Continuing on our journey to 16 sacred sites around the world where people prayer for peace, this is the second post which covers the remaining eight locations. From ancient places to modern compounds, these sites draw visitors and pilgrims who focus on both world and inner peace.
You can read about the first seven sites here in part 1.
8. The Western Wall, Jerusalem
Nestled in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is a sacred site for the Jewish faith. This ancient limestone wall, a remnant of the Second Temple’s retaining wall, has stood as a powerful symbol of resilience and a cherished place of prayer for centuries.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world come to this holy site, slipping handwritten prayers into the crevices of the Wall, seeking solace, and offering supplications for peace.
9. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem
Within the same ancient city, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands as a profound monument to Christianity. Believed to be the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, this sacred church has been a focal point for pilgrims and worshippers since the 4th century.
Its intricate architecture, steeped in history and reverence, invites visitors to contemplate the teachings of peace and compassion that lie at the heart of the Christian faith.
10. Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
Built in the late 600s, Dome of the Rock is the oldest still standing Islamic monument. The location is known to the Jews as the Temple Mount which is where the ruins of the Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem remain.
When Rome became a Christian empire, the church of the Holy Sepulchre was built on this same spot, known to be the area where Jesus passed and was resurrected. For Muslims, this area is called the Noble Sanctuary, where the Prophet was miraculously transported from Mecca.
Then in 638, Jerusalem was taken by Umar I, and later the fifth Umayyad caliph, ʿAbd al-Malik built the Dome of the Rock. Today, people of any faith can visit and pray at this sacred location which holds meaning for millions around the world
11. Baháʼí World Centre, Haifa, Israel
Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, the Baháʼí World Centre is a place of profound spiritual significance for the Baháʼí faith. Comprising exquisite gardens, shrines, and administrative buildings, this complex serves as the spiritual and administrative heart of the Baháʼí community worldwide.
Visitors are welcomed to experience the tranquility of these gardens and to reflect on the Baháʼí principles of unity, justice, and peace among all peoples.
12. Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches, Ethiopia
In the heart of the Ethiopian highlands, the Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches stand as an extraordinary feat of engineering and a testament to the enduring faith of humanity. These monolithic churches, carved entirely from solid rock, date back to the 12th and 13th centuries and are considered one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders.
Pilgrims and visitors alike are awestruck by the intricate carvings, subterranean tunnels, and the profound sense of spirituality that permeates these ancient sanctuaries.
13. Lumbini, Nepal
In the foothills of the Himalayas, tucked into the lush landscapes of southern Nepal, lies Lumbini – the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place of profound significance for Buddhists worldwide, attracting pilgrims and seekers of peace from all corners of the globe.
The sacred gardens, adorned with monasteries and stupas, offer a serene environment for meditation, self-reflection, and the cultivation of inner tranquility.
14. Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
The stunning Golden Temple in Amritsar, India, is a jewel of the Sikh faith and a beacon of spirituality. Its gleaming golden domes and intricate architecture, reflected in the serene waters of the Amrit Sarovar, create a breathtaking sight that draws millions of visitors each year.
Within its sacred precincts, devotees gather to meditate, offer prayers, and find solace in the teachings of equality, compassion, and service to humanity.
15. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, India
In the ancient city of Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands as one of the most revered Hindu shrines. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus seeking spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
The narrow alleys leading to the temple are filled with the sounds of bells, chanting, and the aroma of incense, creating a profoundly immersive experience for visitors.
16. Peace Pagoda, Hiroshima, Japan
This incredible sanctuary has been dedicated to world peace and contemplation. Pagoda is actually not quite the right description of this sacred site, as it is shaped more like a stupa, which is a Buddhist structure which originated the design.
Constructed in 1966, this is one of the first sacred sites dedicated to world peace that encourages pacifism and has strong ties to the Buddhist community. There are also many memorial stones for victims of the 1945 bombing.
Visit or Meditate on Peaceful Sites
Whether you travel to these spots yourself, visit by watching videos, or simply call up an image in your mind, you can feel the amazingly powerful energy each location holds. People from all walks of life around the world who have been yearning for peace and harmony have visited before you.
When you tap into the flow of inner peace for yourself and do a meditation using any of these locals, you will sense the incredible opportunity to contribute to world peace. Your harmonious vibes ripple out around you, reaching others across the globe and inspiring people to lift their energy and work towards a more peaceful planet.