The cathedral of St. Brigid is located in Kildare town, about 30 miles south of Dublin. Whether or not we accept those beliefs of a culture, I find it fascinating and enlightening to learn about the different cultures on our planet, their beliefs, and faith. Contributor: Patrick Muntzinger. Located in Paris, Notre-Dame is the most-visited attraction in France and the 13th-most-visited tourist destination in the world. Six school children allegedly saw the Virgin Mary appear in 1981 and claim to still receive messages from her to this day. It is not as accessible like other tourist destinations in the world though. In 1993 the Pope visited the Hill of Crosses, which made this place even more holy in the eyes of the Catholics from all over the world. Callanish Stones: Callinish Stones have been constructed roughly between 2900 – 2600 BC, i.e., about the same time when Stonehenge was being constructed. Espinar), Click here fore more photos of the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Community of over 2 million international travelers. ©2021 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. You can also take a guided tour with transport from either Siauliai or any other major city in Lithuania. At the site a guide meets you. The abbey has a fantastic location, built on a small peninsula which becomes an island with the high tides. 20 Most Famous Religious Places in India. Temple Timings: 4:00 am to12 noon and 3:00pm -10p.m Magic? This is the third holiest place in the world to Muslims, after Medina and Mecca. The stupa is crowned by four sets of peaceful yet watching eyes and is surrounded by a whopping 50 Buddhist monasteries. — Contributed by Elizabeth Rudd from www.compassandfork.com. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to the cave on the back of a tigress. Spiritual island town has been hidden underwater for many years, most of its history and size still untouched. Temple remains closed for 6 months during winters, Contributed by Suruchi Mittal from www.allgudthings.com. One thing that the natives never did was climb it – which is why tourists shouldn’t either. Required fields are marked *. Sulaiman-Too in the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan and it is one of my favorites in the world. The cost is €7 Euros and that will give you access to the megalith and the museum. The world’s 30 most spiritual places are below and separated by continent. But the travel (most commonly undertaken from Osaka or Kyoto, via train, cable car and bus) is actually a very beautiful journey and well worth it to visit the country’s spiritual center of Shingon Buddhism. Religion plays a significant role in most people’s lives and this is evident in the 10,000 distinct religions worldwide, of which 84% are affiliated to one of the five dominant religious groups. Hidden amongst three volcanoes in the Guatemalan highlands, the lake’s ecosystem blends characteristics of the mountain and tropical climate. 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. This article provides an incomplete list and broad overview of significant religious sites and places of spiritual importance throughout the world. It is said that this walk awakens the creative feminine power and unites it with their masculine strength. Also See: Top 10 most Muslim populated countries in the world List of Top 10 Major Religions of the World 2020 1. Travel has always been a part of her life; traveling to such places as Morocco, Tangiers and Spain as a young child as well as taking many road trips to Mexico with her grandparents as a young girl. Regardless, the Holy Ampulla now resides in its reliquary next door to the cathedral, in the Palace of Tau’s treasure room. There are so many who want to attend the true solstice at Newgrange that they gather at dawn to see this event. I don’t think it would even be possible to visit Jerusalem’s Old City without somehow being irresistibly drawn to the Western Wall. A replica of the Holy House was built in the early 20th century, and Walsingham once again became a pilgrimage destination. It is not as cheap as other pilgrimages but still cheap compared to international trips. He died at a young age and his body was not found after is death. About Blog World Religion News is here to talk about the world of religion in ways that will surprise, challenge, enlighten, entertain & engage you within a framework wired for a connected world. — Contributed by Brittany Kulick from  www.thesweetwanderlust.com. 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. Many visitors to Glastonbury also head for the Chalice Well, an ancient spring reputed to have healing and curative powers. The Badrinath temple architecture and convention of bright colors completely leaves one transfixed. Believed by many Christians to be the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection from the dead, believers from around the world gather here to celebrate His life and resurrection. While circumambulation around the main shrine; one too can find certain more idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Garuda, Lord Hanuman etc. Sacred Places of the World . Lake Titicaca straddles the border of Peru and Bolivia at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,500 feet). Pilgrimage is certainly one of the oldest and most popular motives for travel. Brought to Japan in 805 by Kobo Dashi, the Shingon Buddhist sect’s headquarters are based on this remote mountaintop. The walls to the Old City contain 11 ancient gates, but only seven are open. The Hill of Crosses is located in Northern Lithuania near the town of Siauliai. Do note that it is not possible to travel to these regions of Tibet alone. The Sanctuary is very big with a big Basilica, several Chappells, an Oak tree (where the Marian apparition occurred) and a big open space for people to pray. The site is at a rock that protrudes out of the middle of nowhere in the Fergana Valley of western Kyrgyzstan and offers some absolutely stunning views of the city and beyond. Harbhajan Singh used to operate in the military hundreds of years ago and he was dedicated to his profession and work. — Contributed by Elisa Subirats from worldinparis.com. (Photo by Alfonso N. Tappero), Click here for more photos of Bet Giyorgis, 14.) 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. Even the shape of the mountain is attributed to divine intervention, but due to a large number of religious sites found between the mountains, it’s considered to be the spiritual heart of Catalonia. From mountaintop monasteries to super-modern temples, these amazing places will make you believe. Faith? Sites are listed alphabetically by religion. Due to these events, a Sanctuary was built in this place, so Christians can pray to the Virgin Mary. Its history as a sacred … The walk is extremely popular. Not only that but one of the holiest places in the world for Christians, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, is very nearby. There are about 21 major world religions today and there exist a number of places which are considered to be the focal point and the center pieces of these religions. When visiting, remember how special a place this is for the Indigenous Australians. This ice stalagmite lingam is formed naturally, which is believed to wax and wane with the moon. The abbey is also a great place for architecture lovers, with different architectural styles from the IX century to its XIX century restorations. Unfortunately, a lot of it does seem quite commercial and tacky but it’s still an undeniably spiritual and powerful place to visit. Local shepherds who saw a bright light and heard holy music discovered the statue in the 9th century. Mount Saint Michel is one of the most spiritual (and most visited) places in France. Upon visiting, if you can tear your eyes away from the cathedral’s magnificent, centuries-old stained glass scenes and 20th-century chapel windows, you’ll notice two very plain, very special stones embedded in the main aisle. So dive in and tell us what you think, feel, loathe, love, hate, want to see more or less … According to statistics, 35% of all visitors of the temple are not Sikhs. There, take the cable car up the mountain, and finally a ten-minute bus ride from the top station into the town center. These solstice celebrations take place towards the end of September and are broadcast around the world. But I know one thing, when I got up from there, my heart was lighter than ever. The presence of faith elevates these spiritual places, making them more than mere stone or tree. According to tradition, a church was founded by Joseph of Arimathea – who helped bury Jesus Christ – on the site, and King Arthur was reputedly buried in the Abbey. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. The streets of Medjugorje are lined with stores selling souvenirs and Catholic artifacts such as rosary beads and prayer cards. Follow 52 Perfect Days on Since 2008, 52 Perfect Days has provided travelers with travel articles, photos and videos from destinations around the world. The cave has been considered a holy site since this time. There are countries, which become legends bearing the flag of a religion or a combination of religions. The site of the Lady Chapel at the Abbey, the easternmost part of the church and just beyond King Arthur’s supposed gravesite, is the most powerful location on the Abbey site, where two ley lines converge. #1 Vaishno Devi, Jammu & Kashmir: Jerusalem is one of my favorite cities in the world. Colloquially known as ‘Tirupati Balaji’, the Venkateshwar Temple is the richest religious site in India, and pulls in nearly 40 million people every year. When I visited with a group, we had a special ceremony in the garden where we sang and took communion together. From Siauliai there is a short (12 km) trip to the hill. Not many visitors to Nepal know that the Buddha’s birthplace is actually in Nepal and not India. That means the building was the witness of countless historical moments like the French Revolution. Alexa Meisler is the editorial director of 52 Perfect Days. — Contributed by Roxanna Keyes of www.gypsywithadayjob.com. 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 legends say that the statue of the Black Madonna (found today over the main altar of the Montserrat Monastery) was carved from wood by St. Luke in the 1st century. And nearby, is one of the most widely known holy wells of St. Brigid, where one can pray and sip the healing waters. 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. Medjugorje is a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not far from Mostar. (Photo by Macgreg), Click here for more photos of the Batu Caves, 9.) Check. Notre-Dame Cathedral is another tourist magnet and site of pilgrimage for Catholics. We cover all world religions from Agnosticism to Wicca & all religions in between. We stayed a few nights at Amantani island which we loved for the natural beauty and tranquility. Located in the region of Normandy, its proximity to the French capital makes Mount Saint Michel one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Their remote location and lack of accessibility provided the Monks’ refuge and protection at numerous points through history. Tears were flowing throughout this time & I didn’t know why. It’s one of the area’s most important spiritual sites, and is crowned by the ruined tower of the church of St Michael – and it’s a great viewpoint over the surrounding countryside, the Bristol Channel and the distant mountains of Wales. The Most Popular Pilgrimage Sites. There are several historical temples here, many of them offering a unique overnight experience to guests, including observation of the monks’ prayers, participation in meditation sessions and a traditional Buddhist vegetarian meal. (Photo by Dripta Roy), Click here for more photos of the Hagia Sophia, 5.) The pilgrimage begins at Chandanwari and reaches Amarnath Cave after 43 km of a trek with night halts at Seshnag Lake and Panchatarni camp. There is also a museum on the territory of the temple, where you can get an insight about Sikhism. Widely celebrated by indigenous people, the lake shores host many different traditional ceremonies, rooted in Mayan Cosmology, one of them being New Year’s celebrations. Walsingham became a pilgrimage site because of the apparitions In 1061. When you visit, maybe you’ll find religion, you may feel energy or connection. If you are an Indian, you can avail the government lottery system (happens every year) where they randomly choose a number of people for the pilgrimage. — Contributed by Danny Newman. Bagan temple is one of the 2 largest temples that is located in South East Asia, the other being the famous Angkor temples in Cambodia. I sat near the shore of the lake for hours. Marian apparitions are instances where people claim have seen the Virgin Mary, mother of God, in Christianity. 30 of the Most Spiritual and Sacred Places in the World, Amarnath Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, India, St. Brigid’s Cathedral and Perptual Flame, Ireland. Golden Temple or Sri Harimandir Sahib is the holiest pilgrimage site for Sikhs. And finally, site of moving art and architecture created to celebrate the glory of a higher power? A very important spiritual center and pilgrimage site, Lumbini hosts large monasteries from around the world to celebrate the teachings and life of the Buddha. After visiting the monasteries, travelers can make the hike back to the bottom while savoring the heavenly views. From mountaintop monasteries to super-modern temples, these amazing places will make you. In the X century, a group of Benedictine monks settled in this first sanctuary and make it grow to turn it into a major place of pilgrimage and culture in the Christian West. The best way to get to get to Walsingham is to drive. It feels like a moment out of time watching the sun creep through the opening and illuminate the interior of the tomb. Join a free guided tour or visit alone for a time of quiet contemplation. But it was in Kildare, where she performed her first miracle and built her church beneath an oak tree. Newgrange is Neolithic monument in Ireland’s Ancient East that was constructed about 5,200 years ago, making it older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. (Kildare translates to the church of the oak.) No visit to the city would be complete without visiting the Cathedral and walking around the historic center of the city. The latter one is more scenic. The fire was extinguished by Henry VIII, but it was relit in 1993, and still burns within the sculpture in the town square. Amritsar is well connected by train and bus network with other major cities in the north, which makes it convenient for travelers. peak. Described by travelers as powerful, visceral, and overwhelming, a boat ride along the ghats at dawn is something that no traveler ever forgets. You can bring your shawl or buy Amritsari famous orange scarf. Now, of course, the unfathomable location of these magnificent buildings is exactly what makes for such a profound, divine experience for any visitor. The site that is most meaningful to me is the Garden Tomb. A key attraction of Koyasan is Okuno-in, the site of Kobi Dashi’s mausoleum, located within a vast graveyard in the woods, the largest cemetery in Japan with over 200,000 tombstones. The best way to visit Medjugorje is to either self-drive or go on an organized pilgrimage. Significance: the most important site of the Char Dham, the four Hindu pilgrimage centres Nestled within the Himalayas, Badrinath is a sacred place of the god Vishnu. If you are going to hike to the temple, leave early as the trail gets very busy. 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. Travelers must climb a jungle staircase lined with monkeys and hidden shrines before arriving at the glorious golden Buddha at the 2,000ft. Afterward, I went and sat in the small chapel and balled my eyes out. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia - The Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá, Colombia is one of the most unique and otherworldly holy places in the world. Mary revealed 3 secrets to the children. It lies 538 Kilometres from Delhi. 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. This is where the monastery takes its name. It must be one of those life events that live in your memory forever. Just outside and below the temple, there is a Tapt Kund (hot water sulphur spring). Starting from cloakroom to langar (meal) that serves up to 50 000 people daily! The holiest place on earth to religious Jews, the wall looms above a large plaza that teems with people: locals and tourists. The complex consists of massive limestone caves filled with intricate shrines, a 140ft. It is also believed to be the birthplace of the first Inca king, Manco Capac, the sun god’s son. While you’re there you can visit Saint James Church, which holds regular mass services and has also been the location for some of the apparitions. There are a number of stories around the former event, the most incredible being that the oil used to baptize Clovis was presented by Heaven itself. Both of these sites are remarkable for their sacred history and geographical location. Whether or not this is the true site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection is insignificant. If you choose to come without taking a pilgrimage, the city is easily accessible by train or bus and also boasts its own airport. Spanish Synagogue, Czech Republic - Widely regarded as Europe's most beautiful synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue in Prague is one of those places where you could literally spend hours admiring the Moorish-style geometric carvings and paintings covering literally every square inch of the interior. (Photo by Thomas Willetts), Click here for more photos of Tiger's Nest, 17.) Annual visitors to Notre-Dame are estimated to number 13.7 million. So, site of miracles? There are many religious places in India for people with different beliefs. (Photo by Jose M. Cuesta), 7.) (Photo by Sebastian D. Caicedo), Click here for more photos of the Lotus Temple, 3.) Taking its place in the town of Santiago, the saint accepts everyone who is brave enough to find him in the labyrinth of narrow city streets. 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. I’ve visited the site on five different occasions, and it’s always one of the most moving parts of my time in Jerusalem, as I am surrounded by believers from all over the world. The shrine is located in the district of East Sikkim where pilgrims come from all corners of the world to seek his blessings. One can discover numerous sacred places that remain or visit a sinful saint of Maximon, a fascinating mixture of Mayan and Catholic religion. — Contributed by Megan Starr from meganstarr.com. (Photo by Nice Dalla-Valle). To see more images and details to the monastery and temple visits, check out this Lumbini post for more inspiration. It is a highly spiritual location for them – Aboriginal culture worships natural formations rather than man-made structures – and has been a focal point of local Indigenous life for thousands of years. The city’s cathedral marks the end of the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, which is a walking pilgrimage that dates back to the middle ages. This mountain is a holy place for 3 religions – Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism. Even in the daytime, the tall forest canopy filters the sunlight, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow. But that doesn’t mean pilgrims’ destinations are necessarily the most … The museum seen on the side of the mountain is actually a famous piece of Soviet architecture that was built in 1978 to celebrate the 3,000 year anniversary of the city. The origin of the lake is well known, attributed to the intrusion of a vast volcanic crater, but the source of its powerful energetic impact remains a mystery. There are hotels, a campsite and a hostel at the Ayers Rock Resort. Newgrange is a large circular mound, believed to have been a royal tomb. Once your ticket is purchased you take a short walk over the River Boyne to where the shuttle buses are waiting to take you to the site. Unfortunately, Walsingham is not easily accessible by public transportation. Christianity is one the first rank in the list of most popular religions around the globe with more than 2.22 billion followers which is more than 31.5% of world’s entire population. Tourists snap pictures, mostly ignored. Construction must have felt like a daunting prospect at the time. There are volunteers helping around the clock to run the operations. (Photo by Alce), Click here for more photos of the Spanish Synagogue, 11.) Glastonbury Tor was an initiation center for Druidic priests and priestesses around 4,500 BC, and the area was also home to stone circles, temples and fertility sites. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, An essential daily guide to achieving the good life. I don’t know but I want to go back again. It was build by Herod the Great with limestone in 19 BCE and completed in mid 1st Century CE. Jerusalem is one of the oldest & holiest cities in the world, home to important religious sites for Muslims, Jews, and Christians. It’s believed that later the statue was brought to Catalonia, where it was hidden in the Santa Cova (the Holly Grotto). While St. Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland, St. Brigid is the Patroness Saint of the country. It is a peaceful and pleasant place to visit even if you aren’t a believer. (Photo by Patrick), Click here for more photos of the Meiji Shrine, 6.) — Contributed by Natalia Shipkova from Mytriphack. As Mary instructed, Richeldis built a copy of the Holy House in Walsingham. The world’s 30 most spiritual places are below and separated by continent. (Photo by Soleilhac Marie-Laure), Click here for more photos of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe, 4.) Those features combined make it one of the most valuable religious buildings in the world. The Old City of Jerusalem became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. It is not uncommon to hear familiar hymns sung in several languages, uniting Christians in belief and song. Contributed by Somnath Roy of www.travelcrusade.org. Site of at least one high-profile martyrdom? The Montserrat Mountain is one of the major landscape features in Catalonia. Hindu people are expected to make a pilgrimage here at least once in their lifetime. This is the most important and halo endowed site in the entire Christendom. And the cathedral’s holy and regnal history made it the site of the coronation of each successive French monarch throughout the centuries. It is a place where communities unite together. Batu Caves, Malaysia - Located just north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are one of the most amazing sight in all of Asia. Every year the government plans a memorandum in his memory in the city premises. Travelers can explore this most unique of holy sites via winding tunnels and passageways dozens of feet below surface level. (Photo by Ignacio Izquierda), Click here for more photos of Basilica of San Vitale, 10.) Born in Paris, France she has since lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. One of the greatest spiritual places in the world is the shrine of Baba Harbhajan Singh in East Sikkim, India. Contributed by Claire Martin. When visiting these sacred sites, some may feel a connection with the divine, others might simply appreciate the history and some might admire the architecture. Perhaps the world’s most famous church, still under construction. The endpoint of the Via Dolorosa that winds through the Old City, It marks the spot where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried, and resurrected. Some of the most monumental structures ever made have had religious functions. (Photo by Gerard Decq), Click her for more photos of the Thikse Monastery, 16.) Since then, Mount Abbey has been visited by millions of pilgrims and (today) tourists and they are always fascinated by the beauty of its architecture and its spirituality. He was the head of the military forces operating in the area. Your email address will not be published. Christianity. Which of these 30 spiritual and sacred places in the World have you visited? Travel to Koyasan by train from Osaka to Gokurakubashi, changing at Hashimoto if a direct train is not available. I completed the last 113km of the Camino, walking from Sarria to Santiago. It is located at an altitude of 3,888 m about 141 km from Srinagar. Anything we missed? From mid-March through the end of October, there is also a tourist steam train that you can ride from Wells on the Sea to Walsingham. — Contributed by Kylie Gibbon of Our Overseas Adventures. Site of the baptism of one of Europe’s first great rulers? Bet Giyorgis, Ethiopia - Bet Giyorgis ("Church of St. George") is a 12th-century church carved directly into the rock around Lalibela, Ethiopia. Thank you! Thikse Monastery, India - The Thikse Monastery is one of the most spectacular yet least touristy monasteries in the Indus River Valley near Ladakh, India. We find the origins of this holy place in the VIII century, when Abbot Aubert received during his dreams the visit of Saint Michel, the Angels’ leader, asking the abbot to build a chapel in his honor.