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Part of the spectacular wind- and ocean-eroded shoreline of the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, Cathedral Cove, on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, is reached via an undulating coastal track that takes around 40 minutes to hike. To avoid the inevitable crowds, it’s best to visit the massive stone arch early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and the natural shower of the arch’s waterfall is a refreshing option after the walk. The stunning beach is also popular for swimming, and en route there’s good snorkeling at Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay. To arrive at the cove by sea (a short hop from the nearby resort town of Hahei), contact Cathedral Cove Water Taxi.

The oldest public building in Montevideo, located on Constitution Square, is the city’s Roman Catholic cathedral. Built in 1804 on the site of an earlier church from 1740, it is commonly referred to as la Iglesia Matriz, or “mother church,” acknowledging it as the first church in the region. Its lavish interior is rich in marble and it’s also the final resting place of many of Uruguay’s most important political figures.

After a devastating fire in 2019, the Paris landmark began welcoming visitors once again on December 7.

The immense Gothic Cathedral of Seville was built on the site of an ancient Muslim mosque. It was completed in the early 16th century and was designated a Roman Catholic cathedral. Since 1987, this cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to be the third largest in Europe. The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Sea is also the final resting place of Christopher Columbus since 1898. His tomb is large and elaborate. The beauty and size of the cathedral is simply amazing. The exterior is ornate with extensive carvings, there are many doors, flying buttresses, and towers. There are several ornate doors to the cathedral. The one in the photo is the Puerta de Palos. The interior is incredible with extensive gilding. The central nave is lavishly decorated and carved. The main altarpiece is a stunning golden work of art. The floors are polished marble, the columns and arches tall and imposing. There are intricate 15th century stained glass windows. There are 80 chapels in Saint Mary of the Sea Cathedral there in Seville. The beauty and the sheer size of this historic, religious site was quite amazing. I could have spent four or five hours in this incredible monument. The history lesson learned was that of the story of Seville from the 12th century until modern times. You might want to tour with the audio guide. Plan at least two hours. For info: www.travelinginspain.com

With soaring arches, stained-glass windows, and details carved from stone imported from France, Bermuda’s Anglican cathedral is a bit of Gothic grandeur in the heart of Hamilton. Scottish architect William Hay was responsible for the design and construction of the grand building. After two fires—one of them a case of arson—the edifice was officially consecrated in 1911. Climb the bell tower’s 155 stairs for panoramic views that stretch from the city to the Royal Naval Dockyard and the north shore.

Another new exhibit at the Trocadéro gives visitors an up close view of the 19th-century statues that were removed from the cathedral’s spire for restoration work four days prior to the fire.

Climbing uphill from the port, the streets of Vigo’s casco vello, or old town, retain their authentic flavor because locals still live above the neighborhood shops, taverns and tapas joints. The narrow streets open up to sunny little squares, including one at the cathedral, Santa María de Vigo (also called La Colegiata). Note the street names in the casco vello: They still often correspond to the wares offered there (buy a hat on Rúa Sombrereiros or baskets on Rúa dos Cesteiros).

Officials are vowing to rebuild the Old Stock Exchange, a 400-year-old landmark beloved by locals and visitors.

Majuro’s Cathedral of the Assumption was built in 1898 by the missionaries of the Order of the Sacred Heart. The exterior is eye-catching enough, but inside, the tile floor—a geometric display of circles inside squares, rendered in inviting colors—is alone worth the visit. Arrive on a Sunday morning and you might be lucky enough to witness mass, which is conducted in Marshallese and features some beautiful singing.

Officials have declared the 12th-century landmark’s iconic rectangular towers safe from the blaze that destroyed its spire and roof.

On a trip with her mother, our columnist finds that making travel more accessible is not only possible but also beneficial for everyone involved.

Following the Olympic cleanup, the public can now swim in the Seine near the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, or East Paris.

Launching in spring 2026, a new route by luxury train operator Al Andalus will connect Madrid and Seville.

Several orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic and Czech Philharmonic, are playing benefit concerts in the upcoming weeks at cathedrals around the world to raise money for Notre-Dame.

As the world mourns for the Gothic cathedral in Paris, AFAR’s editors reflect on what the cathedral means to them.