The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the pyramid in Egypt. It is estimated to have been built around 2600 BC and is 481 feet tall. It was built as a tomb for the Fourth Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Khufu. It is also a part of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and is the oldest out of them and is also the most intact one to date. For its historical, cultural and religious significance, the pyramid complex in its entirety was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Mont Saint-Michel is a French Commune located on a tidal island in Normandy, France. The Abbey was built in the 8th century by St. Aubert after receiving a vision of St. Michel. This is also why it is considered a Roman Catholic site. It was considered to be both a place of passage and fortress for the Duchy of Normandy because of the repeated conflicts started in the 14th century. Because of its unique location, it is only accessible during low tide. Pilgrims and locals would carefully make the journey from mainland France to the Abbey. Because of its tenability and its natural defensive embankments, the French had considered this to be an extremely important stronghold in Normandy during the Hundred Years’ War. This site is rich with historical and cultural significance which is also why it is an officially designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Tiger’s Nest or Paro Taktshang is a sacred Himalayan Buddhist temple complex located on the cliff face of the Paro valley in Bhutan. This location is sacred to Bhutanese and Tibetan Buddhists due to its rich history relating to the 13 Tiger’s Nest caves in historical Tibet where Vajrayana Buddhist practices were taught and studied by Guru Padmasambhava. This complex was built in 1692 where Guru Padmasambhava practiced and instructed students on Vajrayana Buddhism. He is credited with bringing Vajrayana Buddhism to Bhutan. Today, Paro Taktsang is one of the most well-known and famous of the 13 Tiger’s Nests where Padmasambhava studied and practiced Buddhism.
The Santa Maria del Fiore or Florence Duomo is a Roman Catholic church located in Florence, Italy. It took over 140 years to finish construction and is a major part of Florence’s renaissance history. It is an extremely important cultural, religious, and historical landmark in Italy. Because of its ornate decorations and gothic detailing or style, it is considered a relic of the past and serves as a reminder for a bygone era.
This is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar (Burma). It is one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels and is one of the holiest and sacred Buddhist temples in the world. It has a gilded stupa or a dome-shaped structure with a pagoda featuring remnants of the Four Buddha. It is typically visited during the night to enjoy and absorb the ambience of the atmosphere and view the spectacle that is the enormous golden pagoda shining in the night sky.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the most famous and most popular of New York City’s religion sites and locations. It is a Neo-Gothic Roman Catholic Church created in the 1850s to 1880s. It is situated in the heart of New York City on 5th avenue near many large skyscrapers. Due to the bustling nature of the city, the area is always incredibly busy but is especially busy during mass, weddings and other special events.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India is considered to be the most important place of worship for Sikhism. For those who are unaware, Sikhism is a Dharmic religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the world’s youngest major religions. Sikhism involves a strong belief in God and a willingness to perform good deeds and be a better person. Because of the architectural design choices made when constructing the temple, at dawn and dusk the reflection of light enhances and mystifies the appearance of the temple adding to its ornate allure.
The Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel is where the Second Temple, an ancient Jewish holy temple, stood until its destruction in 70 CE. The temple’s western wall has been preserved from that time and is considered to be the most important place for worship and prayer. Because of religious decrees in Judaism, entering the Temple Mount is forbidden. Interestingly enough in the plaza at the top of the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque are located which are important religious sites in Islam.
Pictured here is the Great Mosque of Mecca or Masjid al-Haram located in Saudi Arabia. In the center is what is considered by Muslims to be the House of God, the Kaaba. In Islam, it is required to pray 5 times per day facing the Kaaba. It is also required by Islam to make a pilgrimage to Mecca in what is called Hajj.
This is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. It is the second largest mosque in Africa and the seventh largest in the world. It’s minaret or the large tower is the world’s second tallest minaret standing at 210 meters or 689 ft. It is built right on the coast and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful mosque that is important to the people of Morocco and North Africa.
