Most Important Holy Places and Religious Sites
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome (Catholicism) A common misconception holds that Saint Peter's Basilica in the papal enclave within the city of Rome is the most important Catholic Cathedral. In fact, the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome is the faith's highest-ranking chuch and the seat of the Bishop of Rome, the pope himself.
Western Wall, Jerusalem (Judaism) Judaism’s holiest site is the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where the Second Temple stood until it was destroyed in 70 CE. The temple’s western retaining wall is preserved from this time and is regarded as the most important place to gather and pray.
Great Mosque of Mecca, Saudi Arabia (Islam) Islamic tradition holds that the faithful should pray five times per day while facing the Kaaba, a cube-like structure located at the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca. Considered by muslims to be the earthy house of God, the Kaaba and the Great Mosque surroudning it are the holiest places in Islam.
Shrine of Baháʼu'lláh, Acre, Israel (Baháʼí Faith) Popular, if still largely unknown in the West, the Baháʼí Faith teaches openness and inclusion. Adherents find intrinsic value in all religious faiths and work towards harmony amongst all peoples. The Shrine of Baháʼu'lláh in Acre, Israel is considered the Baháʼí Faith’s most sacred site.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem (Christianity) Located in Jerusalem’s Christian Quarter, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is regarded by most Christian denominations to contain the faith’s two holiest sites: the place where Jesus was crucified and the tomb where he was buried and resurrected.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, India (Hinduism) Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, India is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. Widely considered one of the most important temples in Hinduism, it is set on the western bank of the River Ganges. Varanasi is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus.
Golden Temple, Amritsar, India (Sikhism) The Golden Temple in Amritsar is considered the faith’s most important house of worship. The immaculate temple is constructed from white marble and overlaid with gold leaf. It sits at the center of a large artificial pond ringed by a walking path.
Ise Grand Shrine, Ise, Japan (Shintoism) Shintoism originated in Japan and its practitioners find spirituality in all things. Shinto Shrines create a harmonious environment suitable to meditation and contemplation. The Ise Grand Shrine is considered by many as the faith’s most significant.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya, India (Buddhism) In mainstream Buddhism, the Buddha is considered a figure worthy of emulation rather than a deity. In Bodh Gaya near the banks of the Falgu River sits one of the most important sites of Buddhist pilgrimage in the world.