Sacred Destinations
An illustrated guide to the world's sacred sites, religious architecture and historic holy places.

Holiest Sites in the World



Below is an illustrated index of the Holiest Sites in the World profiled on Sacred Destinations so far. For photo credits, please see corresponding articles.


The holiest mosque in the world, the Haram Mosque has been much expanded from its original 7th-century form. Today it can accommodate up to 820,000 worshippers in air-conditioned comfort.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Jerusalem, Israel/Palestine
This historic church shelters the holiest site in all Christendom: the tomb where Christ was buried and rose from the dead. It is shared by several denominations.
Golden Temple of Amritsar
Amritsar, Punjab, India
The holiest site in Sikhism, the Golden Temple seems to float on the water. It enshrines the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, which is venerated by pilgrims throughout the day and put to bed at night.
Holy Trinity Lavra
Sergiev Posad, Russia
Founded in 1345 by St. Sergius and containing his relics, this is the most important monastery in Russia and the spiritual center of Russian Orthodox Christianity.
Jokhang Temple
Lhasa, Tibet
This historic temple in Lhasa is the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism. It houses a venerated Buddha statue and has been a major pilgrimage destination for centuries.
Ka'ba
Mecca, Saudi Arabia
The Ka'ba is believed to have been built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. Enshrining a sacred stone, it is said to be first place on earth that was created. It is the focus of worldwide Muslim prayers.
Mahabodhi Temple
Bodhgaya, India
This sacred stupa marks the site of the Buddha's enlightenment and is the main destination for Buddhist pilgrims. The temple dates from the 2nd century AD but has been restored over the years.
Mother Church of Christian Science
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
This is the world headquarters of the Christian Science faith founded by Mary Baker Eddy. It includes two historic church buildings, dating from 1894 and 1906.
This diamond-shaped peak in the Himalayas is the source of some of the longest rivers in Asia. It is sacred to four faiths: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bön.
Pashupatinath Temple
Kathmandu, Nepal
This important Hindu temple is dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals). It lies along the sacred Bagmati River and is used for cremations.
Salt Lake Temple
Utah, USA
Founded by Brigham Young and completed in 1893, the Salt Lake Temple is the most important Mormon temple in the world.
Sanctuary of Apollo
Delphi, Central Greece, Greece
Home to the famous Oracle of Delphi, this mountain sanctuary was the holiest site in Ancient Greece. It was believed to be the center of the world, marked by the sacred Omphalos stone.
St. Peter's Basilica
Rome, Lazio, Italy
For Roman Catholics, St. Peter's is the most sacred site after the Holy Land. It centers around the tomb of St. Peter the Apostle and is one of the largest churches in the world.
Temple Mount
Jerusalem, Israel/Palestine
A holy site to Jews, Muslims, and Christians, the Temple Mount is the historic site of the Jewish Temple and the current site of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
Varanasi
Uttar Pradesh, India
Located on the western shores of the sacred river Ganges, Varanasi is the holiest city in Hinduism.
Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok, Thailand
The holiest Buddhist shrine in Thailand, this large temple complex within the Grand Palace houses a revered statue of the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The holiest shrine in northern Thailand, this Buddhist temple crowning Doi Suthep mountain was founded in 1386 under miraculous circumstances.
Western Wall
Jerusalem, Israel/Palestine
This is all that remains of the Temple that was once the center of Jewish worship. The Western Wall Plaza is a vast, open-air synagogue that is the preferred place to pray for Jews worldwide.


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