One church, at least, in every new place I visit. Dwarfed by the majestic doors of St. Peter's Basilica

Maundy Thursday is Visita Iglesia. It’s a Lenten tradition for the Filipino Catholics to reflect on the Passion of Christ. Perhaps to this day many still ask how many churches one really has to visit. Two numbers are commonly practiced—seven and 14—and have become a tradition. Seven represent the key locations, or the “stops,” related to the suffering of Jesus, and 14 represent the Stations of the Cross.

Just as Roman Catholics abide by their essential duties, I have my own travel rules, like visiting at least one church in every new place I visit. If the trip falls on Holy Week, then this tourist-devout Catholic is in heaven's favor.

The Old World cathedrals are the most captivating because they double as museums. On my first visit to these European destinations, here are seven of my favorite cathedrals—holy houses that I would love to revisit for Visita Iglesia on one Maundy Thursday, if that is even possible.

Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain (v. 2003). It was the most breathtaking sight of my first trip to Barcelona. That year, I was told that the Antonio Gaudí-designed basilica, which began construction in 1882, would take a couple more lifetimes to complete. However, modern technology hastens the construction process, moving the target completion of Sagrada Familia—structural and interior—to within 2030-2035.

The basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and currently the world's tallest church at 172.5 meters at its highest point. It is renowned for its unique features, including 18 symbolic spindle-shaped towers; a breathtaking forest-like interior with support columns that branch out like trees; rose windows that flood the interior with a kaleidoscope of light throughout the day; and three intricately designed nature-inspired facades—the Nativity, Passion, and Glory.

St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic (v. 2014). A cathedral founded to house the relics of St. Vitus, everything about the metropolitan cathedral is grand, from its history to its imperial architecture and interior design to the breathtaking view it presents. It is the largest and most important church in the Czech Republic, where Bohemian kings and Holy Roman Emperors are entombed. Located at the prime address of the Prague Castle grounds on the west bank of the Vltava River, the magnificent church is a masterpiece of Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture that dominates the city skyline. Reciprocally, from the cathedral’s Great South Tower, accessed via a 287-step staircase, a panoramic view of the entire city is framed by the lofty windows.

The interior with soaring vaulted ceilings is lit up with a tapestry of colors through the intricate stained glass windows, including the Art Nouveau masterpiece by renowned Czech artist Alfons Mucha, depicting the lives of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Take a peek at the St. Wenceslas Chapel. Almost jewelry box-like, the rib-vaulted room is embellished with 1,300 semi-precious stones and Gothic frescoes of the Passion of the Christ and the life of St. Wenceslas, making it precious enough to cradle the relics of the saint. In one corner of the chapel is a door with seven locks. It leads to the Crown Chamber housing the Czech crown jewels.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Italy (v. 2004). The burial site of the first pope, St. Peter, is one of the holiest Catholic shrines and the largest church (by interior measure) in the world.

A Renaissance masterpiece, the shrine is like a museum with the most impressive creations by preeminent masters of the art world. From the approach to entry, every step draws gasps of amazement. From the multitude of impressive features, these may be the most memorable: the monumental elliptical forecourt of St. Peter’s Square designed by Bernini; the subterranean Vatican grottoes and necropolis holding the papal tombs, including St. Peter’s; the world-famous marble sculpture by Michelangelo, the Pieta; and drawing one’s focus to the central features of the church situated above the burial place of St. Peter—the magnificent dome by Michelangelo, the world’s tallest dome, and Bernini’s Baldachin, a massive bronze canopy over the Papal Altar.

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy (v. 2006). The fourth largest church in the world, the Florence Cathedral, naturally dominates the Firenze skyline. It’s one of Italy’s most photographed churches, and for good reason—the cathedral is artistically rich. It starts with the breathtaking 19th-century neo-Gothic-designed façade—a collective work of several artists finally reaching completion in 1887—featuring white, green, and red marble in its construction.

Through the three intricately designed bronze doors, discover within the interior what made the cathedral a symbol of Renaissance engineering. Over the central crossing, where the nave and transept intersect, is a massive octagonal drum referred to as Brunelleschi’s Dome. It is the largest brick dome ever built, an architectural feat. The interior of the dome is as impressive, with a massive fresco of the Last Judgment decorating the dome’s expansive surface.

The cathedral complex, composed of the Florence Cathedral, Florence Baptistry, and Giotto’s Campanile, is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Duomo di Siena, Siena, Italy (v. 2006). It’s as stunning, historic, architecturally innovative, and art-filled as the Florence Cathedral. Designed in the Tuscan Romanesque style, the unique exterior and interior of the Siena Cathedral are constructed of black and white marble in alternating stripes, colors that symbolize Siena, which is linked to the city’s legendary founders.

Truly a magnificent creation is the floor’s design. Taking over 600 years to complete, 40 artists created 56 etched and inlaid panels for the cruciform floor plan. Resting on it are eye-catchers, including the pulpit carved from Carrara marble by Nicola, considered the founder of modern sculpture. On the left nave is the 1482 Libreria Piccolomini, housing a large collection of illuminated choir books and vibrant Pinturicchio frescoes illustrating the life of Pope Pius II.

More prominent artists of the time, like Bernini, Donatello, Ghiberti, and others, took part in the completion and adornment of the cathedral.

Notre-Dame de Paris, Paris, France (v. 2003). Located by Point Zero in Central Paris, the 12th-century medieval Catholic cathedral is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Its most important innovation during the era was the introduction of the flying buttress seen at the rear end, while the lofty spires, twin bell towers, and three massive rose windows add to the distinguishable features of the cathedral.

Equally as remarkable are the lavish decorations that wrap the structure—artful appointments that vividly relate biblical stories, medieval science, and philosophy, from The Last Judgment and the gallery of kings to the lives of saints, and from gargoyles and chimeras to alchemy symbols.

Under the soaring vaulted ceiling of the interiors are the most treasured articles of Notre Dame, priceless religious relics including the Crown of Thorns, a piece of the True Cross, and a nail from the Crucifixion, along with the 17th-century “May” paintings.

Basilica de Santa María del Coro, San Sebastian, Spain (v.2006). It’s difficult to ignore the grand 18th-century Baroque façade of the basilica in its strategic location at the end of the narrow Calle Mayor in San Sebastián's Parte Vieja (Old Town). The elaborate Rococo and Baroque ornamentation of the basilica’s concave portal, with a tortured figure of Saint Sebastian above it and framed by two bell towers, highly contrasts the look of the contemporary urban structures that line the street where pintxo hopping is the lifestyle.

More sober and restrained than its ornate exterior, the interior of the 1774-completed minor basilica stays true to the Baroque style but with the incorporation of Neoclassical and Gothic architectural elements.

Under the ribbed vaults are the basilica’s treasures: a romantic instrument in a Baroque case created by Cavaillé-Coll, a renowned French organ maker; a large 1819 painting of the martyred patron saint, Saint Sebastian, by Luis Boccia; century-old paintings and statues housed in alcoves; and, serving as the interior’s highlight, the 18th-century gilded main altarpiece.

However, the basilica’s most treasured piece may come unexpectedly. It is a 16-inch dark wooden statue of the Virgin Mary from the 15th or 16th century. It’s believed to be a miraculous piece.

In your trips abroad, which among the cathedrals and churches you have visited impressed you most?

This spot in Paris will give you goosebumps, and I’m not referring to the latest collection of the haute couture houses you adore along the Champs-Elysees, Avenue Montaigne and Rue Saint-Honore. Not even the hotspots you are obliged to have a photo of on every visit — the Eiffel Tower, Arc d’ Triomphe and River Seine, Sacre Coeur and Sainte-Chapelle cathedrals: Louvre, Centre Pompidou and d’Orsay museums. Not even the first bite of the mouth-watering bonbons, buttery croissant and crispy-chewy macaron in the popular boulangeries or quaint streetside cafés.

Truly, Paris will always be breathtaking, magical. Seeing it for the first time will give you goosebumps—and again on the next visit. Not until the constant trips cause the been-there-done-that phenomenon (except when shopping, of course).

Maybe you’ve seen it all? Maybe not. Perhaps on the next holiday to the City of Lights, stray far from the usual must-visit places and sprinkle a bit of excitement on your itinerary. Go visit unusual attractions to get back the goosebumps episodes— like haunted spots. There is no shortage of these in an ancient city like Paris (believe it or not, it lists the Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower). But farther from the city is a place where fancy buildings line boulevards and avenues, and cash and credit cards are not accepted. In fact, it’s not needed. The currency in this place is one’s soul.

Pere-Lachaise is a cemetery, the most prestigious in the French capital and the largest of its kind at more than 100 acres with 70,000 plots. Fusing the designs of an English-style park and a place of meditation, the cemetery was opened in 1804, during the reign of King Louis XIV, and named after Fr. François d'Aix de La Chaise, the king’s confessor. The legendary final resting place is more than a graveyard, it’s a necropolis. If eerie is your thing, this “soul-full city” is for you.

Sorry-I’m-not-a-fan may frown on it and ask why visit a burial ground in the fashion capital where Thiery, Coco, Louis, Francois, Yves and Christian are always up for a voguish conversation. Well, in Pere Lachaise, you might get a chance to walk along with legendary personalities like musicians Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and Chopin, or writers Oscar Wilde and Colette, to name a few.

Set the ideal Bram Stoker-like scene: Autumn will be a good time to visit, when the season’s foliage turns to yellow, red and gold and carpets the cobblestone pavement. Pick a perfect day— sunless, overcast sky, gloomy, breezy, chilly, drizzling. Take the metro to the 20th arrondissement and get off at Pere-Lachaise station. The stop is the namesake of your goosebumps destination.

Find the gate in the high-walled city. Chances are other tourists will converge on this area, making it easier to locate any of the three entrances. But before stepping on the hallowed ground, it’s wise to have a map on hand. Purchase one, take a photo or download one, or risk losing your way in the maze of tombs. You don't want to get stuck inside this Labyrinthine cemetery when darkness falls and the gates are shut and locked. It's eerie enough during the daytime, much more when the light fades.

Welcome to the Parisian city of the dead. In this necropolis, pathways are referred to as avenues and the blocks are numbered just like your favorite uptown haunts.

What to expect? Ghostly encounters, like apparitions of renowned and unknown figures, like the person walking alongside you who may not be on this plane. Perhaps you’ll hear whispers from the graves, faint melodies or other unearthly sounds. Adding to the unsettling atmosphere is the cemetery’s tragic history as an execution ground. Rumor has it that the place is a site for occult ceremonies and black masses.

However, on the not-so-scary side of Pere Lachaise, it’s like walking in an open-air museum or in the pages of an architectural magazine. The cemetery displays funerary art in all its styles—from the so-French Haussmannian vaults to Gothic, Egyptian revival to Neo-classical, and adornments are styled in symbolic sculptures from the Romantic to Art Nouveau periods. Depending on which century one is interred, the prevailing style of the time is adapted. Of course, just like in any prestigious “village,” the elaborately decorated gravesites turn heads.

What makes Pere Lachaise popular among tourists are its “occupants,” the influential personalities in music—Frederic Chopin, Georges Bizet, Maria Callas, Edith Piaf and Jim Morrison; fine arts— Eugène Delacroix and Georges Seurat; literature— Marcel Proust, Honoré de Balzac and Oscar Wilde; and famous people in science, government, performance arts and cinema.

If you feel a cold touch, that’s one or more of them welcoming you to the city. What do you expect? You’re in one of the most haunted places in Paris. Then, the goosebumps come. Isn't that what you came here for?

On your next trip to Paris, drop by Pere Lachaise, make the cobblestone path your runway— and strike a pose and snap away. Who knows, Chopin, Jim or Oscar (or all three plus more) may appear in the shot. If that happens, consider yourself a fortunate soul.

Ground Zero. Peace Monument.. Hypocenter Park. Atomic Bomb Museum. One-legged arc. Uramaki Cathedral. St. Peter's Church. Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument. But there's more! Hilltop parks, mountain ranges, shorelines and more than hundred islands to explore.

What draws tourists to Nagasaki? To see Ground Zero? This one tragic event that befell the city seems to be synonymous with its name, and yes, that draws in the crowd, most often for a side trip—a day tour— from Fukuoka. Nagasaki today is far from what its dark past was (which included the persecution of Christians during the Edo period and the eruption of Mt. Unzen, the deadliest volcanic eruption recorded in Japanese history). Fully recovered and thriving, the prefecture lures in the curious and the wanderers. Stay longer than a few hours, a couple of days perhaps, or even longer if you want to immerse yourself in its charm. Whatever you opt for, Nagasaki won’t disappoint. 

The prefecture’s rich and diverse past makes the place a cornucopia of adventures today. It led to creating a unique place where the local culture coexists with Western and Eastern cultures today, be it people, food, architecture or religion. It was the gateway of Europe and Asia to the country in the past, after all. While Japan isolated itself from the world for more than two centuries during the Edo Period, Nagasaki was the only port that permitted foreign trade. This made Nagasaki Prefecture’s role in the country’s international relations vital.

Nagasaki City, clustered around Nagasaki Port, exudes a vibe of polarity. It blends the present with the past, urbanization with nature. These appealing features are evident upon arrival at the train track of the largest city in the prefecture. Hop off the ultra-modern Shinkansen then hop on the retro trams with a history that dates back to 1915 –still running on its original lines and efficient to this day—to your destination around the quaint city. The tram system, one of the oldest in Japan, continues to be an important part of Nagasaki's transportation network that connects all the vital areas of the city, tourist attractions included.

It is true that the most significant sites can be covered in a zip. These must-visit spots, concentrated in a small area, are navigable by foot, kicking it off at the Peace Park, which features donated artwork and the 9.7-meter-high Peace Statue, a symbol of Nagasaki’s wish for peace; the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, where the narrative of the tragic past are told; onto the Nagasaki Hypocenter Park is the Ground Zero of the city’s atomic bombing; and, finally, the Sanno Shrine, where one of the torii’s pillar remained standing amid the devastation.

While others leave after the route, some would opt to stay in the city until dark, and make their way to the 333-high Mt. Inasa park and observatory via the Nagasaki Ropeway. The summit offers a spectacular view of the city, the mountain ranges and coastline—beautiful on a clear day and spectacular at sundown— one of the best night views in the world. 

Closer to sea level, have a relaxing stroll through the harbor, where Nagasaki’s glorified past transpired. Dejima was the only contact between the West and during its period of isolation in the Edo era. Today the wharf exudes both a calming and exciting vibe with its resort-like vibe. More than a wharf, it’s an open-air museum offering a peek at the former Dutch trading post. A few steps away is the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, renowned for its diverse art collection.

If religious worship sites are your thing, Nagasaki has an array to fill the hours before sunset. At the foot of Mt. Kazagashira is the famous Teramachi-dori (Temple Street), where 14 temples and two shrines line the street, including the 1629-constructed Chinese temple of Sofukuji Temple, which houses 21 cultural assets, including two national treasures. Another temple built by Chinese merchants is the Kofukuji Temple, Japan's first Chinese temple of the Obaku sect. 

Roman Catholics will be in awe of the Nagasaki historic sites: on Nishizaka Hill, the Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument and the Gaudi-esque St. Philip’s Church (Nishizaka Church) is dedicated to St. Paul Miki and his twenty-five Christian companions. Also dedicated to the martyrs is the Oura Cathedral, built by a French missionary in 1864, making it the oldest wooden church of Gothic architecture existing in Japan. Oura Cathedral is a National Treasure and listed as one of the Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Equally notable is the Urakami Cathedral (St. Mary’s Cathedral), the 1914 Romanesque-style cathedral of brick construction that featured Angelus bells from France, which was destroyed in the atomic bombing of 1945.

Stray from the usual paths and surprises pop up, like the terrain. Nagasaki’s topography is unique—a harbor surrounded by mountains, where the urban area extends to. Residences on the hillside are gifted with a view of the sea and the mountains. It’s a charm and a challenge as well, well worth discovering and a longer stay in Nagasaki.

Ten minutes to a destination on the mobile map app may not be so in this city. The terrain is often omitted from the equation. It may be an uphill climb via alleys and stairways through a peaceful community of compact residences and even cemeteries, which will make the trip longer (and arduous for unfit souls like mine), but what awaits at the journey’s end is rewarding. The destinations, like the hilltop parks of Kazagashira and Tateyama, will take your breath away, especially in Springtime, when the cherry blossoms are in their full regalia. Beyond the blooms, one could say, “What Mt. Inasa can offer; so does Mt. Kazagashira (and Mt. Nabekanmuri, too)”. From a different vantage point, the panoramic view of Nagasaki is magical and breathtaking from morning ‘til night.

Take notice of a sign that says “art gallery” by Kazagashira Park’s gateway. It’s a small one but big in art wisdom. A Nagasaki islander, the artist’s forte is capturing the essence of the islands in the prefecture. Which leads you to ask, how many are there? Mountainous Nagasaki also has the largest number of islands in Japan. Island hopping, anyone? If you do, make sure to make a stop at Hashima Island, aka “Gunkanjima” (Battleship Island), a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution. With hundreds of islands dotting its coastline, it doesn’t come to a surprise that Nagasaki prides itself on having the most variety of fresh seafood in all of Japan. 

And while on the topic of food, before heading off, make sure to have a bite of Nagasaki’s specialty cuisine: the “celebratory dish” of Omura-sushi; the Champon, a noodle soup with thick, chewy noodles, a rich, milky chicken and pork bones broth, and loaded with stir-fried pork, seafood, and vegetables; Castella Cake, a sponge cake introduced by Portuguese merchants; and the Toruko Rice, aka as Turkish Rice, made of a combination of pilaf rice, spaghetti, and a pork cutlet.

Reading all this about Central Nagasaki alone, with much more on the unlisted adventures—outer islands exploration, hiking through the peninsula, the seven major festivals, the nightlife— how much time would you spare on your visit to Nagasaki?