The Top 10 Most Holy Places On Earth

And it all comes down to this.

After ten weeks of exploration through some of the world’s most significant religious destinations, Patheos is at last unveiling the Top 10 Most Holy Places on Earth.

Throughout this journey, the project has illuminated sites of  importance to major global religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

In line with Patheos’ core mission, the “Sacred Spaces: The 100 Most Holy Places on Earth” list strives to cultivate acceptance and understanding of various religious practices and their corresponding sacred places over time.

Our journey included centuries-old shrines to saints, temples to God, holy bodies of water and other destinations faiths believe are important to their spiritual lives.

Creating the comprehensive list involved a unique algorithm, considering elements like popular online searches and real-time foot traffic, along with input and rankings from religious scholars, leaders, and writers from various faiths.

Another key consideration was the significance of each location across multiple religions, which ultimately determined the top-ranking spot.

Please find below the locations that made the Top 10, presented in no particular order.

To see where each site ranked in the Top 10 start here,  check out the top three, or embark on a longer journey and start at #100 here.

River Ganges: Revered in India and Bangladesh, this river holds a central place in Hinduism.

Mahabodhi Temple: Found in India’s Gaya District, this temple carries primary importance for Buddhists, including traditional claims it is where Sidhartha Gautama—the Buddha—achieved enlightenment.

Temple Mount, including the Dome of the Rock: Temple Mount encapsulates historical and spiritual significance for Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. The Dome of the Rock, perched atop Temple Mount, draws approximately 5 million visitors annually, connecting them with their faith and one another.

Great Mosque of Mecca: Reserved exclusively for Muslims, this structure in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, welcomes over 15 million visitors annually.

The Mount of Olives: Located in Jerusalem, Israel, this ridge is considered sacred in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Mount Sinai: Situated in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, this site holds significance across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Sri Harmandir Sahib – The Golden Temple: Located in Amritsar, India, this temple holds profound importance within Sikhism. Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others also visit the temple every year.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre: Situated in Jerusalem, this church holds significance for multiple Christian denominations.

Sistine Chapel: Nestled in Vatican City, Italy, this site bears importance in Roman Catholicism.

The Western Wall: Situated in Jerusalem, Israel, this site, serving as an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, also holds significance in Christianity.