Throughout time, civilisations from around the globe have attached religious or spiritual significance to certain places. Some areas considered more significant than others. Some have been lost to time, others still stand.
Here we have put together a list of the most sacred places on Earth that you can still visit today.
The Mahabodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya, India
It is thought that around 500 B.C, the ascetic Prince Siddhartha (otherwise known as Buddha) took a rest underneath a native bodhi tree. It is said that he meditated there for three nights, and awoke with enlightenment, insight, and answers he had sought after. These answers helped him develop teachings that were then spread to his disciples.
This tree is now one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists and has become a major pilgrimage destination.
Glastonbury Tor, England
This hill in Somerset has long been a place of mystery. Some ancient civilisations thought it an entrance to the home of Gwyn ap Nudd – the Lord of the Underworld. Pagans may have used the space to celebrate their goddess. Some have even linked the hill to the quest for the Holy Grail.
We may never know the use for the Glastonbury Tor, but many modern visitors report that they feel more hopeful and buoyant. You’ll have to visit yourself to find out!
Crater Lake, Oregon
This lake was formed almost 8,000 years ago after an eruption that caused Mount Mazama to collapse. The deep blue, freshwater lake is nearly 2,000 feet deep making in the seventh deepest lake in the world.
The Klamath tribe has considered it a sacred site for a long time. Their legends say that a battle between the Chief of the Above World and the Chief of the Below World led to the collapse of the mountain.
Cenote Sagrado, Mexico
There are many places in Mexico that are dotted with cenotes – underground sinkholes. Many of the Maya civilisations believe that some of these sites were visited by Chac, the god of rain. That’s why some of the cenotes were kept to be used in rituals, offerings, and sacrifices, the most famous of which is the Cenote Sagrado.
Archaeologists emptied the spring in the 20th century and found all manners of sacrifices including gold bells, cups, rings, and even human bones.
What other sacred sites are you interested in and would like to visit? Let us know!