Ancient Temples: 10 Sacred Sites to Visit

For hundreds of years, ancient temples have been used for praying, admiring and other main purposes of people. These were structures with well ornamented architectures that was used for worship purposes with architecture that represents history of practice. In a way that is more than just a historical tour, one gets to experience what people dedicate time and effort and how creative they can be on structures. Below, we list ten such destinations that are a complete delight to travelers due to the beauty and history of the ancient temples they house.

Travel Made Easy: Meet and Greet at Gatwick Airport

If you’re planning to explore these ancient wonders, starting your journey stress-free is essential. A meet and greet at Gatwick Airport service is the perfect solution for convenient parking. This option allows you to drop off your car at the terminal, where a professional driver will park it securely. Upon your return, your car will be waiting for you, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

To save money and find the best option for your needs, consider booking airport parking deals in advance. Many providers offer discounts for early reservations, allowing you to focus on your trip and the incredible experiences ahead. With parking sorted, you can start your journey on the right foot.

1. Angkor Wat – Cambodia

Easily exploring the largest religious monument worthy of the planet – Angkor Wat – is another wonderful monument of the Khmer civilization. It was created in the XIIth century as a Hindu shrine to Venus, then used for Buddhist pilgrimage. He extraordinary bas-reliefs, towering spires, and serene moats of Angkor Wat make it a real testament to Cambodia history and culture.

2. Parthenon – Greece

Often known as the symbol of ancient Greece the Parthenon is situated on the Athenian Acropolis. This temple built to house the statue of the goddess Athena is an example of the Doric order, and has inspired imitations in many parts of the world. When I visited the Parthenon I felt I travelled to the past and saw the birthplace of the western civilization.

3. Borobudur – Indonesia

One example is a Borobudur Temple, a world heritage list occupying the island of Java in Indonesia, and is the largest Buddhist temple globally. About the same century, this magnificent structure was designed with nine stacked structures that are intricately carved with teachings of Buddhism. It is even possible to say that waking up at the same place, just in time for the sunrise when the mist covers the surroundings of Borobudur is something I haven’t witnessed before.

4. Karnak Temple – Egypt

Karnak Temple is an ancient structure, built in the great city of Thebes, or modern day Luxor in Egypt. Devoted primarily to the god Amun, and showing such features as massive columns, obelisks, and statues. Depicted in terms of great architecture the Great Hypostyle Hall and the towering pillars are worth the mention.

5. Prambanan – Indonesia

Prambanan, another UNESCO-listed site in Indonesia, is a collection of Hindu temples dedicated to Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Constructed in the early part of the 9th century, it has markers such as roofing in pointed style and beautiful stone ornaments. It is one of the finest examples of Javanese arts during the expanse of antiquity.

6. Mahabalipuram – India

Mahabalipuram is in Tamil Nadu, South India: It is Seven rock-cut temples and Monolithic sculpture exploits the area’s talent. One of the Seven Wonders of India, the Shore Temple built on the Bay of Bengal representing the Dravidian architecture is a World Heritage Site. It is a perfect place for history lovers because of the elegant sculptures and stunning location right on the water.

7. Temple of Heaven – China

One of the fairly well known examples of Ming dynasty architecture is the Temple of no Heaven in Beijing, China. Dating from the 15th century this is a T’ai-shè temple where emperors worshipped for a good harvest. Symmetrical shapes and balanced lay out depicts circular patterns that are related to traditional Chinese cosmology hence’ the holy nature of the place’.

8. Abu Simbel – Egypt

Located in south Egypt, high on a cliff, is Abu Simbel an intricately sculptured site of two great temples built by pharaoh Ramesses II. Karnak Temple, currently referred to as the Great Temple and patrons to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah features giant statues at its entrance. It gets even more fascinating as the temple is aligned to the sun particularly in its months of the year’s solstice.

9. Machu Picchu – Peru

Though most people might know the site for it Inca citadel, the citadel of Machu Picchu hosts several religious temples such as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Three Windows. Per these sites, the Inca civilisation had a prophet like relationship with the cosmos and the natural world. Perched at the top of the South American Andes mountains, the temples of Machu Picchu are another must-see tourstop at this mountainous world cultural site.

10. Temple of Artemis – Turkey

Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, is now a fascinating archaeological site. Although only remnants of this grand structure remain, its historical significance and the surrounding ruins offer a glimpse into ancient Greek civilisation and their devotion to the goddess Artemis.