Our spiritual journey through Hampshire begins with its undisputed jewel - Winchester Cathedral. This majestic edifice, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, is not only the center of the region's religious life, but also a testament to more than a thousand years of English history. Dating back to the 7th century, the cathedral impresses with its Gothic architecture, impressive size and rich detailing.

Crossing the threshold of the cathedral, one immediately feels a whiff of history. The 170-meter-long nave, the longest among medieval cathedrals in Europe, is truly impressive. The vaulted ceiling rising more than 20 meters high makes us feel small in the face of the enormity of this building. Stained glass windows, some dating back to the 13th century, cast colorful streaks of light on the floor, creating a magical atmosphere.

One of the most fascinating features of the cathedral is the crypt, which houses the statue of the 'Man of Water,' a mysterious sculpture that seems to emerge from the water that floods the crypt during high water levels. This is a place that is sure to capture the imagination of not only children, but adults as well.

Winchester Cathedral is not only a place of worship, but also a treasure trove of history. It is here that English kings and bishops are buried, including the famous writer Jane Austen. Children are sure to be interested in the Winchester Bible, one of the largest medieval Bibles in the world, which is still housed in the cathedral.

Note the richly decorated choir stalls, which are a true masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. Every detail, every sculpture has its own story and symbolism, making exploring the cathedral a fascinating adventure for the whole family.

The cathedral offers regular guided tours, which is a great way to learn about its fascinating history and discover hidden details. Special thematic tours and workshops are organized for families with children, providing an accessible introduction to the history and significance of this unique place.

After the tour, relax in the gardens surrounding the cathedral. This is the perfect place for a picnic and a moment of reflection. Children can run around the lawns while adults admire the cathedral's exterior architecture with its distinctive central tower.

Winchester Cathedral is a place that combines spirituality, history and art. It is not just a temple, but a living textbook of English history that allows us to touch the past and feel the spirit of bygone eras. Whether we are people of faith or simply lovers of history and architecture, Winchester Cathedral offers an unforgettable experience and leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits it.

Continuing our spiritual journey through Hampshire, we move on to Portsmouth, home to the Royal Garrison Church - a place of extraordinary history and symbolism. Located in the heart of historic Portsmouth, this church is not only a place of worship, but also a war memorial and testament to the bravery of British soldiers.

Royal Garrison Church, also known as Domus Dei (House of God), was founded in 1212 as a hospital. It served various functions over the centuries until it eventually became a garrison church. What makes it unique, however, is its history during World War II. In 1941, the church was severely damaged in a German air raid. Instead of rebuilding it, it was decided to keep it as a ruin - a symbolic memorial to the victims of the war.

Today, entering the Royal Garrison Church, one immediately notices its unique character. The nave remains roofless, open to the sky, which creates an unusual atmosphere and allows one to contemplate surrounded by history. The chancel, which survived the bombing, has been restored and continues to serve liturgical functions.

The interior of the church is stunning with beautiful stained glass windows and mosaics that survived the war. Particularly noteworthy is the stained glass window commemorating the Battle of Gallipoli - a true work of art that tells the story of courage and sacrifice.

For families with children, the Royal Garrison Church offers a fascinating history lesson. It's the perfect place to tell the little ones about World War II and its impact on the lives of ordinary people. The ruins of the church are tangible evidence of the devastation of war, but also a symbol of hope and resilience.

Moving slightly north of Portsmouth, we reach the ruins of Bishop's Waltham Palace, the former residence of the Bishops of Winchester. This place, though in ruins, still exudes the atmosphere of the former glory and power of the Anglican Church.

The palace, built in the 12th century, was for centuries one of the most important episcopal seats in England. Its walls hosted kings and queens and witnessed important historical events. Today, walking among the ruins, we can imagine what life was like in medieval England.

The palace ruins are a fascinating place for the whole family to explore. Preserved fragments of walls, towers and cellars allow us to reconstruct the former layout of the building. Particularly impressive is the great hall, the remains of which testify to its former grandeur and splendor.

For children, Bishop's Waltham Palace is a real playground of the imagination. They can play knights and ladies of the court, explore hidden corners and imagine life in a medieval castle. English Heritage, the organization that cares for the ruins, offers special educational programs and events for families that take an interactive look at the history of the site.

Both the Royal Garrison Church and Bishop's Waltham Palace, while different in character, have one thing in common - they are witnesses to England's turbulent history. These places allow us to touch the past, feel the spirit of bygone eras and understand how important a role religion played in the formation of English society and culture.

When visiting these places, it is worth noting the contrast between them. The Royal Garrison Church, though in ruins, still serves a religious function, while Bishop's Waltham Palace is a testament to bygone splendor. Both sites, however, offer a fascinating journey back in time and are an excellent starting point for conversations about history, religion and transience.

Our spiritual journey through Hampshire would not be complete without a visit to two lesser-known but equally fascinating sites - Southwick Priory and Holyrood Church. These two places, although different in history and character, share an atmosphere of peace and reflection that allows us to pause for a moment in the rush of daily life.

Southwick Priory, located in the picturesque village of Southwick, is a place with a remarkable history dating back to the 12th century. Although only one wall remains of the original priory, the place still exudes a medieval spirit and inspires reflection on the passing of time.

Getting to Southwick Priory can be a bit tricky - there are no clear signs, and the only clue is a small iron gate opposite the parking lot behind the Gold Lion pub. However, this 'hiddenness' adds to the charm of the place and makes exploring it like searching for hidden treasure.

After passing the gate, a charming path leading along two large ponds appears to our eyes. This is a perfect place for a quiet walk and nature observation - we can meet herons and other water birds here. The ruin itself, although small, is well preserved and allows us to imagine how impressive the whole complex must have once been.

For families with children, Southwick Priory can be a fascinating lesson in history and nature. Children can play archaeologists, trying to guess what the Priory looked like in its heyday. Note the massive sequoia tree, which is said to have been planted back in the days when the Priory was inhabited by monks.

Moving on to Southampton, we come across Holyrood Church - a place with an equally rich history, but a very different character. This medieval church, destroyed during World War II, has been preserved as a ruin and transformed into a monument dedicated to sailors.

Holyrood Church, built in 1320, was an important part of Southampton's religious and social life for centuries. Today, walking among its ruins, we can admire the beauty of its Gothic architecture and reflect on the passing and permanence of human memory.

The interior of the church, though devoid of a roof, still impresses with its beauty. Preserved fragments of masonry, window arches and architectural details allow us to imagine the former splendor of this building. Especially impressive is the western portal, richly decorated and testifying to the craftsmanship of medieval artisans.

Holyrood Church today serves as a memorial dedicated to Merchant Navy sailors. Inside are numerous memorial plaques, including those dedicated to the victims of the Titanic and the Falklands War. This place makes one reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who risk their lives at sea.

For families with children, Holyrood Church can be a fascinating history lesson. The life of a medieval city, the devastation of war and the importance of historical memory can be told here. The ruins of the church also make a great backdrop for family photos and travel mementos.

Both Southwick Priory and Holyrood Church, although different in character, share an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. These places allow us to pause for a moment, take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reflect on the passing and permanence of human memory.

By visiting these lesser-known but equally fascinating places of worship in Hampshire, we discover another dimension of spirituality - not so much related to active religious worship, but to reflection on history, transience and human memory. These are perfect places to end our spiritual journey through Hampshire, allowing us to take a moment to reflect on what we have seen and experienced.