In all cultures, the most beautiful architecture tends to be religious structures, whether temples, mosques, or churches. It seems as if people are unconsciously driven to dedicate the best of their artistic efforts to the divine.
Top 5 most stunning religious architecture from around the world
1. Wat Rong Khun: Thailand
Popularly known as the “White Temple,” the structure was designed and constructed by Thai visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who also owns it. Opened to visitors in 1997, Wat Rong Khun is a Buddhist temple that blends religious principles with architecture. The main building is reached by crossing a bridge over a small lake, symbolizing the cycle of rebirth. The bridge declares that the only way to happiness is by giving up greed, desire, and temptations. Numerous dragons adorn the temple. From the outside, the entire structure seems to give off a glow.
2. Hallgrimskirkja: Iceland
This Lutheran church is located in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. At 244 feet high, it is the largest church in the country. Initially, Hallgrimskirkja was not intended to be this big. But the church leaders wanted a spire so large that it would outshine the Landakot’s Church, a famous Catholic church in Iceland. The Hallgrimskirkja is named after the famous Icelandic poet Hallgrimur Petursson. What catches people’s eyes is the beautiful organic architecture of the church, which makes it seem as if the entire structure is somehow flowing out from the earth, up toward the sky. An elevator inside the church takes visitors all the way to the top, where they can gaze at the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Hallgrimskirkja is the largest church in Iceland and a wonderful example of divinely inspired architecture. (Image: Screenshot via YouTube)
3. Pura Taman Ayun: Bali
The island of Bali is home to some of the most breathtaking temples in the world. Among them, Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi merits special mention. This is the second-largest temple on the island and was originally the royal tomb of the Mengwi kingdom. It was also the place where kings used to be crowned. While the first courtyard covers a large grassy expanse, the inner courtyard has several multi-layered shrines. The tall towers and pool full of lotuses transport visitors into the past. Built in 1634, the temple was renovated in the 1930s. Pura Taman Ayun is part of the rice field irrigation system sites recognized by UNESCO.
4. The Great Mosque of Djenne: Mali
Seen as one of the greatest accomplishments of Sudano-Sahelian architecture, the mosque is located on the floodplains of the Bani River. Originally built in the 13th century, the mosque was rebuilt in 1907. Unlike other structures that are typically constructed using bricks and tiles, what makes the Djenne mosque stand out is that it is completely built using red clay, tree branches, and blades of grass. However, the drawback is that the structure gets eroded every year due to rains. As such, the local community conducts an annual festival during which they take part in the repairs and maintenance of the mosque.
5. Kizhi Pogost Church: Russia
The Russian Orthodox Church located on Kizhi Island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. (Image: via Wikimedia Commons)
This Russian Orthodox Church is located on Kizhi Island on Lake Onega. Featuring two large wooden churches, the pogost was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Built in the 17th century, not a single nail was used in the construction of the pogost, a feat of architecture that has baffled many people. Despite being three centuries old, the structure continues to remain strong, unaffected by rot.
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