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1984 BCE
Mount Kailash, Tibet
"To a mountaineer, Mount Kailash ought to prove the ultimate challenge, as it has never been scaled before, its terrain being deemed too dangerous. However, perhaps it’s best untouched, as it’s considered holy ground to four religions: Bon, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. The snow-capped peaks are a sight to behold and every year, thousands of pilgrims in all four religions circle the base of the holy mountain on foot in a ritual that is believed to bring good fortune." (Lorena 04.27.14) -
1500 BCE
The Kaaba
"The Kaaba is a cubical structure, unlike almost any other religious structure. It is fifteen meters tall and ten and a half meters on each side; its corners roughly align with the cardinal directions. The door of the Kaaba is now made of solid gold; it was added in 1982. The kiswa—the large cloth that covers the Kaaba—used to be sent from Egypt with the hajj caravan but today is made in Saudi Arabia." (Lorena 04.27.14) -
1264 BCE
Abu Simbel Temples, Egypt
"Though built by the famous Pharaoh Ramesses II over 3,000 years ago, the Abu Simbel Temples and their stunning colossi are more famous than ever. The two temples of Ramses II and Nefertari were carved directly into the rock and their interiors feature gargantuan columns lined with hieroglyphics." (Lorena 04.27.14) -
548 BCE
Basilica of San Vitale, Italy
"The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy is one of the most important churches in early Christianity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an amazing experience for lovers of art and architecture. The hypnotically colorful mosaics are some of only a few in the world that remain from the time of Emperor Justinian I." (Lorena 04.27.14) -
115 BCE
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
"The mighty Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia is another site which is tough to describe in words. To visit Angkor Wat is to immerse yourself in countless 900-year old temples, massive stone faces, sprawling jungles, and groups of young, saffron-robed monks. If it’s not on your bucket list, it should be." (Lorena 04.27.14) -
48 BCE
Jerusalem, Israel
"These clashes date back to Biblical times due to territory disputes. However, Jerusalem is still considered a sacred site by three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Among the three religions, it’s perhaps considered the most holy to Christians as it was in Jerusalem where Jesus lived, preached, and died."(Lorena 04.27.14) -
19 BCE
Mohenjo-daro, Pakistan
"Is an archeological site in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Built around 2500 BCE, it was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, and one of the world's earliest major urban settlements, contemporaneous with the civilizations of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Minoa (Crete), and Norte Chico. Mohenjo-daro was abandoned in the 19th century BCE as the Indus Valley Civilization declined, and the site was not rediscovered until the 1920s."(Starke, Mary) -
19 BCE
The Bahai Gardens, Israel
"Beauty, grandeur, and inspired design combined with the painstaking gardening of generations create the unique atmosphere of the Bahai shrine and gardens in Haifa. This is the site where members of the Bahai faith have established their shrine and world center because of its significance to the Bahai faith." (UNESCO World Heritage Committee, July, 2008) -
16 BCE
Cenote Sagrado, Mexico
"The ancient Maya revered water for its life-sustaining power, and worshiped Chac, the god of rain, because of this awe of H20. Many areas of Mexico are dotted with cenotes—natural underground sinkholes—and the Maya believed that some of these sites were visited by Chac himself. As a result, some cenotes were designated as "sacred" and kept for rituals, offerings and sacrifices, while others were set aside for bathing, drinking and crop water." (Cenote Sagrado) -
12 BCE
Uluru, Australia
"Uluru is a massive sandstone rock in central Australia that is sacred to the Aborigines of the area, who are known as the Anangu. In recent years, Uluru has also become important for New Age practitioners. Believed to have been formed by the activities of ancestral beings in creation time (or Dreamtime), the beautiful site includes many caves, waterholes, and ancient rock paintings."(Uluru) -
6 BCE
Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
"Rising 100 yards above the city of Rangoon, Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda is, according to many travelers, one of the world’s great wonders. The pagoda is famed for holding the relics of four Buddhas and savvy visitors should visit at night to enjoy the chants of the faithful, the wafting incense, and the great golden stupas shining in the spotlights." (Lorena 04.27.14) -
17
Mount Sinai, Egypt
"Some of the basic tenets of Judeo-Christian-Islamic beliefs can be traced back to this mountain on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, for it was at the top of this peak that Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments from God. Though there is not much archeological evidence confirming this as the exact place, and biblical scholars have theorized for years about the mythical mountain's location, early Christian monks believed this was the sacred site."(Lorena 04.27.14) -
May 26, 1429
Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe Chapel, France
"Southern France is dotted with scenic mountaintop churches, but none are quite as breathtaking as the chapel of Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe. After climbing over 200 steps up a craggy volcanic rock, visitors find a wonderful 10th-century church and absolutely gorgeous views of the surrounding village." (Lorena 04.27.14) -
The Golden Temple Amritsar
"The Golden Temple Amritsar India is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs." (Lorena 04.27.14) -
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Turkey
"Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. It’s called such because of the blue tiles spanning the walls of the mosque’s interior. The exterior is a sight to behold, dotting the picturesque Istanbul skyline. The building is mainly used as a mosque for worship and sees as many as 10,000 visitors at a time. The rest of the complex also serves as a place of higher learning and houses the tomb of the founder." (Blue Mosque) -
Po Lin Monastery and Tian Tan Buddha, Hong Kong
"The 85-foot-tall seated “Giant Buddha” on the Ngong Ping plateau of Lantau Island serenely surveys the surrounding lush mountains and raises his right hand in blessing to the visitors who climb more than 200 steps to reach the statue’s base. Cast in bronze, the statue took 12 years to make and was unveiled in 1993. The nearby Buddhist monastery, decked out in vivid reds, oranges, and yellows with icons to various gods, serves vegetarian." (Hong Kong Tourism Board) -
Hagia Sophia, Turkey
"It’s one of the oldest and most architecturally influential places of worship in the world. While it’s famous for its awe-inspiring domes and Byzantine mosaics, the fact that travelers from all cultures and religions flock to behold her glories is what truly makes the Hagia Sophia special." (Lorena 04.27.14) -
Mount of Beatitudes, Israel
"Jesus is said to have delivered his inspirational Sermon on the Mount (including the “Blessed are” litany) on this very spot. Whether or not that’s historically accurate, the peaceful gardens, cooler air, and panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee make it a fine stop for quiet contemplation. The octagonal design of the Byzantine-style Catholic church on the top of the hill symbolizes the eight Beatitudes." (Israel Ministry of Tourism) -
Lotus Temple, India
"The city of New Delhi isn’t exactly known for peace and quiet, but the stunning Lotus Temple, home of the Baha’i faith, is a true oasis of tranquility. Built in 1980, the flower-shaped temple is surrounded by peaceful gardens and a large interior space is reserved for people of all faiths to come and meditate."(Lorena 04.27.14) -
Itsukushima Shrine, Japan
"This dramatic 50-foot-tall vermilion torii gate stands a tenth of a mile out to sea from 37 overwater buildings that, at high tide, appear to float on the water. The first Shinto shrine here—dating from the sixth century—may have been designed to honor the goddess of the sea or to help souls sail to paradise. The current complex, built in 1571, shows off curved lines typical of the Shinden architectural style, and almost all of it is designated a National Treasure." (Japan Tourism Board)
