The FIFA World Cup brings together nations and people unlike any other event around the globe. During the month of June and July every four years, you might see an Australian and Peruvian or a Dane and a Brazilian enjoying their time together before or after a match. The tournament transcends race and culture, and people are united in celebrating the beautiful game.

Finally, the 2018 World Cup is upon us, taking place in Russia. Every country participating holds something special and unique to their culture, including architecture. I’ll be highlighting the best colonial structure from each of the 32 nations represented, and if the country does not have any, I’ll showcase the best historical and/or classical building.

Group G is the seventh in an eight part series, with architectural marvels spanning nearly 900 years, from the 10th century to 19th century.

Belgium – Brussels Town Hall, Brussels

Brussels Town Hall is a magnificent display of Gothic architecture from the early 15th century. One of the oldest town halls in Europe, the building’s intricate designs typical of Gothic architecture were finally completed in 1455, 53 years after construction began. Located in the Grand Square, one of the most beautiful in Europe, it’s the sole remaining building from medieval times.

Panama – Cathedral of St. Mary’s (Metropolitan Cathedral), Panama City

The Cathedral of St. Mary’s in the capital city of Panama City is a beautiful cathedral with a unique facade of two white, stone towers and in the center, brick and stone in Baroque style. The church was consecrated in 1688, finally consecrated in 1796, and today it is the Archdiocese of Panama. Pope Francis will visit Panama and this cathedral in January of 2019 for World Youth Day.

England – Westminster Abbey, London

Without Italy in the tournament, I consider England to be the crown jewel of the field in architecture. You’ve got Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, St. George’s Hall – all masterpieces and hugely important to the country. However, I believe Westminster Abbey to be the quintessential historical structure in England. It’s a formidable structure, first constructed in Romanesque style in 960, and became the Gothic masterpiece it is today under Henry III in the 13th century. Westminster Abbey has held the crowning ceremony of every British monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066, and essentially laid the foundation of an Empire that would span the globe, covering every continent on Earth.

Tunisia – St. Vincent De Paul Cathedral, Tunis

The French gained control of Tunisia in the year construction began, and needed a place of worship in the capital, thus the St. Vincent de Paul Cathedral was born. Constructed between 1881 and 1897, one of the most beautiful things about is the eclectic architecture of the building, incorporating Moorish, Romanesque, and Gothic styles. Today, it’s the only active Roman Catholic church in Tunisia.