I will always be amazed by the history that surrounds you in Europe. In the Loire for instance, this 9th century church is only a short drive from my brother’s house. While I’m not religious, visiting ancient structures delights me, regardless of their purpose, and this one seemed too good to miss. Dating all the way back to 806 (yes, that’s right), the highlight of Germigny des Prés is it’s well-preserved mosaic. Found on the apse ceiling, it is the only surviving Byzantine mosaic in France. Even more fascinating, in my opinion, is that it was discovered in the mid 19th century under layers of plaster!