Sacred Places of a Lifetime - by National Geographic (Hardcover)

About the Book

Sacred Places of a Lifetime explores icons, monuments, temples, and natural spaces that have been significant to cultures and religions around the world for centuries. In this second edition, find more than 50 new sacred places, from prehistoric holy mountains -- such as Ireland's Croagh Patrick -- to present-day monuments and marvels like Croatia's Dubrovnik Cathedral. With each entry, you'll discover each destination's history, legend, and lore, as well as how you can experience these significant locations yourself. Includes updated maps, pilgrimage routes, and places of meditation, worship, and prayer, including St. Wandrille Abbey in France, founded in 649 and celebrated for the miracles performed by the more than 35 saints who have called it home; China's revered Taishan mountain, which Confucius himself once summitted; Machu Picchu in Peru, whose origins lie in obscurity; and Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, said by many to be the holiest city in the world. Plus, top 10 lists throughout illuminate specific sacred wonders, from the world's most brilliant stained glass cathedrals to nocturnal celebrations"--

Book Synopsis

This inspirational book showcases 500 of the world's most powerful and spiritual places-and guides modern-day travelers who wish to visit them.

With eloquent text, hundreds of gorgeous full-color images, and practical visitor information, Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations highlights fascinating icons of many religions around the world and offers an intriguing window into the cultures that created them. From prehistoric burial chambers to modern monuments and sanctuaries, each site's history, lore, and appeal is evocatively detailed.

Nearly 300 locator maps point out pilgrimage routes, temples, mountains, churches, and holy places, including Mont St.-Michel Abbey in France, founded after a reported vision of the Archangel Michael; the White Horse Temple in China, site of the country's first Buddhist temple, dating from the first century A.D.; Machu Picchu in Peru, whose origins lie in obscurity; and Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, said by many to be the holiest city in the world. A follow-up to the bestselling Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips, this beautiful book answers the call of the spiritual traveler while also appealing to the many readers interested in sites of unique cultural heritage.

About the Author

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC is one of the world's leading nonfiction publishers, proudly supporting the work of scientists, explorers, photographers, and authors, as well as publishing a diverse list of books that celebrate the world and all that is in it. National Geographic Books creates and distributes print and digital works that inspire, entertain, teach, and give readers access to a world of discovery and possibility on a wide range of nonfiction subjects from animals to travel, cartography to history, fun facts to moving stories. A portion of all National Geographic proceeds is used to fund exploration, conservation, and education through ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society.