Special places around the world have a palpable energy to them—an inimitable aura of importance and significance that is at once undeniable and, yet, difficult to put into words. Certain places feel—and simply are—deeply and unquestionably sacred. It’s no surprise that many of these sacred spaces are places of worship. What’s less intuitive is that in some remarkable spots, we can almost physically feel their sacredness whether or not we believe in the religion which inspired their creation.
Sacred spaces all over the world beckon travelers from afar who often travel thousands of miles specifically to experience such wonders. We’ve selected three vastly different regions to highlight in North America, Europe and Asia. Upon visiting, take your time and contemplate what’s around you.
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan issues only about 10,000 visas per year, and it remains miraculously unspoiled. Everywhere, the influence of Tibetan Buddhism makes itself apparent: brightly colored prayer flags flutter in the breeze, and golden-roofed dzongs (fortified monasteries) dominate the idyllic scenery.
Such experiences leave deep impressions on the traveler, and a journey through Bhutan never fails to be unforgettable.
In such a country the sacred can be found all over, but the dzongs are truly unique. The most famous is the Tiger’s Nest, dramatically perched on a cliff face some 3,000 feet above the valley floor. An Andrew Harper staff member recently visited, and she relates how seeing the dzong, surrounded by clouds and mist, was such a moving experience that tears tumbled down her cheeks as she entered. Under the direction of an astrologer she met at one of our recommended properties in Bhutan, Amankora in Paro, she lit 100 butter candles at the monastery.
Amankora also arranged for her and some other guests to visit a Buddhist temple near its property in Bumthang. Inside, they discovered monks performing a ceremony, playing traditional instruments and lighting incense. Each guest went up individually and received a blessing, sealed with a white scarf draped around their necks. She related to us how moving and spiritual it felt, even though she’s not Buddhist herself.
Itineraries in Bhutan, which typically incorporate three to five of the Amankora lodges, include experiences like these each day. Visit schools to watch young monks practicing sacred musical instruments; explore holy ruins set amid fragrant mountainside pine forests; and, depending on the time of year, take part in a colorful religious festival highlighted by traditional dances and processions. Such experiences leave deep impressions on the traveler, and a journey through Bhutan never fails to be unforgettable. Indeed, for some, it’s life-changing.
Nowadays most tourists travel to France to partake of its secular delights, but the country is rich in sacred spaces as well. Gothic architecture originated in France in the 12th century, and magnificent gothic churches can be found across the country. One of the most spectacular is Sainte Chapelle in Paris, famous for its glorious walls of stained glass barely interrupted by narrow stone tracery. Crowds rob the space of atmosphere during regular visiting hours, but during one of the classical music concerts (best on a summer evening, before the sun sets), Sainte Chapelle’s magic returns in full force.
The equally well-preserved stained glass windows in Chartres Cathedral, along with its intricate stonework, also draw crowds. Still, it feels as though you’ve traveled through time if you attend the high Latin mass on Sunday, or the half-hour early evening vespers service held daily (except Saturday). In Amiens, a city which played a pivotal role in World War I, the cathedral boasts the largest medieval interior in Europe. In Reims, the soaring, beautifully restored cathedral— heavily damaged during World War I—has its own unique aura: Starting in the 10th century, every king of France— with only two exceptions—was crowned in Reims Cathedral.
Of course, not every sacred site in France is gothic, or even a church. Some of the most moving and sacred-feeling spaces in the country are associated with the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The beaches there, where so many soldiers died in World War II, are hallowed ground. And visiting the American Cemetery, where thousands of young men lie beneath perfect rows of white crosses and Stars of David, makes powerfully plain the sacrifice required to liberate France during the war.
Some of the United States’ oldest sacred spaces can be found—not on the East Coast, as one might expect—but in New Mexico. Santa Fe is home to the oldest church in the country, the adobe San Miguel Mission, dating from the early 17th century. This modest but moving building stands just down the block from the Inn of the Five Graces in the heart of the city. Turn left and you’ll arrive at Loretto Chapel, home to an enigmatic spiral staircase leading from the nave to the choir loft. Its mysterious designer and builder disappeared after its completion, leaving without pay, and the staircase— which turns some 720 degrees and has no visible supports—baffles engineers to this day.
Touring the site with a local guide is an unforgettable experience.
Drive 90 minutes north from Santa Fe, passing through kitschy Taos, and stop at the Taos Pueblo. This set of multistory cubist adobe buildings dates back a millennium, and the sculptural quality of the tranquil 19th-century San Geronimo Church drew the eye of photographer Ansel Adams. Even more powerful a sight is the tower of the prior San Geronimo Church, the rest of which was destroyed during a revolt in 1847. American troops bombarded the church where Native American revolutionaries had taken refuge, and a graveyard now stands where the nave once did. Touring the site with a local guide is an unforgettable experience.
Even closer to Santa Fe is the major pilgrimage site of Santuario de Chimayó. It can be crowded, but the small side room called El Pocito retains its mystical atmosphere. In the middle of the room is a hole containing dirt reputed to have miraculous healing powers. It may sound naïve to some, but standing in El Pocito, it’s hard not to be moved by the power of the prayers and faith infusing the space.
This article originally appeared in the Traveler magazine. Click here to read more from this issue.
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