Sacred Places Of A Lifetime: 500 Of The World's Most Peaceful And Powerful Destinations

This inspirational gift book showcases 500 of the world's most powerful and spiritual places and guides modern-day travelers who wish to visit them. 400 color photographs.

According to industry sources, faith-based travel brings in an impressive $18 billion worldwide. One-quarter of all travelers--both secular and religious--express current interest in taking a spiritual vacation and in seeking out unique cultural and meaningful destinations. With eloquent text and hundreds of rich illustrations displayed in lavish large format, "Sacred Places of a Lifetime" is poised to catch the attention of this rapidly growing market. From prehistoric burial chambers to modern monuments and sanctuaries, it highlights the most fascinating icons of many religions and offers an intriguing window into the cultures that created them.
Each site receives detailed treatment, with history and lore revealed as well as practical information on how and when to visit. 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 travel market while also appealing to the many readers interested in sites of unique cultural heritage.