Sacred Shrines Around the World
18 remarkable shrines revered by believers and admired by travelers.
This guide lists 18 sacred sites in the world's shrines , connected to 9 spiritual traditions: Christianity, Shinto, Islam, Bahá'í Faith, Korean shamanism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Druze and more. 3 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 shrines
Bahá'í World Centre, Haifa and Bahji
Tour the Bahá'í World Centre in Haifa with its garden terraces and Shrine of the Báb, then visit Bahji near Acre, the holiest Bahá'í pilgrimage site.
El Santuario de Chimayo
Pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico, the adobe chapel of healing holy dirt, visited by thousands walking there on Good Friday.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Walk the torii gate tunnels of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, head shrine of the rice deity Inari, on a mountain trail loved by pilgrims and travelers.
Guksadang Shrine, Inwangsan
Discover Guksadang shrine on Inwangsan in Seoul, the city's best known center of Korean shamanism, with the Seonbawi rock and active gut rituals.
Imam Ali Shrine, Najaf
The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf holds the tomb of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shia Imam. Visit its golden dome, seminaries and the Wadi al-Salam cemetery.
Imam Husayn Shrine, Karbala
The Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala marks the tomb of the Prophet's grandson and draws millions on the Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the largest on earth.
Imam Reza Shrine, Mashhad
The Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad is one of the largest Shia pilgrimage complexes in the world, with golden domes, vast courtyards and museums.
Ise Grand Shrine
Make a pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine in Mie, the holiest site of Shinto and home of the sun goddess Amaterasu, set in ancient cedar forest.
Itsukushima Shrine
Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, famous for its floating torii gate, and climb sacred Mount Misen on a classic Japan pilgrimage and day trip.
Izumo Taisha
Visit Izumo Taisha in Shimane, one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, where the gods gather each autumn and couples pray for good relationships.
Jongmyo Shrine
Visit Jongmyo in Seoul, the royal Confucian ancestral shrine of the Joseon dynasty, where the grand Jongmyo Jerye rite is still performed each May.
Medjugorje
Plan a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in Herzegovina, where six young people reported Marian apparitions in 1981, now a busy Catholic place of prayer.
Nabi Shu'ayb Shrine
Nabi Shu'ayb near Tiberias is the most sacred shrine of the Druze, honoring the prophet Jethro. Visit during the April pilgrimage festival.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima
Visit the Sanctuary of Fátima in central Portugal, where three shepherd children reported Marian apparitions in 1917, a major Catholic pilgrimage.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
Plan a pilgrimage to Lourdes, the Pyrenean Marian shrine where Bernadette saw the Virgin in 1858, known for its grotto, baths and candle processions.
Shah Cheragh and Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz
Visit Shiraz's mirrored Shah Cheragh shrine and the nearby Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, famous for morning light pouring through stained glass.
Shrine of Baba Yadegar
The mountain shrine of Baba Yadegar in Kermanshah is a major pilgrimage site for the Yarsan, a Kurdish faith also known as Ahl-e Haqq.
Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo
Namugongo near Kampala honors the Uganda Martyrs. Millions walk here each 3 June for Martyrs Day, one of Africa's largest Christian pilgrimages.