16 Amazing Religious Sites in Major Cities
Rome
Religious sites have often influenced the cities they are in and what has been built around them. Regardless of your religious affiliation (if you have one), these edifices to religion are beautiful works of art. Here are some of the abolute best.
Abbey of St. Paul Outside the Walls
Ostiense
Photo: Google
A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its ancient mosaics and the tomb of St. Paul, drawing both pilgrims and history enthusiasts.
Via Ostiense, 186, 00146 Roma RM, Italy
Basílica de la Sagrada Família
Dreta de l'Eixample
Photo: Google
Featured in 'L'Auberge Espagnole' (2002), the iconic basilica appears in various establishing shots symbolizing Barcelonas vibrant culture.
Carrer de Mallorca, 401, Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
Clignancourt
Photo: Google
Basilica known for its white domes and panoramic views of Paris. Attracts both tourists and locals for quiet reflection and sightseeing.
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
Blue Mosque
Sultan Ahmet
Photo: Google
Famous for its blue-tiled interior and magnificent architecture, still an active place of worship popular with both tourists and locals.
Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Duomo di Milano
Centro Storico
Photo: Google
Iconic gothic cathedral and symbol of Milan with stunning architecture and rooftop terraces. Attracts tourists worldwide and locals for religious ceremonies and cultural events.
P.za del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fukakusa Yabunouchicho
Photo: Google
Famous Shinto shrine with thousands of vibrant red torii gates, popular with tourists for hikes and photography.
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-0882, Japan
Meiji Jingu
Yoyogikamizonochō
Photo: Google
A Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, drawing both tourists and locals who enjoy its serene forested grounds.
1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris
NA
Photo: Google
A Gothic architectural masterpiece popular with tourists and history buffs; site of famous historical events and rich sculptural work
6 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore
NA
Photo: Google
One of the largest Marian churches in Rome, known for its opulent mosaics and ceiling, attracting religious visitors.
Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Roma RM, Italy
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Midtown East
Photo: Google
A celebrated Neo-Gothic architectural landmark attracting both worshippers and tourists for its stunning interiors and historic significance.
5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA
Saint Peter’s Basilica
Prati
Photo: Google
The largest church in the world with Renaissance architecture, Michelangelo's Pietà, popular with both tourists and locals, iconic Catholic pilgrimage site
Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
Duomo
Photo: Google
The iconic cathedral of Florence, celebrated for its stunning dome engineered by Brunelleschi and rich religious heritage.
Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Sensō-ji
Asakusa
Photo: Google
Tokyo's oldest temple, renowned for its iconic Thunder Gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street. Popular with both tourists and locals.
2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
Wat Arun
Photo: Google
Historic Buddhist temple known for its stunning riverside location and distinctive prang (spire). Popular among both tourists and locals for religious activities and sightseeing.
158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan
Sanam Luang
Photo: Google
Also known as Wat Pho, this historic temple is famous for housing the Reclining Buddha and being a center of traditional Thai massage. It is one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples, rich in culture and religious significance.
2 Thanon Sanam Chai, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Westminster Abbey
Westminster
Photo: Google
Historic royal church with significant British heritage, attracts tourists for royal weddings and coronations.
Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, UK