Divine Wonders
The world is full of incredible temples built to honor ancient gods. Here are 20 you need to add to your travel bucket list.
1. Philae Temple, Egypt
Dating back to the 7th century BCE, travelers have been enchanted by Philae for thousands of years.
Yet it was almost lost to the world when the island that the temple stands on was flooded during the construction of the Aswan dam in the 1960s.
Warren LeMay, Wikimedia Commons
Philae Temple
Luckily, the Egyptian government joined with UNESCO to save the temple.
Using photogrammetry technology, each building was taken apart and then reassembled with excruciating detail on the higher terrain of Agilikia Island.
Frank Mason, Wikimedia Commons
2. The Pantheon, Rome
If you’re heading to Rome then you’ve got to stop by the Pantheon. The original temple was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus, but much of it was destroyed by a fire years later.
Jean-Christophe BENOIST, CC BY-SA 3.0 , Wikimedia Commons
The Pantheon
The front façade was all that remained of the temple until Emperor Hadrian rebuilt what had been lost around 126 CE. Now, it remains one of the most iconic buildings in Rome.
3. Hampi, India
Hidden among the hills of Karnataka lies Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s steeped in history.
Touring this complex makes for a unique adventure with 14 temples to explore, and more than 500 ancient monuments, bustling street markets, and scenic viewpoints that offer a glimpse into the city’s past.
Hampi
Hampi is full of marvels but some of the most notable include the Vijaya Vittala Temple, famed for its stone chariot and the vibrant murals in the Virupaksha Temple.
4. Seiganto-ji, Japan
Right next to the tallest waterfall in Japan is where you’ll find the enchanting Seiganto-ji temple.
According to records, the temple was built in the 4th century CE, after a monk named Ragyō Shōnin found the waterfall when he was looking for somewhere to practice his ascetic lifestyle.
Naokijp, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Seiganto-ji
As the tale goes, the goddess of Mercury, Kannon, appeared to Shōnin at the waterfall, prompting him to build the temple there.
Today, Seiganto-ji is the first site on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, which includes 33 Buddhist temples in Japan’s Kansai region.
5. Tikal, Guatemala
Though its set in the middle of a Guatemalan jungle, Tikal is home to some of the world’s most recognizable temples.
Archaeological evidence suggests the site used to be the capital of an ancient Mayan kingdom, though the temple structures are pretty much all that remain nowadays.
Kendall Rittenour, Shutterstock
Tikal
Tikal Temple I is one of the best-preserved structures. There are still ruins beneath the towering stairs that are waiting to be excavated, but until then, you can check out the Plaza of the Seven Temples, where the ancient Mayans used to perform their sacred rituals.
Andreas Wolochow, Shutterstock
6. Maison Carrée, France
You don’t have to go to Rome to see gorgeous Italian architecture. In the south of France is where you’ll find Nîmes, which used to be a Roman city. And the heart of Nîmes is Maison Carrée.
Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Maison Carrée
Maison Carrée, which means “square house”, is a stunning Roman temple and great example of Vitruvian architecture.
Its pillars are made from local limestone and are decorated with intricate carvings. They’ve stood the test of time, and the Maison Carrée is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world.
7. Temple of Hephaestus, Greece
Named for the ancient Greek god of blacksmiths and fire, the Temple of Hephaestus is also dedicated to his sister Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare.
The temple has has stood watch over the city of Athens for more than 2,500 years and continues to dazzle travelers from all over the world.
Temple of Hephaestus
Over the centuries, the temple has withstood countless dangers, from formidable earthquakes to bloody invasions.
The marble structure still shows signs of all it has overcome, but it is a beautiful remnant from the past and should be seen up close at least once.
8. Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for tranquility, head over to the Dambulla Cave Temple in Sri Lanka.
Renowned as one of the world's most exquisite temples, this monastery within a cave has drawn pilgrims to its sacred grounds for more than 2,200 years.
Lankapic, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dambulla Cave Temple
While the exterior of the temple may appear modest, adorned with only a towering 98-foot golden Buddha statue, it's the interior that truly captivates.
The temple is home to five sanctuaries, each one decorated with breathtaking paintings and 18th-century relics that tell stories from Sri Lanka’s rich history.
Lankapic, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
9. Ranakpur Jain, India
This temple is one of the holiest sites in Jainism. Each of the 1,444 columns in the 24 pillared halls of the temple are hand-carved from amber stone, and worth a visit for any traveler.
Banerjeedebasis, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ranakpur Jain
According to local legends, the temple was built in the 15th century, after a Jain businessman had a divine vision. Each pillar in the temple tell a unique story and the stone is engraved with images of animals and other intricate designs.
10. Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
Shimmering high above the city of Yangon is what may be the world’s oldest Buddhist temple: Shwedagon Pagoda.
It is said the Buddha himself inspired the creation of the temple, after he gifted two hospitable brothers eight strands of his hair.
Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Shwedagon Pagoda
The brothers carried the hair in a ruby casket and took it to the King of Yangon. The king built the gold- and gemstone-covered temple to be the tomb of the sacred hairs.
11. The Temples of Abu Simbel, Egypt
These massive rock temples were commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II, who had them built in honor of the gods Ra-Horakty, Ptah, and Hathor.
The temples were also meant to honor Queen Nefertari and Ramesses’ own divinity.
Warren LeMay, Wikimedia Commons
The Temples of Abu Simbel
Scholars still debate the precise age of the temples, with some saying it was built in 1264 BCE after Ramesses' victory at the Battle of Kadesh, while others think it was built later, in 1244 BCE after the pharaoh’s success in Nubia.
Either way, the temples were relocated from their original site in the 1960s to protect them from being lost during the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Emanuele Mazzoni Photo, Shutterstock
12. Santiago Baháʼí Temple, Chile
This beautiful Baháʼí Temple is unlike any other in the world. The architecture was inspired by Japanese bamboo baskets and the flowing movements of Sufi whirling dancers.
Jose Luis Stephens, Shutterstock
Santiago Baháʼí Temple
The temple is situated in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, offering breathtaking and serene scenic views for al who seek refuge here. The combination of stunning architecture and incredible landscape have it made it a peaceful escape for travelers from all over the world.
Carlos Figueroa, CC BY-SA 4.0 , Wikimedia Commons
13. Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, Thailand
Welcome to the most beloved temple in Thailand. This incredible building is made completely out of Italian carrara marble, leading many to call it the “Marble Temple”.
BerryJ, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram
In 1899, Prince Narisara Nuvadtivongs started working on designs for the temple.
It took 11 years to build the stunning structure, which features more than 52 Buddha statues and stained-glass windows depicting Thai angels.
Akarat Duangkhong, Shutterstock
14. Paro Taktsang, Bhutan
This beautiful temple is perched atop a cliff in the majestic Paro Valley. Called the “Tiger’s Nest”, it earned its moniker from an old story about the Buddhist master Padmasambhava reaching the site with a flying tiger.
Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Paro Taktsang
At the top of the cliff, Padmasambhava found a cave and meditated in it for three years. This is said to have brought miracles to the people in the surrounding area and spread Buddhims throughout Bhutan.
Nowadays, travelers will have to brave a challenging two-hour hike to reach the temple, but it’s well worth the effort for the amazing architecture and stunning views.
15. Kinkaku-ji, Japan
Also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-Ji is a haven for Buddhist pilgrims and curious travelers. The three-story structure is covered in gold leaf to prevent decay and features natural wood materials and several different architectural styles.
Jaycangel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kinkaku-ji
This Zen temple has stood tall in the face of devastating fires and multiple rebuilds. Today, its perfectly manicured gardens and serene ponds make it one of the most stunning temples in the world.
16. Bửu Long Pagoda, Vietnam
Bửu Long Pagoda is a tranquil escape away from the busy center of Ho Chi Minh City. In the heart of this incredible complex is where you’ll find the beautiful Buddhist temple Gotama Cetiya Stupa.
Bửu Long Pagoda
Gotama Cetiya Stupa is home to some of the world’s most famous relics of the Buddha. It’s where travelers can see ancient pearls and crystals that were thought to have appeared within the bones of the Buddha’s most enlightened followers.
Whether that’s true or not, you’re sure to be enchanted by the gorgeous turquoise pool and dragon-themed grand staircase that wait to greet visitors.
17. Borobudur, Java
Stretching 765 feet by 765 feet, Borobudur Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. In addition to the incredible scenery, visitors can see over 500 elaborate statues of the Buddha.
Borobudur
The temple lay hidden for centuries until it was discovered under a mountain of volcanic ash in 1814. Now, walking in it feels like an enchanting trip back through time.
18. Pura Beji, Bali
Pura Beji may not see as many tourists as popular temples like Besakih or Tanah Lot, but it still offers incredible sights for all who visit this sacred site.
DayakSibiriak, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Pura Beji
The architecture of Pura Beji is a good example of that found in northern Bali. The beauty is heightened by elaborate sandstone carvings that cover almost all of the temple.
Vines, flowers, and beautiful skies are some of the motifs visitors can expected to be enchanted by,
DayakSibiriak, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
19. Preah Khan, Cambodia
Angkor Archaeological Park is famous for its vegetation-covered temples, and Preah Khan is one of the most stunning. Its less busy than the popular Ta Prohm but is sure to wow you with its majestic columns, ornate carvings, and twisted ancient trees.
Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0 , Wikimedia Commons
Preah Khan
It’s best to visit Preah Khan early in the morning before peak hours—this offers the most peaceful chance to explore the temple and snap some cool photos.
Even if you can’t avoid the crowds, there are lots of serene viewing spots to enjoy this stunning structure.
McKay Savage, CC BY 2.0 , Wikimedia Commons
20. The Temple Of Heaven, China
This incredible temple lies just outside the Forbidden City and was constructed during the reign of the Yongle Emperor in the 15th century.
When it was finished, Ming and Qing dynasty emperors used the site to host annual prayer ceremonies for atonement and bountiful harvests.
Charlie fong, Wikimedia Commons
The Temple Of Heaven
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is lined with colorful pillars that each have their own unique story or symbol. All the symbols come together in beautiful homage to Chinese astronomy, showing a representation of the 28 Mansions of the Moon.
About 12 million people visit the temple each year, speaking to its status as one of the most stunning temples in the world.
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