Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations

by National Geographic Society (Editor)

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.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Reference, Religion, History

400 pages, Paperback

First published October 21, 2008

About the author

The National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, I'm a sucker for this kind of big grab-bag travel book with pretty pictures but rather impractical content. This book takes a new approach and I appreciated that, although in its efforts to be diverse and inclusive, it skipped over a lot of really beautiful churches one can actually visit without much difficulty. There are an awful lot of places in this volume that aren't practical travel destinations for most of us.

I also have to say that it makes me sad when I read books like this lately. Instead of more of the world becoming available to travelers, I can't help but think how many of the sites in this book that as an American, I might have visited in relative safety fifteen or twenty years ago that now I cannot expect to visit. It makes me angry again at Bush and his minions, angry at religious extremists and greedy hatemongers who in their rush to do battle with each other and prove their beliefs "true," have made it impossible for peaceful people from different cultures to get together and learn to understand each other.

This book glosses over most of that real world activity and the people who make many of these sites more than pretty pictures in books and less "peaceful" (a la the subtitle) than they should be.

On the verge of a new presidency, I'm trying to be hopeful. Maybe in ten years, I can begin to add more of these places to my dream list for travel.

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a spectacular National Geographic book of Sacred Places to travel to throughout your lifetime. The photographs are gorgeous, bold, bright and incredibly detailed. The information is interesting and thorough listing each place's notable features and the best times of year to visit. A few of my favorites were the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, the Plain of Jars in Laos, Ajanta and Ellora Caves in India and the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. I hope to be able to Boate each of these on day.
It's a wonderful book with a world of adventures spread out on its pages. Anyone looking for a beautiful place to visit should read this book.

[Brenna Bonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous and inspiring photography and descriptions. Now who is going to give me money to travel to these places?!?! :)

[Kelly Salasin]

Family favorite to page through, read, share and dream...

[Odi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The primary theme of the book revolves around spirituality and the human desire to connect with something greater than oneself. The selected sites often serve as pilgrimage destinations, reflecting cultural and religious practices that have persisted through centuries. The book showcases a rich tapestry of cultures and beliefs. Each location is not only significant for its spiritual attributes but also for its historical context and cultural heritage. This diversity allows readers to appreciate how different societies interpret spirituality and sacredness, fostering a broader understanding of global traditions.

As an inspirational guide, Sacred Places of a Lifetime encourages readers to embark on their own journeys. It emphasizes the transformative power of travel to sacred sites, suggesting that such experiences can lead to personal growth and enlightenment. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness in travel, urging visitors to approach these places with respect and reverence. Visually, the book is designed to captivate its audience. The use of hundreds of full-color images not only enhances the reading experience but also serves to draw attention to the beauty and serenity of each location. This visual storytelling complements the written content, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in travel or spirituality.

Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations by National Geographic Society stands out as an essential resource for those interested in exploring the spiritual landscapes of our world. By blending stunning visuals with insightful narratives, it invites readers to discover the profound connections between people, places, and their spiritual significance. This book promises to be a valuable addition to any travel enthusiast's library, offering both inspiration and practical guidance for future journeys into sacred spaces.

[Carol Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful large coffee-table type of travel book with a "sacred places" slant. The book is multi-cultural, featuring sites that are sacred to Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and many other religions. Beautiful photos, nice commentary, and even little maps to show the location of each sacred place. The Sacred Places are not limited to churches, but also include retreat spots, monasteries, geographical landmarks, water bodies, etc. (Although the book is quite comprehensive, I am aware of other "sacred places" that I have visited which are not included.) This will be a good resource to guide future travels.

[Sara Root · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations" is a visually stunning and informative guide showcasing a diverse collection of locations around the globe considered sacred by various cultures and religions. I loved how this book helped people such as myself to understand and respect people and cultures.

[Iulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great travelling guide!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

so many more magnificent places to see;

[Sara Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so detailed on the description of the places. It also had beautiful pictures of the destinations.

[Servabo · Rating 3 out of 5]

1) Big Sur, California, USA
Autumn, the lingering warmth of summer ushers in blue skies and warm temperatures.
2) Chartres Cathedral, France
3) Dubrovnik Cathedral, Dubrovnik, Croatia

[Novieta Tourisia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacred Places of a Lifetime is a National Geographic's spiritual-cultural odyssey packaged in a 387-page combo book consists of ten sections: Landscapes, Megaliths & Mysteries, Cradles of Faith, Majestic Ruins, Daily Devotion, Shrines, The Pilgrim's Way, Ceremonies & Festivals, In Remembrance, and Retreats.

The title says '500 of the World's Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations', combination of incredible nature and rich culture. From Devils Tower in USA, to Debre Zion Monastery in Africa.

As an Indonesian, whose country has a major number of sacred places and activities, I couldn't hold the desire to dig in which parts of my homeland are available in the book. Without feeling too surprised, there are Indonesia's sacred places and activities mentioned here: Air Panas, Mount Agung, Temple Anniversary Festival, Rice Harvest, Borobudur, and Cliff Tombs. One to four are all in Bali. Borobudur in Central Java. Cliff Tombs in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi.

Of course I got a good feeling like 'Indonesia Rocks!' when I saw my country is on the list. Yet I don't feel much contentment since it seems over-focused on Bali, while there are other parts in the country whose places and activities are not less sacred than Bali's. Name "The Three Valleys" (West Sumatra; Sacred Landscape), "Lore Lindu National Park" (Central Sulawesi; Megaliths & Mysteries), or "Pasola Festival" (East Nusa Tenggara; Ceremonies & Festivals).

Overall, this book is worth to read, especially for you who loves cultural travel, searches for spiritual experience, and curious about the true meaning of sacred events for people who celebrate them. As a big fat eye-catching book with the density of explanation in each place, completed with dazzling and colorful photographs, this book is also easy to read.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't realize this book was geared toward faith-based travel, and was instead simply looking for travel that was good for the soul. Many of these places are unfortunately geared toward the masses. When I read the words "tour buses" in relation to something, I am immediately turned off. Some of the photography was stunning, however, so excellent for the armchair traveler.

[Regina Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing pictures and places, speaking of Ireland, Scotland and England... they are filled with sacred wells! I really do want to see place of 10,000 Buddhas, my teacher said she learned way to count her birthday or something and when you are in there you go past by certain amount and you find your Buddha that represents you. Not sure, but will have to check.

[Hero · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful photos but you've probably already heard of most of these places. The locations may be peaceful and powerful but this book doesn't bring you on an emotional journey. I was hoping to be moved. Unfortunately this book is more fact oriented and there's simply no room for story telling or mysticism.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pictures are wonderful; it's National Geographic after all!!!

The pictures and accompanying text were great to learn or re-learn about a particular sacred site.
This would be a great book to browse before your next trip so that you might visit a sacred place when you are traveling.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, inspiring book of photographs. I shared it with a number of friends, who agreed.

[Stephy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty pictures, and not a whole lot more. Practically useless to someone who is not a full time world traveler with an unlimited budget.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for me and my kids. They have pages doubled over of sites they want to see and begin asking questions about beliefs.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a sucker for geography...especially of the whole world. then overlay that with the context of peace, power, or sacred places, I just LOVE it.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely book, beautiful pictures. I did wish they would provide more infomation about the site and why it is a spiritial spot. Provides good infomation for those planning to visit the sites.