Earth’s natural beauty is incomparable, but sometimes human’s creations are a close rival. In those instances the edifice, landmark, or monument is usually built in honor of something – or someone. According to Trip.com, these seven must-see religious sites from around the world prove that to be true.
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran- Rome (Catholicism)
Source: dmitriymoroz / Getty
The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome is the city’s oldest public church and the highest-ranking church in the faith as the seat of the Pope. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by 13 colossal stone statues atop the building depicting Jesus Christ and his 12 apostles. Two monolithic bronze doors, green with age, guard the entrance to the basilica. Inside are gold, symbol-clad ceilings and uniquely carved designs extending the full length of the walls. Architects left no feature undone in this perfectly symmetrical building.
Golden Temple – Amritsar, India, (Sikhism)
Source: Majority World / Getty
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, is Sikhism’s most important house of worship. It centers a large artificial pond ringed by a walking path that welcomes visitors from around the world. Constructed from white marble and overlaid with gold leaf, it casts a sun-rivaling glow and mesmerizing reflection across the water.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre – Jerusalem (Christianity)
Source: Andrew Warren Gould / Getty
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is said to house the site where Jesus Christ was buried and resurrected. Thousands visit the multistory construction annually for this reason. They go for the small tomb; however, they are also met with ornately detailed archways spiraling to the top of the building, meeting at the skylight directly above the Edicule.
Mahabodhi Temple – Bodh Gaya, India, (Buddhism)
Source: Htike Aye / Getty
This 2,200-year-old building is an awe-inspiring sight with elaborate carvings scaling all 180 feet. The temple complex is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring an opulent pyramid structure, pond, and gardens. According to Buddhist scripture, Siddhattha Gotama, the first Buddha, attained enlightenment whilst sitting in the shade of a Bodhi tree on the grounds.
Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh – Acre, Israel, (Baháʼí Faith)
Source: lenazap / Getty
The Shrine of Baháʼu’lláh in Acre, Israel, (Baháʼí Faith) sits in a sun-soaked garden high on a hill with the perfect view of Israel’s shoreline. Holding the remains of Baháʼí Faith founder Baháʼu’lláh, the site located in Acre, Israel, is considered the most sacred in the faith. Visitors travel from around the world to experience the idyllic estate lined with palm trees, cypress trees, and colorful florals.
Western Wall (Judaism) and Dome of the Rock (Islam), Jerusalem
Source: Design Pics Editorial / Getty
Judaism’s holiest site is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where the Second Temple stood until it was destroyed in 70 CE. The temple’s retaining Western Wall is preserved from this time. Though it totals 1601 feet long and 62 feet high, the prominent area near the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque, is just 160 feet wide. It is regarded as the most important place for believers to gather and pray.
Source: imageBROKER/elov / Getty
A short six-minute walk from the Western Wall, travelers find the Dome of the Rock. The Dome stands at 177 feet high and 78 feet wide, and the edifice dons a striking dome laden with 24K pure gold leaf. The octagonal mosque made of marble and mosaic tiles is one of the faith’s most famous and beautiful sites.
The post 7 Must-See Religious Sites From Around The World appeared first on Elev8.