#1 Fangjingshan Mountain Temples, China
Located at the summit of the strikingly beautiful Fangjingshan Mountain in Guizhou Province, these Buddhist temples are a testament to human resilience and faith. Perched on steep cliffs, they seem to defy gravity as they overlook vast, verdant landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Fangjingshan Mountain is not just a place of worship, but also a popular destination for hikers, adventurers, and those seeking solace amidst nature’s grandeur.
The arduous trek to the summit is rewarded with a breathtaking panorama, making the site as much a pilgrimage for nature lovers as for devotees of Buddhism. The temples themselves are adorned with intricate carvings and serene statues, creating an atmosphere of deep spirituality and tranquility. This sacred site is steeped in legend, and its unique location makes it one of the most stunning religious landmarks in China, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
#2 Biete Giyorgis Church, Ethiopia
The Biete Giyorgis Church is the crown jewel of the eleven rock-hewn churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia, and is often hailed as one of the most remarkable feats of architecture in the world. Carved entirely from a single block of rock in the shape of a Greek cross, this monolithic church dates back to the late 12th century. Ethiopian tradition holds that the church, along with the others in the complex, was built under divine guidance after the local king, Lalibela, received a vision from God instructing him to create a "New Jerusalem" in Ethiopia.
The churches were carved from the top down, a process that still baffles modern architects and engineers due to its complexity and precision. Biete Giyorgis, in particular, is admired not only for its size—standing 30 meters tall—but also for its perfect proportions and the detailed carvings that adorn its walls. Surrounded by steep trenches, the church is hidden from view until you are almost upon it, enhancing its mystique and allure.
#3 Temple of Apollo on Naxos Island, Greece
On the serene Naxos Island in the Aegean Sea stands the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a site of immense historical and cultural significance. Constructed in the 6th century BC, this temple was intended to be a grand tribute to the god Apollo, but it was never completed. Today, only its monumental marble gateway, known as the Portara, remains. The Portara is a striking rectangular structure that rises alone against the backdrop of the sky and sea, providing a picture-perfect location for photography.
Despite its incomplete state, the Portara has become the island’s symbol and a popular attraction for both tourists and archaeologists. Naxos itself is steeped in mythology—according to legend, it is here that the god Dionysus met his bride, Ariadne, after she was abandoned by Theseus. Visitors to the site can also enjoy sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands, making the Temple of Apollo a perfect combination of history, myth, and natural beauty.
#4 Sumela Monastery, Turkey
Nestled high on a cliff in the Pontic Mountains of northeastern Turkey, the Sumela Monastery is a marvel of Byzantine architecture and a site of deep spiritual significance. The monastery clings precariously to the rock face, creating an awe-inspiring image as it overlooks the Altindere Valley. Founded in the 4th century AD, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and has long been a destination for pilgrims.
Legend has it that the monastery was founded after two monks had a vision of the Virgin Mary instructing them to build a church at the site. The monastery’s remote location has made it a symbol of endurance, having withstood invasions, natural disasters, and the test of time. Its interior is adorned with vivid frescoes that depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the Byzantine period. Visitors today can explore the monastery’s chapels, kitchens, and libraries while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
#5 San Michele Monastery, Italy
Perched atop Mount Pirchiriano in the southern Susa Valley of northern Italy, the San Michele Monastery stands as a beacon of spiritual and historical significance. This ancient monastery, dating back to the late 10th century, is a stunning example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Its strategic position, overlooking the valley below, has made it a landmark for centuries, inspiring writers, artists, and pilgrims alike.
The monastery’s architecture is both grand and imposing, with towering stone walls, narrow passageways, and steep staircases leading to its highest points. Visitors are drawn to San Michele not only for its architectural beauty but also for its rich history, which is interwoven with legend and myth. According to one story, the monastery was built to honor a vision of the Archangel Michael. The view from the monastery is nothing short of spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Alps and the surrounding countryside. For centuries, this site has served as a place of worship, reflection, and pilgrimage.
#6 Temple Theatre of San Nicola, Italy
Located in the heart of Italy, the Temple Theatre of San Nicola is an archaeological gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world. This site combines the remains of an ancient Greek temple with those of a Roman theater, illustrating the cultural and architectural fusion that took place during antiquity. The temple, which dates back to the 4th century BC, was dedicated to a local deity and features imposing columns and intricately carved stonework.
Nearby, the Roman theater, built on the same site, showcases the ingenuity of Roman engineering, with its tiered seating and acoustically perfect design. The theater’s hilltop location offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, making it not only a place of historical interest but also a spot of natural beauty. Discovered only recently, this site has become a destination for archaeologists and tourists eager to explore the blending of Greek and Roman influences that shaped Italy’s past.
#7 Sacred Heart Basilica, Barcelona
Standing atop Mount Tibidabo at an elevation of 520 meters, the Sacred Heart Basilica is a relatively modern yet majestic church that dominates the skyline of Barcelona. Completed in 1961, this basilica was designed in the Neo-Gothic style, with its towering spires, intricate stone carvings, and massive rose windows. Inside, the basilica features giant stained glass windows that flood the space with vibrant colors, creating a stunning contrast to the pale stone walls.
The church’s location on Mount Tibidabo offers some of the best views of Barcelona, with the city spread out below and the Mediterranean Sea visible in the distance. In addition to its religious significance, the Sacred Heart Basilica has become a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque setting and impressive architectural details. The church is crowned by a large bronze statue of Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, symbolizing peace and protection over the city.
#8 Las Lajas, Colombia
Las Lajas Sanctuary is a marvel of Gothic Revival architecture, perched dramatically over a deep canyon in southern Colombia, near the Ecuadorian border. Built between 1916 and 1949, the church appears to be suspended in midair as it spans the canyon with a bridge connecting it to the other side. The church’s intricate facade is adorned with spires, arches, and detailed stone carvings that make it look like a castle from a fairy tale. Inside, visitors are greeted by colorful stained glass windows and religious artwork that reflects the church’s Catholic heritage.
The sanctuary was constructed to commemorate an apparition of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared to a local woman and her daughter in the mid-18th century. Today, the church is a major pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its beauty and pay their respects to the Virgin Mary.
#9 Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, Colombia
Deep within an abandoned salt mine in Zipaquira, Colombia, lies the extraordinary Salt Cathedral, a subterranean marvel that is unlike any other church in the world. The cathedral was carved into the mine’s salt rock and features intricate sculptures, altars, and cross carvings, all made from salt. The cathedral is divided into three sections, each representing the birth, life, and death of Christ. The main nave is illuminated by soft blue and purple lights, creating an ethereal atmosphere that adds to the sense of awe visitors feel when they enter the space.
The cathedral’s unique location and design have made it a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists. It serves as a powerful symbol of faith and human ingenuity, demonstrating how even the most unconventional spaces can be transformed into places of worship.
#10 Holy Trinity Church, Georgia
Perched on a mountain summit in northern Georgia, the Holy Trinity Church is one of the country’s most iconic religious sites. The church, which dates back to the 14th century, is a symbol of Georgia’s Christian heritage and national pride. Its remote location, high in the Caucasus Mountains, makes it a challenging site to reach, but those who make the journey are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The church’s simple yet elegant stone exterior is complemented by its serene interior, which features ancient frescoes and religious icons. While photography is prohibited inside the church, the structure itself and its dramatic setting make it one of the most photographed landmarks in Georgia. The Holy Trinity Church has become a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists, drawn by its spiritual significance and its stunning location.
#11 Abuna Yemata Church, Ethiopia
The Abuna Yemata Church in northern Ethiopia is one of the most remote and challenging churches to reach in the world. Carved into the side of a steep cliff, the church requires visitors to climb a narrow, rocky path and traverse sheer rock faces without safety ropes to reach its entrance. Despite the perilous journey, those who make it are rewarded with a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
The church’s interior is adorned with ancient wall paintings that depict biblical scenes, and the view from the church, overlooking the rugged landscape of the Gheralta Mountains, is simply breathtaking. The church was founded by Abuna Yemata, a 5th-century monk, who is said to have chosen the location for its isolation and tranquility. Today, the church continues to serve as a place of worship, attracting adventurous pilgrims and tourists who are drawn by its extraordinary location and spiritual significance.
#12 Marble Mountains Cave Temples, Vietnam
The Marble Mountains in Vietnam are a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located just outside the city of Da Nang. These mountains are home to a network of caves, temples, and pagodas that have been used as religious sites for centuries. The most famous of these is Huyen Khong Cave, a large, open cave that houses a Buddhist temple. Inside, visitors can find altars, statues, and intricate carvings, all illuminated by natural light that filters through openings in the cave ceiling.
The Marble Mountains have long been a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, who come to pray and meditate in the serene surroundings. In addition to their religious significance, the mountains also hold historical importance, with evidence of their use as a hiding place during the Vietnam War. Visitors to the Marble Mountains can explore the caves, climb to the top of the hills for panoramic views of the surrounding area, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this unique site.
#13 The Golden Temple of Mount Laojun, China
At the summit of Mount Laojun in Hubei Province, China, sits the magnificent Golden Temple, a Taoist temple that shines like a beacon against the rugged mountain landscape. The temple, which is dedicated to the Taoist deity Laozi, is renowned for its traditional architecture, with sweeping eaves, ornate carvings, and golden rooftops that glisten in the sunlight. The temple’s location at the top of the mountain adds to its allure, offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The site is a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists, drawn by its beauty, spiritual significance, and the sense of peace that pervades the area. The Golden Temple has been awarded the highest rating by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, making it one of the country’s most important cultural and religious landmarks
#14 Assumption of Mary Church, Slovenia
Situated on a small island in the middle of Lake Bled, the Assumption of Mary Church is one of the most picturesque religious sites in Slovenia. The church, which dates back to the 15th century, is known for its romantic location, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the lake and the majestic peaks of the Julian Alps. Visitors can reach the church by taking a traditional wooden boat known as a "pletna" across the lake, adding to the charm of the experience. Inside the church, visitors can find a 15th-century bell that is said to grant wishes to those who ring it.
The Assumption of Mary Church has become a popular destination for weddings and tourists, drawn by its serene beauty and the legend of the wish-granting bell. The church’s island location and the surrounding natural beauty make it one of the most photographed landmarks in Slovenia.
