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Ajanta CavesBuddhist cave temples and monasteries dating from the 2nd and 1st centuries BC with additions in the 5th and 6th centuries AD. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta are considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.
Alcobaça MonasteryA spectacular Cistercian monastery featuring Manueline architecture and a giant kitchen with a stream running through it. A World Heritage Site.
AleppoThis second-largest city in Syria has an Umayyad Mosque with a beautifully paved courtyard, a huge 13th-century citadel, and churches of various Eastern traditions in the Christian quarter.
Aleppo Main Page |
Aleppo Satellite Map
Golden Temple of AmritsarThe holiest site in Sikhism, Amritsar features spectacular architecture, interesting rituals and a welcoming atmosphere.
Angkor WatAngkor Wat is the star sight of Angkor and indeed all of Cambodia. Reckoned to be the largest religious structure in the world, the Hindu temple is designed to be a microcosm of the universe.
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Antioch (Antakya)Antioch was an important city in the Eastern Roman Empire and an early center of Christianity. It was the headquarters for Paul's missionary journeys and the places where the apostles were first called "Christians". Nearby was Daphne, sacred to Apollo.
ApameaThis archaeological site features an exceptionally long Roman street, with many columns still standing, as well as other ruins dating mainly from the Roman period. It was the home of Evagrius the church historian and Theodoret the bishop.
AssisiAssisi is most famous as the birthplace of St. Francis, the patron saint of Italy one of the most popular Catholic saints in the world, and the founder of the Franciscan order.
AthensNamed for its patron goddess, Athena, Athens is home to some of the most important ancient sacred sites in the world, as well as several newer religious sites of importance.
Baalbeck (Heliopolis)Baalbeck is an ancient Roman city with the distinction of having the largest Roman temple anywhere in the world. Six columns of this mammoth temple still stand to impress visitors today.
Batalha MonasteryKing Joăo I founded this monastery after winning a major battle and gave it to the Dominicans. The splendid edifice was constructed over two centuries in splendid Gothic and Manueline style. A World Heritage Site.
Bighorn Medicine WheelThe Bighorn Medicine Wheel is the most important of several medicine wheels in the American West. Constructed around 700 years ago and aligned with the stars, it is an important sacred site for local Indians as well as New Age practitioners.
BodhgayaThe site of the Buddha's enlightenment.
BorobudurBorobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world, yet also delicately detailed. The temple is essentially a 3-D mandala (sacred diagram of the universe), covered in carvings of the Buddha's life and moral parables.
BukharaBukhara is central Asia's holiest city and was once home to more than 300 mosques and 100 medressas.
Colorado Springs Cadet ChapelThe striking appearance of the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, attracted some controversy when it was first completed in 1963, but is now considered one of the most beautiful examples of modern American architecture.
Isla del SolThe largest of the 41 islands in Lake Titicaca (but still only 5.5 by 3.75 miles in size), Isla del Sol was believed to be the home of the supreme Inca god Inti. There are many interesting sights here, including a sacred stone, a labyrinth, Incan terraces, and a reputed fountain of youth.
La PazThis fascinating city keeps its native traditions alive, including the practice of witchcraft and a colorful style of traditional dress, complete with bowler hats on the women. One of its churches exemplifies the fusion of native and Catholic art.
La Paz Main Page |
La Paz Satellite Map
Lake TiticacaThis sacred lake, which is among the highest and deepest lakes in the world, lies on the border between Peru and Bolivia. The Incas believed it was from here that Viracocha rose up to create the world.
El Fuerte, SamaipataThis intriguing ancient site, dubbed "The Fort" by the Spanish, includes a large stone hill covered in mysterious carvings. It has been designated a World Heritage Site.
TiwanakuAnother of Bolivia's World Heritage Sites, the temples, megaliths, and intriguing sculptures of Tiwanaku were created by pre-Incan people. The city was later holy to the Incas, who believed it to be the site of creation.
Faisal Mosque, IslamabadA unique modern mosque completed in 1983. It is the largest in Pakistan and serves as the country\'s national mosque.
HallgrimskirkjaThe tallest and most striking church in Iceland, this modernist Lutheran cathedral was completed in 1983. Its spaceship-like design is inspired by the columnar glaciers of Iceland, and inside is a huge pipe organ. The tower provides beautiful views of Reykjavik.
KópavogskirkjaCompleted in 1963, this church in Reykjavik's southern suburb of Kopavogur has a modern, curvy design.
LandakotskirkjaThe Catholic cathedral of Iceland, Landakotskirkja was completed in 1929 in the Neo-Gothic style.
BosraThis southern city's most impressive feature is its incredibly well preserved Roman theater complete with tall stage buildings. There are also early Christian ruins and several old mosques to be found within its great walls.
BragaThis sizeable city has a historic cathedral and many other religious sites. It is the focus of Semanta Santa in Portugal.
Cahokia MoundsThe center of Mississipian Indian culture from 900 to 1300 AD, Cahokia was the largest pre-Columbian community in North America. The Cahokians built several ritual earthwork mounds that can still be seen today.
CarthageCarthage was an important city in Roman times that became a major center of early Christianity. Ruins of the once-great city can be seen not far from the modern city of Tunis.
CasablancaCasablanca is mainly a commercial city, with office buildings and wide boulevards named after world leaders and Moroccan kings. For most travelers, Casablanca is a stopover city on the way to more exotic locales. However, it has one landmark very much worth seeing: the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest mosque in the world.
Chichén ItzáChichén Itzá is the largest of the ancient Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula and one of Mexico's most visited tourist destinations. It was a center of pilgrimage for the Maya for over 1,000 years.
Côa Valley Rock ArtOne of the most important collections of prehistoric rock art in the world, discovered in the 1990s. A World Heritage Site.
Ancient CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, Corinth played a significant role in the missionary work of the Apostle Paul.
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CzestochowaThe Monastery of Jasna Gora in Czestochowa, Poland, is the third-largest Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. Home to the beloved miraculous icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the monastery is the national shrine of Poland and the center of Polish Catholicism.
DamascusDamascus is the largest city in Syria and may be the oldest continously inhabited city in the world. Its main attraction is the great Ummayad Mosque, which still retains much of its original mosaics. There is also an important Shia shrine and sites associated with St. Paul on the Street Called Straight.
Damascus Main Page |
Damascus Satellite Map
Ancient DelphiAn archaeological site containing the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo, the most sacred site in ancient Greek religion and home of the famous Oracle of Delphi.
DidymaOne of the most sacred cities in the ancient Greek world, Didyma had an oracle of Apollo that rivaled Delphi. Today, its massive Temple of Apollo is still majestic in ruins and the city is a popular tourist destination.
Great Mosque of DjenneThe remarkable Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali, is built entirely of mud, giving it a unique appearance and organic feel. It is the largest mud-brick building in the world.
Dura EuroposThis important archaeological site has been called the Pompeii of the Syrian Desert. It was abandoned in the 3rd century and is home to the oldest surviving house-church and synagogue ever found, both complete with frescoes.
El CobreThis copper mining town outside Santiago in southwest Cuba is home to the Virgin of Charity (La Virgen de la Caridad), a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary. The shrine is the most important religious site on the entire island, for Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
Elephanta CavesA collection of Hindu rock art linked to the cult of Shiva, located on an island just a short ferry ride from Mumbai.
Ellora Caves34 Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 kilometers.
EphesusThe most popular tourist destination on the west coast, Ephesus was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the wonders of the ancient world. It is still a sacred site for Christians due to Paul's missionary work here and the House of the Virgin.
Ephesus Main Page |
Ephesus Satellite Map
Évora A small but historically important walled city and World Heritage Site in southern Portugal, featuring a Roman temple, several churches, and a Chapel of Bones.
Évora Main Page |
Évora Interactive Map
FatimaA small village whose shrine attracts thousands of Catholic pilgrims due to the appearances of the Virgin Mary to shepherd children in 1917.
FlorenceThe birthplace of the Renaissance abounds in sacred art and religious buildings. Among the most famous are the Duomo with its dome by Brunelleschi, the Baptistery with its elaborate bronze doors by Ghiberti, and Michelangelo's David.
Aix-en-Provence CathedralBuilt on the site of ancient pagan temples, this cathedral is best known for its Burning Bush Triptych by Nicolas Froment.
Albi CathedralThis 13th century fortress-like structure is the largest brick building in the world. Built in the heart of Cathar country, it is a stern statement of the strength of orthodoxy.
Amiens CathedralAmiens is the tallest of the 13th-century classic Gothic churches and the largest cathedral in France. It is widely praised for the harmony and beauty of its architecture.
ArlesThe ancient city of Arles is home to first-rate museums, ancient Roman sites, Romanesque churches, excellent restaurants, and summer festivals. Amongs its sights of religious interest are several churches and the Museum of Christian Art.
Shrine of St. John Vianney, ArsThis small town is home to an important Catholic pilgrimage destination. Here St. John Vianney founded an orphanage for girls and became internationally famous for his spiritual direction. He was said to be able to read souls in the confessional and predict future events.
AvignonAvignon is a cosmopolitan city with about 90,000 inhabitants. Avignon is best known for being the Franco Vaticano ("French Vatican"), the temporary home of the Popes in the 14th century. The grand cream-colored Palais des Papes continues to delight visitors, but Avignon would still be well worth a visit without it.
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CaenCaen ("kehn") is a city of about 117,000 people in the Lower Normandy region of France. In the mid-11th century, Caen became the favorite residence of William the Conquerer and Queen Matilda, and the beautiful twin abbeys founded by them still remain.
CarnacCarnac is a small village of about 5,000 people in Brittany, northwestern France. It is home to the Carnac Stones, a huge system of more than 3,000 prehistoric standing stones.
Chartres CathedralAn easy day trip from Paris, Chartres is renowned for its magnificent High Gothic architecture, holy relic of the Virgin Mary, and sacred floor labyrinth.
Cluny AbbeyFounded in 910, this abbey was the center of a major monastic reform movement. Its church was the largest in the world until St. Peter's Basilica was built in Rome.
Fontenay AbbeyThis beautiful, well-restored 12th-century Cistercian monastery was founded by St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
Fontfroide AbbeyNestled in a green valley in southern France, this 11th-century Cisterician abbey is one of the most complete abbey complexes remaining today.
Laon CathedralLaon Cathedral is known for its imposing towers, its beautiful Gothic architecture, and its importance as a major stop on the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago.
La SaletteLa Salette, a small town of 200 people about 50 miles south of Grenoble, was the site of reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1846. The Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette remains a minor place of pilgrimage today.
Lascaux CavesA famous cave complex containing some of the oldest prehistoric art in the world. The paintings, mainly of animals, are at least 15,000 years old.
LourdesThis small town in the Hautes-Pyrénées département in southwest France. It is the largest and most popular Catholic pilgrimage destination in France, receving more than 5 million pilgrims and tourists each year.
Lyon Just two hours from Paris on the TGV, Lyon is rich with religious and historical sites. It was first an important Roman capital, then a major Christian center. Today, Lyon is world-renowned for its history, architecture, culture and cuisine.
Nantes CathedralThis Late Gothic cathedral was begun in 1434. It has a higher ceiling than the Notre-Dame and a splendid Renaissance tomb.
NarbonneLocated 849km from Paris, Narbonne was the first Roman colony outside of Italy. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Narbonne was home to an important Jewish exegetical school. Today it has a population of about 50,000 and several lovely churches to visit.
ParisParis has much to offer to travelers interested in religion. Although the once very Catholic France is now one of the least religious countries in the West, Paris has a rich religious history and many active places of worship. Paris has played a key role in Roman, Christian and Jewish history and this heritage lives on in the cathedrals, monuments and artifacts these more devout times left behind.
Reims CathedralThe kings of France were once crowned in this 13th-century Gothic cathedral. It is full of sculptures inside and out.
RouenRouen is a 2,000-year-old city of 100,000 people that mixes fabulous Gothic architecture, charming half-timbered houses, and contemporary bustle like no other in France. Rouen was a regional capital during Roman times and the second largest city in France in the Middle Ages. In the 9th century, the Normans made Rouen their capital, and William the Conquerer made it his home. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen in 1431.
Saint-Savin Abbey ChurchThis 11th-century Romanesque church is a World Heritage Site, thanks to its fine frescoes of bible stories.
Vézelay is known primarily for the Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, one of the largest and best-preserved Romanesque churches in Europe. Vézelay was a major medieval pilgrimage destination due to its claim to have the relics of St. Mary Magdalene. It was also the site at which St. Bernard of Clairvaux preached the Second Crusade.
Gamla UppsalaBefore the arrival of Christianity, this was one of the most important sacred sites in Scandinavia, with a large temple, human sacrifices, and fiery royal funerals. The first Swedish cathedral was built over the pagan temple in the 11th century.
GizaLocated just outside of Cairo, the Great Pyramids of Giza are the sole surviving Ancient Wonder of the World.
Great Pyramids |
The Sphinx
Hagia SophiaOnce a mosque and now a museum, Hagia Sophia began life as the most spectacular church in Christendom. It was the site of imperial and church ceremonies for centuries until it was plundered by Crusaders then converted by the Turks.
Article |
Floor Plan |
Photo Gallery 
HavanaHavana is the lively capital of Cuba, with a population of 2 million. In Havana, as throughout Cuba, most sacred sites are Spanish-inspired churches, but African and indigenous forms of devotion also continue to thrive alongside Catholicism.
Havana Main Page |
Havana Satellite Map
HelsinkiHelsinki has a number of unique and interesting churches to explore. The Lutheran Cathedral stands in neoclassical grandeur over Senate Square, while the red-brick Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral brings a touch of Russia to the city. And then there is the Rock Church — a fascinating feat of modern architecture built almost entirely underground.
Helsinki Main Page |
Helsinki Satellite Map![]()
DublinThis chic capital city is home to three cathedrals, the famed Book of Kells and several interesting churches.
Hill of TaraAncient burial mounds and a standing stone with a beautiful view.
Mt. Croagh PatrickEach year, a million pilgrims and visitors make the trek to the top of this holy mountain to pray, do penance, or just enjoy the view.
NewgrangeThis fascinating burial mound is 5,000 years old and creates a stunning effect on the winter solstice.
Rock of CashelStriking hilltop ruins of a 12th-century royal chapel, cathedral and round tower, with fine high crosses in the churchyard.
Shrine of Our Lady of KnockIn 1879, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. John appeared at the parish church in Knock. Today, 1.5 million pilgrims visit the shrine each year.
Skellig MichaelFrom 588 to 1100 AD, this dramatic rocky island hosted the tiny beehive huts of hermit monks.
Ivolginksy DatsanThe small town of Ivolginsk in East Siberia is home to Russia's most important Buddhist monastery and a miracle — the body of the last Khambo Lama, who died in 1927, remains upright and undecayed today.
JerusalemWith land walked by prophets, apostles, and Christ, Jerusalem is the holiest city in Judaism and Christianity and the third holiest in Islam.
KandyThis city of about 100,000 is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. A World Heritage Site.
Krak des ChevaliersThis remarkably well-preserved Crusader castle looks almost exactly as it would have 800 years ago. It guards the only major pass between Antakya in Turkey and Beirut in Lebanon; it was built and expanded between 1150 and 1250 and eventually housed a garrison of 2000. The castle held out against several attacks, but was lost to the Mamluk Sultan Beybar in 1271.
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LalibelaLalibela is a sacred city for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, and is home to 11 remarkable rock-carved churches dating from the 12th century.
Article |
Photo Gallery
LondonLondon's many religious attractions range from cathedrals and synagogues to Hindu temples and Methodist sites, and its museums boast some of the most important religious artifacts and sacred manuscripts in the world.
London Home Page |
Map of Sacred Sites 
Machu PicchuKnown as the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu is perhaps the most scenic sacred site in the world.
MeccaThe holiest site in Islam and the main destination of the Hajj pilgrimage.
MedinaMedina, the "City of the Prophet" is the second-holiest site in Islam and also part of the Hajj pilgrimage.
MilanLeonardo's Last Supper and other great works of art are in Milan, as well as a spectacular Baroque Duomo, the finest of its kind. There are also a wide variety of lovely churches, a synagogue and some ancient Christian sites.
Mexico CityThe capital city of the Aztecs and of modern Mexico, Mexico City is full of religious sites. With Mexico City as a base, you can experience the most popular Catholic shrine in the world, marvel at several ancient pyramids and temples, and browse fascinating artifacts in the Anthropological Museum.
Mexico City Main Page |
Mexico City Satellite Map
MiletusAn important port city in ancient Greece that was visited by Paul on his third missionary journey. Ruins include a Temple of Serapis, a Byzantine church, an important inscription relating to Jews, and a Sacred Way to nearby Didyma.
MontecassinoThis small town about 80 miles south of Rome is the home of the monastery and relics of St. Benedict (480-543), the patron saint of Europe and the founder of western monasticism.
Monte Sant'AngeloThe Sanctuary of St. Michael the Archangel (Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo) is a sacred cave and popular Catholic shrine near San Giovanni Rotundo. Here the Archangel Michael is said to have appeared in 490, 492 and 1656 and to offer protection and answered prayer to anyone who comes to the sacred grotto.
Mt. AthosThe "Holy Mountain" is a hilly peninsula containing 20 Greek Orthodox monasteries. They are open only to male visitors with special prior permission, but cruises around the island are open to all.
Mount ShastaA beautiful mountain in northern California believed by Native Americans to be the center of creation. Today, it is a center of cosmic power for New Age devotees.
MoscowMoscow is home to an astonishing array of beautiful Russian Orthodox churches and monasteries, most of which date from the 15th and 16th centuries.
New OrleansHome to Catholic cathedrals, historic convents, Mardi Gras, and Voodoo.
New York CityNew York City is home to the largest synagogue in the world, towering cathedrals and other important sacred sites that serve its diverse population.
Odense - Skt Knud\'s DomkirkeBest known for its Hans Christian Andersen House, the town of Odense on Funen island is also home to Skt. Knud\'s Domkirke (St. Knud\'s Cathedral), the only purely Gothic building in Denmark.
OxfordFamous for its university, Oxford has played a significant role in English religious history. It is home to several beautiful churches and college chapels as well as museums and historical sites.
PalermoThis Sicilian city has been ruled by Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards, and its architecture reflects its varied history. Here you can visit lovely churches, creepy catacombs and an excellent archaeological museum.
PalmyraPalmyra was once a great and powerful Roman city as its impressive ruins attest. It is most associated with Queen Zenobia, an ambitious woman who took on the Roman emperor. Substantial ruins of the pagan temples of Bel and Baal can be seen here.
PersepolisFounded by Darius I in 518 BC, Persepolis was the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Examples of Persian art and architecture can be seen among the ruins.
PetraThe stuff of fairy tales (and Indiana Jones movies), Petra is a spectacular ancient city carved entirely out of the side of a mountain. Most of its buildings are temples and tombs, and some were later turned into churches.
RavennaMost people visit this central Italian city for its Byzantine mosaics — rightly so, for they are the finest outside Istanbul. The town itself is also a pleasant attraction, with old streets, many historic churches, fine shops and peaceful squares.
Rome and Vatican CityThe Eternal City has been an important political center and holy city since ancient times. Rome's long and rich history make it ideal for exploring the holy places of a wide variety of religious traditions, as well as the most important Catholic sites.
Roskilde CathedralRoskilde is an ancient city and the former Danish capital, and its splendid 12th-century brick cathedral is filled with dozens of tombs of Danish royals.
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Sainte-Anne-de-BeaupréA grand basilica and popular Catholic shrine to St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary.
Salt Lake TempleHeadquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) who also founded Salt Lake City itself.
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San FranciscoAs historical Spanish mission and modern-day home to a large East Asian population, San Francisco is home to a variety of great religious places from cathedrals to Chinese temples. The cosmopolitan city also has fantastic museums that include religious art from all traditions.
San Giovanni RotondoThis small town in eastern Italy centers around the shrine of St. Padre Pio, a Capuchin friar, mystic and miracle worker who died here in 1968 and was canonized in 2002.
SantarémHome to the Eucharistic Miracle of Santarem, a significant Catholic shrine and a popular side trip for pilgrims to Fatima.
Santiago de CompostelaThe traditional resting place of St. James the Apostle and a major pilgrimage destination.
SeattleThis cosmopolitan city is home to many cultures and religions, and offers visitors interesting sacred sites ranging from synagogues to Orthodox churches to Tibetan Buddhist temples.
Seattle Main Page |
Seattle Satellite Map
Sedona, ArizonaAn important site for New Age devotees, Sedona is believed to have several "power vortexes" that are sources of energy. The area also has spectacular scenery and Native American ruins to explore.
Seidnaya This hillside town 20 miles north of Damascus is crowned by a 6th-century monastery dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. It contains a miraculous icon said to have been painted by St. Luke, and attracts Christian and Muslim pilgrims seeking healing.
Sergiyev PosadOne of the most popular day trips from Moscow, Sergiyev Posad is named for St. Sergius, whose great monastery was founded here in the 14th century and still stands today.
Solovetsky IslandsLocated on the frontiers of northern Russia, Solovki is home to a 15th-century walled monastery, a 20th-century Soviet prison camp, and mysterious ancient labyrinths.
Serpent MoundSerpent Mound is a man-made earthwork in the shape of a long, uncoiling serpent nearly a quarter of a mile long. The head of the serpent is aligned to the summer solstice sunset and the coils also may point to the winter solstice sunrise and the equinox sunrise. Created between 1000 and 1500 AD for unknown purposes, the mound is now protected in a state park in Ohio.
SicilyStrategically poised between Europe and Africa yet belonging to neither, this island has been inhabited by the cultures of half the civilized world. Here you can explore ancient Greek temples and superb Baroque cathedrals all in one day.
SienaThis Tuscan city known as the manageable Florence is home to the shrine of St. Catherine of Siena, lots of great churches and one of the most impressive cathedrals in Italy.
St. David's CathedralNamed for an early Welsh saint, St. David's is the holiest site in Wales - in the Middle Ages, two pilgrimages to St. David's was equivalent to one trip to Rome. The stone cathedral is impressive, if a bit tippy, and set dramatically in a hallow near the sea.
Article |
Floor Plan |
Photo Gallery
StonehengeProbably most famous prehistoric site in the world, Stonehenge was used for sacred purposes as early as 2500 BC. It predates any known religion in the British Isles and much about its purpose and use remains a mystery.
Article |
Photo Gallery
St. PetersburgSt. Petersburg was the captial of Russia for more than 200 years and is the fourth-largest city in Europe. Like Moscow, St. Petersburg is home to a number of stunning Russian Orthodox churches and monasteries.
Syracuse (Siracusa)Of all the ancient Greek cities that flourished on the coast of Sicily, Syracuse was the most important. A formidable competitor of Athens, in its 4th-century-BC heyday it dared take on Carthage and even Rome.
TeotihuacánConstructed around 300 AD, this astonishing collection of pyramids was believed to be where the gods created the world. The stone pyramids are built on a massive scale and laid out according to astronomical alignments. In the 14th century, it became a pilgrimage center for the Aztecs.
TomarA pleasant Portuguese city in its own right, Tomar is a must-see for the Convento do Cristo, a Templar castle and monastery. A World Heritage Site.
Uluru (Ayers Rock)Uluru is a massive sandstone rock that is sacred to the Aborigines. It has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings.
Uppsala CathedralThe Domkyrka (Cathedral) of Uppsala is the largest cathedral in all of Scandinavia. The twin-spired, rose-hued Gothic structure stands nearly 400 feet tall and boasts an impressive Gothic interior. Inside are the relics of St. Erik, several notable tombs, and a small museum of ecclesiastical treasures.
VaranasiThe holiest city in Hinduism, located on the sacred river Ganges.
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// Venice
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VeniceA major sea power in the Middle Ages and a formidable force during the Crusades, Venice poured much of its wealth and plunder into its magnificent churches. Most notable among these is St. Mark's Basilica, which shows strong Byzantine influence in its rich interior decoration.
WittenbergThe most important city on the "Luther Trail," Wittenberg is the city in which Luther preached Protestant ideas and posted his famous
95 Theses that sparked the Reformation.
Belgium is home to many beautiful cathedrals, as well as several Catholic shrines and synagogues.
Sacred Sites List
The ancient home of the Viracocha and Inca peoples, and now to Roman Catholicism, Bolivia is one of the most traditional Indian countries in South America. Here visitors can explore ancient sun temples, examine miraculous statues of Christ and Mary, participate in colorful festivals, and even visit a witchcraft market.
Interactive Map |
Sacred Sites List 
Home to fascinating ancient First Nations sites, breathtaking cathedrals, Catholic shrines, and more.
Sacred Sites List
Home to a vibrant religious culture that combines Spanish Roman Catholicism, West African religion, and indigenous Indian traditions, Cuba offers a variety of sites of religious interest.
Interactive Map |
Sacred Sites List
Pyramids, tombs, hidden treasures and ancient mysteries... there is just something about Egypt. But the pharaohs are just the beginning — Cairo has mosques, Coptic churches and world-class museums, Sinai is an important Christian sacred site, and monasteries dot the desert.
Interactive Map |
Sacred Sites List
England seems to have just about everything: Protestant historical sites, world-class museums, Roman ruins, spectacular cathedrals, scenic abbey ruins, modern mosques and Hindu temples, prehistoric stone circles and more.
Sacred Sites List
Finland is home to a range of notable religious buildings, from Russian Orthodox-style basilicas and neoclassical Luthern churches to the latest in modern religious architecture.
Interactive Map |
Sacred Sites List |
Helsinki
With soaring Gothic cathedrals, serene medieval abbeys, Catholic shrines, and beautiful scenery, France is a popular destination for a reason.
Sacred Sites List
Evenly divided between Protestants and Catholics, Germany offers many sites sacred to each tradition, plus historic synagogues, Jewish museums, and a variety of other religious sights.
Sacred Sites List
With a vast array of biblical sites and sacred places, Israel constitutes a major part of the "Holy Land".
Sacred Sites List
The birthplace of the Roman Empire and Roman Catholicism, Italy has long been an important place. It is not surprising that it contains the best Roman ruins and some of the earliest and most beautiful churches you'll see anywhere.
Sacred Sites List
Japan is a fascinating mix of ancient tradition and modern efficiency. The home of Shinto (the indigenous religion), Zen and Pure Land Buddhism, Japan contains an astounding number of sacred sites worth seeing, many of which come with breathtaking scenery.
Sacred Sites List
Bordering the Red Sea and a close neighbor of Israel, Jordan contains a number of important biblical sites, spectacular desert scenery and the remarkable rock-carved city of Petra. It is also known for its peace and safety amidst the tensions of the Middle East.
Sacred Sites List
Thanks to its weather and culture, Mexico is a popular holiday destination. It is also home to the most popular Catholic shrine in the world and mysterious Mayan ruins.
Sacred Sites List
The Netherlands offers visitors many fascinating museums, including the Pilgrim Museum and Bible Museum, as well as many Protestant, Catholic and Jewish sites of interest.
Sacred Sites List
Home to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail as well as spectacular Catholic cathedrals and shrines, Peru is an ideal destination for the spiritual traveler.
Sacred Sites List
A beautiful coastal country with several Catholic churches and shrines.
Sacred Sites List
Home of the Russian Orthodox Church, which has a stunning style of church art and architecture all its own.
Sacred Sites List
Perhaps best known for its castles, Scotland is also home to romantic abbey ruins, old stone churches, museums, ghost tours, and the holy island of Iona.
Sacred Sites List
A firmly Catholic country, Spain is home to beautiful cathedrals and important Catholic shrines, as well as synagogues and mosques left behind by those less welcome.
Sacred Sites List
Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country and is home to one of the holiest sites in Buddhism, the Temple of the Tooth. Believed to contain a tooth of the Buddha, the shrine is visited by Buddhists from all over the world and great festivals are held in its honor. Sri Lankan popular religion blends elements of Buddhism, Hinduism and ancient concepts of gods and demons into a syncretistic religion of daily life.
Interactive Map |
Sacred Sites List
This scenic country contains important Catholic shrines, soaring medieval cathedrals and remote abbeys as well as important Protestant historical sites associated with Calvin, Zwingli and others. Synogogues can be found in most every Swiss city, and larger cities such as Geneva also have sacred sites of other faiths, such as mosques and Buddhist centers.
Sacred Sites List
Syria has been home to an astounding array of cultures and religions over its long history, from the Hittites, Canaanites and the inhabitants of Ugarit to the Romans, Christians (St. Paul was famously converted on the road to Damascus) and finally Muslims, who have been the majority since the 7th century. Given its heritage, it is no surprise that Syria abounds in fascinating religious sites: pagan temples dedicated to Baal and Jupiter; ancient monasteries and synagogues; and mosques, churches and shrines full of worshippers.
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Sacred Sites List
With glistening temples and sparkling waters, it's no wonder Thailand is such a popular destination.
Sacred Sites List
Roman ruins and mosaics, early Christian history and Muslim culture.
Sacred Sites List
Turkey has a rich history involving emperors, apostles, church fathers, crusaders and sultans and an unparalleled religious landscape to show for it.
Sacred Sites List |
Photo Galleries
This huge and diverse country offers a rich variety of sacred sites, including Native American sacred mountains, Mormon temples, magnificent cathedrals, Catholic shrines, major synagogues, Buddhist temples, meditation centers, and many more.
Sacred Sites List 
Axum (Aksum)
Bangkok
Copacabana
Cochabamba
Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Kyoto
Lisbon
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore
