Cathedral of Pecs, Hungary

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In the very heart of old-town Pécs lies the awe-inspiring Peter and Paul Cathedral, founded way back in the early part of the 11th century. The monumental significance of this cathedral cannot be overstated, earning it a Basilica Minor rank courtesy of Pope John Paul II in 1991. As with all structures throughout history, however, it has undergone significant transformation - some parts continuously rebuilt after each devastating event. Its foundation's base was laid as early as the 4th century, and then expanded and developed over the next two centuries with the building of its towers on the west side. The later addition of more towers in the Middle Ages significantly enhanced this architectural masterpiece. At the end of the 13th century a devastating fire ravaged the roof and ceiling leaving the church in ruins, prompting massive rebuilding efforts that saw vaults added to the sides in the 14th century as well as an additional pair of chapels. On its northwestern entrance stood a small chapel honoring the Sorrow of the Virgin while nearby sat another smaller chapel called Corpus Christi which connected directly with one tower's exterior. Meanwhile, intricate gothic artwork was skillfully embedded onto its walls back in 1345 when their visual appeal greatly contributed to the cathedral's majestic design throughout these past few centuries it suffered severely at the hands under Ottoman rule which turned part of western facade into a simple worship space using food stores as makeshift storeroom storage rooms where some other historical carvings and frescoes lay hidden but soon vanished forever without even noticing leaving us now with what seems to be rather incomplete picture today after such turbulent periods when this edifice miraculously found itself slowly reconstructed however another unexpected loss would later befall its beautiful appearance 1704 saw kuruc serb forces leveling off church nave facade entirely shattering dreams.