Five holy places in the world. The most important sacred places on the planet (10 photos). Chardon archipelago in Karelia
Israel or the Holy Land is one of the world's cradles of civilization, which offers its guests an abundance of historical attractions along with modern, active life and modernized technologies. There is something for everyone here.
Israeli history is thousands of years, places, events and legends: you can study for years. We present to you a list that you can easily visit during one standard vacation. Find out what you must do in a country where they ride with guns on the bus, harvest two fruit crops a year in the desert and know how to have fun like nowhere else in the Middle East.
Jerusalem, Old City
“I want to finish the quarter without C grades”, “I wish my mother to get well”, “I dream of meeting love this year”, “Let there be no war” - in the notes that are put into the cracks of the Western Wall, they ask for different things. Even on the stones of the Kotel (as the Western Wall is called in Hebrew), the names of the sick were previously engraved in the hope of help from above. Faith in miracles still brings people here from all over the world. To get to the heart of the matter, take a guided descent into the underground tunnels of the Western Wall, where the spirit of the Holy of Holies of the Temple of Jerusalem can be felt. The Temple Mount is also a sacred place for Muslims. Here the golden Dome of the Rock sparkles and the first qibla in Islam rises - Al-Aqsa, comparable in importance to the shrines of Mecca and Medina. Finally, Jerusalem is revered as the cradle of the Christian faith. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher stands here, and for two thousand years pilgrims from all over the world have come to worship the site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
Garden of Gethsemane
In a small garden in the Kidron Valley, it gives you goosebumps even in hot weather. Just imagine: standing at the Church of All Nations in the very place where Jesus prayed on the night of his arrest, near olive trees that are more than 2000 years old! There are many other monuments on the Mount of Olives dedicated to evangelical events. At its foot are the Tomb of the Virgin Mary with a cave church and the Gethsemane Grotto, where drops of Christ’s bloody sweat melted the stone. Climb a little higher up the mountain to admire the Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene with icons and paintings by Vasily Vereshchagin and Sergei Ivanov.
Israel Museum
More than 500,000 exhibits! The Israel Museum in Jerusalem is famous for its huge collection of archaeological finds, objects of Jewish studies and ethnography, as well as masterpieces of Jewish and world art. There's everything from the Billy Rose Art Garden with sculptures by Rodin and Picasso to scrolls Dead Sea(aka the Qumran manuscripts with the most ancient biblical texts that have reached us) and the Model of the Second Temple, in which Jerusalem appears as it was in 66 BC.
Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem
The National Memorial of Holocaust and Heroism on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem is the largest Holocaust museum in the world. Be prepared for a deep emotional shock, without which it is impossible to understand Israel and realize the strength of the Jewish people, who truly know how to remember. Entrance to the memorial is free, only children under 10 years old are not allowed. However, some halls (for example, the heartbreaking “Children’s Memorial”) should not be visited by impressionable adults; it’s better to just watch “Schindler’s List.”
Tel Aviv-Jaffa
The most eclectic of Israeli cities, Tel Aviv proudly bears the title of “capital of Mediterranean delights,” which The New York Times awarded it a few years ago. Whatever attracts you - the secrets of ancient Jaffa or social gossip, museum treasures or luxurious beach holidays, evenings at the Opera House or nights in secret bars - you will not leave here disappointed.
Caesarea National Park
On Mediterranean coast 45 km north of Tel Aviv is located National park-reserve Caesarea. Beautiful city with a majestic fortress was built under King Herod in the 4th century BC; later the residence of Pontius Pilate was located here. And now it is not difficult to imagine what ancient Caesarea looked like: you will see a Roman amphitheater where concerts are held, the ruins of the Palace on the Reef, a hippodrome and aqueduct of the 2nd century, baths and statues of the Byzantine period and the remains of a crusader city of the 12th-13th centuries. Excavations are still underway, so it is likely that Caesarea still has something to tell. Here is one of best beaches Israel - Caesarea Aqueduct Beach: God himself ordered to take a couple of breathtaking photos at sunset.
Bahai Gardens in Haifa
A worthy contender for the title of the eighth wonder of the world is the Hanging Gardens in Haifa, a place of pilgrimage for followers of Baha'ism. 19 green terraces “flow” from the Temple of the Báb along the slope of Carmel to the Mediterranean Sea, and the staircase in the center is the “Way of the Kings”. Baha'is believe that one day the rulers of all world powers will ascend it to the temple and conclude eternal peace. Until that happens, do your part to maintain harmony: eating, drinking and making noise is prohibited within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enter the Bahai Gardens freely, just dress modestly, but the entrance to the Tomb of the Bab is open only to pilgrims.
Druze villages
The sacred texts and rituals of the Druze community are a closely guarded secret. We only know that they speak Arabic, believe in the transmigration of souls, wear unusual pants and, despite their secret ideology, are friendly with guests. About 120 thousand Druze now live in Israel, many in Golan Heights. And the largest Druze village - Daliyat el-Carmel - is located in the heart National Park Mount Carmel in the southeast of Haifa. What you must do here is to stop by the colorful oriental bazaar in the center and try the famous Druze pita with goat cheese and za’atar spice.
Galilee
Here are the birthplace of Jesus - Nazareth, the biblical Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee, or Lake Tiberias) and two of the four holy cities - Tiberias and Safed (the others are Jerusalem and Hebron). You can make sure that the description “a land flowing with milk and honey” is true in Galilee even today. Try flavorful cheeses or natural yogurt at the ALTO dairy farm on Kibbutz Shomrat, learn to bake honey cakes at the Ophir Alon family apiary, and reward yourself with a glass of wine where Jesus Christ extracted it from the water.
Dead Sea
Where can you read a book while lying on the waves, like on a sofa? How about wallowing in the mud with all your heart, so that you can also be praised for your healthy lifestyle? The Dead Sea is a case where it is so easy to combine business with pleasure. The main resort here is Ein Bokek, nearby are the Ein Gedi nature reserve, the Masada fortress, Mount Sodom and national park Qumran, where you can have an interesting time if you get bored with sun and mud baths. And hurry: every year the Dead Sea becomes shallower by a meter.
Masada Fortress
The history of the courage and love of freedom of the Jewish people is connected with the ancient fortress on the top of a 500-meter cliff in the lifeless Judean Desert. In the 1st century AD, Masada, to which a narrow path that still survives led, was the last stronghold of the Jews who rebelled against the Romans. The rebels withstood a three-year siege, but when the enemy began to gain the upper hand and captivity could no longer be avoided, the defenders of the fortress chose death over slavery. Having stabbed his comrades to death to save them from humiliation, the last survivor set Masada on fire and committed suicide. The story of the heroism of the 960 besieged sounds incredibly realistic even today. Moreover, the historical scenery has been preserved - the three-tiered Northern Palace of Herod, a bathhouse with a mosaic floor and frescoes on the walls, rock reservoirs with water and a synagogue. Today, it is here that Israelis take the military oath: “Masada will not fall again!”
Makhtesh Ramon
What is it like to stand on the edge of the largest erosion crater in the world? Makhtesh Ramon is a geological phenomenon: meteorites and volcanoes have nothing to do with it, this alien basin arose about 200 million years ago due to winds and rains. Bare numbers: the length of the makhtesh in the Negev desert is 40 km, the width is 2–10 km, and the depth is 500 meters. It’s not for nothing that Ramon resembles an elongated heart: it will beat faster here! For a powerful experience, go to the town of Mitzpe Ramon, there is a Visitors Center, Observation deck and an observatory. You can also drop by an alpaca farm - it is almost at the crater, notes Skyscanner.
Eilat
A resort paradise for those who want to take a break from the religious and historical Israeli impressions. The sun in Eilat received a permanent residence permit: beach season on the Red Sea lasts all year round, even in winter the water maintains a temperature of +25 °C. Sunbathe, swim with dolphins, master surfing and diving, and be sure to check out the stunning underwater observatory - Eilat is great for recharging!
Mini Israel
If you’re desperately short on time, but want to see all the interesting things, we’ll give you a lifehack: go to Mini-Israel. The miniature park in the picturesque area of Latrun, which is half an hour's drive from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, features almost 400 accurate models of Israeli landmarks on a scale of 1:25. The paths of the mini-state form a Star of David, and each of the six triangles symbolizes a city or region - Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Galilee, Negev and central Israel. The exhibition features 25,000 tiny inhabitants, 15,000 living bonsai trees and 4,700 cars. Everything here lives and breathes: at Teddy Stadium the fans make waves, the sounds of Isaac Stern’s violin echo through the Mishkenot She’ananim quarter, and when the sun sets over the Ayalon River valley, the lights come on in the small windows.
Russia is often called the holy land. Judging by the number of saints for representatives of different religions of places, then this is indeed the case.
1. Diveevo
Where is? Nizhny Novgorod Region, Diveyevo district.
What is holiness? Diveevo is called the Fourth Lot of the Mother of God on earth. The main shrine of the Diveyevo monastery is the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov. The Holy Elder invisibly but clearly consoles, admonishes, heals, opening the hardened souls of people who come to him to Divine love, and leads to the Orthodox faith, to the Church, which is the foundation and affirmation of the Russian land.
Pilgrims come to fetch holy water from 4 springs, venerate the relics and walk along the holy ditch, which, according to legend, the Antichrist will not be able to cross
2. Optina Pustyn
Where is? Kaluga region.
What is holiness? The Holy Vvedenskaya Optina Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Russia, located on the banks of the Zhizdra River near the city of Kozelsk.
The origins of Optina remain unknown. It can be assumed that it was built not by princes and boyars, but by the ascetics themselves, by calling from above through repentant tears, labor and prayer.
The Optina elders had enormous influence on the minds of people of various classes. Gogol was here three times. After visiting the Optina Hermitage, Dostoevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov” was born. Leo Tolstoy had a special relationship with the monastery (as, indeed, with the church in general).
3. Nilo-Stolobenskaya desert
Where is? Stolobny Island, Svetlitsa Peninsula, Lake Seliger.
What is holiness? The monastery is called the Nile Hermitage after the Monk Nile, who lived on the island for 27 years and bequeathed to build a monastery. In 1555, Neil reposed and was buried on Stolobny Island. After the death of the saint, prayer hermits began to settle on the island near his grave, and the monastery was founded by them.
Before the revolution, the Nilo-Stolobensky monastery was among the most revered in Russia; thousands of people came here every year. In 1828, Emperor Alexander I visited the monastery.
After the revolution, the monastery had a difficult fate. It managed to be a colony, a hospital, a prisoner of war camp, and a camp site. During archaeological excavations on the territory of the monastery, it was established that in the 18th century the largest workshop at that time for the production of pectoral crosses operated here.
Only in 1990, the Nilova Hermitage was again transferred to the Orthodox Church, and in 1995 the relics of St. Nil were returned here.
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4. Kizhi
Where is? Kizhi Island, Lake Onega.
What is holiness? Many people believe that Kizhi is a beautiful temple somewhere in the North. In fact, this is a whole reserve in which everyday life and unique wooden architecture are carefully preserved.
The center and main monument of the museum was the Kizhi churchyard with the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. It was founded in 1714 and built without a single nail or foundation. The most remarkable thing is that even during the Soviet years the shrine was not touched - they even left the iconostasis with one hundred and two images.
The entire Kizhi ensemble is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can get to the island in summer by rocket from Petrozavodsk and in winter along an ice track from the village. Great Lip.
5. Solovetsky Monastery
Where is? White Sea.
What is holiness? Even in pagan times, the Solovetsky Islands were strewn with temples, and the ancient Sami considered this place holy. Already in the 15th century, a monastery arose here, which soon became a major spiritual and social center.
A pilgrimage to the Solovetsky Monastery has always been a great feat, which only a few dared to undertake. Thanks to this, until the beginning of the 20th century, the monks managed to preserve a special atmosphere here, which, oddly enough, did not disappear over the years of hard times. Today not only pilgrims come here, but also scientists, researchers, historians
6. Trinity-Sergius Lavra
Where is? Moscow region, Sergiev Posad.
What is holiness? This monastery is rightfully considered the spiritual center of Russia. The history of the monastery is inextricably linked with the fate of the country - here Dmitry Donskoy received a blessing for the Battle of Kulikovo, local monks along with troops defended themselves against the Polish-Lithuanian invaders for two years, here the future Tsar Peter I took the oath of boyars.
To this day, pilgrims from all over Orthodox world people come here to pray and feel the grace of this place.
7. Pskov-Pechersky Monastery
Where is? Pechory.
What is holiness? Pskov-Pechersky Monastery - one of the oldest and most famous Russian monasteries. In 1473 it was consecrated here cave church Dormition, dug by the Monk Jonah in a sandstone hill. This year is considered the year the monastery was founded.
The hill in which the Assumption Church and the caves created by God are located is called the Holy Mountain. There are two holy springs on the territory of the monastery
The peculiarity of the Pskov-Pechersk Monastery is that it has never been closed in its entire history. During the interwar period (from February 1920 to January 1945) it was located within Estonia, thanks to which it was preserved.
8. Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery
Where is? Vologda Region, Kirillovsky district.
What is holiness? The Kirillo-Belozersk monastery is a city within a city, the largest monastery in Europe. The gigantic fortress has withstood enemy siege more than once - two cars can easily pass each other on its three-story walls.
The richest people of their time took tonsure here, and the sovereign's criminals were kept in the dungeons. Ivan the Terrible himself favored the monastery and invested considerable funds in it. There is a strange energy here that gives peace.
Next door are two more pearls of the North - Ferapontov and Goritsky monasteries. The first is famous for its ancient cathedrals and frescoes of Dionysius, and the second for nuns from noble families. Those who have visited the vicinity of Kirillov at least once return back.
9. Verkhoturye
Where is? Sverdlovsk region, Verkhoturye district.
What is holiness? Once upon a time there was one of the main Ural fortresses, from which several buildings remain (the local Kremlin is the smallest in the country). However, this small town became famous not for its glorious history, but for its large concentration of Orthodox churches and monasteries.
In the 19th century, Verkhoturye became a center of pilgrimage. In 1913, the third largest cathedral was built here Russian Empire– Holy Cross. Not far from the city, in the village of Merkushino, lived the wonderworker Simeon of Verkhoturye, the patron saint of the Urals. People from all over the country come to pray at the relics of the saint - it is believed that they cure diseases.
10. Valaam
Where is? Ladoga lake.
What is holiness? Valaam is one of two “monastic republics” that existed in Russia. The time of foundation of the Orthodox monastery on the islands is unknown. At the beginning of the 16th century, the monastery already existed; in the 15th-16th centuries, about a dozen future saints lived in the monastery, including, for example, the future founder of another “monastic republic” Savvaty Solovetsky (until 1429) and Alexander Svirsky. It was at this time that ships appeared on the neighboring islands. large quantities monastic hermitages.
Unlike the Solovetsky archipelago, where the owner is a museum-reserve, on Valaam monastic traditions have been revived almost completely. All the monasteries operate here, the monastery also performs administrative functions on the islands, and the vast majority of visitors to Valaam are pilgrims. Throughout the entire area of the island there are monasteries, “branches” of the monastery, about ten in total. The incomparable nature of the Valaam archipelago - a kind of “quintessence” of the nature of South Karelia - contributes to the pilgrim’s desire to move away from the bustle of the world and come to himself.
11. Pustozersk
Where is? Actually nowhere. Pustozersk is a disappeared city in the lower reaches of the Pechora, in the Zapolyarny region of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. It is located 20 km from the present city of Naryan-Mar.
What is holiness? Pustozersk was the place where Archpriest Avvakum lived in exile in an earthen pit for 15 years, wrote his life and was burned. Pustozersk today is a place of Old Believer pilgrimage and is revered by them as Holy place. A chapel and a refectory were built here, and there are memorial crosses.
12. Rogozhskaya Sloboda
Where is? Moscow.
What is holiness? Rogozhskaya Sloboda is the historical spiritual center of the Russian Old Believers. In 1771, the Old Believer Rogozhskoye cemetery was founded near the Rogozhskaya outpost; a quarantine facility, a hospital and a small chapel were built here.
Then, at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries, two cathedrals were built near the cemetery - Pokrovsky and Rozhdestvensky, the St. Nicholas Chapel was rebuilt in stone, houses for clergy and a clergy, monastic cells, six almshouses and many private and merchant houses were erected next to the churches.
For two centuries the Intercession Cathedral was the largest Orthodox church Moscow, accommodating up to 7,000 believers at a time.
By the beginning of the twentieth century, the number of Old Believers living in the vicinity of Rogozhsky reached 30,000 people
13. Great Bulgars
Where is? Republic of Tatarstan, 140 km from Kazan.
What is holiness? Bulgar, one of the greatest cities of the Middle Ages, is today an important place of worship for Muslims in Russia. In addition to the ancient ruins, what remains from Great Bulgaria is the village of Bolgari and the walls of a large mosque with a minaret from the 13th century. Across the road from the entrance to the mosque is the well-preserved Northern Mausoleum. To the east of the mosque is the Eastern Mausoleum.
The White Mosque is located near the entrance to Bolgar, at the South Gate of the Bulgarian Museum-Reserve. The architectural complex consists of the building of the mosque itself, the mufti's residence and madrasah, and the surrounding prayer area.
14. Aulia Spring
Where is?
Republic of Bashkiria, Mount Aushtau.
What is holiness? Aulia is translated from Bashkir as “saint”. This spring is believed to have healing properties. It flows for just over 30 days in late May and early June and attracts tens of thousands of people every year.
People bathe in it in the spring and drink the sacred water, which they believe can get rid of kidney stones, as well as treat respiratory and stomach diseases. In spring, the spring water is said to acquire its healing properties only after May 15th.
The ascent to Mount Aushtau consists of two stages: the first is to reach the sacred spring, the second is to climb to the top of the mountain, where there are three graves, which, according to legend, contain the remains of three Islamic missionaries from the city of Osh, killed in the 13th century by local residents. After repentance the same local residents Sheikh Muhammad Ramazan al-Ush and his companions were buried on the top of a mountain, on the slopes of which a sacred spring appeared
15. Mausoleum of Hussein-Bek
Where is? Republic of Bashkiria, 40 km from Ufa.
What is holiness? The mausoleum is located at the Akzirat cemetery. According to legend, it was built in the 14th century for Hadji Hussein Bek, the first imam on the territory of modern Bashkiria. The order to build the mausoleum was given by Tamerlane himself.
Not far from the mausoleum there are several tombstones with inscriptions in Arabic. It is believed that Tamerlane’s commanders were marked this way.
The Mausoleum of Hussein Beg is considered one of the most sacred Muslim sites in Russia. Just 10 km from this place there is another ancient mausoleum - the grave of Turukhan. According to some historians, he was a descendant of Genghis Khan. According to historians, Turukhan, like Hussein Bey, was an enlightened Muslim ruler.
16. Ziyarat Kunta-Hadji Kishieva
Where is? Chechen Republic, village of Khadzhi.
What is holiness? There are 59 holy burial places, ziyarat, in Chechnya. Ziyarat Kunta-Hadji Kishieva is the most revered of them. In the 19th century, the village of Khadzhi was the birthplace of the Sufi sheikh Kunta-Hadzhi Kishiev, a Chechen saint and missionary who preached zikr ("remembrance of Allah").
Near the place where Kishiev’s house stood, there is a holy spring, the water from which has healing properties. Those who wish can also visit the grave of Kishiev’s mother. It is located nearby on Mount Ertina, which the Chechens consider a sacred place.
17. Fortress of Qala of Quraish
Where is? Republic of Dagestan, 120 km from Makhachkala.
What is holiness? The mosque of the Qala Quraish fortress is one of the oldest mosques in Russia, it was built in the 9th century. Also on the territory of the fortress there is an ancient tomb and a museum.
The fortress is located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. Because of his appearance The Qala of Quraish is sometimes called the Machu Picchu of Dagestan.
The Koreish, or Quraish, were considered the closest relatives and descendants of the Prophet Mohammed himself, therefore Kala-Koreish, founded by them, turned into the most important center for the spread of Islam in the region.
By the 20th century, Kala Koreish had virtually become a ghost town. Nearby residents claim that in the 1970s, two women and one man lived in Kala Koreisha. These were the last inhabitants of the ancient city of the descendants of Mohammed.
18. Tuti-bike Mausoleum
Where is? Republic of Dagestan, Derbent.
What is holiness? The Mausoleum of the Derbent Khans - the only mausoleum preserved in Derbent - was erected in 1202 AH (1787-1788) over the grave of the ruler of Derbent, Tuti-bike. In addition to her, her sons are buried in the mausoleum, as well as Hasan Khan’s wife Nur-Jahan Khanum.
The ruler of Derbent, Tuti-bike, is a very significant figure in the history of Dagestan. In 1774, during the assault on Derbent by the Kaitag Utsmi Emir-Gamza, Tuti-bike personally took part in the defense, was on the city wall, controlling the actions of the artillery. During the siege of the city, she did not interrupt the prayer and, upon its completion, going out into the courtyard of the Juma mosque, where an enemy detachment burst into, killed their leader with a blow of a dagger. The legend says that the enemies fled, amazed at the woman’s courage.
In the immediate vicinity of the mausoleum is Kyrkhlyar (“forty” in Turkic). This is the burial place of Islamic martyrs.
19. Mausoleum of Borg-Kash
Where is? The mausoleum is located on the northwestern outskirts of the modern rural settlement of Plievo, Nazran district of the Republic of Ingushetia, on the left hilly bank of the Sunzha, which is a spur of the Sunzhensky ridge.
What is holiness? Historians still disagree about how and why this mausoleum was built.
Borga-Kash is translated as "Borgan's grave". According to one version, the mausoleum was the tomb of Burakan Beksultan, one of the main leaders of the Ingush in the fight against Timur’s troops, who invaded local lands in 1395. Burakan did not die in the war with Timur, but died ten years later, which corresponds to the time the mausoleum was built
The 600-year-old mausoleum is an important place of pilgrimage and one of the most valuable Ingush historical monuments. To this day, inscriptions in Arabic have been preserved on the mausoleum building.
20. Ivolginsky datsan
Where is? Republic of Buryatia, village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga. 30 km from Ula-Ude.
What is holiness? Ivolginsky datsan is the main datsan of Russia, the residence of Pandito Khambo Lama - the Head of the Buddhist traditional Sangha of Russia, a large Buddhist monastery complex, a historical and architectural monument.
In the Ivolginsky datsan there is the body of one of the main ascetics of Buddhism of the twentieth century, the head of the Buddhists of Siberia in 1911-1917, Khambo Lama Itigelov. In 1927, he sat in the lotus position, gathered his disciples and told them to read a prayer of good wishes for the deceased, after which, according to Buddhist beliefs, the lama went into a state of samadhi.
He was buried in a cedar cube in the same lotus position, bequeathing before his departure to dig up the sarcophagus 30 years later. In 1955, the cube was lifted. The body of Hambo Lama turned out to be incorrupt, and analyzes carried out by scientists already in 2000 showed that the protein fractions have intravital characteristics, and the concentration of bromine is 40 times higher than the norm.
Right here, in Ivolginsky Datsan, you can see a magic stone. Near it there is an inscription: “According to legend, it was this stone that Nogoon Dari Ehe (Green Tara) touched and left the imprint of her brush on it.
21. Nilovsky datsan
Where is? In the Tunka Valley, 4 km upstream of the river from the Nilova Pustyn resort, in the forest on the 10 km road on Mount Kholma-Ula.
What is holiness? According to ancient legend, the mythical god Khan Shargai Noyon, the head of the haats sitting on the ridges, landed at this place Sayan Mountains. In honor of this, a small log house for prayers was built here in 1867. Subsequently, two wooden datsans were built here.
On the territory of the Nilovsky datsan there is a tower made of a long and smooth log with a round wooden barrel on top. This design is not found anymore in any of the datsans of Buryatia. Local old-timers say that when the lamas converted the local population to Buddhism, they gathered all the shamans in this place and convinced them to accept the Buddhist faith.
All the tambourines and shamanic costumes were burned. Sacred relics and silver coins were placed in the barrel and raised up so that Buddha could see the gifts. The sand at the landing site of Khan Shargai Noyon is considered holy. It is a common belief that sand taken by a man gives him strength.
22. Mount Belukha
Where is? Highest point Mountain Altai. Located on the territory of the Ust-Koksinsky district.
What is holiness? Many researchers correlate the highest Altai mountain Belukha with sacred mountain Meru. In particular, the Russian philosopher Nikolai Fedorov tried to confirm this theory. According to the map with the image sacred mountain The measure, dated to the 2nd century BC, was supplemented by Turkologist Murat Adzhi to the popular hypothesis.
At equal distances from Meru were the four then known oceans, and Belukha was equally distant from the Indian, Pacific and Arctic Oceans.
Belukha is considered a sacred mountain among Buddhists; Old Believers came here to escape the world in search of the legendary Belovodye. According to Altai beliefs, the goddess Umai, the supreme female deity, comparable in importance to Tengri, lives on Belukha.
23. Olkhon Island
Where is? Olkhon is the largest island on Lake Baikal. Located 256 km from Irkutsk.
What is holiness? One of the main places of worship is the Shamanka rock. Women and children are prohibited from entering the cave, located in the rock. There was once a Buddhist shrine there.
Since ancient times, the mountain has been revered as a shrine by both the Barguzin Buryats and the Mogul-speaking peoples. Buryat mythology tells about the owners of the mountain, the dune baabai and Khazhar-Sagaan-noyon - heavenly lords who descended to earth.
There is also a legend that a noble khan from the golden family of Borjigins was buried on Barkhan-Uula. There is a legend about Soodoy Lama, a great yogi who chose Baraghan for his meditations.
It is believed that whoever climbs this mountain will be connected with it by mystical power, and the righteous can see the image of Buddha on its slopes. Climbing the mountain is usually accompanied by monks Ivolginsky datsan, a huge prayer service was written in Sanskrit in honor of Baraghan.
On the Tepteehei plateau, at the very top of the mountain, there is an ancient and sacred stone structure called Obo, honoring the spirit of the mountain. There is also a Lamaist sacred sign here, symbolizing the eternity and infinity of the universe.
Nowadays, Buddhist prayers and rituals are held on Barkhan-Uula. Pilgrimage ascents to the top of the mountain take place annually.
But not everyone can climb the mountain. To do this, you need to obtain permission from the lama at the Kurumkan datsan. Women are prohibited from climbing Barkhan-Uula.
25. Merkit Fortress
Where is? In the south of Buryatia, in the Mukhorshibirsky district, 110 km from Ulan-Ude on the right bank of the river mouth. Push.
What is holiness? According to legend, it was here that the first battles of Genghis Khan took place with the Merkits, who once inhabited these lands. From 1177 to 1216, the Merkits fought fierce battles against Genghis Khan and Khan Jochi until they were defeated. The Merkit fortress today is not a fortress in the usual sense of the word. These are rock formations on which elements of former fortifications, recesses for signal lights, a well, and observation platforms have been preserved.
In the Merkit fortress there are two so-called “humming stones”, which, according to popular belief, can heal a woman from infertility and bring good luck in love. Pilgrimages are held to the Merkit fortress; shamans and lamas come here.
in 2010, Buddhist scrolls and thangka icons were discovered here, which were hidden here by lamas during the years of persecution of religion. Since nothing could be taken from the mountain, the scrolls were examined and returned to their place.
The most important sacred places on the planet
IN Lately Religious tourism is becoming increasingly popular. There are more and more believers every day, and people are becoming more interested in religion.
In any case, the charm of religious places does not depend on the beliefs and religions that are promoted there. People come here to get closer to the saint, to find faith and peace of mind.
1. Ta Prum.
Represents one of the temples of Angora - temple complex, dedicated to the god Vishnu in Cambodia. The temple was built at the end of the 12th century AD. King Jayavarman VII of the Khmen Empire. The structure is located in the jungle and looks like an overgrown and abandoned temple from a thousand years ago.
2. Kaaba.
This is the most important sacred site for Islamic believers. Its history began long before the time of the Prophet Muhammad. At one time, there was a refuge for statues of Arab gods. The Kaaba is located in the city of Mecca (Saudi Arabia).
3. Borobudur.
This sacred site was discovered in the 19th century in the bush of Java, Indonesia. Its amazing design includes 504 Buddha statues and approximately 2,700 reliefs. The history of the temple remains a mystery for now, since it is still not known who built this temple and for what purpose. Another interesting question is why such a delightful structure was abandoned.
4. Church of Las Lajas.
The amazingly beautiful Las Lajas Church was built in 1916 on the site where, according to legend, Saint Mary appeared to people. According to one legend, a woman and her sick daughter walked through these places. As she stopped to rest, her daughter suddenly began to speak.
5. Saint Sophia.
The truly amazing Hagia Sophia in Istanbul has a very long story. Once upon a time he was Christian Church, founded by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine I (4th century AD). After the conquest of Constantinople by the Turks, the church ceased to exist, and a mosque was founded in its place. In the Hagia Sophia, the internal images of Christians were not erased, but only hidden under a layer of plaster.
6. St. Peter's Basilica.
Beautiful Catholic cathedral St. Peter's is located in the Vatican. It was erected in the 17th century. In addition to the title of the most beautiful, this cathedral is considered the largest and most spacious (up to 60 thousand people!). There is an opinion that under the altar there is the tomb of St. Peter.
7. Sanctuary of Apollo.
This temple was built 3500 years ago. For the Greeks, this was the “center of the world”; not only they, but also thousands of other pilgrims came here to hear the prophecies of the Oracle of Delphi - a priestess through whose lips God seemed to speak to the believers.
8. Mahabodhi Temple.
This is the holiest place for Buddhists. Thousands of believers and tourists come here every year. Buddhists believe that Siddhartha Gautama achieved Enlightenment here, becoming Buddha.
9. Luxor Temple.
Travel is different. Some people desire a seaside holiday, while others desire city excursion tours. Some trips take years to prepare for, because their purpose is not sightseeing, but spiritual growth, receiving grace and consolation. Holy places- this is the goal of millions of believers around the world who dream of touching the greatest religious relics. Today we will tell you about the most famous of them.
Holy places. Vatican
Country with an area of 0.44 m2 and holy capital Catholic world. The high fortress wall hides the secrets of a sovereign state founded in 1929 and with its own flag, mint, currency, post office, radio station and railway. Until this time, the Vatican belonged to Italy and was known as the center of power of the Pope - the head of the Holy See and the Roman Catholic Church. It houses priceless treasures of world culture and art, some of which are exhibited in accessible museums, as well as secret archives located in an 85 km long underground vault. Access there is closed to mere mortals.
The main entrance to the Vatican is Piazza San Pietro, designed by the greatest Lorenzo Bernini. His great idea was the symmetrical colonnades in the shape of a semicircle that frame the square, which gives it the outline of the key to heaven given to Peter by Jesus.
Photo source: etxt.ru/elenawiet.html Piazza San Pietro is home to the sacred destination of pilgrimage for millions of Catholics around the world - St. Peter's Basilica, which is the largest Christian church on the planet, with an area of 22,067 m2. The foundation of the grandiose basilica was the burial place of the Apostle Peter, who suffered martyrdom on an inverted cross. The coffin with part of the relics of Peter is located in the center of the cathedral, above it the lamps of the Papal Altar burn inextinguishably. In addition, in the sacred place there are the Vatican Grottoes, where the deceased Popes rest, the relics of John Chrysostom, Gregory the Theologian and the statue of Queen Helena with the Cross of the Lord she found, particles of which are also a relic of St. Peter's Basilica.
Photo source: jewishpress.com Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloeinu Adonai echad! These words of the most important Jewish prayer have long been absorbed into the stones of the Western Wall. Jews all over the world pray towards Jerusalem, and Jews of Jerusalem pray towards the Western Wall - a symbol of hope and faith. It was so more than 2 thousand years ago, and it is so now. Representatives of other faiths also strive to get to the shrine and insert notes into the cracks between the ancient stones, to which they entrust their most cherished desires. There is always an atmosphere of harmony and peace here. Here everyone has a conversation with God.
Photo source: gfbv.de Today's place of prayer is the ruins of buildings that previously surrounded Temple Mount. More than 3 thousand years ago, the wise Solomon founded a grandiose temple here, where the priceless shrines of the people of Israel were located - the tablets stored in the Ark of the Covenant with the commandments inscribed on them, which God gave to Moses on the top of Mount Sinai. In 586 BC. e. the temple was destroyed by the king of the Babylonian kingdom Nebuchadnezzar. In 516 BC. e. a second holy house was erected. But a sad fate awaited him too. In 70 AD e. Roman troops, led by Emperor Titus, burned the sanctuary.
Only the western part of the wall of the second temple remained intact - the current Wailing Wall - the main synagogue under open air, where followers of Judaism pray tirelessly, mourning the lost holy place and tablets and dreaming of the construction of the Third Temple, the appearance of which was predicted by the prophets.
Photo source: givengain.com In the heart of Jerusalem is the most sacred place of all Christians on the planet. Jesus Christ preached here more than 2 thousand years ago. The energy of this land cannot be expressed in words - it must be felt, absorbed along with the hot air of the ancient narrow streets along which on Friday, early spring morning of the month of Nisan, Jesus was led to the place of crucifixion. On Mount Golgotha, where He accepted death on the Cross and was buried, where the miracle of the Resurrection occurred, in 335 AD. e. Queen Helena and her son Constantine erected the first sacred Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Photo source: kirche-in-not.de Today, under the arches of the temple there are three of the greatest shrines of Christianity:
The silver-lined round hole at the top of the sanctuary is the location of the Cross. Seventeen steps lead there. A Throne was built in front of the Crucifixion, to the right of it is a part of the rock located under glass with cracks formed at the moment of the Lord’s death.
The stone of Confirmation, lined with marble, on which the body of Jesus was placed after the Crucifixion for rubbing with precious oils. It is located in front of the entrance to the temple. Eight lamps are suspended above this place - exactly as many denominations of Christianity have the right to be in the sacred place. Pilgrims strive to touch the Stone and place icons and crosses on it for the Holy blessing.
Photo source: rundschau-online.de Rotunda, in the center of which is the marble chapel of Edicule, consisting of two limits: the Angel and the Holy Sepulcher, located in a small grotto with a low entrance. You can (and should!) enter it only on your knees, since inside there is a Shrine that has no equal in the Christian world - the Holy Sepulcher. Great things happened here Christ's Resurrection, here pilgrims who arrived from all over the world shed tears of joy, cleansing their souls!
Every year a miracle occurs in the church, which millions of Christians await with hope in their hearts - the ascension of the Holy Fire. The flame appearing on the funeral bed symbolizes the continuation of life on the planet. According to sacred legends, the year when the sacred fire is not given to people will mark the beginning of the Apocalypse.
Photo source: kathmandupost.ekantipur.com In Mecca, a city surrounded by mountains with an area of 400 km2, located in the western part Saudi Arabia, in 570 AD. The main prophet of Islam, Muhammad, was born and preached starting in 629. Muslims look towards this sanctuary during prayers, performed five times a day. Representatives of other faiths are not allowed here. In the Middle Ages, those who violated the ban faced immediate death. Today, those who do not comply with this law face a large fine.
Photo source: keywordsuggest.org Every year, more than two million devout Muslims on the planet perform Hajj - a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, in which everyone who believes in Allah must take part at least once in their life. The time of Hajj comes with the onset of certain months of the Islamic calendar. These are Shawwal, Dhul-Qaeda and 9 days of Dhul-Hijjah. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to worship the greatest shrine of the Islamic religion - the Kaaba, located in the courtyard of the main building of Mecca - the Sacred Mosque, the area of which is 309 m2.
The Kaaba itself is a 15-meter-high black granite cube standing on a marble foundation. The structure is covered with dark fabric and hides a room inside, the entrance to which is closed by a golden door. Her weight is 286 kg. One and a half meters from the ground in the eastern corner of the Kaaba is the main relic - the Stone of Forgiveness, sent by Allah to Adam and Eve. At that time, the shrine was painted white, but, having absorbed the sins of the human race, it darkened. Touching the Black Stone is the main dream of all followers of Islam.
Photo source: india.com The holy city, standing on the banks of the Ganges River, is the religious capital of India. Here is located great amount temples - about 25,000. Hindus claim that Varanasi (or Benares), built by God Shiva, became the first city to appear on the planet. It is from this place that the history of mankind begins. At the time when India was a colony of Great Britain, the city was called Kashi, which means “bright” in Indian. Hindus believe that staying in this place removes all sins from a person. Therefore, Varanasi is the most important pilgrimage destination for Indians who dream of swimming in the waters of the Ganges and cleansing their souls.
Photo source: mouthshut.com An equally important goal for numerous Indians trying to get to the ancient city is, no matter how crazy it may sound, the cremation of the dead. Followers of Hinduism have no fear of death, because the soul does not die, but is reborn again, going through many cycles until it reaches heaven. Eastern Bank Ganga is the place where people go after death. And if their bodies were burned on the western bank, then the liberated souls immediately rush to God. At this place, about 300 dead people are burned every day. Ritual fires have not gone out here for a minute for 3.5 thousand years.
Holy places. Bethlehem, Palestine
Photo source: fineartamerica.com Bethlehem is a small Palestinian town that is dear to the heart of every Christian. Here, on a magical clear night, a new star lit up in the sky, and the Angels announced to the shepherds guarding their flocks about the birth of the Savior of mankind. Three eastern sorcerer kings sent their feet here to present gifts and worship the King of the World. And it is here that the Basilica of the Nativity of Christ is located, which thousands of believers visit every day with trembling in their hearts.
The first small temple at the birthplace of the Savior was erected back in 323 by Queen Helena. This church burned down during the uprising that took place in Samaria. About 200 years later, Emperor Justinian, having received a request for the restoration of the holy house from Sava the Consecrated, decided to build a new temple, which has survived virtually unchanged to this day.
Photo source: travelujah.com The main entrance to the basilica is very low and narrow. The church consists of a prayer hall in the shape of a cross, which includes five naves, and a small Cave of the Nativity, which has two entrances. It is here, in the dungeon, that the main shrine of the temple is located - the birthplace of the Savior, indicated by a star, and the manger in which Mary carefully laid the newborn Jesus. To get to the grotto, pilgrims wait for several hours, reading prayers and preparing themselves for the meeting with the shrine.
Church of St. Nicholas, Türkiye
Photo source: tatilvillam.com There are many Christian shrines in Turkey. One of the most visited of them is the Church of St. Nicholas. It is located in the small town of Demre, located in the province of Antalya about three kilometers from the ruins ancient city Mira, where around 270 AD. e. The greatest Nicholas the Wonderworker (of Myra) was born. Here he subsequently served as a bishop in the church he created.
Since childhood, Nikolai dedicated his life to serving the Lord. Around 300 AD. e., having become the bishop of Myra, he began to preach. Then an extraordinary event occurred - a miracle that Nikolai performed, resurrecting a dead sailor during a raging storm. The people were filled with faith in the spiritual power of the clergyman.
Around 343 AD. e. Nikolai died. Last refuge The great man, after his death canonized, became a white marble sarcophagus installed in the temple in which the Wonderworker served.
Photo source: etxt.ru/elenawiet.html Even after the death of the Saint, his relics healed the sick. In 1087, the remains of the Wonderworker were stolen by the Venetians and transported to Italian city Bari, where they are currently located. But even today, thousands of pilgrims come to Turkish Demre to kneel before the place where Nicholas of Myra rested. The surviving sarcophagus of the Saint is located in the south nave of the basilica.
In conclusion, I would like to remind you what rules of behavior you should not forget about when visiting holy places. Even if you came here as a tourist and not a pilgrim, you should respect the feelings of believers and comply with the necessary requirements. Women's hair, arms, neckline and legs above the knees must be covered; shorts and T-shirts are unacceptable for men. Carefully read the rules of photography - sometimes it is prohibited. If you want to enter the mosque, be sure to remove your shoes first. And please always turn off your cell phones.
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Some of these temples were built several centuries ago, others are the creations of modern architects. The implementation of some ideas took decades and even centuries. 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.
website brings you some of the most architecturally significant places of worship from around the world.
Milan Cathedral, Italy
Holy Trinity Church, Antarctica
Russian Orthodox Church was built in Russia in the 1990s and then transported to a Russian station in Antarctica. This is one of 7 churches on its territory.
Taktsang Lhakhang, Bhutan
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, United Arab Emirates
Hallgrimskirkja 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. True, no rituals are performed here, because this is not a functioning temple, but just a building that looks like a residential building inside. In total, the project includes 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.
Cathedral of Las Lajas, Colombia
The neo-Gothic cathedral is built directly on a 30-meter arched bridge connecting the two sides of a deep gorge. The temple is cared for by two Franciscan communities: one is Colombian, the other is Ecuadorian. Thus, the Cathedral of Las Lajas 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. There are no services in the chapel. Here you can hide from the bustle, enjoy peace in one of the busiest places in the capital and meditate in an environmentally friendly space. Due to its appearance and materials, the chapel of silence is often called the “sauna of the spirit.”
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Slovenia
The church is located on the only island throughout Slovenia. To get inside, you need to cross the lake by boat and climb 99 steps.
Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, USA
The chapel's unique design is a classic example of modernist architecture. The magnificent interior brings together several different areas of worship under one roof, including Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist chapels. Each of them has its own distinctive symbolism, ammunition and its own exit.
Paoay Church, Philippines
St Patrick's Cathedral, Australia
St Patrick's Cathedral is the tallest and largest church in Australia.
Church of the Transfiguration, Kizhi, Russia
The church was built in the traditions of Russian carpentry, that is, without nails. It is topped with 22 domes and its height is 37 meters.
Green Church, Argentina
The most common 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 Kyiv. According to legend, it was built on the spot where St. Andrew the First-Called erected a cross. This is just one of the many legends that surround St. Andrew's Church.
California Mormon Temple, USA
The huge building is made in dazzling white. And this color scheme is no coincidence, because white color is traditionally perceived as a symbol of purity and purity. Tourists and simply curious people are not allowed inside the Mormon Temple itself; only members of the community can enter the premises of the sacred building.
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
