Famous monuments around The world
From mountaintop monasteries to super-modern temples, these amazing places will make you believe. We've gone through the tips and photos of more than a million travelers on minube to find these places which inspire, astound, and simply take our breath away. From the jungles of Indonesia to the valleys of Tibet, here at the 19 most breathtaking holy places around the world.
1.) Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar - Rising 100 yards above the city of Rangoon, Myanmar's Shwedagon Pagoda is, according to many travelers, one of the world's great wonders. The pagoda is famed for holding the relics of four Buddhas and savvy visitors should visit at night to enjoy the chants of the faithful, the wafting incense, and the great golden stupas shining in the spotlights. (Photo by Gerard Decq)
Click here for more photos of Shwedagon Pagoda2.) Lotus Temple, India - The city of New Delhi isn't exactly known for peace and quiet, but the stunning Lotus Temple, home of the Baha'i faith, is a true oasis of tranquility. Built in 1980, the flower-shaped temple is surrounded by peaceful gardens and a large interior space is reserved for people of all faiths to come and meditate. (Photo by Sebastian D. Caicedo)
Click here for more photos of the Lotus Temple3.) Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe Chapel, France - Southern France is dotted with scenic mountaintop churches, but none are quite as breathtaking as the chapel of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe. After climbing over 200 steps up a craggy volcanic rock, visitors find a wonderful 10th-century church and absolutely gorgeous views of the surrounding village. (Photo by Soleilhac Marie-Laure)
Click here for more photos of Saint-Michel d'Aiguilhe4.) Hagia Sophia, Turkey - What can we say about the Hagia Sophia? It's one of the oldest and most architecturally influential places of worship in the world. While it's famous for its awe-inspiring domes and Byzantine mosaics, the fact that travelers from all cultures and religions flock to behold her glories is what truly makes the Hagia Sophia special. (Photo by Dripta Roy)
Click here for more photos of the Hagia Sophia5.) Meiji Shrine, Japan - The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo originally built in honor of Japan's first modern emperor, Emperor Meiji. While surrounded by Tokyo's ultra-modern skyscrapers, the Meiji Shrine is nestled in over 150 acres of peaceful evergreens and is traditional favorite of Tokyo residents, many of whom come here to meditate, attend a traditional wedding, or simply enjoy the fresh air. (Photo by Patrick)
Click here for more photos of the Meiji Shrine6.) Abu Simbel Temples, Egypt - Though built by the famous Pharaoh Ramesses II over 3, 000 years ago, the Abu Simbel Temples and their stunning colossi are more famous than ever. The two temples of Ramses II and Nefertari were carved directly into the rock and their interiors feature gargantuan columns lined with hieroglyphics. (Photo by Jose M. Cuesta)
Click here for more photos of Abu Simbel7.) Ghats of Varanasi, India - Varanasi is the holiest of India's sacred cities and famous for its ghats, terraced areas on the river banks where the faithful come for ritual baths, washing, meditate, and even cremations. Described by travelers as powerful, visceral, and overwhelming, a boat ride along the ghats at dawn is something that no traveler ever forgets. (Photo by Beatriz)
Click here for more photos of Ghats of Varanasi8.) Batu Caves, Malaysia - Located just north of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves are one of the most amazing sight in all of Asia. The complex consists of massive limestone caves filled with intricate shrines, a 140ft. tall statue of the Hindu deity Murugah, and lots and lots of mischievous macaque monkeys ready to snatch a snack from unsuspecting tourists. (Photo by Macgreg)
Click here for more photos of the Batu Caves9.) Basilica of San Vitale, Italy - The Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy is one of the most important churches in early Christianity, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an amazing experience for lovers of art and architecture. The hypnotically colorful mosaics are some of only a few in the world that remain from the time of Emperor Justinian I. (Photo by Ignacio Izquierda)
