18 Most Amazing Sacred Places In The World
From mountaintop monasteries to super-cutting edge sanctuaries, these amazing sacred places will make you believe. We’ve experienced the tips and photographs of more than a million explorers on minube to discover these spots which move, surprise, and just blow our mind. From the wildernesses of Indonesia to the valleys of Tibet, here at the 18 most amazing sacred places in the world.
1. Batu Caves, Malaysia
Located just north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are one of the most amazing sacred places in all of Asia. The complex consists of massive limestone caves filled with intricate shrines, a 140ft. tall statue of the Hindu deity Murugah, and lots and lots of mischievous macaque monkeys ready to snatch a snack from unsuspecting tourists. (Photo by Macgreg)
2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The humongous Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia is another sacred place which is hard to depict in words. To visit Angkor Wat is to inundate yourself in incalculable 900-year old sanctuaries, huge stone faces, sprawling wildernesses, and gatherings of youthful, saffron-robed monks. In the event that its not on your bucket list, it ought to be. (Photo by Natashi Basso).
3. Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan
The Tiger’s Nest complex in the little mountain country of Bhutan is maybe the world’s most well known hanging temple, and for a good reason! After an extreme three-hour climb, explorers land at this amazing monastery perched 3,000ft. over the floor of the Paro Valley. The interior is also stunning, yet the view is one thing you’ll always remember. (Photo by Thomas Willetts)
4. Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar Sacred Places
Rising 100 yards over the city of Rangoon, Myanmar’s Shwedagon Pagoda is, as indicated by numerous voyagers, one of the world’s extraordinary wonders. The pagoda is celebrated around the world for holding the relics of four Buddhas and wise travelers ought to visit during the evening to appreciate the chants of the faithful, the wafting incense, and the colossal golden stupas sparkling in the spotlights. (Photo by Gerard Decq).
5. Hagia Sophia, Turkey
What can we say about the Hagia Sophia? It’s one of the oldest and most architecturally influential sacred 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. (Photo by Dripta Roy)
6. 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. (Photo by Ignacio Izquierda)
7. 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. (Photo by Sebastian D. Caicedo)
8. 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. (Photo by Jose M. Cuesta)
9. Spanish Synagogue, Czech Republic
Widely regarded as Europe’s most beautiful synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue in Prague is one of those sacred places where you could literally spend hours admiring the Moorish-style geometric carvings and paintings covering literally every square inch of the interior. Don’t forget to check out the statue of famous Czech author Franz Kafka near the entrance. (Photo by Alce)
10. Bet Giyorgis, Ethiopia
Bet Giyorgis (“Church of St. George”) is a 12th-century church carved directly into the rock around Lalibela, Ethiopia. Bet Giyorgis, though, is just the most famous of 11 churches carved into the bedrock originally designed to emulate Jerusalem. Travelers can explore this most unique of holy sites via winding tunnels and passageways dozens of feet below surface level. (Photo by Alfonso N. Tappero)
11. Borobudur, Indonesia
Emerging from the jungles of central Java, the 9th-century Borobudur temple complex is a marvel of Buddhist architecture and the most-visited sight in Indonesia. At 7 stories high and decorated with over 500 Buddhas, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and home to what is surely one of the most beautiful sunsets anywhere. (Photo by Oliver P. Martin)
12. 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. (Photo by Soleilhac Marie-Laure)
13. Meiji Shrine, Japan
The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo originally built in honor of Japan’s first modern emperor, Emperor Meiji. While surrounded by Tokyo’s ultra-modern skyscrapers, the Meiji Shrine is nestled in over 150 acres of peaceful evergreens and is traditional favorite of Tokyo residents, many of whom come here to meditate, attend a traditional wedding, or simply enjoy the fresh air. (Photo by Patrick)
14. Boudhanath, Nepal
Located in the outskirts of Kathmandu, Boudhanath is one of the world’s largest stupas and a place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists the world over. The stupa is crowned by four sets of peaceful yet watching eyes and is surrounded by a whopping 50 Buddhist monasteries. (Photo by Nice Dalla-Valle)
15. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia
The Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá, Colombia is one of the most unique and otherworldly holy places in the world. The cathedral was built using the massive galleries of an old salt mine and is decorated with colored lights that add a mysterious and dramatic touch to the various chapels and hidden corners within. (Photo by Jose. M.M. Espinar)
16. Thikse Monastery, India
The Thikse Monastery is one of the most spectacular yet least touristy sacred places in the Indus River Valley near Ladakh, India. Those who’ve explored the Tibetan plateau can attest that coming around a river bend to see the white-washed monastery and its colorful prayer flags against the clear blue Tibetan sky is truly an inspirational sight. (Photo by Gerard Decq)
17. Tiger Cave Temple, Thailand
Many travelers to Krabi, Thailand spend their time between the bar and the beach, but the area is home to one of the world’s most breathtaking religious sites: the Tiger Cave Temple. Travelers must climb a jungle staircase lined with monkeys and hidden shrines before arriving at the glorious golden Buddha at the 2,000ft. peak. (Photo by Angelo Zinna)
18. Meteora, Greece
Near the village of Meteora in central Greece, massive monolithic stones jut into the sky creating one of the most gorgeous panoramas in Europe. The best part? The hulking cliffs are dotted with historic monasteries, many of which can be visited and are still in use today. After visiting the sacred places, travelers can make the hike back to the bottom while savoring the heavenly views. (Photo by Vlaidmir Bazan)
source: (Huffington Post)
