shrines

The holiest mosque in the world, the Haram Mosque has been much expanded from its original 7th-century form. Today it can accommodate up to 820,000 worshippers in air-conditioned comfort.

A Shinto shrine honoring Japanese soldiers killed in combat, Yasukuni also functions as a Japanese war museum.

The first Catholic cathedral built in the United States after the adoption of the Constitution, the Baltimore Basilica became a symbol for religious freedom in the new nation. It is also an important work of architecture designed by Benjamin Latrobe.

A historic and sacred bridge renowned for its beauty.

This Catholic church on Mount Zion with a unique tower commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary. It was dedicated by German Benedictines in 1910.

This hillside town 20 miles north of Damascus is crowned by a 6th-century monastery dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. It contains a miraculous icon painted by St.

Both a Christian and Muslim holy site, this Crusader-era chapel marks the spot where Jesus ascended into heaven after his resurrection. His footprint is imprinted in the floor.

This historic 7th-century mosque stands on a site that has been sacred since 1000 BC. It has medieval mosaics on the facade and a shrine to John the Baptist inside.

Built in the 7th century, this beautiful blue-and-gold shrine houses the rock from which the Prophet took his Night Journey into heaven. The rock is also associated with Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac in the Hebrew Bible.

Located in the town of Sayyidah Zaynab south of Damascus, the Shrine of Sayidda Zeinab is an opulent Iranian-style Shi'a mosque and shrine. It shelters the tomb of Sayidda Zeinab, the daughter of Imam Ali and granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

Shrouded in mystery and legend, Glastonbury Abbey is a highly atmospheric ruin on one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain. Its buildings are fine examples of Norman architecture.

This 13th-century church is the final resting place of St. Clare, the beloved friend of St. Francis and founder-abbess of the Order of the Poor Clares. It also contains important Franciscan relics.