Temples
Entrance to Saadian Tombs with 77m tall minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque at the background. Marrakesh.
Windows of the minaret of El Mansour Mosque, Marrakesh.
Local men resting near El Mansour Mosque, Marrakesh.
Local elderly men sitting near El Mansour Mosque, Marrakesh.
A man praying in Srirangam temple, Tamil Nadu.
Old cannon in front of the church of Santa Maria de Africa, Ceuta.
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Roofs and minarets of the old city (medina) in Fez.
One of the rock temples in Ellora, Maharashtra.
A way to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A street leading to Jama Masjid mosque in Old Delhi.
Minaret of the Kairaouine Mosque in Fez - the oldest Islamic monument in the city dating from 956.
Old city in Fez with the minaret of the Kairaouine Mosque - the oldest Islamic monument in the city dating from 956.
Decorations of the pavilion in the courtyard of Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fez.
Women queuing to enter the temple, Goa.
A gate leading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Minaret of the Bou Inania madrassa (Islamic religious school) seen through The Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud). Fez.
Minaret of the Grand Mosque in Meknes.
The only round minaret in Morocco built in 1939 as an addition to Idriss Medersa - a much older Koranic school. Moulay Idriss.
Japanese temple. Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Buddhist monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Buddhist banners in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Entrance to the buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Temple carving from Ellora temples, Maharashtra.
Buddha statue in one of the rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
Pavilions of Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
View to the courtyard of Kun lam temple.
On the inner courtyard of the Kun lam temple.
Temple shop with firecrackers and incenses.
On the inner courtyard of the A-Ma temple.
Stone stelas within the precincts of the A-Ma temple.
Detail of the temple decorations.
Wall of the San Juan church in San Juan Chamula.
One of the temples in Palenque aside from the main square.
One of the less visited temples in the jungle. Uxmal.
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Kathesimbu stupa, Kathmandu.
Nepali couple leaving their temple. Kathmandu.
Lion guarding a temple near Durbar Square in Bhaktapur.
Prayer wheels at Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu.
Entrance to a temple in Kathmandu.
Wazir Khan mosque in the center of the old city of Lahore.
Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
A temple in Bangkok.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Inside the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Istambul.
Old minarets of Aziziye Camii (mosque) in Konya.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Column base from the Temple of Apollo in Didyma.
Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Top level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
In the arcades of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan with his child. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
Padmasambhava Statue in the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
Tibetan monk in front of the temple door. Shigatse.
Kyaiktyio pagoda overlooking the surrounding plains.
A man sticking incredibly thin golden leafs to the surface of Golden Rock or Kyaiktyio Pagoda, Mon State.
An alley with densely arranged golden stupas in Shw Inn Thein complex in Indein village. Shan State.
A view from traveller's oriental fairy tale - a forest of old, delapidated stupas with a mountain range in the background. Indein village, Shan State.
Yadana Man Aung temple in Nyaungshwe on Inle lake in Shan State.
Kuthodaw temple in Mandalay is called "the largest book in the world", because it contains marble tables with the text of the entire buddhist teaching canon (tripitaka) in 729 litttle shrines.
A picturesque collection of old, delapidated (and a few restored) stupas near Swe Inn Thein in Indein village, Shan State.
A row of old stupas near Swe Inn Thein in Indein village, Shan State.
Old stupas around Swe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
Old stupas around Swe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
Buddhist monk from Kandy.
Spiral incense in Kun lam temple.
Local woman among the old stupas near Swe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
A wall of golden stupas line a path in Shwe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
The most beautiful "street" in Burma - an alley in Shwe Inn Thein temple lined on both sides with golden, white and brick stupas. Near Indein village in Shan State.
The most beautiful "street corner" in Burma. Shwe Inn Thein near Indein village. Shan State.
Plaques commemorating founders, who paid for restoring particular stupas. Shwe Inn Thein near Indein village. Shan State.
An enormous size of an unfinished Mantalagyi paya in Mingun can be best appreciated when compared to people.
Mantalagyi paya in Mingun or rather what king Bodawpaya managed to build.
Young monk walking past the Kyautawgyi Paya in Amarapura near Mandalay.
Shemawdaw Paya in Bago with its height of 114m is the tallest stupa in Burma . It is 16 m taller than the Shwedagon Paya in Rangoon (Yangon).
Hieroglyphs cover the columns and walls of the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Hieroglyphs cover the columns and walls of the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Beautifully adorned columns in the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Beautifully adorned columns in the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Temple of Amun in Luxor.
Gigantic seated statueas in front of the pylons of the Amun temple in Luxor.
Temple of Amun in Luxor at dusk.
Temple of Amun in Karnak.
Statue of Ramses II in front of the main alley of the temple of Amun in Karnak.
Inside the temple of Amun in Karnak at night.
Wall decoration in Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor.
Inside the Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor.
Very well preserved colored reliefs on the walls of the Hatshepsut temple in Deir el-Bahri.
A part of the temple of Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor with Osiris columns.
Grand collonade in the temple of Amon in Luxor.
Statue of Ramses II in the Temple of Amon in Karnak.
Temple of Amon in Karnak after dusk.
Ramessesum. Luxor.
Ramessesum. Luxor.
Female bas-relief. Temple of Hatshepsut, Deir el-Bahri.
Well preserved colerd reliefs on the wall of Hatshepsut temple in Deir el-Bahri.
Hieroglyphs with still preserved colors in the temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri.
The temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri just before the entrance to level three (then closed because of the works conducted by the polish archeologists).
Decoration of a wall in the Ramesseum temple near Luxor showing the pharaoh killing his enemies while riding on a chariot.
Decorated wall in Ramessesum. Luxor.
The temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri. A wall ending with a falcon head.
At the courtyard of Sayyidna al-Hussein in Cairo.
An old Spanish church. Bohol.
A tower - the only visible part of a church buried by the eruption of the Mayon volcano together with the worshippers, who seeked shelter inside. Luzon island.
Chidren in front of the church of San Pedro Apostol in Loboc on Bohol Island.
Typical Philippino jeepney on fron of the church of San Pedro Apostol in Loboc on Bohol Island.
A huge mausoleum resembling a church. Chinese Cemetery, Manila.
A square in front of St. Agustin church in Manila.
Cathedral in Manila.
Traditional calesa - a two-wheeled horse drawn carriage in front of the Manila Cathedral.
Buddhist monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim.
Sikh pilgrims going to the Golden Temple in their holy city of Amritsar, Punjab.
Father and son, who have arrived as pilgrims to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
The Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
The Golden Temple in the light of setting sun. Amritsar, Punjab.
The famous rock temples of Ellora where carved from a sheer rock from top down. In the background is the original level of rocks high above the current temple. Maharashtra.
Rock temples of Ellora in Maharashtra.
Rock temples of Ellora in Maharashtra.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Sadhu (holy man) in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Pilgrims in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Elderly woman carrying a lot on her head. Sri Meenakshi temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Holy pilgrim (sadhu) performing rituals in the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Inside the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai a trained elephant taps on the head anyone who gives him a coin.
Two pilgrims having meal in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Colorful gopuram (tower) of the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
A group of children in front of the temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Magnificent sculptures of the largest temple complex in India in Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam in Tiruchirappali, Tamil Nadu.
Famous seaside temples in Mahabalipuram are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Garlands of yellow flowers used for temples and ceremonies on the town market in Mysore, Karnataka.
Trained elephant in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai gently taps the head of anyone who gives him a coin.
One of the gopurams (towers) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Colorful sculptures on one of the gopurams (towers) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Sculptures on one of the world famous temples in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab) at night.
Sikh man at the window of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Gopuram (tower) of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam - the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world,
A view through an arch in Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi.
Man sleeping under the magnificent sculptures in Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, Tiruchirappali.
Rock temples in Badami, Karnataka.
On the way to the main sanctuary within the Golden Temple complex. Amritsar, Punjab.
Rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
One of the world famous rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
One of the world famous rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Unusual juxtaposition of symbols - christian cross and a red star together on a church in Kerala.
Soldier praying in a mosque in Teheran.
Imam Mosque (Masjed-e Imam) in Isfahan in evening sunlight.
Beautiful Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
Imam Mosque (Masjed-e Imam) in Isfahan in evening sunlight.
Imam Square in Isfahan. In the foreground are arcades sheltering shops and bazaar, in the background a huge dome of the Imam Mosque.
World famous glazed tiles from Isfahan at the entrance to the Imam Mosque.
Entrance gate to the Imam Square (Maidān-e-Imam) in Isfahan.
Imam Square (Maidān-e-Imam) in Isfahan at night.
Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd.
Beautiful ornaments made of the famous Iranian glazed tiles on the entrance to the Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd.
Imam Mosque at night. Isfahan.
Arcades and mosque on the Imam Square in Isfahan.
Inside a small mosque in Tehran.
Beautiful Jame mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
Inside the Jame mosque in Yazd.
One of the exits from Jame mosque in Yazd leads to a narrow featureless street.
Zoroastrian temple, Yazd.
Courtyard in front of the Convent Armenian St. James (St. James Cathedral) in the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem.
Windows of various shapes and sizes on the courtyard in front of St. James Cathedral in the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem.
Domes, minarets and satellite antennas of the northern city of Akko.
Romanesque church of St. Anne on Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem built by the Crusaders between 1131 and 1138.
Courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. Bethlehem .
Cloisters around the courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. , Bethlehem .
Front facade of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem.
A view of the domes of the Church of Condemnation from via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Arab man walking along the arcades surrounding the Al-Aksa mosque. Mount Zion. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns in the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns singing during the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns walking to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Early morning sun begins to lit the steps in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem.
A corner near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church carrying a green cross. Jerusalem.
Al-Aksa mosque and Israeli security patrolling the area around it. Temple Mount, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest walking towards the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Chapel of the Angel in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priests entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
A priest of the Coptic Church walking past the Israeli policeman. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount. Jerusalem.
Copper dome of a church in Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Text of the Pater Noster (Our Father) in Polish (one of more than 100 languages) in the cloisters of the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives.
Old priest from the Russian Church of the Ascension sweeping the pavement. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Old priest from the Russian Church of the Ascension. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Praying at the spot where Jesus was crucified in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Coptic priest overlooking the courtyard of the Ethiopian Coptic Church in Jerusalem.
Door on the courtyard of the Ethiopian Coptic Church in Jerusalem.
Arched door on the courtyard of the Ethiopian Coptic Church in Jerusalem.
A view from the defensive walls of the old Crusaders' port towards the Al-Jazzar mosque. Akko.
Church of the Dormition, Mount Zion, Jerusalem.
Dome of a small church in Akko in northern Israel.
Golden dome of the Dome of the Rock temple in Jerusalem.
Green door near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem,
Buildings on Jebel al-Ashrafiyeh' in the center of Amman. In the upper right corner is the Abu Dervish mosque.
Small modern mosque in downtown of Amman.
Old lady without feet and hands (possibly lost from a mine explosion) taking care of one of the monuments in Angkor Wat.
Old lady without feet and hands holding incense. Angkor Wat.
General view of the Angkor Wat temple in the morning sun.
Wide promenade leading to the famous temple of Angkor (Angkor Wat) is full of people since early morning hours.
Roots of trees in Ta Prohm temple may resemble human hands.
Mighty roots of a tree embracing one of the buildings of Ta Prohm temple.
Majestic towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Angkor Wat and its reflection in the northern water reservoir.
Two monks by the northern water reservoir within the Angkor Wat complex.
Reliefs from Ta Prohm or Preah Khan temple. Angkor.
Old nun taking care of a Buddha statue in dark arcades of Preah Khan temple.
Face from Bayon. Angkor Thom.
One of the world famous, mysterious faces in Bayon at dawn. Angkor Thom.
A monk deep in his thoughts. Angkor Wat.
Tourists descend the steep stairs of Angkor Wat holding tightly the handle for security.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunrise.
Roots of trees attacking ancient walls of Preah Khan temple.
Mighty trunk/root climbing the wall of Ta Prohm temple.
Children "orchestra" performing next to Banteai Srei temple.
A monk from Angkor.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Famous reliefs of apsaras in Angkor Wat.
Rising sun is reflected in the northern pond. Angkor Wat.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
Young monk in the early morning sun. Angkor Wat.
Delicate sculptural ornaments in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Finial of one of the richly decorated gates on the main axis of Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
View through a window. Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Three monks in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
Young monk in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
Little barefoot boy in front of Angkor Wat.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Banteay Srei near Angkor. Bas-reliefs on the walls of this temple are among the finest examples of sculptural masterpieces in the world.
One of the richly decorated portals in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
One of the masterpieces of figurative art in Bateay Srei temple near Angkor.
Detail of the fine ornamentation in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Rarely visited ruins of Phnom Bok temple on a hill about 25 kilometres northeast of Siem Reap.
Stone rubble left from a part of Phnom Bok temple on a hill about 25 kilometres northeast of Siem Reap.
Richly decorated stone portal in Preah Khan temple.
A temple in Angkor.
Khmer boy sitting under the huge "window" of one of the temples in Angkor.
Ta Som temple overgrown with trees.
A tree embracing the eastern towers of Ta Som temple with roots of fantastic shapes.
Dark and atmospheric interior of Preah Khan temple.
Double story building of still unknown purpose within the precincts of Preah Khan temple.
Bayon. Stone face smiling mysteriously in the rays of the sunset.
Smiling face. Bayon temple in Angkor.
One of the towers in Bayon temple with its famous smiling faces on four sides. Angkor.
Faces from Bayon temple in Angkor.
Faces from Bayon temple in Angkor.
A nun from Preah Khan temple.
Face from Bayon temple. Angkor.
Tangles of roots of unimaginable forms devouring the walls and rich decorations of Ta Prohm temple.
Roots of gigantic banyan trees entwining the walls and decorations of Ta Prohm temple.
Roots of banyan trees holding the walls of Ta Prohm temple in the merciless embrace create a unique, surrealistic atmosphere.
Banyan trees have been growing for hundreds of years over the 900 years old Ta Prohm temple creating breathtaking scenery of nature devouring even the most magnificent man made structures.
Huge banyan tree overgrowing the Ta Prohm temple.
Gigantic roots creeping over the Ta Prohm temple.
Huge banyan tree overgrowing the Ta Prohm temple.
A temple in Angkor.
Detail of a building near one of the temples in Angkor.
Black Stupa (That Dam) near the Ekalath Metropole hotel. Vientiane.
Vat Haysoke temple. Vientiane.
Auto rickshaw under the wall of one of the temples in Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Wat Si Saket temple. Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Young monks in front of the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum). Vientiane.
Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum). Vientiane.
Statues of Buddha around Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Richly decorated entrance to Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
A dragon in front of the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum) in Vientiane.
One of the dragons guarding the entrance to the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum). Vientiane.
Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos. The symbol of Buddhist religion and independence.
General view of Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Entrance garte to Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Stone dragon in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Richly decorated door of Hor Phakeo temple (now museum). Vientiane.
Buddha statue in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Lighting incenses in front of the A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
In front of the famous front facade of the St. Paul's cathedral.
Rich decoration over the entrance to a Kun lam temple.
The entrance to a Kun lam temple.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Spiral incense in A-ma temple.
Inside A-ma temple.
The famous front facade of the St. Paul's cathedral, which is the only remaining part of the building after the fire of 1835. Since then it became the symbol of Macau.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Detail of the old arcade on Rua das Lorchas leading to the A-ma temple.
Man reading newspaper under the side door of St. Dominc church built in 1828.
Man reading newspaper under the side door of St. Dominc church built in 1828.
Inside the Kun lam temple.
Spiral incenses in Kun lam temple.
Plates with names and photographs of the deceased by which their families pray. Kun lam temple.
Plaza in front of the St. Dominic church near Largo de Senado - the central square of the old Macau.
Charming alley within the precincts of the Kun lam temple.
Tiny shrine for burning incense. Taipa village on Taipa Island.
This deliberately designed hole in the wall allows to see the inside of a temple on Taipa Island.
Little shrine with incense and offerings. Taipa Island.
Local women in front of the A-Ma (Tin Hau) temple.
Tiny outdoor shrine of the Kam Fa Temple. Coloane Island.
Little Kam Fa Temple also known as Sam Seng to honor the Heavenly Empress Kam Fa, Kun Iam and Va Kuong. Coloane Island.
Fierce looking lion guarding the Kam Fa Temple. Coloane Island.
Wishes and prayers from the faithful inside the A-Ma temple.
The famous facade of the St. Paul's cathedral seen from the Monte Fort hill with the low rise buildings of the center of Macau at the background. The facade is the only remaining part of the church after the fire of 1835. It became the iconic symbol of Macau.
Decoration over the entrance portal to a church in San Cristobal de Las Casas.
Window of the bell tower of a church in San Cristobal de Las Casas.
Steps of the Temple of the Inions. Palenque.
One of the smaller temples in Uxmal in some distance from the main pyramids.
Famous heads of serpents in the Quetzalcoatl temple in Chichen Itza.
Temple (pyramid) of Kukulcan seen through the stone columns. Chichen Itza.
Sculpted serpents' heads on the wall of Quetzalcoatl temple in Teotihuacan.
Part of the wall and bell of the ruined church in a small town on Yucatan.
Top part of the front elevation of San Juan church in San Chuan Chamula.
Tamplo del Pocito (Chapel of the Well) on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
View towards the center of Mexico City from Tepeyac Hill. In the foreground is old and new Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe).
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe). Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Yellow dome of Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill with Mexico City at the background.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill. Mexico City.
Temple of the Inions. Palenque.
Temple of the Inions. Palenque.
Swayambhunath stupa, Kathmandu.
Pagodas in Patan.
The eyes of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Central spire of the Bodnath stupa with thirteen levels symbolizing stages of a path towards Buddhahood.
Girl from Bhaktapur on the steps of the Nyatapola Temple.
Mother with children on the steps of the Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Local men in front of the entrance to a small temple in Kathmandu.
Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
The spire of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Tibetan monks resting under the Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Durbar Square in Bhaktapur with three level pagoda of Bhairava Nath Temple.
Small, but charming backstreet temple in Bhaktapur.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Kathmandu.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Kathmandu.
Temples at Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Durbar Square in Patan.
On the steps of Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Children fighting for the best place in a photo at the entrance to a small temple in Bhaktapur.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Bhaktapur.
Children hiding behind the huge statues of lions on the steps of Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Gathering of women in front of one of the temples in Kathmandu during Teej Festival known also as "Festival of Women".
Durbar Square, Kathmandu.
Gathering of women during the Teej holiday in front of Indrapur Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Bhairavnath Temple on Taumadhi Square seen from behind the Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Small stupas near Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu.
Durbar Square in Kathmandu. From the left are temples Maju D. Narayan and Shiva Parvati.
Stupa Swayambubath seen from the nearby street.
Young boys leaving the mosque after the noon prayers. Bahla.
Defensive walls and ramparts of the Nizwah fort. Far in the center is minaret and dome of the Sultan Qaboos mosque.
Dome within the palace complex of sultan Qaboos of Oman.
Old fort and mosque near the palace of sultan Qaboos of Oman. Ols Muscat.
New, imposing mosque in Bahla by the highway from Nizwah to Muscat.
The street with the sultan Qaboos mosque seen from the walls of the fort in Nizwah.
View from the ramparts of thr Nizwah fort towards the dome and minaret of sultan Qaboos mosque.
Golden reliquary with the tooth of Buddha inside in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa, built between 1187 and 1196 AD.
Lingam - common phallic symbol in Buddhist temples seen through multiple openings in Polonnaruwa.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Stair leading to a temple in Polonnaruwa with a richly carved moonstone in front of them - typical feature of ancient architecture of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Buddhist monk in Kandy.
Small buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by garlands of prayer flags.
Buddhist prayer flags in Kandy.
Buddhist monk in front of a small blue temple near Kandy.
Buddhist monks in yellow robes. Kandy.
Woman praying at a small Buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by prayer flags.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa seen above thr trees.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Stair in Polonnaruwa with a richly carved moonstone in front of them - typical feature of ancient architecture of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Stone columns and standing Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Buddhist temple in the countryside near Kandy.
The five-ton golden Buddha in Wat Traimit in Bangkok.
Entrance to Wat (temple) Benchamabophit in Bangkok, known also as the Marble Temble because of its interior finished entirely with marble.
Youn Buddhist monk from Bangkok.
The main chedi (stupa) of the Doi Suthep temple near Chiang Mai.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok, known also as the Marble Temble because of its interior finished entirely with marble.
Wat Arun seen from the opposite bank of the Chao Praya river. Bangkok.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Triple dragon guarding the entrance to Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.
People poring water on the golden statue of Buddha in front of Wat Phra Singh. Chiang Mai.
Dragons guarding the entrance to Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai.
Side entrance to Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai.
Giant demon guardians (Yaksha) among the temples and pavilions of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Ornate shrines and pavilions around the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). At the backgreoun is Phra Si Rattana Chedi built in Sri Lankan style. Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Entrance to the main prayer hall (Ubosot) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
A shrine in front of the main prayer hall (Ubosot) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Mythical guardians supporting golden chedis in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Offerings of flowers near the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) , where statues of the past rulers of Thailand are enshrined. Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
This extraordinary murals, which cover the 2km compound wall surrounding Wat Phra Kaew temple complex depicts the story of Ramakien - the Thai national epic based on the Indian epic Ramayana. Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Golden chedi in front of the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Part of the richly decorated fence in Doi Suthep temple complex near Chiang Mai.
One of the temples of Wat Arun complex in Bangkon after sunset.
Wat Arun at the bank of Chao Praya river in Bangkok.
Phra Si Rattana Chedi within the Emeral Buddha temple complex (Wat Phra Kaew), Grand Palace, Bangok.
Mytical guardian supporting a stepped chedi in the Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) complex within the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Ornamental detail. Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha temple).
Main Chedi at Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep,15 km from Chiang Mai.
Young man praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
People praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
People praying in front of the main chedi of Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Inside a temple in Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival.
Young monks from a temple in Chiang Mai.
Prayer time in one of the temples in Chiang Mai.
Small chedis with thin spires in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Head of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Feet of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Richly decorated external walls of Wat Phra Kaew (Emeral Buddha Temple) in the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Gilded umbrellas next to the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) in the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi in Sri Lankan style within the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Phra Mondop - the library, seen from under the Phra Sri Rattana Chedi. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (left) and Phra Mondop - the library (right). Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Roofs of the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) seen from under the Phra Mondop - the library. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Mythical guardian supporting the pedestal of a golden chedi in the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Ome of two golden chedis seen from under the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon). Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Inside the buddhist Chiang Dao Cave in northern Thailand.
Buddha statues in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Buddha statues flooded by light from above in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Mythical guardians along one of the chedis in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Phra Mondop - the library at the foreground and Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (far left) in Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Detail of Phra Sri Rattana Chedi. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Elaborated detail of the temple door in Bangkok.
Richly decorated roofs of Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) behind the white wall surrounding the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Sri Lankan in style Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (far left) in Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Giant demon guardians (Yaksha) among the temples and pavilions of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
306 steps leading to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai and flanked by two giant Naga serpents acting as guardrails.
A girl praying in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.
People pouring water on a small chedi. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Closeup of the central part of Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Istambul.
The ritual of washing of the feet prior to entry to a mosque. Istambul.
A view over the roofs of Suleymaniye Mosque towards the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque and the Bosphorus. Istambul.
Local woman picking her nose in front of the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Istambul.
Suleymaniye Mosque (far left) and Rustem Pasa Mosque (near right) seen from the bank of the Golden Horn near the Galata bridge.
Mihrab (niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca) in Saint Sophia mosque.
The Byzantine Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora - current museum in the Edirnekapı neighborhood of Istanbul is unique because of its very well preserved mosaics and frescoes from XIV century.
Antique Pool in Pamukkale littered with original marble columns, plinths and capitals from the nearby ancient Greek Temple of Apollo.
Tatrapylon - the monumental gateway which greeted pilgrims approaching the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
The Temple of Athena, funded by Alexander the Great, Priene.
Inside the ruins of the Temple of Apollo in Didyma.
Detail of the top of the roof of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
On the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Young monk on the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The famous Gyantse Kumbum - a three-dimensional mandala meant to portray the Buddhist cosmos.
Gyantse Kumbum - on of the most famous temples in Tibet.
Gyantse Kumbum and the surrounding buildings of the Palcho Monastery.
One of the temples of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Tibet.
A steep street within the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse.
Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse seen through the main entrance gate.
Window and The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) flanked by two deer over the entrance to the main temple of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Golden dragon decorating the corner of the buildiing within the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse.
Tibetan women in festive dresses in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims praying in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim circling the temple in a typical fashion: stretching himself on the ground, standing up and then stretching himself on the ground again, but further by the length of his body. Shigatse.
One of the many holy statues of Buddha in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
A monk praying in the arcades of a courtyard in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Neverending lines of yak-butter lamps lit by the faithful Tibetans in the cloisters of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim lighting a candle in Jokhgang temple in Lhasa.
Dark interior of the Jokhang temple lit only by the candles creates an unforgettable, mistic atmosphere. Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims are performing various rituals along their way through the maze of shirnes and holy statues inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
One of many giaant Buddha statues in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
General view of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Monks chanting and rythmically striking cymbals (rol mo) during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
An old monk accompanied by young boys during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks on a stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Entrance to Saadian Tombs with 77m tall minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque at the background. Marrakesh.
Windows of the minaret of El Mansour Mosque, Marrakesh.
Local men resting near El Mansour Mosque, Marrakesh.
Local elderly men sitting near El Mansour Mosque, Marrakesh.
A man praying in Srirangam temple, Tamil Nadu.
Old cannon in front of the church of Santa Maria de Africa, Ceuta.
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Prayer time on a small square in the Fez medina (old city).
Roofs and minarets of the old city (medina) in Fez.
One of the rock temples in Ellora, Maharashtra.
A way to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A street leading to Jama Masjid mosque in Old Delhi.
Minaret of the Kairaouine Mosque in Fez - the oldest Islamic monument in the city dating from 956.
Old city in Fez with the minaret of the Kairaouine Mosque - the oldest Islamic monument in the city dating from 956.
Decorations of the pavilion in the courtyard of Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fez.
Women queuing to enter the temple, Goa.
A gate leading to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Minaret of the Bou Inania madrassa (Islamic religious school) seen through The Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud). Fez.
Minaret of the Grand Mosque in Meknes.
The only round minaret in Morocco built in 1939 as an addition to Idriss Medersa - a much older Koranic school. Moulay Idriss.
Japanese temple. Darjeeling, West Bengal.
Buddhist monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
Buddhist banners in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Entrance to the buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, West Sikkim.
Temple carving from Ellora temples, Maharashtra.
Buddha statue in one of the rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
Pavilions of Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
View to the courtyard of Kun lam temple.
On the inner courtyard of the Kun lam temple.
Temple shop with firecrackers and incenses.
On the inner courtyard of the A-Ma temple.
Stone stelas within the precincts of the A-Ma temple.
Detail of the temple decorations.
Wall of the San Juan church in San Juan Chamula.
One of the temples in Palenque aside from the main square.
One of the less visited temples in the jungle. Uxmal.
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Kathesimbu stupa, Kathmandu.
Nepali couple leaving their temple. Kathmandu.
Lion guarding a temple near Durbar Square in Bhaktapur.
Prayer wheels at Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu.
Entrance to a temple in Kathmandu.
Wazir Khan mosque in the center of the old city of Lahore.
Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
A temple in Bangkok.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Inside the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Istambul.
Old minarets of Aziziye Camii (mosque) in Konya.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
Column base from the Temple of Apollo in Didyma.
Potala Palace in Lhasa.
Top level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
In the arcades of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan with his child. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse.
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
The statue of Buddha Maitreya. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa.
Padmasambhava Statue in the Jokhang Temple, Lhasa
Tibetan monk in front of the temple door. Shigatse.
Kyaiktyio pagoda overlooking the surrounding plains.
A man sticking incredibly thin golden leafs to the surface of Golden Rock or Kyaiktyio Pagoda, Mon State.
An alley with densely arranged golden stupas in Shw Inn Thein complex in Indein village. Shan State.
A view from traveller's oriental fairy tale - a forest of old, delapidated stupas with a mountain range in the background. Indein village, Shan State.
Yadana Man Aung temple in Nyaungshwe on Inle lake in Shan State.
Kuthodaw temple in Mandalay is called "the largest book in the world", because it contains marble tables with the text of the entire buddhist teaching canon (tripitaka) in 729 litttle shrines.
A picturesque collection of old, delapidated (and a few restored) stupas near Swe Inn Thein in Indein village, Shan State.
A row of old stupas near Swe Inn Thein in Indein village, Shan State.
Old stupas around Swe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
Old stupas around Swe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
Buddhist monk from Kandy.
Spiral incense in Kun lam temple.
Local woman among the old stupas near Swe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
A wall of golden stupas line a path in Shwe Inn Thein in Indein village on Inle lake.
The most beautiful "street" in Burma - an alley in Shwe Inn Thein temple lined on both sides with golden, white and brick stupas. Near Indein village in Shan State.
The most beautiful "street corner" in Burma. Shwe Inn Thein near Indein village. Shan State.
Plaques commemorating founders, who paid for restoring particular stupas. Shwe Inn Thein near Indein village. Shan State.
An enormous size of an unfinished Mantalagyi paya in Mingun can be best appreciated when compared to people.
Mantalagyi paya in Mingun or rather what king Bodawpaya managed to build.
Young monk walking past the Kyautawgyi Paya in Amarapura near Mandalay.
Shemawdaw Paya in Bago with its height of 114m is the tallest stupa in Burma . It is 16 m taller than the Shwedagon Paya in Rangoon (Yangon).
Hieroglyphs cover the columns and walls of the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Hieroglyphs cover the columns and walls of the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Beautifully adorned columns in the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Beautifully adorned columns in the temple of Ramzes III in Medinet Habu.
Temple of Amun in Luxor.
Gigantic seated statueas in front of the pylons of the Amun temple in Luxor.
Temple of Amun in Luxor at dusk.
Temple of Amun in Karnak.
Statue of Ramses II in front of the main alley of the temple of Amun in Karnak.
Inside the temple of Amun in Karnak at night.
Wall decoration in Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor.
Inside the Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor.
Very well preserved colored reliefs on the walls of the Hatshepsut temple in Deir el-Bahri.
A part of the temple of Ramesseum (mortuary temple of Ramses II) in Luxor with Osiris columns.
Grand collonade in the temple of Amon in Luxor.
Statue of Ramses II in the Temple of Amon in Karnak.
Temple of Amon in Karnak after dusk.
Ramessesum. Luxor.
Ramessesum. Luxor.
Female bas-relief. Temple of Hatshepsut, Deir el-Bahri.
Well preserved colerd reliefs on the wall of Hatshepsut temple in Deir el-Bahri.
Hieroglyphs with still preserved colors in the temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri.
The temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri just before the entrance to level three (then closed because of the works conducted by the polish archeologists).
Decoration of a wall in the Ramesseum temple near Luxor showing the pharaoh killing his enemies while riding on a chariot.
Decorated wall in Ramessesum. Luxor.
The temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahri. A wall ending with a falcon head.
At the courtyard of Sayyidna al-Hussein in Cairo.
An old Spanish church. Bohol.
A tower - the only visible part of a church buried by the eruption of the Mayon volcano together with the worshippers, who seeked shelter inside. Luzon island.
Chidren in front of the church of San Pedro Apostol in Loboc on Bohol Island.
Typical Philippino jeepney on fron of the church of San Pedro Apostol in Loboc on Bohol Island.
A huge mausoleum resembling a church. Chinese Cemetery, Manila.
A square in front of St. Agustin church in Manila.
Cathedral in Manila.
Traditional calesa - a two-wheeled horse drawn carriage in front of the Manila Cathedral.
Buddhist monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim.
Sikh pilgrims going to the Golden Temple in their holy city of Amritsar, Punjab.
Father and son, who have arrived as pilgrims to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
A monastery in Rumtek, Sikkim.
The Sikh Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
The Golden Temple in the light of setting sun. Amritsar, Punjab.
The famous rock temples of Ellora where carved from a sheer rock from top down. In the background is the original level of rocks high above the current temple. Maharashtra.
Rock temples of Ellora in Maharashtra.
Rock temples of Ellora in Maharashtra.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Old catholic church in Kerala.
Sadhu (holy man) in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Pilgrims in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Elderly woman carrying a lot on her head. Sri Meenakshi temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Holy pilgrim (sadhu) performing rituals in the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Adornments of the gopuram (tower) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Inside the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai a trained elephant taps on the head anyone who gives him a coin.
Two pilgrims having meal in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Colorful gopuram (tower) of the Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
A group of children in front of the temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Magnificent sculptures of the largest temple complex in India in Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangam in Tiruchirappali, Tamil Nadu.
Famous seaside temples in Mahabalipuram are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Temple in Somnathpur, Karnataka.
Garlands of yellow flowers used for temples and ceremonies on the town market in Mysore, Karnataka.
Trained elephant in Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai gently taps the head of anyone who gives him a coin.
One of the gopurams (towers) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Colorful sculptures on one of the gopurams (towers) of Sri Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Sculptures on one of the world famous temples in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab) at night.
Sikh man at the window of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab.
Gopuram (tower) of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam - the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world,
A view through an arch in Jama Masjid mosque in Delhi.
Man sleeping under the magnificent sculptures in Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, Tiruchirappali.
Rock temples in Badami, Karnataka.
On the way to the main sanctuary within the Golden Temple complex. Amritsar, Punjab.
Rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
One of the world famous rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
One of the world famous rock temples of Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Kailasanathar Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra.
Unusual juxtaposition of symbols - christian cross and a red star together on a church in Kerala.
Soldier praying in a mosque in Teheran.
Imam Mosque (Masjed-e Imam) in Isfahan in evening sunlight.
Beautiful Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
Imam Mosque (Masjed-e Imam) in Isfahan in evening sunlight.
Imam Square in Isfahan. In the foreground are arcades sheltering shops and bazaar, in the background a huge dome of the Imam Mosque.
World famous glazed tiles from Isfahan at the entrance to the Imam Mosque.
Entrance gate to the Imam Square (Maidān-e-Imam) in Isfahan.
Imam Square (Maidān-e-Imam) in Isfahan at night.
Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd.
Beautiful ornaments made of the famous Iranian glazed tiles on the entrance to the Jame Mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd.
Imam Mosque at night. Isfahan.
Arcades and mosque on the Imam Square in Isfahan.
Inside a small mosque in Tehran.
Beautiful Jame mosque (Masjid-e-Jāmeh) in Yazd. Its image is printed on the Iranian 20 rial note.
Inside the Jame mosque in Yazd.
One of the exits from Jame mosque in Yazd leads to a narrow featureless street.
Zoroastrian temple, Yazd.
Courtyard in front of the Convent Armenian St. James (St. James Cathedral) in the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem.
Windows of various shapes and sizes on the courtyard in front of St. James Cathedral in the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem.
Domes, minarets and satellite antennas of the northern city of Akko.
Romanesque church of St. Anne on Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem built by the Crusaders between 1131 and 1138.
Courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. Bethlehem .
Cloisters around the courtyard in front of the entrance to Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and the Basilica of the Nativity. , Bethlehem .
Front facade of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem.
A view of the domes of the Church of Condemnation from via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Arab man walking along the arcades surrounding the Al-Aksa mosque. Mount Zion. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Polish pilgrims walking on the Palm Sunday in the procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns in the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns singing during the Palm Sunday procession from the Mount of Olives to Saint Ann's church on Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem.
Nuns walking to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Early morning sun begins to lit the steps in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem.
A corner near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church. Jerusalem.
Priest of the Coptic (Egyptian) Church carrying a green cross. Jerusalem.
Al-Aksa mosque and Israeli security patrolling the area around it. Temple Mount, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest walking towards the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Chapel of the Angel in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priests entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre built on the site of Jesus Christ's crucifixtion and grave. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox priest near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
A priest of the Coptic Church walking past the Israeli policeman. Christian Quarter, Jerusalem.
Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount. Jerusalem.
Copper dome of a church in Mar Saba Greek Orthodox monastery. Kidron Valley.
Text of the Pater Noster (Our Father) in Polish (one of more than 100 languages) in the cloisters of the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives.
Old priest from the Russian Church of the Ascension sweeping the pavement. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Old priest from the Russian Church of the Ascension. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.
Praying at the spot where Jesus was crucified in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Coptic priest overlooking the courtyard of the Ethiopian Coptic Church in Jerusalem.
Door on the courtyard of the Ethiopian Coptic Church in Jerusalem.
Arched door on the courtyard of the Ethiopian Coptic Church in Jerusalem.
A view from the defensive walls of the old Crusaders' port towards the Al-Jazzar mosque. Akko.
Church of the Dormition, Mount Zion, Jerusalem.
Dome of a small church in Akko in northern Israel.
Golden dome of the Dome of the Rock temple in Jerusalem.
Green door near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem,
Buildings on Jebel al-Ashrafiyeh' in the center of Amman. In the upper right corner is the Abu Dervish mosque.
Small modern mosque in downtown of Amman.
Old lady without feet and hands (possibly lost from a mine explosion) taking care of one of the monuments in Angkor Wat.
Old lady without feet and hands holding incense. Angkor Wat.
General view of the Angkor Wat temple in the morning sun.
Wide promenade leading to the famous temple of Angkor (Angkor Wat) is full of people since early morning hours.
Roots of trees in Ta Prohm temple may resemble human hands.
Mighty roots of a tree embracing one of the buildings of Ta Prohm temple.
Majestic towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Angkor Wat and its reflection in the northern water reservoir.
Two monks by the northern water reservoir within the Angkor Wat complex.
Reliefs from Ta Prohm or Preah Khan temple. Angkor.
Old nun taking care of a Buddha statue in dark arcades of Preah Khan temple.
Face from Bayon. Angkor Thom.
One of the world famous, mysterious faces in Bayon at dawn. Angkor Thom.
A monk deep in his thoughts. Angkor Wat.
Tourists descend the steep stairs of Angkor Wat holding tightly the handle for security.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunrise.
Roots of trees attacking ancient walls of Preah Khan temple.
Mighty trunk/root climbing the wall of Ta Prohm temple.
Children "orchestra" performing next to Banteai Srei temple.
A monk from Angkor.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Famous reliefs of apsaras in Angkor Wat.
Rising sun is reflected in the northern pond. Angkor Wat.
Young monk from Angkor Wat.
Young monk in the early morning sun. Angkor Wat.
Delicate sculptural ornaments in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Finial of one of the richly decorated gates on the main axis of Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
View through a window. Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Three monks in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
Young monk in front of the Angkor Wat temple at sunset.
Little barefoot boy in front of Angkor Wat.
Towers of Angkor Wat at sunset.
Banteay Srei near Angkor. Bas-reliefs on the walls of this temple are among the finest examples of sculptural masterpieces in the world.
One of the richly decorated portals in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
One of the masterpieces of figurative art in Bateay Srei temple near Angkor.
Detail of the fine ornamentation in Banteay Srei temple near Angkor.
Rarely visited ruins of Phnom Bok temple on a hill about 25 kilometres northeast of Siem Reap.
Stone rubble left from a part of Phnom Bok temple on a hill about 25 kilometres northeast of Siem Reap.
Richly decorated stone portal in Preah Khan temple.
A temple in Angkor.
Khmer boy sitting under the huge "window" of one of the temples in Angkor.
Ta Som temple overgrown with trees.
A tree embracing the eastern towers of Ta Som temple with roots of fantastic shapes.
Dark and atmospheric interior of Preah Khan temple.
Double story building of still unknown purpose within the precincts of Preah Khan temple.
Bayon. Stone face smiling mysteriously in the rays of the sunset.
Smiling face. Bayon temple in Angkor.
One of the towers in Bayon temple with its famous smiling faces on four sides. Angkor.
Faces from Bayon temple in Angkor.
Faces from Bayon temple in Angkor.
A nun from Preah Khan temple.
Face from Bayon temple. Angkor.
Tangles of roots of unimaginable forms devouring the walls and rich decorations of Ta Prohm temple.
Roots of gigantic banyan trees entwining the walls and decorations of Ta Prohm temple.
Roots of banyan trees holding the walls of Ta Prohm temple in the merciless embrace create a unique, surrealistic atmosphere.
Banyan trees have been growing for hundreds of years over the 900 years old Ta Prohm temple creating breathtaking scenery of nature devouring even the most magnificent man made structures.
Huge banyan tree overgrowing the Ta Prohm temple.
Gigantic roots creeping over the Ta Prohm temple.
Huge banyan tree overgrowing the Ta Prohm temple.
A temple in Angkor.
Detail of a building near one of the temples in Angkor.
Black Stupa (That Dam) near the Ekalath Metropole hotel. Vientiane.
Vat Haysoke temple. Vientiane.
Auto rickshaw under the wall of one of the temples in Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Wat Si Saket temple. Vientiane.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Inside Wat Si Saket - the oldest and most beautiful temple in Vientiane is more than 2000 statues of Buddha placed in niches around the courtyard.
Young monks in front of the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum). Vientiane.
Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum). Vientiane.
Statues of Buddha around Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Richly decorated entrance to Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
A dragon in front of the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum) in Vientiane.
One of the dragons guarding the entrance to the royal temple Haw Pha Kaew (now museum). Vientiane.
Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos. The symbol of Buddhist religion and independence.
General view of Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Entrance garte to Pha Tat Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) - the most important religious and national monument of Laos.
Stone dragon in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Richly decorated door of Hor Phakeo temple (now museum). Vientiane.
Buddha statue in front of Haw Pha Kaew temple (now museum) in Vientiane.
Lighting incenses in front of the A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
In front of the famous front facade of the St. Paul's cathedral.
Rich decoration over the entrance to a Kun lam temple.
The entrance to a Kun lam temple.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
A-ma Taoist temple dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen.
Spiral incense in A-ma temple.
Inside A-ma temple.
The famous front facade of the St. Paul's cathedral, which is the only remaining part of the building after the fire of 1835. Since then it became the symbol of Macau.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Local women asking for alms in A-ma temple.
Detail of the old arcade on Rua das Lorchas leading to the A-ma temple.
Man reading newspaper under the side door of St. Dominc church built in 1828.
Man reading newspaper under the side door of St. Dominc church built in 1828.
Inside the Kun lam temple.
Spiral incenses in Kun lam temple.
Plates with names and photographs of the deceased by which their families pray. Kun lam temple.
Plaza in front of the St. Dominic church near Largo de Senado - the central square of the old Macau.
Charming alley within the precincts of the Kun lam temple.
Tiny shrine for burning incense. Taipa village on Taipa Island.
This deliberately designed hole in the wall allows to see the inside of a temple on Taipa Island.
Little shrine with incense and offerings. Taipa Island.
Local women in front of the A-Ma (Tin Hau) temple.
Tiny outdoor shrine of the Kam Fa Temple. Coloane Island.
Little Kam Fa Temple also known as Sam Seng to honor the Heavenly Empress Kam Fa, Kun Iam and Va Kuong. Coloane Island.
Fierce looking lion guarding the Kam Fa Temple. Coloane Island.
Wishes and prayers from the faithful inside the A-Ma temple.
The famous facade of the St. Paul's cathedral seen from the Monte Fort hill with the low rise buildings of the center of Macau at the background. The facade is the only remaining part of the church after the fire of 1835. It became the iconic symbol of Macau.
Decoration over the entrance portal to a church in San Cristobal de Las Casas.
Window of the bell tower of a church in San Cristobal de Las Casas.
Steps of the Temple of the Inions. Palenque.
One of the smaller temples in Uxmal in some distance from the main pyramids.
Famous heads of serpents in the Quetzalcoatl temple in Chichen Itza.
Temple (pyramid) of Kukulcan seen through the stone columns. Chichen Itza.
Sculpted serpents' heads on the wall of Quetzalcoatl temple in Teotihuacan.
Part of the wall and bell of the ruined church in a small town on Yucatan.
Top part of the front elevation of San Juan church in San Chuan Chamula.
Tamplo del Pocito (Chapel of the Well) on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
View towards the center of Mexico City from Tepeyac Hill. In the foreground is old and new Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe).
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe). Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.
Yellow dome of Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill with Mexico City at the background.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe) on Tepeyac Hill. Mexico City.
Temple of the Inions. Palenque.
Temple of the Inions. Palenque.
Swayambhunath stupa, Kathmandu.
Pagodas in Patan.
The eyes of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Central spire of the Bodnath stupa with thirteen levels symbolizing stages of a path towards Buddhahood.
Girl from Bhaktapur on the steps of the Nyatapola Temple.
Mother with children on the steps of the Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Local men in front of the entrance to a small temple in Kathmandu.
Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
The spire of Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Tibetan monks resting under the Boudhanath stupa, Kathmandu.
Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Durbar Square in Bhaktapur with three level pagoda of Bhairava Nath Temple.
Small, but charming backstreet temple in Bhaktapur.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Kathmandu.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Kathmandu.
Temples at Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
Durbar Square in Patan.
On the steps of Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Children fighting for the best place in a photo at the entrance to a small temple in Bhaktapur.
Multilevel roofs of temples in Bhaktapur.
Children hiding behind the huge statues of lions on the steps of Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Gathering of women in front of one of the temples in Kathmandu during Teej Festival known also as "Festival of Women".
Durbar Square, Kathmandu.
Gathering of women during the Teej holiday in front of Indrapur Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Bhairavnath Temple on Taumadhi Square seen from behind the Nyatapola Temple, Bhaktapur.
Small stupas near Swayambunath temple, Kathmandu.
Durbar Square in Kathmandu. From the left are temples Maju D. Narayan and Shiva Parvati.
Stupa Swayambubath seen from the nearby street.
Young boys leaving the mosque after the noon prayers. Bahla.
Defensive walls and ramparts of the Nizwah fort. Far in the center is minaret and dome of the Sultan Qaboos mosque.
Dome within the palace complex of sultan Qaboos of Oman.
Old fort and mosque near the palace of sultan Qaboos of Oman. Ols Muscat.
New, imposing mosque in Bahla by the highway from Nizwah to Muscat.
The street with the sultan Qaboos mosque seen from the walls of the fort in Nizwah.
View from the ramparts of thr Nizwah fort towards the dome and minaret of sultan Qaboos mosque.
Golden reliquary with the tooth of Buddha inside in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa, built between 1187 and 1196 AD.
Lingam - common phallic symbol in Buddhist temples seen through multiple openings in Polonnaruwa.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Stair leading to a temple in Polonnaruwa with a richly carved moonstone in front of them - typical feature of ancient architecture of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Buddhist monk in Kandy.
Small buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by garlands of prayer flags.
Buddhist prayer flags in Kandy.
Buddhist monk in front of a small blue temple near Kandy.
Buddhist monks in yellow robes. Kandy.
Woman praying at a small Buddhist chapel in Kandy surrounded by prayer flags.
Golden Pinnacle Dagoba (Rankot Vehera) - the largest buddhist stupa in Polonnaruwa seen above thr trees.
Sitting Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Stair in Polonnaruwa with a richly carved moonstone in front of them - typical feature of ancient architecture of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Stone columns and standing Buddha. Polonnaruwa.
Buddhist temple in the countryside near Kandy.
The five-ton golden Buddha in Wat Traimit in Bangkok.
Entrance to Wat (temple) Benchamabophit in Bangkok, known also as the Marble Temble because of its interior finished entirely with marble.
Youn Buddhist monk from Bangkok.
The main chedi (stupa) of the Doi Suthep temple near Chiang Mai.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok, known also as the Marble Temble because of its interior finished entirely with marble.
Wat Arun seen from the opposite bank of the Chao Praya river. Bangkok.
Wat Chedi destroyed by the earthquake in 1545. Chiang Mai.
Triple dragon guarding the entrance to Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.
People poring water on the golden statue of Buddha in front of Wat Phra Singh. Chiang Mai.
Dragons guarding the entrance to Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai.
Side entrance to Wat Chiang Man in Chiang Mai.
Giant demon guardians (Yaksha) among the temples and pavilions of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Ornate shrines and pavilions around the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). At the backgreoun is Phra Si Rattana Chedi built in Sri Lankan style. Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Entrance to the main prayer hall (Ubosot) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
A shrine in front of the main prayer hall (Ubosot) of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Mythical guardians supporting golden chedis in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Offerings of flowers near the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) , where statues of the past rulers of Thailand are enshrined. Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
This extraordinary murals, which cover the 2km compound wall surrounding Wat Phra Kaew temple complex depicts the story of Ramakien - the Thai national epic based on the Indian epic Ramayana. Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Golden chedi in front of the The Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon). Grand Palace complex, Bangkok.
Part of the richly decorated fence in Doi Suthep temple complex near Chiang Mai.
One of the temples of Wat Arun complex in Bangkon after sunset.
Wat Arun at the bank of Chao Praya river in Bangkok.
Phra Si Rattana Chedi within the Emeral Buddha temple complex (Wat Phra Kaew), Grand Palace, Bangok.
Mytical guardian supporting a stepped chedi in the Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) complex within the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Ornamental detail. Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha temple).
Main Chedi at Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep,15 km from Chiang Mai.
Young man praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
People praying in Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
People praying in front of the main chedi of Wat Phra That in Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai.
Inside a temple in Chiang Mai during the Songkran Festival.
Young monks from a temple in Chiang Mai.
Prayer time in one of the temples in Chiang Mai.
Small chedis with thin spires in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Head of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Feet of the 46 meters long resting Buddha in Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Bangkok.
Richly decorated external walls of Wat Phra Kaew (Emeral Buddha Temple) in the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Gilded umbrellas next to the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) in the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi in Sri Lankan style within the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Phra Mondop - the library, seen from under the Phra Sri Rattana Chedi. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (left) and Phra Mondop - the library (right). Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Roofs of the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon) seen from under the Phra Mondop - the library. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Mythical guardian supporting the pedestal of a golden chedi in the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Ome of two golden chedis seen from under the Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon). Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Inside the buddhist Chiang Dao Cave in northern Thailand.
Buddha statues in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Buddha statues flooded by light from above in Chiang Dao Cave. Northern Thailand.
Mythical guardians along one of the chedis in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Phra Mondop - the library at the foreground and Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (far left) in Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Detail of Phra Sri Rattana Chedi. Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Elaborated detail of the temple door in Bangkok.
Richly decorated roofs of Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) behind the white wall surrounding the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok.
Sri Lankan in style Phra Sri Rattana Chedi (far left) in Wat Phra Kaew temple complex of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Giant demon guardians (Yaksha) among the temples and pavilions of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
306 steps leading to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai and flanked by two giant Naga serpents acting as guardrails.
A girl praying in Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.
People pouring water on a small chedi. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Closeup of the central part of Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Istambul.
The ritual of washing of the feet prior to entry to a mosque. Istambul.
A view over the roofs of Suleymaniye Mosque towards the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque and the Bosphorus. Istambul.
Local woman picking her nose in front of the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Istambul.
Suleymaniye Mosque (far left) and Rustem Pasa Mosque (near right) seen from the bank of the Golden Horn near the Galata bridge.
Mihrab (niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca) in Saint Sophia mosque.
The Byzantine Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora - current museum in the Edirnekapı neighborhood of Istanbul is unique because of its very well preserved mosaics and frescoes from XIV century.
Antique Pool in Pamukkale littered with original marble columns, plinths and capitals from the nearby ancient Greek Temple of Apollo.
Tatrapylon - the monumental gateway which greeted pilgrims approaching the Temple of Aphrodite in Aphrodisias.
The Temple of Athena, funded by Alexander the Great, Priene.
Inside the ruins of the Temple of Apollo in Didyma.
Detail of the top of the roof of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
On the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Young monk on the upper level of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
The famous Gyantse Kumbum - a three-dimensional mandala meant to portray the Buddhist cosmos.
Gyantse Kumbum - on of the most famous temples in Tibet.
Gyantse Kumbum and the surrounding buildings of the Palcho Monastery.
One of the temples of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Tibet.
A steep street within the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse.
Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse seen through the main entrance gate.
Window and The Wheel of Dharma (Dharmachakra) flanked by two deer over the entrance to the main temple of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Golden dragon decorating the corner of the buildiing within the Tashilunpo Monastery complex in Shigatse.
Tibetan women in festive dresses in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims praying in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetans praying in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim circling the temple in a typical fashion: stretching himself on the ground, standing up and then stretching himself on the ground again, but further by the length of his body. Shigatse.
One of the many holy statues of Buddha in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
A monk praying in the arcades of a courtyard in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Neverending lines of yak-butter lamps lit by the faithful Tibetans in the cloisters of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrim lighting a candle in Jokhgang temple in Lhasa.
Dark interior of the Jokhang temple lit only by the candles creates an unforgettable, mistic atmosphere. Lhasa.
Tibetan pilgrims are performing various rituals along their way through the maze of shirnes and holy statues inside the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
One of many giaant Buddha statues in Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
General view of the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Monks chanting and rythmically striking cymbals (rol mo) during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
An old monk accompanied by young boys during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
A group of monks on a stage during the festival in Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.