Basilicas
In addition to stunning interiors and their
importance as testimonials and pilgrimages sites, churches and other
sacred spaces should serve another role. When Lisbon was devastated by
the November 1, 1755 earthquake and tsunamis (and later, fires) it was
remarked that when the Great Cathedral collapsed, so did Portugal - "had
the Great Cathedral remained standing we could have rebuilt all the
rest". Latin, from Greek
basilikē, from feminine of
basilikos = 'royal', from basileus
=king. Quite apart from being a symbol of spiritual encouragement
after a disaster, cathedrals, churches and other sacred spaces can
also serve as distribution centers for food and water; emergency
medical clinics; communications hubs and shelters. This form is
accessed from the Admin submenu. Click a country
in the yellow listbox (top center) to see basilicas by city and name in a country.
in the yellow listbox (top center) to see basilicas by city and name in a country.
| Back to User Manual Contents Click here |
| Some of the many regional Basilicas Click here |
| Ruined Basilicas - Haiti and Portugal Click here |