The world is like a beautiful global village where different people have different religious beliefs that define how they worship. These beliefs go a long way in bringing a sense of healing and spiritual development to those who participate in spiritual practices.
From Christianity to Hinduism, there are many different religious practices that different races from all over the world observe to find their inner peace and love from their creator. For those looking to travel the world in search of spiritual nourishment and fulfillment, check out below for 10 unique ideas for spiritual destinations around the world worth visiting.
10 Mount Sinai, Egypt
Believed to be the biblical location where Moses was given the 10 commandments by God, Mount Sinai is a popular destination in Egypt for pilgrims from all over the world. Sprawling at the foot of the mountain is the Monastery of Saint Catherine, which also attracts tourists with its stunning holdings of Byzantine art. This site is known to be the oldest Eastern Orthodox monastery in the entire world. It was built by the Greeks and features a library that houses ancient manuscripts.
9 Vatican City, Italy
Found in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is an independent city-state in Italy that functions as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic. Apart from being the home to the Pope, the Vatican is also a sacred trove that showcases the beauty and spirituality of the world. Its walls and buildings are characterized by iconic art and architecture that add to its grandeur. Inside, there is a museum that exhibits sculptures of members of the Roman Royal family.
8 Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Tucked away in a desert valley in the western part of Saudi Arabia, the holy city of Mecca is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the world. It takes pride as the origin of the Islamic religion and as the home to the Prophet Muhammad, who Muslims around the world worship as their Messiah. It plays host to the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which always welcomes Muslims from all walks of life. Apart from Muslims, people from other denominations aren’t allowed to enter the city.
7 Varanasi, India
Perched on the banks of the Ganges River in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is one of the go-to destinations for people looking for peace and spiritual growth. Also known as the spiritual capital of India, Hindu pilgrims from all four corners of the earth come here each year in search of salvation. There are those who bring their deceased here in order to perform the final send-off in a holy place, while others believe that taking a dip in the Ganges can cleanse them.
6 Jerusalem, Israel
Sprawling on a plateau between the Mediterranean and the Dean Sea, the Holy City of Jerusalem is a melting pot of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It also serves as the capital city of Israel and as home to a wide array of historical landmarks such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as well as the Dome of the Rock. Mount of Olives, which is a prime pilgrimage destination in the county, is found in the city.
5 Bethlehem, Palestine
Sitting about 10 km (6.2 mi) south of Jerusalem is another popular pilgrimage destination in the world, the city of Bethlehem in Palestine. Christians from around the globe come here to explore the Church of the Nativity, which is believed to be the Biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ. Die-hard Catholics also come here believing that worshiping at the Milk Grotto Church can sanctify their souls. Rachel’s Tomb and Saint George’s Church are other must-see sites for pilgrims venturing the city.
4 Mashhad, Iran
Acting as home to the iconic Imam Reza Holy Shrine, Mashhad is a beautiful city in Iran that is believed to be the holiest in the country. After the capital city, Tehran, this is the second-largest city and a popular tourist destination, thanks to its myriad of historical and religious attractions. Muslims come here to worship at the Goharshad Mosque, while art lovers come to marvel at its stunning architecture.
3 Paro Taktsang, Bhutan
Clinging on a cliff in the upper Paro Valley, Paro Taktsang is a sight to behold. It is a stunning monastery in Bhutan that sits approximately 10,000 ft (3,048 m) above sea level, offering panoramic views of the city. This sacred place is run by dedicated monks where many Buddhists from local and abroad come to worship and seek spiritual fulfillment. The monastery house beautifully designed temples with art, which adds to its splendor.
2 Lourdes, France
The town of Lourdes may not be popular among many vagabonds, but it is surely well-known to the Catholics. Many of this faith believe that this is one of the places where the Virgin Mary appeared before a peasant woman in 1858. It houses the famous Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes, a healing shrine where Catholics congregate throughout the year in search of spiritual elevation.
1 Borobudur, Indonesia
Built during the 8th and 9th centuries, the Borobudur Temple is among the world’s most spiritual and mysterious destinations that every pilgrim wishes to visit at least once in their lifetime. Nestled in the Kedu Valley, this site is considered the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a popular tourist destination in Indonesia. The temple also prides itself on being one of the seven wonders of the world.