Religious institution – Destinations.ai

Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar

France

Famous for: A monumental 13th-century Gothic church known for pink sandstone, medieval sculpture, rib vaults and stained glass.

Explore Colmar’s 13th-century Gothic church for sandstone portals, medieval stained glass and a serene Old Town interior. Free entry.

History Buffs Architecture Enthusiasts Religious Travelers

#2 4.5 (13,785) Attractions

Higashiyama Jisho-ji

Japan

Famous for: The Silver Pavilion, its raked white-sand garden with a Mount Fuji-shaped cone, and a serene moss garden at the Philosopher's Path trailhead

Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto's Silver Pavilion at 2 Ginkakuji-cho, pairs a Zen moss garden with a sand cone and sits at the Philosopher's Path…

Zen enthusiasts garden lovers photographers

#3 4.5 (3,792) Attractions

Igreja do Carmo

Portugal

Famous for: A huge blue-and-white azulejo facade and a famously narrow house separating the church from its twin, Igreja dos Carmelitas

Igreja do Carmo in Porto: a Rococo church famed for its 1912 azulejo facade, the narrow Hidden House, and its twin Carmelitas…

History Buffs Architecture Enthusiasts Religious Travelers

#4 4.4 (9,035) Attractions

Ryōan-ji

Japan

Famous for: A 15th-century Zen temple whose dry rock garden of fifteen stones on raked white gravel remains Japan's most contemplated landscape

Ryōan-ji, Kyoto's 1450 Zen temple, is famed for its 15-stone raked-gravel garden, Kyoyochi Pond, and a shojin-style yudofu restaurant.

Zen seekers History buffs Photographers

#5 4.5 (4,058) Attractions

Toshodai-ji

Japan

Famous for: The 8th-century Golden Hall, a National Treasure, and its founding by the Chinese monk Ganjin in 759

Toshodai-ji in Nara, founded by Ganjin in 759, is home to the Golden Hall, a National Treasure and landmark of Tenpyo-era architecture.

History Buffs Architecture Enthusiasts Spiritual Seekers

#6 4.6 (42,312) Abbey

Westminster Abbey

United Kingdom

Famous for: English And British Coronations, Resting Place Of Monarchs And Famous Figures, Gothic Architecture

A historic Protestant abbey hosting daily services and every English and British coronation since 1066.

History Buffs Architecture Enthusiasts Religious Travelers