Travel with Rick Steves 815 Sacred Paris; Newgrange Solstice; Finnish Sauna; Christmas in Estonia, Rome, Venice
Dec 13, 2025
Join Susan Cahill, a Paris expert and author of "Sacred Paris," as she illuminates the city's stunning religious architecture, revealing hidden gems from historic churches to vibrant synagogues. Igor Scamparin, a Venetian guide, shares the magic of Christmas in Venice—talking about glass-themed decorations, communal festivities, and delicious holiday foods like musetto and panettone. Their insights transport listeners to enchanting traditions, from Finland's sauna culture to Ireland’s ancient solstice rituals, painting a rich tapestry of winter celebrations.
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Light As The Purpose Of Gothic Design
- Gothic architecture in Paris was invented to bring light into churches and transform the spiritual experience.
- Susan Cahill describes Saint-Denis as dazzling when sunlight poured through its clerestory windows.
Explore Paris Churches By Wandering
- Stumble into Paris churches while walking; they're free, open, and full of surprises like unexpected art.
- Use Susan Cahill's Sacred Paris as a handbook to find neighborhood gems off the beaten path.
Visiting Paris Synagogues Felt Welcoming
- Susan Cahill recounts attending Shabbat at La Victoire synagogue where ushers welcomed nonlocals and the liturgy felt ravishing.
- She contrasts that with Nazareth synagogue, where she was questioned at the door and jokingly lied to gain entry.
