The author touched on, but didn't develop the smell of an old cathedral
Probably most arresting is the ever so faint aroma of the benediction incense.
The olfactory sense is one of the most powerful and least appreciated (imo) of the five and as we can all attest to the smell of a new car, only one attending since childhood can appreciate the smell of incense in a Catholic church ... but mainly (again, imo) the larger and more ornate cathedrals.
I think all those archetectural nooks and crannys just have a way of capturing and preserving odor ... almost like ... the walls have noses (as opposed to ears)
I grew up in Holy Name Church and, (reference the building near the end) though I haven't set foot in the building in about 50 years, I'll just BET'cha there's a smell in that building that may bring tears to my eyes.
Please do not misunderstand, I am referring to a building, not a liturgical doctrine.
That, and the subtle smell of beeswax.