom Bartel

In the 16th Century, the Knights of Malta ringed the island of Malta with watchtowers just like this. Each was manned by four soldiers, and they looked out over the … Read more

Pilgrims, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Last Updated on: October 20, 2023 by Tom Bartel

pilgrims unguent stone church holy sepulchre jerusalem

Just inside the main entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is a large fractured stone, glimmering in the light of several overhead lanterns. When I first … Read more

Tomb of Jesus, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Published on: January 25, 2015 by Tom Bartel

jesus crypt church holy sepulchre jerusalem

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre houses the purported tomb of Jesus, and the spot of his resurrection. That part of the church is under the control of the Greek Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Rooftop View, Old City, Jerusalem

Last Updated on: June 30, 2024 by Tom Bartel

This is the view of the Old City of Jerusalem from Herod’s Tower at the Tower of David Jerusalem History Museum. I’ve pretty much been all over the Old City … Read more

Dead Sea Scrolls, Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Last Updated on: October 20, 2023 by Tom Bartel

I first saw the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit when I was 13 years old, when they went on a very abbreviated tour of the United States in 1965.

Church of All Nations, Gethsemane, Jerusalem

Published on: January 13, 2015 by Tom Bartel

One of the things that’s most struck me since we’ve been in Jerusalem is the way that Christians have thrown themselves down on various holy sites, like this one at … Read more

Not Visiting the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

Last Updated on: October 20, 2023 by Tom Bartel

The Dome of the Rock, built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is one of the holiest sites of the Muslim faith. Muslims believe this is where Muhammad ascended into … Read more

The Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy

Last Updated on: May 21, 2026 by Tom Bartel

When it comes to church art (and other interesting stuff) it’s hard to beat the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. For quality and quantity, it’s far more important than … Read more

Images of Verona , Italy

Last Updated on: May 21, 2026 by Tom Bartel

We were in the Verona Cathedral at night. Consequently, the light inside was even dimmer than normal in an old church. So, I almost missed this amazing feature of the … Read more

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