24 unique temples of the world, the sight of which takes your breath away
Some of these temples were built several centuries ago, others are the creations of modern architects. It took decades and even centuries to implement some ideas. Others needed only a few years. All these buildings have one thing in common — their architecture is unique, and this attracts millions of people, regardless of their beliefs.
We present to you some of the most outstanding places of worship from around the world in terms of architecture.
Milan Cathedral, Italy
This Gothic cathedral is the second largest Catholic cathedral in the world. A late Gothic wonder that contains a whole forest of spires and sculptures, marble pointed towers and columns. It took more than 500 years to complete the construction.
Holy Trinity Church, Antarctica
The Russian Orthodox Church was built in Russia in the 1990s, and then was transported to the Russian station in Antarctica. This is one of the 7 churches on its territory.
Taktsang-lakhang, Bhutan
This sacred place for Buddhists is located at an altitude of 3120 meters. The name of the monastery translates as "the nest of a tigress".
Sheikh Zayed Mosque, United Arab Emirates
The mosque can accommodate about 40 thousand believers, has 82 domes and 1000 pillars. And there is also the largest carpet in the world.
Hatlgrimskirkja Church, Iceland
The Lutheran Church in Reykjavik is the fourth tallest building in Iceland. It is located in the center of Reykjavik and is visible from any part of the city.
Temple of All Religions, Kazan, Russia
This unique structure miraculously combines a Christian cross, a Muslim crescent, a star of David and a Chinese dome. However, no rituals are held here, because this is not a functioning temple, but just a building that looks like a residential building inside. In total, the project provides for domes and other iconic elements of religious buildings of 16 world religions, including disappeared civilizations.
Lotus Temple, India
For the people of India, the lotus means purity and peace. This is one of the most visited buildings in the world.
Kul-Sharif Mosque, Kazan, Russia
The designers of the new mosque tried to recreate the main mosque of the Kazan Khanate, destroyed in 1552 by the troops of Ivan the Terrible.
Las Lajas Cathedral, Colombia
The Neo-Gothic cathedral is built directly on a 30-meter arched bridge connecting the two sides of a deep gorge. The care of the church is carried out by two Franciscan communities: one is Colombian, the other is Ecuadorian. Thus, the Las Lajas Cathedral became a pledge of peace and union between the two South American peoples.
Kamppi Chapel of Silence, Finland
It is intended for privacy and meetings. Services are not held in the chapel. Here you can escape from the hustle and bustle, enjoy peace in one of the busiest places in the capital and meditate in an ecologically clean space. Because of the appearance and materials, the chapel of silence is often called the "sauna of the spirit".
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, Slovenia
The church is located on the only island in the whole of Slovenia. To get inside, you need to cross the lake by boat and climb 99 steps.
Cadet Chapel of the Air Force Academy, USA
The unique design of the chapel is a classic example of modernist architecture. The magnificent interior combines several different areas of worship under one roof, including Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist chapels. Each of them has its own distinctive symbols, ammunition and its own exit.
Paoay Church, Philippines
It is one of the few preserved churches in the Baroque style.
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Australia
St. Patrick's Cathedral is the tallest and largest church in Australia.
Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Kizhi, Russia
The church was built in the traditions of Russian carpentry, that is, without nails. It is crowned with 22 domes, and its height is 37 meters.
Green Church, Argentina
The most ordinary Catholic church became famous thanks to the rich living decor of ivy, which turned the facade into an allusion to the biblical Garden of Gethsemane.
St. Andrew's Church, Ukraine
The church is located on a steep hill, offering a beautiful view of Kiev. According to legend, it was built on the place where St. Andrew the First-Called installed the cross. This is just one of the many legends that envelop St. Andrew's Church.
California Mormon Temple, USA
The huge building is made in a dazzling white color. And this color scheme is not accidental, because white is traditionally perceived as a symbol of purity and purity. Tourists and just curious people are not allowed inside the Mormon Temple itself, only members of the community can enter the premises of the sacred structure.
Crystal Mosque, Malaysia
It is located on an artificial island. The mosque is made of steel and glass, so it feels like it is made of crystal.
Dutch Reformed Church, South Africa
The church is located in the very center of the city, and this is the fourth temple built on this site. It is considered one of the best examples of the early Gothic style in architecture in South Africa.
Taung Kalat Monastery, Myanmar
Taung Kalat Monastery is located on the top of a volcanic plug that rises 737 meters above the surrounding surroundings near the extinct volcano of Mount Popa. There are exactly 777 steps leading to the monastery, and those who have reached the top are rewarded with a magnificent view. Mount Taung Kalat is known among the local population as the abode of spirits. People believe that dozens of spirits, the so-called Nats, live in the depths of an extinct volcano.
St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
It was built in 1555-1561 by order of Ivan the Terrible in memory of the victory over the Kazan Khanate. According to legend, the king ordered the architects to be blinded so that they could no longer build such a temple.
Stavkirka in Borgund, Norway
This church, built around 1180, is one of the most famous wooden churches in Norway.
Sagrada Familia Church, Spain
The church in Barcelona, built on private donations since 1882, is the famous project of Antonio Gaudi. The unusual appearance of the temple made it one of the main attractions of Barcelona. However, due to the complexity of manufacturing stone structures, the cathedral will be completed no earlier than 2026.
Keywords: Religion | Temple | Design and architecture | Spirit | Architect