These are the 30 most beautiful holy monuments in the world

1.      St. Basil's Cathedral, Russia

Also known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this colorful church is found in Moscow's Red Square. Now acting mainly as a museum with occasional religious services, St. Basil's Cathedral is an unparalleled architectural curiosity.

With its Disneyland-like shape, onion domes and intricate design, the cathedral is probably Moscow's most intriguing and fascinating oddity.

2.      Church of San Andrés Xecul, Guatemala

This Catholic church is probably one of the most fun-looking and psychedelic religious sites in the world. The bright yellow facade, the striped dome and the colorful sculptures of humans, animals, angels and even fruit give the church a festive and jovial look.

This one-of-a-kind monument fuses Mayan, Christian and agricultural imagery, faithfully representing the local folklore and mirroring Guatemala's multifaceted culture.

3.      Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, United Arab Emirates

The ubiquitous white, geometric patterns and impressive domes give the mosque a look that is both timeless and modern. This place of worship situated in Abu Dhabi was designed by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky, and merges multiple architectural traditions, including Arab, Moorish and Persian.
Objects from all over the world were imported to embellish the mosque, notably chandeliers made of Swarovski crystals from Germany and the world's largest carpet from Iran. Gold, marble and semi-precious stones can also be found embedded in different parts of the monument.

4.      Paro Taktsang, Bhutan

Nestled in the Himalayan mountains, this superb gravity-defying Buddhist temple is one of Bhutan's most emblematic cultural sites. Located on a cliffside, the remote monastery is built around a cave that is known for having been Padmasambhava's meditation spot, the illustrious figure who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.

The temple's beautifully decorated interior is as captivating as the monument's awe-inspiring exterior, with its breathtaking view of the Paro Valley.

5.      Subotica Synagogue, Serbia

Built in the Art Nouveau artistic tradition at the start of the 20th century, the second largest synagogue in Europe is considered to be one of the most impressive renditions of fin-de-siècle architectural innovation in the Habsburg Empire.
The monument's central dome is a particularly avant-garde construction, entirely self-supportive and magnificently decorated. Evoking both Byzantine and Florentine architecture, this Serbian synagogue has combined many influences to create its own unique style.

6.      Wat Rong Khun, Thailand

Most famously known as the White Temple, this architectural masterpiece was designed by Thai visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who opened it to visitors in 1997.
Affiliated with Buddhism, the privately owned temple is a place for learning and meditation, and is filled with religious and spiritual symbols. Painted and sculpted creatures from Buddhist mythology contrast with depictions of pop culture figures such as Hello Kitty and Michael Jackson, making it all the more interesting.

7.      Akshardham Temple, India

This temple situated in Delhi is an important spiritual, cultural and architectural landmark for Hindus and Indians in general.
The temple's elegance can be attributed to the wide variety of Indian artistic inspirations it gathers and the purity of the materials with which it was built. Following strict Hindu architectural guidelines, the temple was forged exclusively with Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian marble.
The majestic monument is also home to delicate carvings of deities, life-sized elephant sculptures and an immense statue of Swaminarayan, the Hindu yogi and ascetic to whom the temple is dedicated.

8.      Sagrada Familia, Spain

Situated in the vibrant Catalan city of Barcelona, this Roman Catholic church beautifully blends Gothic elegance with Art Nouveau's convoluted shapes.
Although still unfinished, the extravagant basilica is considered to be a unique architectural treasure, with its monumental dimensions, magnificent stained glass windows and gorgeously crafted facades.

9.      Shrine of the Báb, Israel

This opulent monument is the holy site where the remains of the Báb, founder of the Bahá'í faith, are buried. Built at the top of Mount Carmel in Haifa and surrounded by luxuriant terraced gardens, the shrine's grandiosity is only made more evident by its surroundings.
The monument is a masterpiece in itself, with its sophisticated decorations, emerald green mosaics and immense peach-tiled dome that stands out against the blue sky.

10.  Al-Haram Mosque, Saudi Arabia

One of the Five Pillars of Islam stipulates that every Muslim must accomplish the pilgrimage to this holy site, also known as the Grand Mosque of Mecca. At the center of the gigantic edifice with magnificent architectural features stands the Kaaba, the black cube-shaped sacred building.
The site's unparalleled grandiosity is only magnified when an ocean of pilgrims flocks the place in earnest devotion during the annual gathering.

11.  Agios Theodori, Greece

Greece offers myriad treasures, and Santorini is a particularly popular one. The immaculate seaside town is home to Agios Theodori, most commonly known as the blue-domed church, a religious monument that has appeared in countless instagram pictures.
The chapel's lovely white belfry and its azure dome echoing the deep blue of the sea make it blend into its idyllic environment. The stunning view from up there also contributes greatly to the church's quintessentially Mediterranean charm.

12.  Holy Trinity Cathedral, Ethiopia

This solemn and architecturally eclectic monument attests to Ethiopia's complex history. Located in Addis Ababa, the Holy Trinity Cathedral was built to commemorate Ethiopia's liberation from Italian occupation. Soberly decorated, the monument is beautiful in its modesty. As the burial place of those who fought Italian colonization, the cathedral's secondary role as a memorial make it an edifice of both holy and historic prominence.

13.  Harmandir Sahib, India

Also known as the Golden Temple, this glorious monument is the holiest place of worship and most important pilgrimage site for Sikhism. Located in India's Punjab region, the temple's incandescent facades reflect in the surrounding water. The temple also has a pool in its center, in the middle of which is erected a sanctum with a gilded dome, marbled floor, and jewelled ceiling.
The shrine is an influential spiritual center for Sikhism, but welcomes people of all faiths within its holy walls, even offering vegetarian meals to visitors. 

14.  Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, France

This beautiful basilica can be found in the popular pilgrimage site of Lourdes in Southern France. The Roman Catholic church is built within the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where millions of people congregate every year in hope of a divine miracle.

Built on top of the rock of Massabielle, this neo-Gothic work of art blends seamlessly into its environment. An impressive mosaic of Pope Pius IX decorates the entrance, splendid stained glass windows adorn the facades, and a 300-foot-high spire rises among the trees. A celestial Ave Maria also resonates in the holy monument every hour, to the great pleasure of pilgrims. 

15.  Al-Aqsa Mosque, Old City of Jerusalem

Built on top of the Temple Mount, the mosque is considered to be one of the holiest sites in Islam. The immense monument is a reflection of the confluence of many architectural styles, including early Islamic, Byzantine and Romanesque influences.

The mosque's most iconic element is its dome, known as the Dome of the Rock, whose exterior is covered with porcelain enamel and interior decorated with 14th century motifs. Marble columns, elegant stained glass windows and elaborate mosaics are also among the mosque's many treasures.

16.  Borobudur, Indonesia

This 9th-century monument in Java is the world's largest Buddhist temple. Composed of nine immense piled platforms, both square and circular, the monument is a dazzling architectural curiosity.
A magnificent dome surrounded by 72 Buddha sculptures nestled in bell-shaped stupas lies at the center of the temple, among an awe-inspiring parterre of 504 silvery Buddha statues.

The pyramidal structure viewed from above also forms a gigantic tantric mandala, making the ancient wonder stunning from every angle. 

17.  Uzhgorod Synagogue, Ukraine

This Romantic-style edifice in western Ukraine draws inspiration from both Byzantine and Moorish architectural traditions. Pink marble, red ceramic and carmine bricks give the monument its beautiful and distinctive warm color.

Although the interior's elaborate Moorish ornaments were removed under the Soviet regime, the synagogue remains a cultural site of great beauty and importance for the Eastern European Jewish community. 

18.  Giralda Tower, Spain

Originally the minaret of Seville's Great Mosque during the Almohad dynasty, it now is the bell tower of the city's cathedral. Although undeniably a work of Moorish architecture, some Gothic and Baroque elements were added following the reconquest of Spain by Christians in 1248. A few centuries later, during the Renaissance, the tower grew taller under the heel of architect Hernan Ruiz, from 167 ft high to over 320 ft. The tower is now an emblematic monument in Andalusia, as a materialisation of the region's rich history. 

19.  Kiyomizu-dera, Japan

Built among unspoiled greenery on a hillside, the Buddhist temple offers a breathtaking view of the bustling city of Kyoto.

With its bright colors, multitude of shrines, and typical pagoda, the temple is a sublime, quintessentially Japanese sight. At the feet of the monument gushes the Otowa waterfall, the water delicately flowing into a pond.

This timeless symbol of ancient Japanese culture is even more beautiful in autumn, when the red leaves echo the pagoda's flaming colors. 

20.  Meenakshi Amman Temple, India

This extraordinary Hindu temple built on the bank of the Vaigai River in Southern India is devoted to Meenakshi and Sundareshwar, two significant deities in the Shaivite tradition.

Spread over 14 acres of land, the gated temple complex is in the center of the old city of Madurai. Its gopurams, the pyramidal multi-story towers found both at the entrance and within the compound, are artworks in themselves, wrapped in brightly painted sculptures narrating scenes from holy texts. 

21.  St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

The world's smallest state is home to one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. Named after one of Jesus's twelves disciples, Saint Peter, the Basilica is a renowned treasure of Renaissance architecture. The Cathedral is very much a work of art in itself, with its opulent dome and august facades. It is also home to a multitude of masterpieces from eminent artists, including the legendary Michelangelo. 

22.  Pura Besakih, Indonesia

This palatial Hindu temple complex is perched on Mount Agung, on the idyllic island of Bali. It's made of 23 distinct but complementary temples that progressively lead visitors to the main sanctuary, Pura Penataran Agung. The pyramidal structure is composed of six terraced platforms, all abundantly flowered, with flights of stairs ascending to the holy lotus throne. 

23.  Hassan II Mosque, Morocco

Located in Casablanca, the mosque stands on an elevated peninsula on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Since the monument is relatively recent, its architecture combines innovative modernity and ancestral tradition, with its top-tier sound system discreetly installed among traditional mosaics, arches and marble adornments.

Rising 689 feet in the air, its minaret is the tallest in the world, and possesses a laser beam at the top that glows at night in the direction of Mecca. 

24.  Angkor Wat, Cambodia

The largest religious site in the world has made a name for itself as one of Southeast Asia's most iconic landmarks, even appearing on Cambodia's flag.

Originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu during the Khmer Empire era, the 12th century saw the transformation of the monument into a Buddhist temple. Angkor Wat's architecture is rooted in Hindu symbolism, with the central sanctuary embodying Mount Meru, home of Hindu gods, while its enclosing concentric walls represent the surrounding mountain chains. 

25.  Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Turkey

More commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque, Istanbul's majestic monument is a real eye-catcher. The striking contrast between the round shape of its domes and the sharpness of its minarets give the monument a distinct look.

The mosque seems to glow with an azure aura, as it basks in the blue light that is radiated from its domes. The monument's interior is covered with cobalt-colored ceramic tiles and houses a beautiful fountain, matching the heavenly look of its exterior. 

26.  Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar

This towering stupa covered in gold plates and encrusted with precious stones is an intriguing sight to say the least. Also known as the Great Dragon Pagoda, this golden Buddhist temple is a holy site of great importance, rumored to be home to the relics of a few previous Buddhas.

As one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the world, the prestigious monument is associated with the oldest branch of Buddhism, Theravada, which includes many astrology-related rituals. 

27.  Westminster Abbey, United Kingdom

This Gothic abbey has long been associated with the British monarchy. The emblematic monument is where countless coronations, funerals and royal weddings have taken place since the 12th century.
Its architectural splendor, with its magnificent vaults, ornate nave, delicate carvings and imposing towers, is a reminder of the monarchy's golden days. 

28.  Sacré-Coeur Basilica, France

Perched at the top of the picturesque butte Montmartre, the Sacré-Coeur is one of France's most iconic religious monuments. Resisting traditional architectural influences that were popular at the time of its construction, the basilica instead boasts one-of-a-kind Romano-Byzantine features.

Its towering dome made of travertine stone also offers a stunning panoramic view of Paris. 

29.  Kotoku-in, Japan

The Buddhist temple situated in the Japanese city of Kamakura is famous for one specific thing: its gigantic bronze statue of Amida Buddha, a Japanese idol. The revered figure is portrayed in a meditative state and rises almost 50 feet high. The statue is also hollow, making it possible for visitors to see the interior of the ancient sculpture. 

30.  The Prophet's Mosque, Saudi Arabia

Built by the Prophet Muhammad in Medina, this mosque is the second most important holy site in Islam after the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Its green dome is an iconic feature of the monument, and is where Muhammad's tomb is located.

The elegant mosque boasts 27 other domes and 10 minarets, all octogonal at the bottom, square in the middle and cylindrical at the top.