12 Stunningly Beautiful Ruined Abbeys & Churches

Across the world, churches, abbeys and other religious buildings remain among the most visited destinations year in and year out. Even for those without religious affiliation, these buildings offer a certain mysticism and romanticism that is quite unique to these types of building. With ruins, this mysticism only intensifies. While they represent destruction and decay, there is an undeniable beauty to ruined buildings. Below are 12 awe-inspiring abbeys and churches in Europe.

One of the oldest and largest Benedictine monasteries in France. In near-continuous operation for over 1000, Jumièges Abbey became one of the many victims of the French Revolution, when it was forced into ruin at the end of the 18th century. It was first founded in 654 as part of a gift of forested land and was reconstructed in 1067 by William the Conqueror. Its white towers rise over 50 meters in height, creating an impressive spectacle for visitors and the site has previously named as the most beautiful ruins in France.

Jumièges Abbey, Rue Guillaume le Conquérant, 76480 Jumièges, France, +33 2 35 37 24 02.

The Wang Church was very close to being pulled down in the 1830s due to the belief that it was unsafe and too small. Fortunately, a long drawn-out protest effort by painter Johan Christian Dahl resulted in the church being reconstructed at a different site in order to ensure its structural safety. The original four-post stave church was built around 1200, and its 19th century reconstruction painstakingly emulated the 13th century characteristics. It is believed to be the most visited stave church in the world, and is a testament to the importance of this style of architecture over the centuries.

Wang Church, Na Śnieżkę 8, Karpacz, Poland, +48 75 752 82 90.