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Solo Woman

The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem - By Phillip Benshmuel - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34183286

Stone Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, India, where Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana under the Bodhi Tree - By Bpilgrim - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/

w/index.php?curid=1762492

The Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor - By Berthold Werner - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5519208

RASTIFARIANISM

People of the Rastifarian faith believe the following:

  • God is a spirit.
  • God's spirit was manifested in Haile Selassie I
  • Jesus was a direct black descendent of King David 
  • Ethiopia IS the Promised Land.
  • Ethiopia IS Heaven on Earth.


​Tour companies and packages:

  • Welcome Ethiopia - welcomeetheipiatours.com
  • Rasta Village Tour - Trip advisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com
  • Viator Tours and Activities - Rastifari Indigenous Village (Montego Bay) - viator.com

    Dhamek Stupa shrine in Sarnath, India, where the Buddha gave his first sermon - By R. M. Calamar from Brooklyn, New York, USA - SaranathUploaded by Ekabhishek, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17033405

Varanasi is one of the main pilgrimage sites. - 

By Prasad, Madho - http://www.bl.uk/online

gallery /onlineex/apac/photocoll/g/019pho

0000017s3u00023000.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20578683

SIKHISM

​Sikhs believe in:

  • One God named Waheguru
  • They can be reunited with him through Karma – By doing good things
  • They believe in reincarnation, but only as a human can they choose goodness and achieve mukti and be reunited with God.
  • The goal of Sikhism is to complete the cycle of reincarnation and be united with God.

​
The 5 gurudwaras or the Panj Takht – India

  • The Akal Takht Sahib - Amritsar, Punjab – This site was built as a place for justice and is the highest seat of the Khalsa.
  • The Keshgarh Sahib - Anandpur Sahib, Punjab – Also known as “Takht Shri Keshgarh Sahib” and is thie city’s main Sikh shrine.   It is also one of the Sikhs highest institutions in India.
  • The Damdama Sahib - Bhatinda, Punjab – A seat of authority in Sikhism, and the site where Guru Gobind Singh prepared all the entire version of the Sikh scriptures in 1705. 
  • The Takht Sri Patna Sahib - Patna – This is a place of worship built in memory of the birthsite of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Guru in the line of Sikhs.
  •  Bihar and Hazur Sahib Nanded - Nanded, Maharashtra – This is one of the seats temporal authority and is also known as Sach-Khand or Realm of Truth. It is built on the site where the Guru Gobind Singh died.​

Sri Harmandir Sahib - Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple - A central place of worship. 


Tour companies and packages:

  • Tour My India - https://www.tourmyindia.com/pilgrimage/sikh-pilgrimage-tour.html
  • Sikh Pilgrimage Tour Packages - Tour Travel World https://www.tourtravelworld.com/pilgrimage-tours/sikh-pilgrimage.htm
  • Sikh Tourism India - http://www.sikhtourismindia.com
  • India Odyssey Tours - https://www.indiaodysseytours.com/tours/top-best-india-tours.html?gclid=CMGTt4WvpdQCFQgcaQodQroCog

Akal Takhat Sahib at Golden Temple Complex. - By Amarpreet.singh.in at the English language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2917519

​​Come see the world with me!

CHRISTIANITY 
Christianity is a belief system with includes the following 

  • Belief in God as the one true God: embodying the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
  • Christ’s death and ascension as atonement for people's sins.
  • Holiness of the Church and body of its people, the saints.
  • Jesus Christ’s second coming, which includes the Day of judgment and salvation of believers.

​To find a more direct definitions, see the Nicene Creed at: ccel.org

​

The following sites are a section of Christian Holyplaces and pilgrimages.


Syria​

Jerusalem -

  • Golgatha or Calvary – Outside of Jerusalem –
  • The place where Christ was crucified.
  • Where some of Jesus’s teachings took place
  • Cenacle - Site of the Last Supper – where Jesus shared the Eucharist
  • Site of his entombment.
  • Church of the Holy Sepulcher – The place where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.
  • Church of All Nations - The Franciscan Basilica of the Agony was the church that was according to Christian tradition over the rock upon which Christ prayed.
  • Garden of Gethsemane - Now the Garden of the Basilica of the Agony in Gethsemane.
  • Mount of Olives – According to legend, this was the site where the dove picked the olive sprig to bring back to Noah’s ark.
  • Church of the Ascension
  • The Via Dolorosa – the street that Jesus walked down to his crucifixion.
  • Mount Zion – Believed to be the site where the Last Supper was held and the burial place of King David.  It also houses Dormition Abbey, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have died.


Bethlehem –

  • Believed to be the birthplace of Jesus.
  • The Church of the Nativity marks the accepted birthplace of Christ.
  • Bethlehem with the Church of the Nativity Beit Sahour
  • The Shepard’s fields where the shepherds heard the annunciation of the birth of Christ by the angels.
  • Manger Square – Place where Jesus was born.


Nazareth -

  • Church of the Annunciation in Basilica
  • Mary's Well in Nazareth​
  • Al-Bishara - Mary’s Well.
  • Sephoria (Tzippori)– The place where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her childhood.
  • The cave where John the Baptist lived. - On the grounds of Kibbutz Tzuba
  • Lebanon
  • Damascus (On the road to…)  - The conversion of St. Paul.
  • Cana – Jesus’s first miracle of turning water to wine.
  • Galilee – The area where Jesus spent at least 30 years of his life.
  • Mount Hermon – Possible site of the transfiguration of Jesus.
  • Sea of Galilee – The place where several of Jesus disciples fished, where Jesus walked on water, and calmed the storm.  This is also the site of the feeding of the multitude.
  • Mount Tabor – For most Christians it is a holy mountain and the site of the transfiguration of Jesus.
  • The road from Jerusalem to Jerico – Where the Good Samaritan’s charitable acts took place.
  • The Mount of Temptation – Jericho – The site of Jesus’ temptations by Satan.
  • Jacob’s Well – Nablus - The site where Jesus told the Samarian woman that he was the Christ.
  • Al-Maghtas – Jordan – The site where Jesus was baptized.
  • Machaerus – Jordon- The place where John the Baptist was jailed and beheaded.
  • Mount Nebo – Jordan – The traditional site where Moses is believed to have overlooked the Promised Land before he died.
  • The Melkite Greek Catholic Church – The site where Jesus preached lays claim to this site, which is traditionally that of the synagogue where Jesus preached.
  • Church of St. Joseph's Carpentry – Where Joseph had his workshop.
  • The Mensa Christi Church – Traditional location where Jesus and the Apostles dined together after his Resurrection
  • The Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent
  • The Church of Our Lady of the Fright – Spot where Jesus was taken to a cliff.
  • The Jesus Trail Pilgrimage route – Nazareth through Capernaum.
  • The Sea of Galilee – The Church of the Multiplication - Tabgha​


Capernaum - 

  • The home to several of the apostles and Jesus and place where many miracles were said to have occurred.


Egypt -

  • Saint Catherine’s Monastery – Mount Sinai – The traditional site of the Burning Bush and where the Ten Commandments
  • Monastery of St. Anthony – Eastern Desert.
  • Church of St. George – Cairo.  A small Greek Orthodox Church built on the ruins of the Roman Fortress of Babylon.
  • Monastery of St. Anthony – By the Red Sea.  Built near the site of St. Anthony’s cave.  Contains a great wealth of art.
  • St. Catherine’s Monastery – Sinai.  This is the oldest continually working monastery of Christian origin in the world.
  • Al Bagawat Cemetery – Kharga.  One of the biggest Christian ancient world cemeteries in the world. 


Greece - 

  • Island on which Revelations was written  - Patmos
  • ​Orthodox Monastic Centre – Mount Athos, Greece
  • Saint Nicholas of Spata - Road to Saint Nicholas, Spata Greece


Italy -
Padua

  • St. Anthony relics
  • Sacri Monti – Piedmont and Lombardy (sacred mountains)

​

Turin

  • Turin Cathedral – Home to the Shroud of Turin.

​

Vatican City 

  • Location of St. Peter’s Basilica, various saints,
  • Relics of the Passion of Christ
  • It is the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

​

Rome

  • The sites of the early martyrs deaths.
  • Lanciano – Abruzzo – The place of the Eucharist miracle.
  • Loreto in the Marche – Basilica della Santa Casa​

​

Shrines, sanctuaries and churches commemorating saints

  • Padua – St. Anthony
  • Apulia – St. Padre Pio at San Giovanni Rotondo
  • Venice – St. Mark
  • Monte Cassino – St. Benedict
  • Amalfi – St. Andrew
  • Salerno – St. Matthew
  • Pavia – St. Augustine of Hippo
  • Assisi – St. Francis


Turkey - 

  • House of the Virgin Mary – Ephesus
  • Cradle of Christianity – Antioch


Poland -

  • Jasna Gora Monastery - Czestochowa – House of the Black Modonna
  • The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lichen – Lichen Stary - Miraculous image.
  • Devine Mercy Sanctuary - Krakow-Lagiewnkik – Global center of Divine mercy and grave of St. Faustina Kowalska.
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ludzmierz – Ludzmierz
  • Sanctuary of St. Hedwig – Trzebnica


Portugal - 

  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima – Cova da Iria, Fatima
  • Sanctuary of Christ the King – Monument and Shrine - Ernesinde   
  • Sanctuary of Balazar – Pilgrim destination for Maria da Costa
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sameiro – Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.


Spain - 
Numerous churches and places dedicated to honoring the Virgin Mary and apparitions of her:

  • San Sebastian de Garabanal - Our Lady of Sorrows – La Codosera, Badajoz.
  • Sanctuary of Onuva - Our Lady of Graces – Near La Puebla del Rio, Seville.
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Umbe – Our Lady of Sorrows, Ume, Biscay
  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of Covadonga, in the Peaks of Europe, Asturias.
  • The Basilica & Sanctuary of Our Lady of Candelaria, Tenerife
  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar,  Zaragoza
  • Santiago de Compostela – Galicia – To the shrine of St. James.
  • Sanctuary of the Holy Christ of Agony – Limpias, Cantabria - Shrine with the Miraculous Crucifix.
  • The birthplace of St. Theresa of Jesus - Avila​
  • Basilica of Caravaca de la Cruz - Region of Murcia
  • Montserrat Catalonia – Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat.
  • The Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe – Guadelupe, Caceres.
  • The Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana - Cantebria
  • The Way of St. James – A pilgrimage route to Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – Galicia


France -

  • Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Salette, France
  • Lourdes, France
  • Lisieux, France


UK -
Various places that honor Saints:

  • Bury St. Edmunds Abbey – England – St. Edmund the Martyr
  • Canterbury Cathedral England – St. Thomas Becket.
  • Glastonbury England – St. Joseph of Arimathea
  • Center of Gaelic Monasticism – Scotland –St. Columba
  • Bardsey Island – Wales – Numerous local saints including St. Cadfan.
  • Holywell – Wales St. Winefide’s Well.
  • Lindisfane – England - St. Cuthbert.
  • Peak Pilgrimage, Peak District, England –From Ilam, Staffordshire, to Eyam, Eyam St. Lawrence Church, the Plague Village, Peak District.
  • St. Andrews Cathedral and St. Andrews (city) – Scotland – The Way of St. Andrews.
  • St. David’s – Wales – St. David.
  • Winchester Cathedral – England – St. Swithun

​

Marian apparition sites:

  • Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health – Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu
  • Divine Mercy Shrine of Holy Mary – Thodupuzha, Kerala
  • Walsingham, England
  • Shrine of Our Lady of Litmanová - Slovakia Marian apparition.
  • Turzovka - Marian apparitions.
  • Shrine of the Infant Jesus – Nashik, Maharashtra
  • St. George Indian Orthodox Church – International Georgian Pilgrim Center
  • Spifanieh – Suburb of Damascus

​

Other notable sites around the world:

  • Basilica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida – Brazil
  • Rila Monastery – The largest Eastern Orthodox monastery – Bulgaria
  • Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels – Costa Rica
  • Bromholm Priory – Claimed to have a piece of the Cross of Christ - England
  • Gelati Monastery - The Church of the Virgin – Gela, Georgia
  • ​St. Peter and Paul's Indian Orthodox Church, Parumala mar Gregarious, India
  • Mar Ignatious Dayro, Manjanikara, Omalloor, Kerala.
  • St. Mary’s Indian Orthodox Chruch thiruvithakodu, til n India
  • Croagh Patrick Chapel, Ireland
  • Croagh Patrick, Ireland 
  • Devine Mercy Sanctuary – Lithuania
  • Basilica de Guadalupe, Mexico City
  • Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe – Mexico
  • Holy Site – Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Lourdes Grotto – The Hague - Scheveningen, Netherlands
  • Shrine of St. Olav – Nidaros, Trondheim, Norway
  • Relics of St. Paraskevi - Lasi, Romania 
  • Diveyevo Monestary - Shrine of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Russia
  • Pokrovsky Monastery - Shrine of St. Matrona of Moscow, Russia 
  • Valaam Monastery – Northwest of Russia
  • Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius – Radonezh, Russia
  • Iona, Scotland
  • Hagia Sophia –  largest cathedral in the world for 1000 years - Istanbul, Turkey
  • Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre – Quebec
  • Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec
  • Saint Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai
  • Etchmiadzin – the spiritual and administrative center of the Armenian Apostolic Church
  • Mar Thoma Church Kothamangalam, Kerala
  • St. Francis Xavier Goa
  • St. Thomas Mount – The mount in which St. Thomas was killed.
  • Mount Hermon
  • Machaerus
  • Mount Nebo
  • The Immaculate Church - Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
  • St. Paul‘s Chapel, New York City, USA


National Shrines in America:

  • The Divine Mercy – Stockbidge, Massachusetts
  • Our Lady of Consolation – Carey, Ohio
  • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – Emmitsburg, Maryland
  • Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes – Emmitsburg, Maryland
  • Our Lady of Czestochowa – Doylestown, Pennsylvania
  • Our Lady of Good Help – Champion, Wisconsin
  • Chimayo, New Mexico
  • Abbey of Gethsemani, Kentucky
  • St. Paul‘s Chapel, New York City

​

Tour companies and packages:

  • Globus Christian Pilgrimages - https://www.globusfaith.com/Faith/Vacations/?gclid=CPDXzZz4pNQCFQ6saQodMjUEfA
  • Christian Tours & Cruises - ‎www.pilgrimtours.com/‎
  • Genesis Tours - genesistoursusa.com/christian-pilgrimage-tours/
  • Kensington Tours
  • https://www.kensingtontours.com/tours/egypt-and-middle.../christian-pilgrimage--
  • Israel Tourism Consultants – In The Footsteps of Christ http://www.israeltourismconsultants.com/?gclid=CLzGlPOApdQCFQmFaQodltoD6Q
  • Friendly Planet - http://www.friendlyplanet.com/pilgrimages/
  • Ananda Spiritual Travels - https://www.expandinglight.org/spiritual-travel/israel-pilgrimage/
  • Alexander & Roberts - https://www.alexanderroberts.com/destination/middle-east/the-holy-land.aspx







BUDDHISM

Although Buddhism is not a religion in the true sense of the word, but more a way of life, some people like to journey to Buddha's historical places in India and the Far East.  As a system of beliefs and practices, Buddhism appears to be a system that can only enhance one’s life. 

​

Buddhist practices include the following:

  • The study of Buddhist texts.
  • Adherence to moral behavior and conduct.
  • Renunciation of attachments and cravings.
  • Includes the practice of meditation.
  • The cultivation of compassion and wisdom.


A basic overview of the practices of Buddhism can be found on the following website:
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/pathmaps.htm 


The following sites are a section of Buddhist Holy places and pilgrimages. 

 
India

  • Bodh Gaya – The most important site in Buddhism and the place where Buddha is believed to have gained enlightenment and his place as a Buddha.
  • Kushinagar – The place where it is believed that Buddha attained nirvana upon dying.
  • Rajgir – The place where Nalagiri was subdued.
  • Sankassa – The site of where       descended to earth from heaven.
  • Sarnath – The place where Buddha taught the Dhamma after enlightenment.
  • Sravasti – The place of the Twin miracle.
  • Vaishali – Where Buddha received honey from a monkey and preached his last sermon before his death.


Nepal

  • Lumbini – Site where Queen Maya gave birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama.


Tibet

  • Lhasa - Potala Palace -
  • Lhasa - Jokhang temple -
  • Lhasa - Norbulingka Palaces -


Tour companies and packages:

  • Top Travel and Tours Pvt, Ltd. - http://www.buddhist-pilgrimage.com/buddhist-pilgrimage-tour.html 
  • Gets Holidays - www.india-buddhist-tours.com/Buddhist-Tours‎
  • Tour My India - https://www.tourmyindia.com/packages-tour-india/buddhist-travel-packages/
  • Buddhist Tour in India - buddhisttourinindia.com/
  • Buddhist Pilgrimage Tours - http://buddhistpilgrimagetours.com/Buddhist-Tour-India.html
  • Eleven Directions Day Tours - Following in the footsteps of the Buddha – elevendirections.com



ISLAM
​

Muslims believe in the following:

  • That Allah is the one true God, perfect and unique.
  • God is all knowing.
  • Angels.
  • The holy books.
  • Prophets such as Adam Abraham Moses, Jesus, etc.
  • The Day of Judgement and whether one goes to Heaven or Hell.
  • Predestination and free will.


The following sites are a section of Islam Holy places and pilgrimages 


Egypt
- Grave of Malik al-Ashtar 
- Masjid Ra's al-Husayn
- Sit Zainab

Iraq
Baghdad Pilgrimage sites
- Masjid Boorasa
- The four representatives of the 12th Imam are buried here

  • Uthman b. Sayeed
  • Muhammad b. Uthman
  • Ali b. Muhammad Foor
  • Husayn b. Rooh​

- Tomb of Qambar the slave of Imam Ali
- Tomb of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Yaqub al-Kulayni


Balad Pilgimage site
- Mausoleum of Muhammad ibn Imam Ali al-Naqi


Basra Pilgrimage sites
- Masjid Ali


Hillah Pigrimage sites
- Maqam Sahib al-Zamaan
- Tomb of Hamza
- Tomb of Qasim
- Tomb of Prophet Ayyub
- Tomb of Prophet Daniel
- Tomb of Prophet Dhul Kifl

Kadhmayn Pilgrimage sites
- Mausoleum of 7th and 9th Imams, Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad,
- Grave of Shaykh al-Mufid
- Grave of Sayyid Ismail Safrudin
- Grave of Khwaja Nasirudin Tusi
- Grave of Sayyid Murtada
- Grave of Sayyid Razi

Karbala Pilgrimage sites
- Ganj-e-Shohada - graves of the rest of the martyrs of Karbala
- Garden of 6th Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq
- Garden of 12th Imam Sahib al-Asr, Al-Mahdi
- Grave of Habib ibn Madhaher
- Grave of Ibrahim
- Khaimaghah
- Mausoleum of Aun
- Mausoleum of Hadrat Abbas
- Mausoleum of Hur
- Mausoleum of 3rd Imam al-Husayn

  • Grave of Imam Husayn
  • Grave of Ali Akbar
  • Grave of Ali Asgher

- Qatl-ghah
- Til-e-Zaynabiya

Kufa Pilgrimage Sites
- House of Iman Ali
- Kooba of Ebrahim ibn Hasan al-Muthanna ibn Imam Hasan
- Masjid Kufa 

  • Court room of Imam Ali
  • Mausoleum of Muslim ibn Aqil
  • Mausoleum of Mukhtar
  • Mausoleum of Hani ibn Urwa
  • Mehrab-e-Ibadat
  • Mosalla of several prophets
  • Tanoor​

- Masjid Sahla

  • Maqam of Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq
  • Mosalla of 6th Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq
  • Mosalla of Prophet Ibrahim
  • Mosalla of Prophet Idris
  • Mosalla of Prophet Khidr​

- Mausoleum of Maytham al-Tammar
- Mausoleum of Prophet Yunus
- Mausoleum of Sayyida Khadijatul Sughra
- Mosque of Sa'asa ibn Sauhan
- Mosque of Zaid

Madain/Salman Pak Pilgrimage sites
- Cellar (sardab) of 12th Imam Al-Mahdi
- Masjid Jamia
- Tomb of Salman Farsi
- Tomb of Hudhaifa al-Yamani
- Tomb of Jabir b. Abdullah al-Ansari

Moosayab – Pligrimage sites
- Mausoleum of the two sons of Muslim ibn Aqil

  • Ibrahim ibn Muslim ibn Aqil
  • Muhammad ibn Muslim ibn Aqil


Najaf Pilgrimage sites
- Grave of Sayyid al-Khui
- Imam Ali Mosque - Najaf, Iraq, is the third holiest site for Shia Muslims.  Contains the tomb of Ali, who    was the brother of Muhammad.
- Imam Husayn Shrine - Naraf, Iraq
- Masjid Hannana   
- Mausoleum of 1st Imam Ali b. Abi Taalib, There are 3 graves here:

  • Imam Ali, Prophet Adam, and Prophet Nuh 

- Tomb of Hadrat Kumayl
- Tomb of Rashid Hijri
- Wadi-us Salaam

  • Tombs of Prophet Hud, Prophet Saleh, Maqam of Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq, Maqam of Saheb al-Asr, Imam Al-Mahdi, and Mosalla of Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin


Samarra Pilgrimage sites
- Cellar of 12 Imam Al-Hahdi
- Masjid Jamia
- Mausoleum of 10th and 11th Imams, Imam Ali al-Naqi and Imam Hasan al-Askari

  • Grave of 10th Imam Ali al-Naqi
  • Grave of 11th Imam Hasan al-Askari
  • Grave of Sayyida Halima Khatoon
  • Grave of Sayyida Nargis Khatoon


Iran - Tombs and Mausoleums

- Abu Ali Hazal ibn Hasan Al-Tibrasi

- Imamzada Sultan Ahmed

- Khwaja Aba Salat Harvi

- Khwaja Murad

- Khwaja Rabi'i

- Mohamed ibn Hasani Alhuri Ameli

- Sayyid Ahmed Kabir

- Shaykh Bahauddin Ameli

- 8th Imam Ali b. Musa al-Rida


Mali
- Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali - World Heritage Site.

Morocco
- Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco 

Saudi Arabia
- Mecca - Masjid al-Haram or Grand Masque – The holiest city in Islam and is at the end of the Islamic pilgrimage called the Hajj.
- Medina – Al Masjid al-Nabawi or Prophet’s Mosque.  The second holiest place in Islam and is one of the largest mosques in the world.
- Jerusalem - Al-Aqsa Mosque – The third holiest place in Islam, where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have left Earth on a winged horse to visit heaven.
- Masjid Qubbat As-Saljrah, Jerusalem - Also known as the Dome of the Rock.
- Mosque Of Omar
- Quba Mosque - Medina - First stones of the mosque were laid by the Prophet Muhammad himself.  Prayer here is considered a holy act.
- The Tomb Of Samuel – Nebi Samuel
- The Lady Tonsok Palace Façade

Syria 
Damascus - Pilgrimage sites

- Tomb of Lady Zaynab

- Bab Saghir –Tombs of

  • Abdullah bin Umm Maktoum
  • Abdullah b. Imam Zaynul Abideen
  • Abdullah b. Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq
  • Abdullah b. Ja'far al-Tayyar
  • Bilal al-Habashi
  • Fatima Sughra bint Imam Husayn
  • Hujr Ibn Adi
  • Kamaid bin Aswad al-Kindi
  • Lady Ruquyya
  • Lady Fidha
  • Maid of Sayyida Fatima
  • Maqam Ra's Shuhada Obay ibn Ka'b
  • The Prophet's [s] wives

- Prison

  • Mausoleum of Sakina
  • Niche where Imam Zaynul Abideen said his prayers
  • Prison of Ahlul Bayt
  • Pulpit of Imam Zaynul Abideen

- Ummayyad Mosque

  • Pulpit from which Imam Zaynul Abidin
  • Grave of John the Baptist
  • Maqam Ra'sul Husayn

- Salera

- Cave of Ashab al-Kahf

- Kog-e-Raqim

- Masjid Sulayman

- Small Masjid

- Sermon written by Iman Ali on stone


Turkey 
- Selimiye Mosque - Edrine, Turkey
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul,Turkey

Tour companies and packages:

  • Muslim Tours | MEJDI Tours
  • AlHaram Travel Offers Best Hajj and Umrah Packages at lowest price ...
  • Al Hijaz Tours - www.alhijaztours.com/blog/
  • Dar el Salam – Islamic World Travel​ www.darelsalam.com/2017-hajj-packages-2/
  • Maram Tours and Travel - https://www.maramtravel.com
  • Sara International Travel - http://www.sarainternationaltravel.com/tour/5b/?gclid=CMXHgbOJpdQCFQWOaQod44QCzg

 

Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
By Daniel Maleck Lewy, 2005, - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=549414

Monastery of Saint John the Theologian (Patmos, Greece) - By Valeria Casali - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28499403

The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh - By Dragfyre - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2441774

JUDAISM
Judaism is a belief in a one true God.  Jewish people also believe that God is:

  • Eternal and intangible.
  • God knows the thoughts and deeds of man and will reward the good and punish those who are wicked.
  • Prayer should be directed to the one God and no one else.
  • Words of prophets are true, Moses being the greatest.
  • The Written and Oral Torah were both given to Moses and there will be no others.
  • The Messiah is yet to come.
  • All of the dead with be resurrected.
  • It focuses more on actions than beliefs and on relationships.​

For more on Judaism go to:
http://www.jewfaq.org/beliefs.htm


Jerusalem is a holy city and spiritual center where you can see the following sites:

  • The Temple Mount also called the Noble Sanctuary – The holiest place in Judaism. The location of the original temple, built by King Solomon to protect the Ark of the Covenant carrying the Ten Commandments in “The Holy of Holies”.
  • Dormition Abbey
  • The threshing floor King David bought
  • The place of Jacob’s dream
  • Location of the two Jewish Temples
  • Believed to be the site of the Third Temple upon the coming of the messiah.
  • The Western Wall – The retaining wall that was built for the 2nd Temple, also known as the Wailing Wall, is believed to be the closest place to the original temple and the Holy of Holies.
  • Four Sephardic Synagogues
  • St. James Church and Monastery - where Armenians believe James, brother of Jesus, is buried.
  • Mount Zion – Just outside of old Jerusulem.
  • King David's Tomb.
  • The Tower of David – Also called the Jerusalem Citadel, found near the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem.
  • The City of David – Birthplace of Jerusalem.
  • Hurva Synagogue – Also called the Ruin Synagogue.


Three other holy cities include:

  • Hebron
  • Safed
  • Tiberias

​

Tour companies and packages:

  • Holy Land Tours Travel -  http://www.holylandtourstravel.com/index.php/ten-day-christian-holy-land-travel-tour-to-israel
  • America Israel Tours - http://www.americaisraeltours.com
  • Pilgrimage to the Holy Land • Lady Egypt Tours - www.ladyegypt.com/Holy-Land-Tours/Holy-Land
  • Alexander & Roberts - https://www.alexanderroberts.com/destination/middle-east/the-holy-land.aspx
  • ​Jewish Heritage Travel - http://jhtravel.org/?gclid=CMzExvakpdQCFQgKaQodT-8C8g

Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi - Photo by Vicki Kralapp

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela - CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=265729

The Temple Mount, the holiest site in Judaism - By Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30066666

Kaaba and Al-Masjid al-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia. - By Muhammad Mahdi Karim; edited by jjron - Own work, GFDL 1.2, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3563328

The Gold veraanda Imam Ali Mosque - 

By Saff V. - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/

index.php?curid=45642981

Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem - By David Shankbone - David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3333978

Come see the world with me,
footloose and fancy free!

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, Saudi Arabia. - By Nacizane - originally posted to Flickr as medine, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6309309

Torino Duomo - By moi-même - Torino (Italy), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org /w/index.php?curid=906745

Inside the Vatican - Photo by Vicki Kralapp

Santuário de Fátima - By Therese C - Flickr: DSCN5573, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56845332

Ayodhya - By Bhelki - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41020893

The Western Wall, known as the Kotel- By Golasso - Own work, GFDL, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12647724

The supposed location where John baptized Jesus Christ East of the River Jordan. - By I, Producer, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6620561

Mount Ararat and the Yerevan skyline in spring.

By Սէրուժ Ուրիշեան (Serouj Ourishian) - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51469965

Although I have never been on a religious pilgrimage myself or any specialized religious tour for that matter, I have been to several of the religious sites that are on everyone's bucket list.

While in Italy in 2014, I was able to visit Rome and spend time at both the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. The brilliant artwork of the great masters Michelangelo, Leonardo and Bernini were at the center of my reason to visit.  But these wound up only adding to my Vatican experience as I walked through the magnificent cathedral in awe. While at the Vatican, we were privy to a tour of the Vatican museum, were able to see where the present pope lives, and were able to witness part of a service in the cathedral. 

Part of our tour in Italy included an afternoon in the medieval town of Assisi, in the northern region of the country.  Assisi rises out of the Tuscan landscape on a hill and has been preserved through the years for the world to see. The Basillica of Saint Francis of Assisi and surrounding chapels are at its center and feature the early Renaissance artists Cimabue, Martini and Lorenzetti, among others. Although this area and its church have been ravaged in recent years by earthquakes, preservationists have restored what they could and it remains a great example of this time in history.

When I was in Europe back in 1977, I was able to attend a Sunday morning High Mass in the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.  Although, I didn’t understand most of the service, I was delighted that my fellow traveler had the foresight to plan our Sunday morning and was able to get us in to mass.  As I think back, the sound of organ pipes was my strongest memory.  They echoed throughout the service and the acoustics throughout the service were unforgettable.

The Catacombs in Rome along the Appian Way may be considered a holy site as well because of the thousands of departed souls that are buried here.  If you are older and can get there by car or bus, it is advised, as it is a fair stretch to walk.  (I was in my early 20’s when I visited and was healthy and fit, and the walk was still far.)  The Coliseum is a place that I have visited twice, although this last time I did not have time to wait in line to go in.  The lines were non-existent when I was there in 1977 and we had to cross the round about street to get in.  Now it is part of the ancient ruins of Rome that is was meant to be.  Many of the early Christians were martyred here as part of the crack down on the rise of Christianity.

When visiting religious sites around the world, make certain that you take into account the following…

  • The customs of the country.
  • Respecting the traditions of the church – In Italy it is expected that one cover the shoulders and wear skirts below the knee or full-length pants.  Because of the heat in Italy, some of the people I saw wore zip off full-length pants, so that they could be in shorts when they were done.
  • Some churches will not allow you to photograph the artwork.  This may either be for the reasons of copyright such as in the Sistine Chapel or for the protection of the artwork itself, or both. 


Happy travels, Ciao!  😎

August Town Kingston, considered Mount Zion in Jamaica by Bedwardites and still revered by some in the Rasta Movement - By Jasonbook99 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18454765

A view of Notre-Dame from Montparnasse Tower -  By Edal Anton Lefterov - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11300800

Hamandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib (also known as the Golden Temple). The holiest shrine in Sikhism located in the city of Amritsar, India. - By Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12257255

Cathedral of St. Andrews (Scotland) - By e6La3BaNo - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons. wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12350992

RELIGIOUS PILGRIMAGE SITES OF THE WORLD

Mount Sinai - By Mohammed Moussa - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28338950

Modern Basilica de Guadalupe - By Adan Hernandez Bahena - Mis Archivos, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8920355

Jagannath temple - CC BY-SA 1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1027257

Aerial view of the complex of Bahá'í administrative buildings on Mt. Carmel, Haifa, Israel. - By Nafisto at English Wikipedia - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Faigl.ladislav using CommonsHelper., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5849201

Saint Catherine's Monastery - By Berthold Werner - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12215773

​​Next month I will be writing about the foods of the world.  
See you on July 2, at 6:00 PM!

BAHAI FAITH 

The Bahai Faith is a religion that teaches

  • The essential worth of all religions, and the unity and equality of all people. 
  • God is all-powerful.
  • Religion is orderly.
  • Progressively revealed by the one God through His manifestations: Jesus. Buddha. Muhammad.
  • Emphasis on unity of people, thus rejecting racism and nationalism. 
  • Goal of Bahai is a unified world order. 

​

The following sites are a section of Bahai Holy places and pilgrimages. ​

  • Temporary Shrine of `Abdu'l-Bahá

  • ​The Shrine of the Báb

  • The Garden of Ridván​

  • Prison cell of Bahá'u'lláh

  • ​House of `Abdu'lláh Páshá

  • House of `Abbúd

  • ​Resting place of Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khanum


Tour companies and packages:

  • Turkey Tours - http://www.turkeytour.net/faith-tourism/daily-tours-to-bahai-holy-places.html
  • Dimple Travel - http://dimpletravel.com/tours/daily-tours-to-bahai-holy-places.html
  • Adventures Abroad - http://www.adventures-abroad.com/country/Turkey-tours&source=gadwords_primary?gclid=COWHscWmpdQCFQYdaQodco4BCA
  • Millenium Travel - http://milleniumtravel.ca/turkey
  • Trip Advisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g293974-Istanbul.html

Safed city in July 2009. - By Matic18 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7425548

Northern side of Mt Kailash (Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China). - By I, Ondřej Žváček, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2525216

The al-Aqsa Mosque, where Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to heaven. - By Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24501043

Church of All Nations near Mount of Olives in Jerusalem - By Berthold Werner - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14585040

Dwaraka temple - By Scalebelow - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5739970

HINDUISM

Hindus believe:

  • ​That existence continues after live.
  • That a soul may pass through many life forms, as we are reincarnated over and over.
  • In a spiritual truth called Brahman, who made all.
  • Life’s purpose is to understand one’s soul
  • In Karma: what happens to us is the direct result of past experiences.


The following sites are a section of Hindu Holy places and pilgrimages.​

​

The 7 sacred Holy towns

  • Ayodhya - Also known as Saket.  Believed to be the birthplace of Rama.
  • Mathura - Is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna.
  • Haridwar -
  • Varanasi -
  • Kanchipuram -
  • Dvaraka -
  • Ujjain - It's nickname is The City of Temples,


- Puri
- Rameshwaram
- Dvaraka
- Badrinath

The 4 Maha Kumbha Mela sites

  • Prayaga
  • Haridwar
  • Ujjain
  • Nashik


Vaishnavas

  • Kodlamane Shree Bishnumurthy Temple
  • Mathura/Vrindavana
  • Dwaraka Temple - Dwarka, Gujarat, India
  • Badrinath
  • Puri
  • Tirupati
  • Ayodhya
  • Nathdwara
  • Udupi


Shaivites

  • Varanasi
  • Pashupatinath
  • Kedarnath
  • Somnath
  • Amarnath
  • Rameshwaram
  • Chidambaram​

Kailash Parvata – Tibet – Holy home of the Lord Shiva.

Kaumaram (Six sacred abodes or temples of Murugan; Tamil)

  • Palani Murugan
  • Pazhamudircholai Murugan
  • Swamimalai Murugan
  • Thiruchendur Murugan
  • Thirupparamkunram Murugan
  • Thiruthani Murugan


Shaktas

  • Kanyakumari
  • Madurai
  • Vaishno Devi
  • Calcutta (Kali Temple)


Only 4 of 31 Shakti sites in India


Tour companies and packages:

  • India Rail Tourshttp://www.indiarailtours.com/hindu-pilgrimage-train-tour.html
  • Tour My India - https://www.tourmyindia.com/packages-tour-india/pilgrimage-tour-packages/hindu-pilgrimage-tour.html
  • Just Pilgrimages - http://www.justpilgrimages.com/hindu-pilgrimage/varanasi-tour-packages.html​
  • Nepal Trekking - www.nepaltrekking.com/hindu-pilgrimage-tour/
  • Travel Guru – www.travelguru.com/holiday-packages/domestic/pilgrimage-
  • India Odyssey Tours - https://www.indiaodysseytours.com/tours/top-best-india-tours.html?gclid=COGP5dSZpdQCFQYxaQodhs4IKA
  • India Guided Tours - Nat'l Geographic Award Winner‎​www.kensingtontours.com/Tours/India‎

Manger Square, in Central Bethlehem - By Ian and Wendy Sewell - http://www. ianandwendy.com/Israel, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3199802