Wherever we travel, the monuments that are erected to the glory of a god (or gods) stand out as some of the most impressive architectural sights. So much energy, sweat, money and blood (literally) is often put into the construction of these magnificent buildings that they become not only places of worship for the faithful, but also places of interest to the passing tourist.
Here is just a small selection of images from the places we have visited over the last five years. While most of the world’s dominant religions are represented here, this exercise has made me aware that I haven’t visited a synagogue in recent years, hence the omission of such an example here.
A man prays at the Golden Temple of Amristar; the holiest site for Sikhs
The main basilica, Lourdes
Thousands of Catholic pilgrims take part every night in a torchlight procession, Lourdes
The holy city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The modern Notre-Dame-De-La-Treille cathedral, Lille
Women attending prayers, Umayyad Mosque, Damascus
Shrine of John the Baptist, Umayyad Mosque, Damascus (his head is contained within - one of 8 places in the world with this claim)
Banteay Srei, Angkorian temple, Cambodia
Modern Orthodox church, Baranavichy, Belarus
Golden Buddha, Wat Traimit, Bangkok
Buddhist prayers, Wat Traimit, Bangkok
Distributing alms, Wat Traimit, Bangkok
Mosque and church side by side, Beirut
Baha'i temple, New Delhi
Small mosque, Nowogrodek, Belarus
Simple chapel at the holy site of Iona, Scotland
Ancient Hindu shrine, Vat Phou, Laos
Palm Sunday in Orthodox Church, Madaba, Jordan
Jumeirah Mosque, Dubai
Lovely photos, Andy. It’s strange, I am always drawn to places of worship around the world but would never consider the many lovely churches n the U.S. as a tourist attraction. Perhaps it’s the old familiarity breeds contempt issue.
Thanks Barbara. I’m sure you’re right. We do tend to ignore the things close to home more than we should. Would be very interested to see some of the grand US churches – can only claim to have been to St Patricks in NYC really…
Here’s one that comes to mind in Orange County, California. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Cathedral