Vatican City, the centre of Catholicism, is home to the St. Peter's Basilica, a pilgrimage site with breathtaking architecture. The site Halso features the Vatican Museums, which house Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and other art.
The holiest city in Islam is Mecca. It is home to Masjid al-Haram, the biggest mosque in the world, which holds the holy black edifice known as the Kaaba. Millions of Muslims travel to Mecca each year to perform the Hajj, a required religious rite.
The biggest religious structure in the world is Angkor Wat, located near Siem Reap. Currently used as a Buddhist site, it was formerly a Hindu temple. The complex is renowned for its elaborate carvings, wide moats, and striking architecture; as such, it serves as both a Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site and a symbol of Cambodia.
A well-known Hindu temple honoring Lord Venkateswara is located in Andhra Pradesh and is called Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Positioned atop Tirumala's Seven Hills, the temple is renowned for its elaborate design and draws millions of worshippers each year.
The birthplace of Buddha is Lumbini. His birthplace is the Maya Devi Temple located in the holy garden. A large number of pilgrims come to honor the Buddha's creator.
The Golden Temple, or Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism, known for its stunning golden architecture. It attracts visitors seeking spiritual solace from all over the world.
St. James's relics are kept in the church in Santiago de Compostela, the pilgrimage's ultimate destination. Visitors of many backgrounds are drawn to the cathedral by its historical significance and architectural design.
Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. There is the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO site that Asoka commissioned. Visitors come to meditate and learn about the history of Buddhism.
The most revered Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar is the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, which is covered in diamonds and gold leaf. Buddhists consider it an important pilgrimage destination because it has various relics, including hair strands from the Buddha.
Kashi, another name for Varanasi, is a major Hindu religious center and a historic city. The highly respected Kashi Vishwanath Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The holy ghats of the city beside the Ganges River draw pilgrims seeking spiritual purification.