History of Bethany Beyond the Jordan

This stretch of the River Jordan is believed to be extremely holy and it has been venerated as the site of the Baptism of Jesus since at least the Byzantine period, and religious sites have been built in the vicinity as a result.

Archaeologists began to properly excavate Bethany Beyond the Jordan in 1994 after a peace treaty between Jordan and Israel: following the 1967 Six Day War, it had been inaccessible to pilgrims and visitors. Through studies of locations mentioned in the Bible, medieval travellers’ descriptions, and local knowledge about the place of dipping, archaeologists unearthed this sacred spot.

The sites at Bethany Beyond the Jordan include many ancient baptism pools, churches, caves and wells, mostly dating to the fifth and sixth centuries AD and the remains of which can be toured today.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan today

Visitors can enter the baptism waters of the River Jordan (despite signs to the contrary), see Elijah’s Hill and explore the Visitor Centre. This is the only spot that the River Jordan can actually be accessed in Jordan. The supposedly holy waters of the river are decidedly murky in this day and age, but remain a big draw for dedicated pilgrims.

The site is open year-round and charges a modest entry fee which includes a one hour guided tour (choose from 7 different languages) and a compulsory shuttle bus ride. Qasr Al Yahud is on the other side of the river in the Palestinian Territories – it’s often much busier.

Getting to Bethany Beyond the Jordan

Didyma history

The site is located on the coast of Ionia in the domain of the famous Ancient Greek city of Miletus. The site was actually home to two temples dedicated to the twins Apollo and Artemis.

Apollo was the main deity of the sanctuary of Didyma. The oracle, second only to Delphi in importance, was linked to the Greek city of Miletus by the 17 kilometre-long Sacred Way, which was built in the 6th century BC and was used for festival processions.

Both ancient Greek writers Herodotus and Pausanias date the origins of the oracle at Didyma to before the Ionian colonisation of the coast.

The original temple was destroyed in 494 BC by the Persians under the Persian king Darius. Though the sanctuaries of Delphi and Ephesus were rebuilt, Didyma lay in ruin until Alexander the Great had the oracle rebuilt in around 334 BC.

During the Hellenistic and Roman times the sanctuary flourished. It changed hands a number of times – and was even converted into a fortress by the Byzantines – until the Temple of Apollo was destroyed in 1493 by an earthquake. The village was subsequently abandoned, until it was resettled by Greeks around 300 years later who used the broken ancient buildings as quarries.

Exploration and excavations of the site have been conducted from 1673 right up until the present, with discoveries such as the Greek theatre in 2010/11 meaning that Didyma is always revealing new and evolving surprises.

Didyma Today

Today visitors to the site can explore a range of ruins from the oracle, including several structures, columns, decorative friezes, and even the remains of ancient tunnels.

It doesn’t take too long to walk around the site, and it is possible to take pictures but not enter the site for free. However, it is worth paying the small entrance fee to get up close and inside the Temple of Apollo, and read the signs dotted around Didyma itself for a truly immersive experience.

Getting to Didyma

From the historic city of İzmir, Didyma is reachable in around 2 hours by car via the E87 road. From the centre of Miletus, Didyma is a short 20 minute drive to the outskirts via the Didim Güllübahçe Yolu road. Equally, the 273 bus from Milet Müze Yolu will take you to Didim Çevreyolu 1, from where the Temple of Apollo is a 10 minute walk.

History of the Dome of the Rock

The building of the Dome of Rock is considered the oldest existing Islamic structure, having been completed in 691 during the Umayyad Dynasty. The site chosen for its construction is believed by Muslims to have been that of the Prophet Muhammad’s ascent to heaven. Whilst piety was certainly a factor in the building’s construction, so too was politics. The Dome of the Rock was a statement of intent to Christians and Jews, showing Islam’s power and sophistication and making an implicit case for its superiority as a result.

The original building was not so different from the one visible today, covered with mosaics, verses from the Quran and a lavish solid gold dome. The Dome of the Rock briefly fell into Christian hands, when it was repurposed as a church by the Crusaders, before being returned to Islam by Saladin.

The modern day tiles were added in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent originally, but were replaced in the 20th century as part of a major restoration problem. Likewise, the solid gold dome is no more, replaced instead by 80kg of gold plates donated by the King of Jordan, costing somewhere in the region of $8.2 million. Despite these modern day additions, the building looks remarkably similar today to the one conceived in the 7th century.

The rock, which the building is named after, is a site of immense religious significance. Jews call it the Foundation Stone, where Abraham planned to sacrifice Isaac. Islam dictates that this was the spot where the Prophet ascended to heaven, and the rock is said to have two footprints on, one belonging to the Prophet and another to the angel Gabriel.

The Dome of the Rock today

The Dome of the Rock is at the heart of religious and political tensions in Jerusalem. It’s not unusual for the whole complex to be closed during periods of unrest, and only Muslims are permitted to enter the Dome itself – modestly attired non-believers can walk around the complex to appreciate the beauty of the building, but be warned, the guards are strict about clothing so really make sure no flesh is showing, particularly if you’re a woman. Security is tight – expect to have your bag searched before even entering the complex.

Technically the Dome of the Rock is not a mosque but rather a shrine, and due reverence is expected inside. The interior is said to be just as lavish by those who are permitted to enter. If you do visit inside, look out for the oldest known mihrab in the Islamic world, and the steps down to the Well of Souls, where suppposedly the voices of the dead can be heard as they pass onto eternity. .

History of Gal Vihara

The site is located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was created during the 12th century by the king Parakrama Bahu I.

Originally part of the king’s Northern Monastery, the Gal Vihara is comprised of four such carvings, each with an individual pose – thought to each represent a different stage in Buddha’s life – and of different sizes. Carved into the face of a large granite gneiss rock, the images are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpting and carving arts, and make the monument the most visited at Polonnaruwa.

The largest one is 46 feet high and depicts a reclining Buddha, while the oldest of the group, which shows Buddha standing, is 23 feet high.

The site was also where Parakramabahu I gathered a congregation of monks in order to purify the Buddhist priesthood, and later drew up a code of conduct for them. This code of conduct is recorded in an inscription on the same rock face containing the images of the Buddha.

Gal Vihara Today

Today, the large site is hugely popular with tourists and Buddhist worshippers alike. The Gal Vihara statues are contained within an unsightly metal structure, but are still well worth seeing due to their historical importance and detailed craftsmanship.

It is also recommended that you take a guide around the whole site of Polonnaruwa, as there are many stunning sites to see which require detailed explanation.

Appropriate clothing is expected, and no shoes are allowed to be worn at the site.

Getting to Gal Vihara

From the centre of Polonnaruwa, the site is reachable in around 10 minutes via the A11 road. There are also a number of buses – the 48-1, 48-3, 48-13, 48-16, and 48/218-1 – which depart from Jayanthi Film Hall every 15 minutes or so and take around 50 minutes. It is possible to walk – though it might be a long and hot journey, although the routes are mainly flat – and takes around 50 minutes via the Gallambarawa Road.

History of Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is the southernmost town in mainland India, and is sometimes referred to ‘The Land’s End.’ There is evidence of human civilisation in the area from 4000 years ago. It is known that the city flourished during the megalithic or early historic period, though many of these original remains have been lost due to sea erosion.

It is a hugely popular tourist attraction, famous for its unique ocean sunrise, sunset, and moonrise, and also as a notable pilgrimage site, owing to its number of religious monuments, memorials, and statues.

Kanyakumari Today

There are a number of sites to visit within the town, including the Kumari Amman (Kanyakumari Temple), the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and the 133 ft tall statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.

A visit wouldn’t be complete without seeing the stunning Padmanabhapuram Palace which was built in the 16th century and contains floors made of black granite, murals, and floral carvings. Equally impressive is Bhagavathy Amman Temple which is believed to be over 3000 years old and is one of the most revered places of worship in Kanyakumari.

There is also a prominent memorial to Gandhi which was built on the spot where the urn containing Gandhi’s ashes was kept for public viewing before immersion. A more sobering site is the Tsunami Memorial Park, which stands as a monument to the memory of the 280,000 lives or so which were claimed by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Getting to Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari and nearby Nagercoil are directly connected by rail with almost all metropolitan cities in India. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 90 km (56 mi) from Kanyakumari Town and 70 km (43 mi) from Nagercoil. Kanyakumari is 744 km (462 mi) from Chennai.

History of Minerva’s Shrine

Dating from the early 2nd century, the shrine is carved into the face of a sandstone quarry. It is an extraordinary monument, both for its historical significance and because it is the only monument of its kind in Western Europe that remains in its original location.

The shrine stands beside the route of the old main Roman road into the fortress of Deva from the south. As the Roman goddess of war, knowledge, and craftmanship, Minerva is often depicted with a helmet, shield, breastplate, and spear. In this instance, however, she is shown simply standing in a representation of a temple.

The shrine is protected by a 19th century stone surround with a hood which was later refurbished in the 20th century.

Minerva’s Shrine Today

Today, the site is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building. A cast of the shrine is kept in the Grosvenor Museum in Chester.

Getting to Minerva’s Shrine

From the centre of Chester, the site is an 8 minute drive via Handbridge, or a 15 minute walk via Northgate St. The closest bus stop is called Handbridge Garage.

History of Preah Vihear Temple

The earliest history of the site of the Preah Vihear Temple can be traced to the ninth century AD, although the temple itself, which can be seen today, mostly dates to the eleventh century.

The Preah Vihear Temple was built by the leaders of the Khmer Empire, firstly by King Suryavarman I (1002-50) and then expanded upon by Suryavarman II (1113-50).

Made up of a series of sanctuaries known as “gopuras” and well-preserved elaborate stone buildings, perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Preah Vihear Temple is its location, set high atop the Dângrêk Mountains.

However, this stunning location is also one of the reasons why the Preah Vihear Temple is less oft visited than other Angkorian sites like its younger counterpart, Angkor Wat. The ownership of the Preah Vihear Temple has long been a subject of contention between Cambodia and Thailand, and almost led to war.

Preah Vihear Temple today

Officially, the Preah Vihear Temple is based in Cambodia, although the site is more easily reached from Thailand. Soldiers from both sides are still posted at the site and it is still quite a volatile area. In 2008, UNESCO listed the Preah Vihear Temple, which was also a contentious issue.

Getting to Preah Vihear Temple

Rocamadour Shrine history

The shrine of Rocamadour was one of the most celebrated Marian pilgrimage sites during the Middle Ages. The first reported Christian use of the site dates from early in the 11th century when pilgrims made their way to Rocamadour to see a Black Virgin statue in a small chapel built into the cliffs.

Historical records tell that in 1166 an incorrupt body was discovered buried in a cave next to the chapel and thus began the legend of St. Amadour.

Over the ensuing centuries the crypt of St. Amadour and the chapel of the Black Virgin underwent periods of prosperity and decline. In the mid 16th cnetury, the chapel was pillaged and burnt by Protestants and the body of St. Amadour was destroyed. The statue of the Black Virgin remained unharmed.

Reconstruction of the shrine began in the 1800’s. The chapel and its legendary statue continue to be the venerated and Rocamadour remains one of the most popular Marian holy places in all of France.

Rocamadour Shrine today

One of the main historic sites at the Rocamadour Shrine is the Chapel of Notre-Dame, in which one of these incidents took place. In 1166, it is said that the body of Saint Amadour – from which the town takes its name – was found here in an incredibly well-preserved state. Today, the chapel contains a statue of the Black Virgin.

Other sites include the thirteenth century Saint Anne’s Chapel and Chapel of Saint Blaise, the former tomb of St. Amadour, the twelfth century frescos in St. Michael’s Chapel and the Chateau.

Getting to Rocamadour Shrine

You can reach Rocamadour by car or by train from many cities in France, including Paris, although it is a six hour journey by train from here. From Austerlitz station in Paris, you will also need to change trains once and then continue on to Rocamadour. The train station is called Rocamadour-Padirac, a short distance from the cliff.

History of Sanctuary of La Verna

According to Christian legend, a local count, Orlando of Chiusi, was so impressed with St Francis that he gave him the mountain of La Verna as a place of contemplation, prayer, and solitude in from 1216-18. Initially, a few small cells were built along with the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli.

During his stay at La Verna, St. Francis asked God to allow him to participate with all his being in the Passion of Christ. After this, a crucified seraph appeared to him and he received stigmata in 1224, after which it was decided that a monastery should be built.

The monastery was partially destroyed by fire in the fifteenth century, and was also desecrated during a war in the same year.

It was later restored. These restorations were extensive, taking three centuries . In 1810 and 1866 the friars were temporarily expelled following the suppression of religious orders.

Sanctuary of La Verna Today

Today, a number of buildings at the site are popular pilgrimage destinations. The Chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built in 1216 by St Francis, features paintings dating to 1877 by Florentine painter Ferdinand Folchi.

The Quadrant is the square with a view over the valley. In front of the square is the portico of the Major Basilica, which was finished in 1536 but completely rebuilt after the Second World War.

The most impressive building is the Basilica Major, which was started in 1348 and completed in 1509. Shaped as a Latin cross with a single nave and vaulted ceilings, the interior is decorated with images as well as relics within the chapel of the relics. The corridor and chapel of the stigmata – which is where St Francis is said to have received his stigmata – are also popular sites.

For those who wish to enjoy the stunning outdoor scenery, the Forest Monumental de La Verna has been preserved by the Franciscan Friars, who aim to maintain harmony between man and nature in its conservation. There is a wealth of plant species as well as deer, fallow deer, roe deer, and wild boar, as well as wolves and a range of birds, including eagles, owls, and peregrine falcons.

Getting to Sanctuary of La Verna

From the centre of Florence, the Sanctuary of La Verna is reachable in around 2 hours by car via the A1/E35 roads.

History of Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is built around an image of Kannon, which legend has it was pulled from Sumida-gawa by two fisherman in 628AD: whilst it’s not on display today, it’s stood in the same place since the temple’s construction in 645AD.

From the 12th century onwards, the shoguns of Japan showed increasing devotion to Senso-ji. Following their lead, so did other prominent figures in society, and the importance of Senso-ji continued to grow. In 1590, the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu, designated Senso-ji as the temple where prayers of the shogunate would be offered. His successors paid the same respects and frequented the temple, leading to the widespread popularity of the Kannon during the Edo period.

As with much of Tokyo, the original temple structure was destroyed in air raids during the Second World War – the current temple dates from 1958. Japanese culture places less emphasis on the use of entirely original materials, and much more on the idea of replacing and restoration using traditional craftsmanship and matierals.

Senso-ji today

Senso-ji is always busy: it receives around 30 million visitors a year. If you want to visit at a more peaceful period, aim to come in the evening: the temple also looks particularly lovely illuminated.

To enter, you’ll probably walk up Nakamise-dori, a busy shopping street, where you can find trinkets, offerings and prayers to present at the temple. Look out for the five-storey pagoda (the second highest of its kind in Japan), and the shrine built for the fishermen who discovered the Kannon statue – it’s called Asakusa-jinja. It’s the only surviving structure on site, dating back to 1649, and a great example of early Edo architecture.

Be sure to check in advance if there are festivals going on as Senso-ji gets particularly busy at these times.

Getting to Senso-ji

The nearest station to the temple is Asakusa: it’s easily accessible via metro from central Tokyo. From there, it’s a short walk to the temple itself: no vehicles are permitted within the grounds. If you prefer getting a taxi, it’s about 5km north of Ginza: traffic can be slow, but every taxi driver in the city will know where you’re going.