Sacred Churches Around the World
10 remarkable churches revered by believers and admired by travelers.
This guide lists 10 sacred sites in the world's churches , connected to 2 spiritual traditions: Christianity, Judaism. 8 of them belong to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each guide covers history, what to see, dress code, opening hours and the best time to visit.
Sacred sites in the world's churches
Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion, Aksum
In Aksum, the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion is said to guard the Ark of the Covenant, at the heart of Ethiopia's holiest Orthodox city.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem marks the site of Jesus' crucifixion and tomb, the most sacred goal of Christian pilgrimage.
Coptic Cairo and the Hanging Church
Visit Coptic Cairo and the Hanging Church, built over a Roman gate, along with churches tied to the Holy Family and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Kizhi Pogost
Learn about Kizhi Pogost on Lake Onega, two wooden Orthodox churches and a bell tower built without nails, a masterpiece of Russian sacred architecture.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Visit Mission San Juan Capistrano in California, the jewel of the missions, with Serra Chapel, the stone church ruins and the famous swallows.
Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela
Lalibela's eleven rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia are a living center of Orthodox pilgrimage, especially at Genna, Ethiopian Christmas.
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira near Bogota, an underground church carved into a salt mine, with Stations of the Cross lit in shifting color.
San Antonio Missions
Explore the San Antonio Missions in Texas, a UNESCO World Heritage chain of Spanish colonial churches still serving parishes. Bike or walk the trail.
Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
Plan a visit to the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums, home of Michelangelo's ceiling and Last Judgment and the room where popes are elected.
Westminster Abbey
Visit Westminster Abbey in London, coronation church of English monarchs and shrine of Edward the Confessor, with royal tombs and Poets' Corner.