The World’s Most Beautiful Temples

Since ancient times, human societies across the world have built beautiful religious monuments to honor their gods. These temples often boast incredible architectural features, elaborate designs and artistic details that are intended to bridge the connection between human and divine. 

From precariously perched monasteries on Himalayan hillsides, to immense stone sculptures and gold-plated pagodas, many of these religious monuments have been attracting worshippers, pilgrims and visitors for hundreds, even thousands of years. 

There’s no end to the diversity and splendor of this type of religious architecture. Step inside and marvel at the wonder of these most incredible temples around the world. 

Year of Construction: c. 12th Century 

Religious Tradition: Hinduism / Buddhism

Fun Fact: The temple of Angkor Wat is featured on the Cambodian national flag.

Think of iconic temples across the world, and the first one that comes to mind is likely the incredible monument of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, one of the largest religious buildings in the world. Originally constructed by the rulers of the Khmer Empire as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, it was converted into a Buddhist temple at the end of the 12th century. 

Adorned with bas-relief sculptures that tell Cambodian stories and legends, Angkor Wat is an architectural marvel, and a visit to this magnificent site should be on every traveler’s bucket list. 

Year of Construction: c. Ninth Century

Religious Tradition: Buddhism

Fun Fact: The Borobudur Temple was constructed using a system of interlocking blocks, without the need for any form of cement or mortar.

The mind-blowing Borobudur Temple on the Indonesian island of Java is the world’s largest Buddhist monument, measuring 765 feet by 765 feet. Littered with more than 500 statues of the Buddha and countless relief sculptures, this temple is a treasure trove of medieval Indonesian art, heavily influenced by Indian religious sculpture and design. 

Rising high above the verdant paddy fields and lush forests, and surrounded by volcanic peaks, Borobudur is known locally as the Garden of Java. A visit here is like stepping back in time, into a world of myth and legend.