Jerusalem, Mecca and Vatican City are acknowledged sacred places, but have visitors considered Cleveland, Ohio?
Tourism promoters point out there are a number of historical and cultural sites in the area that might “awake a spiritual mood,†including:
–Cleveland is one of only three U.S. cities that will host the “Vatican Splendors†exhibit The exhibit will run here through 7 Sept. It is one of the largest collections of art, documents and other historic objects from the Vatican to tour North America. Many of the 200 items on display, including papal rings and jewels, have never before left the Vatican.
—According to About.com’s Web site, Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood has the largest concentration of historic churches in the country. Central and eastern European immigrants settled in the area in early and mid-19th century, bringing their customs, culture and religion with them. Many of the churches they built still flourish today.
—Coined the “Outdoor Museum & Arboretum,†Lake View Cemetery offers the beauty, serenity, history, horticulture and architecture rarely found in other cemeteries. The angel statuary, in particular, has made Lake View a destination for aficionados of funerary art. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous residents laid to rest there include James Garfield, Eliot Ness and John D. Rockefeller.
Report by David Wilkening
