Since ancient times, temples were one of the most beautiful structures of architecture intended for worshiping gods, conducting rituals and religious sacrifices. The location of the temples, their size and shape are very diverse.
Beauty is one of the most abstract and subjective concepts, however, in the world there are such things with the monumental beauty of which no one can argue. One of these “things” are temples. We present you the top 10 most beautiful temples in the world with photos and descriptions.
10. Crystal Cathedral, USA
The most valuable in terms of cultural attractions are the most ancient religious buildings, miraculously preserved to this day. But at the same time, one cannot ignore the “collaboration” of religion and the latest trends in architecture.
The product of this synthesis is Crystal Cathedral in California. It was built relatively recently - in the 80s of the 20th century. The church consists entirely of several thousand glass blocks and resembles a four-pointed crystalline star.
9. Taj Mahal, India
The architectural masterpiece of the Muslim world. The Taj Mahal is a mosque-mausoleum combining elements of Persian, Islamic and Indian styles. During construction, translucent marble was used, which creates the famous effect of multi-colored illumination at different times of the day.
Also, frescoes and various inlays made of precious and semiprecious stones - malachite, agate, carnelian and others, are striking in their beauty.
8. Las Lajas, Colombia
Las Lajas is the most visited cathedral in Colombia, both by local Catholic parishioners and by many tourists. The highlight of the church is its incredibly beautiful location - the structure is located directly on the bridge over the Guitar River.
The history of this cathedral is of a "legendary nature": as described in some sources, there used to be a cave on the site of the church, which was notorious. And once, a woman with a deaf-mute daughter passed through her, and a miracle happened: the Mother of God healed the girl, and her mother painted a portrait of the Virgin on the wall as a sign of gratitude.
7. St. Basil's Cathedral, Russia
It would be a crime not to mention Russian Orthodox churches in our ranking. St. Basil's Cathedral is a visiting card of Russia, the most recognizable place in Moscow.
It is he who flaunts at all Moscow souvenirs, so it is very difficult not to recognize him. The cathedral is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
6. Sagrada Familia, Spain
The famous cathedral of the great Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi, which has already become the hallmark of Spain. These grand towers resembling ears of corn, every tourist already knows. An interesting fact: under the leadership of Gaudi, this temple was built for 40 years, but it has not been completed until now. According to some reports, the construction should be completed by 2026, but the locals have already managed to call it "the Cathedral, which will never be completed."
Versions explaining the reason why the church is not yet completed, a great many. Someone says that everything is to blame for the lack of funds for the construction, and someone explains this with the complexity and duration of the process of manufacturing stone blocks, which create a bizarre shape of the temple.
5. Church of Paraportiani, Greece
There are 365 churches on the Greek island of Mykonos, but the most beautiful of them is Paraportiani. The subtle beauty of these ancient snow-white buildings is emphasized by the clear blue of the Greek sky and sea azure.
This temple is not decorated with frescoes, stones and icons, but this only gives it a special holiness and religious severity. It is believed that it was this church with its streamlined forms that inspired Gaudi to create architectural masterpieces.
4. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican
St. Peter's Basilica is rightfully considered the largest Christian church in the world: it can accommodate more than 60 thousand people. At the same time, it is the largest central building of the Vatican. Legendary is not only the temple itself, but also the adjoining square, designed by the Italian architect Bernini.
In addition to him, such great artists and architects as Rafael and Michelangelo took part in the planning of the church. Inside the cathedral there are a huge number of sculptures, statues and altars, which together create an incomparable harmony.
3. Notre Dame de Paris, France
Notre Dame de Paris or Notre Dame Cathedral is the most famous architectural building in France after the Eiffel Tower. This cathedral is ranked among the five most popular pilgrimage centers, which is understandable: it contains the most important Christian relic - the Crown of Thorns of Jesus Christ.
The cathedral gained its fame, among other things, thanks to the famous work of the same name by Victor Hugo, which tells about the beautiful Esmeralda and the Hunchback of Notre Dame.
2. Hagia Sophia, Turkey
At one time, Hagia Sophia combined a mosque and an Orthodox church, but today it houses a museum. Hagia Sophia is an old temple of Istanbul, which amazes with the grandeur of its scale, rich decoration and luxury.
The synthesis of cultures is reflected in the architecture of the building: on its walls you can find not only Orthodox images, but also quotes from the Koran.
1. Temple of the Holy Sepulcher, Israel
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the greatest and most important shrine of the entire Christian world. This large religious complex is divided into several faiths: Ethiopian, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Coptic and Syrian.
This is the so-called Christian "Mecca", collecting pilgrims from around the world. It is in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher every year on Easter that the Miracle of the Descent of the Holy Fire takes place.
Faith in God pushed the greatest artists to create masterpieces of architecture that have become the legacy of our civilization. Being a non-religious person, you are unlikely to feel the divine, magical atmosphere of the temple, but this does not mean that this world of beauty is closed to you.
The beauty of the temple has simply incredible power, it can take root deep in our subconscious, changing it, making us feel this world differently.
