A R O U N D T H E world

Lutheran Church, Germany: Protestant Christianity

The Lutheran Church holds a big significance in Protestant Christianity (to which the Church of England belongs) as it was the first Protestant Church. It was sparked by a 16th century German friar Martin Luther, who launched the Reformation movement in Wittenberg in Germany.

Apache for Big Seated Mountain, Dzil Nchaa Si An is known in English as Mount Graham, Arizona. To the Apache people it is holy ground, sacred and alive, home to the ga'an, or mountain spirits, and the source of life-giving water. It is a location for prayer and religious ceremonies that connect people, nature, and animals.

Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, Rome: Christianity

This Catholic Church is in Italy, specifically in Rome. The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran is the faith’s highest church in Rome and the seat of the Bishop of Rome, the pope himself.

Mount Laojun, China: Taoism

Mount Laojun is a religious site unique to Taoists. It is a mountain in Henan Province, China. Hundreds of Taoists undertake pilgrimages every year.

Western Wall, Jerusalem: Judaism

The Western Wall is a religious site unique to Jews. It is believed that this was where the Second Temple stood before it was destroyed in 70 CE. The Western Wall is regarded as the most important place to gather and pray.

Ka’bah, Saudi Arabia: Islam

The Ka’bah is a religious site unique to Muslims. It is located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia and is believed to be the ‘House of Allah’ or in other words the ‘Bayt Ullah’

Lumbini, Nepal: Buddhism

Lumbini is a religious site unique to Buddhists, located in the Southern region of Nepal. It is believed to have been the birthplace of Lord Buddha or also known as Siddhartha Gautama.

The Ganges River, India: Hinduism

The Ganges River is a river considered sacred to Hindus. The Ganges starts in the southern Great Himalayas and ends at the Bay of Bengal It is believed to have healing and purifying properties.

Uluru, Australia: Aboriginal Religion

Widely known by its English name, Ayers Rock, Uluru is an immense sandstone rock outcrop located in the Northern Territory that has hosted traditional ceremonies for the Aboriginal people of Australia for 10,000 years, with an emphasis on the spirits of their ancestors.

by Iman Shabbir