I have to say that I thoroughly enjoy visiting churches and cathedrals myself. While the reverence and grandeur play a large part, the thing I've never been able to get over is the sheer presence.

I remember taking a week-long trip to York in Primary 7 [1]. The only stop I remember in any real detail was York Minster Cathedral. Presence? I literally reeled when I walked into the place. It was like walking into a soft but solid wall. I stopped dead in my tracks and let the Cathedral wash over me. It was both exhilirating and somehow humbling. I've had a great respect for large, ancient buildings and places ever since.
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[1] Scottish school is broken into two parts: Primary School (years 1-7) and Secondary School (years 1-4 mandatory; 5 if you complete sufficient O-levels in your 4th year and want to go on to Highers; and 6 either if you're massochistic enough to want to study above Highers, or if you failed enough Highers to prevent you getting to Uni andhave to resit)