Sacred Holy Sites Around the World
29 remarkable holy sites revered by believers and admired by travelers.
This guide lists 29 sacred sites in the world's holy sites , connected to 22 spiritual traditions: Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Aboriginal Australian spirituality, Māori religion, Catharism, Spiritism, Islam and more. 10 of them belong to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 4 are archaeological sanctuaries of ancient faiths. Each guide covers history, what to see, dress code, opening hours and the best time to visit.
Sacred sites in the world's holy sites
Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas)
Bethany Beyond the Jordan is the traditional site of Jesus' baptism by John. Visit the Jordan River pilgrimage site, its churches and ancient pools.
Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua)
Visit Cape Reinga, Te Rerenga Wairua, the sacred leaping place of spirits at New Zealand's northern tip, where Maori believe souls depart.
Château de Montségur
Climb to Montségur in the French Pyrenees, the last great Cathar stronghold, where more than 200 Cathar believers were burned in 1244.
Chico Xavier House and Spiritist Centers, Uberaba
Visit Uberaba, home of the medium Chico Xavier, whose house and Spiritist centers draw pilgrims from across Brazil seeking comfort and charity.
Christ the Redeemer of the Andes
Visit Christ the Redeemer of the Andes on the Argentina and Chile border, a peace statue at 3,800 m on La Cumbre pass, reachable in summer only.
Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado
Visit Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, the open armed statue and chapel above the city. Tips for the train, views and pilgrimage.
Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem
Visit the compound known as Al-Haram al-Sharif and the Temple Mount, home to the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, sacred to Muslims and Jews.
Gommateshwara Statue, Shravanabelagola
Climb Vindhyagiri Hill at Shravanabelagola to the 17 m Gommateshwara monolith, a great Jain pilgrimage, with Mahamastakabhisheka and visiting tips.
Guanabacoa, Havana
Explore Guanabacoa in Havana, a heartland of Santeria and Afro-Cuban religion with its municipal museum, casas de santo and drumming traditions.
Hill of Crosses
Visit the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, Lithuania, a pilgrimage mound covered with over 100,000 crosses, a symbol of faith and national resistance.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura
Visit Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, the oldest documented planted tree on earth, with giant stupas, Poya days and pilgrimage tips.
Kata Tjuta
Walk among the domes of Kata Tjuta near Uluru, a sacred site for Anangu men's law, on the Valley of the Winds trail in Australia's Red Centre.
Kirtland Temple
Visit Kirtland Temple in Ohio, the first temple of the Latter Day Saint movement, dedicated in 1836 and central to its early history. Guided tours offered.
Leshan Giant Buddha
See the Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan, a 71-meter Maitreya carved from a riverside cliff in the Tang dynasty and still a site of Buddhist devotion.
Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
Walk the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne, the Holy Island of Aidan and Cuthbert, a cradle of Celtic Christianity and site of the Lindisfarne Gospels.
Manhyia Palace, Kumasi
Manhyia Palace in Kumasi is the seat of the Asantehene and the Golden Stool, the sacred soul of the Asante nation. See its museum and Akwasidae rites.
Nag Hammadi and Jabal al-Tarif
Travel to Nag Hammadi in Upper Egypt, where the famous Gnostic library was found in 1945. A key heritage stop for students of early Christianity.
Nazca Lines
Discover the Nazca Lines in Peru, giant desert geoglyphs of animals and lines linked to water and ritual. See them on a flight or from viewing towers.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau
Visit Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau on Hawaii Island, an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge with a royal temple, carved kiʻi images and a great stone wall.
Saut-d'Eau Waterfall
Learn about Saut-d'Eau in Haiti, the sacred waterfall where Vodou and Catholic pilgrims honor Ezili Danto and the Virgin each July. Travel with care.
Sedona Red Rocks and Chapel of the Holy Cross
Visit Sedona in Arizona, red rock country known for vortex sites, the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Indigenous heritage. Hike gently and respectfully.
Shaman Rock, Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal
Visit Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island in Lake Baikal, one of the holiest places of Buryat shamanism and Tengrism, wrapped in ribbons and prayer posts.
Temple Square, Salt Lake City
Visit Temple Square in Salt Lake City, spiritual heart of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with gardens, the Tabernacle and choir.
Tenda Espirita Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Birthplace of Umbanda
Discover the Tenda Espirita Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Sao Goncalo, honored as the birthplace of Umbanda in 1908. Respectful visiting and pilgrimage tips.
Tenrikyo Church Headquarters
Visit the Tenrikyo Church Headquarters in Tenri, the Jiba where followers believe humanity began, and join a welcoming Joyous Life pilgrimage.
Ukonsaari Island, Lake Inari
Cruise Lake Inari to Ukonsaari, a rocky island sacred to the Inari Sámi as a sieidi offering place, one of Lapland's most respected sacred sites.
Uluru
Visit Uluru in Australia's Red Centre, a sacred monolith of the Anangu people, with guided base walks sharing Tjukurpa stories and desert sunsets.
Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
Visit Upopoy in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, a national center for Ainu culture where travelers learn about kamuy beliefs, ceremonies and the Ainu memorial.
Western Wall, Jerusalem
The Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City is the most important place of Jewish prayer. Visit the plaza, leave a note, and explore the tunnels.