These faith-inspired sites represent some of history's most important cultural, artistic and architectural achievements.
Located in Amritsar, India, the Harimandir Sahib (Abode of God), a.k.a Golden Temple, was completed in 1601 and is the holiest of Sikh shrines. The unique Hindu-style architectural design represents human brotherhood and equality: The three-story structure was built one level below the vast reflecting pool which surrounds it, representing humility, while its entrances face four directions to signify that all Hindu castes are welcome.
Jerusalem's Old City in Israel is home to several key sites held sacred by the world's three main monotheistic religions. The Dome of the Rock is revered by Muslims as the place from which the prophet ascended into heaven, Christians believe the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the Christ's birthplace, while Jews flock to pray at the sacred Western Wall (or "Wailing Wall") and Temple Mount.
Machu Picchu is a sprawling 15th century Inca religious complex in Peru, situated on a mountain ridge at an altitude of 2,430 metres. It is thought to have had great spiritual significance to the indigenous Inca people prior to Spanish conquest. Though only ruins remain today, many visitors claim they feel a deep spiritual connection while exploring the complex's many sacred areas such as Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows.
Standing as a natural icon of Australia's vast desert outback, Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock), is a massive sandstone formation located in a remote corner of that country's Northern Territory state. Measuring nine-point-four km around its base, the oblong-shaped monolith is a revered and sacred site to the local Aboriginal people, who reference it widely in their legends about the creation of Earth. The sole geological feature in an otherwise flat, arid corner of the continent, Uluru is believed to possess mystical powers, due in part to the dramatically varying colours it assumes with the changing angle of the sun -- from blood red to searing ochre and deep purple.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul is an historic Muslim holy site completed in 1616 under the rule of Ahmed I. Popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the cobalt-hued tiles adorning its interior walls, many visitors claim the massive vaulted interior prayer room evokes a deep sense of spiritual wonder, with its towering domes and intricate tilework. It is said that the six distinctive minarets that surround the main building are there to "poke holes in the sky so your words reach God."
Buddhism's most important pilgrimage site, Bodhgaya in Bihar, India, is home to the sprawling Mahabodhi Temple complex, along with dozens of smaller monasteries. Guests can visit the exact spot where the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment while meditating under a Bodhi tree, or take part in some of the many meditation and courses and Buddhist retreats on offer.
A city that could justifiably use the phrase holier than thou as its motto, Rome is home to a plethora of sites considered holy by the world's Catholics, not the least significant of which is the Sistine Chapel. Besides serving as the venue for centuries of papal sermons, the Chapel's cavernous interior is literally 'plastered' with iconic works of art, such as Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam and other inspiring works by the likes of Botticelli and Perugino.
