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Religious tourism, contrary to what the term may imply, is far from being reserved to those who are of a religious bent.  In fact, many of the great sites of the various world religions are also amazing sites to see for those of us that lead a more secular life.  While the majority of those visiting will certainly be of the related belief system, there’s no reason that the rest of us can’t visit as well. 

Religion is a piece of our world’s history, shaping our laws, morals and other belief systems and establishing the bases of our modern social and governmental structures.  For this reason, it is not only important to preserve these sacred spots, but also for people to see them and attempt to understand why they have remained so important to so many people for so many centuries.

Here, I've gathered together some of the most important locations across a variety of religions.  If you happen to be out and about in the world, consider stopping through one or more of these and experiencing the beliefs of millions focused into one small place.

Cities 

Almost every religion has a city that is considered the most holy to its beliefs and history.  Though the cities themselves are modernized, the remains of the religions’ past are often all throughout these places and they tend to contain several important archaeological sites related to the religion.  Jerusalem, located in Israel, is one such city, being important not just for Judaism, but for Christianity and Islam as well.  It could well be considered the most holy city in the world.  Islam also has Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, as a city important to their founding.  For Catholics, in addition to the connection to Jerusalem, there is also Vatican City, a sub-city within Rome, Italy that has become so developed over hundreds of years that it is a tourist attraction worthy of an entire vacation.  For Hindus, one of the most ancient and holy cities is Varanasi.  This city is so important to the core of the Hindu religion that all denominations consider it holy, similar to the way Jerusalem sits within the realm of Western belief systems.  Other, smaller cities can also be considered holy places, such as Bethlehem, the city associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. Some more specific sites are contained within the above-listed cities and in other locations throughout the ancient centers of civilization.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Jerusalem, Israel

This is the church built atop where the body of Jesus Christ is rumored to have been buried.  Although no bones were found (and never will be, if you believe the Bible’s story), this belief has persisted over the years.  The church is said to be resting upon the place where Christ was crucified as well, marking it as two holy sites in one.

The Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) - Jerusalem, Israel

Often considered the most holy site in the world for the Jewish community, the Wailing Wall is supposedly the last remaining piece of the most holy temple in Jewish tradition.  Though it is not a piece of the FirstTemple, it is the oldest remnant of Jewish history.  People come from all over the world to pray at the wall and make their faith known.

The Four Sites of Buddha - Nepal, India

These four holy sites recount the journey of Buddha from his birth to his death and as he made his way to enlightenment.

• Lumbini, Nepal - This is the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha, who would later become known as the prophet Buddha.
• Uruvela (or Bodh Gaya), India - The place where Buddha first attained enlightenment, this is now a huge center containing many Buddhist and Hindu monuments.  There are plenty of museums, monasteries and other sites to see, including the famous MahabodiTemple.
• Sarnath, India - This is where Buddha was said to have given his first sermon after he reached enlightenment.
• Kushavati (or Kushinagar), India - Located near Sarnath, Kushavati is where Buddha was said to have settled down to live out the remaining years of his life.

Al-Aqsa Mosque - Jerusalem, Israel

Standing almost side-by-side with the Wailing Wall, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam.  It is located atop the TempleMount, above where the original First and SecondTemples are believed to have existed.

Ajanta Caves - India

Located remotely, though nearby the city of Maharashtra, this is one of the holy sites of Buddhism.  It consists of 39 caves that were once homes to Buddhists priests, temples and shrines.  Many of them are beautifully carved or decorated in murals depicting the tales of Buddha’s life or stories of the people who lived during the time they were created.

Kashi VishwanathTemple - Varanasi, India

The KashiVishwanathTemple is located in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi, resting along the sacred river Ganges.  A magnificent structure topped with golden domes, it is the most holy site for all Hindus, regardless of denomination.

There are hundreds of other holy sites, this list only touching on a few of the more famous ones.  Many of them are less related to the history of the religion, but that doesn't mean they’re any less amazing to behold.  Shinto and Buddhism in the Far East are particularly renowned for having some outstanding shrines and temples.  Christianity, Catholicism and Islam all have their share of places devoted to religious worship that were constructed by those who wished their buildings to give reverence to their God, and are therefore truly amazing architectural masterpieces.

I highly encourage anyone interested in history, religion or even just architecture to take some time out during any vacation and look for the places local to where they’ll be.  Check out some of these sites and always make sure to bring your camera, for these are wonders of the world created by the hands and hearts of men.

Religious symbols logo courtesy of AnonMoos via Wikicommons

The Western Wall photo courtesy of Sustructu via Wikicommons

Al-Aqsa Mosque photo courtesy of Sustructu via Wikicommons

AjantaCaves photo courtesy of Soman via Wikicommons