Temple - Templar Church
Great Britain, London, Fleet Street.
Description:
The Knights Templar Order is a famous order in the name of Christ founded in 1119. The name comes from the name of the temple of the ancient king Solomon (Solomons Temple). The Templars were the richest religious organization of the Middle Ages and left some architectural monuments. Among them is the beautiful and mysterious Temple Church, built around 1185.
According to legend, ancient Sangril manuscripts describing the life of Jesus Christ and Mary were found on this site. This gave the Order of Knights an advantage over the Vatican.
Temple Church is unusual in its architectural form and is a round church with an attached rectangular altar part. It is more like a Roman castle or military fortress than a temple of God. The oblong hall (Nef) is decorated with exquisite stained glass windows and a beautiful wooden altar, created by architect Christopher Wren.
The main attraction is 10 knightly tombstones carved from stone. It was an honor to be buried in this temple. In addition, grotesque portraits are preserved on the walls.
Temple Church has endured eight centuries of political battles, the Great Fire of London, and World War II airstrikes, and is now always welcoming new visitors. Currently, services of the Anglican Church are held, as well as excursions for tourists.