Nave
The central, primary area of a church building where the congregation sits, typically flanked by aisles and leading to the altar.
Christianity
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Temples and cathedrals serve as sacred spaces for worship and sacraments.
120 sacred sites
97 active
4 major branches
About Christianity Sacred Sites
Christianity is one of the world's major religions, centering on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Over two millennia, Christian sacred architecture has evolved from private house churches to massive stone cathedrals, basilicas, and temples. In traditions with apostolic succession, cathedrals house the bishop's seat (cathedra) and serve as liturgical hubs. In the Restorationist tradition of Latter-day Saints, temples are distinct, highly sacred spaces reserved for eternal covenants rather than regular congregational services. Exploring these sites reveals a rich tapestry of faith, art, and engineering designed to elevate the human spirit toward the divine.
Historical Timeline
The evolution of Christian architecture across centuries.
Sacred Symbols
Key architectural elements and their meaning.
The Cross
Hover / Tap to readThe Cross
The primary and universal symbol of Christianity, representing the crucifixion, atonement, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Architecturally, it forms the foundation of cruciform cathedral plans.
The Dove
Hover / Tap to readThe Dove
Symbol of the Holy Spirit, peace, and purity. Frequently represented in stained-glass windows above the sanctuary or carved into marble baptismal fonts.
Alpha & Omega
Hover / Tap to readAlpha & Omega
The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, representing Christ's description of Himself in Revelation: 'I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.' Signifies eternity.
Ichthys (Fish)
Hover / Tap to readIchthys (Fish)
An ancient secret symbol ('Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior' in Greek acronym). Used by early persecuted Christians, it is often found carved into catacomb walls and ancient lintels.
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Space for Contemplation
Light a candle and take a moment of reflection.
Anatomy of a Cathedral / Church
Understanding the symbolic layout of traditional Christian sanctuaries.
Apse & Sanctuary
The semicircular or polygonal recess at the eastern end of the church containing the altar, acting as the liturgical focal point.
Transept
The transverse part of a cruciform church plan that crosses the nave at right angles, forming the arms of a cross.
Altar / Communion Table
The holy table where the Eucharist (Holy Communion) is celebrated and sacraments are consecrated.
Bell Tower & Spire
High structural elements built to call the community to worship, pointing heavenward as visual signs of faith.
Major Traditions & Denominations
Christianity encompasses distinct architectural philosophies tailored to liturgical focus.
Roman Catholicism
The largest branch, led by the Pope in Rome, emphasizing apostolic succession, sacraments, and liturgical cathedral worship.
Eastern Orthodoxy
Centered in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, preserving ancient mystical theology, autocephalous governance, and rich iconographic traditions.
Protestantism
Arising from the 16th-century Reformation, emphasizing Scripture alone (sola scriptura) and faith, with highly diverse worship styles.
Latter-day Saint Movement
A Restorationist branch emphasizing modern revelation, priesthood authority, and the construction of temples for eternal ordinances.
Sacraments & Rites
Core practices that define Christian liturgical and communal life, centered around dedicated sanctuary spaces.
- Baptism: The initiatory sacrament of water washing, symbolizing spiritual rebirth, cleansing from sin, and inclusion in the body of Christ.
- Eucharist / Communion: The central sacrament commemorating the Last Supper, where bread and wine are consecrated and shared as Christ's body and blood.
- Prayer & Liturgy: Structured congregational worship involving scripture readings, sermons, singing of hymns, and public prayers.
Religious Sites 120
Operating
Aba Nigeria Temple
A sacred temple serving Latter-day Saints in Nigeria and Cameroon, providing a spiritual center for worship and eternal family connections.
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Operating
Abidjan Ivory Coast Temple
A sacred house of the Lord in Abidjan, serving members in West Africa and fostering spiritual growth through sacred ordinances.
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Operating
Accra Ghana Temple
A sacred house of the Lord in Accra, Ghana, serving the Saints of West Africa.
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Historic
Adam-ondi-Ahman
A sacred site in Latter-day Saint history, believed to be where Adam and Eve settled and where a future grand council will be held.
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Operating
Adelaide Australia Temple
A sacred space in Adelaide, Australia, dedicated to strengthening faith in Jesus Christ and uniting families for eternity.
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Operating
Alabang Philippines Temple
A sacred house of the Lord in Metro Manila, reflecting Filipino culture and heritage.
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Operating
Albuquerque New Mexico Temple
A sacred space for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Mexico, serving the spiritual needs of the region.
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Under Construction
Anchorage Alaska Temple
A sacred space for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Anchorage, Alaska, currently under reconstruction to better serve the community.
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Operating
Apia Samoa Temple
A sacred house of the Lord in Samoa, uniting families through eternal ordinances.
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Operating
Arequipa Peru Temple
A sacred space in Arequipa, Peru, where faith is strengthened and families are eternally connected through sacred ordinances.
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Operating
Asunción Paraguay Temple
A sacred space for Latter-day Saints in Asunción, Paraguay, providing a place for worship and religious ordinances.
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Operating
Atlanta Georgia Temple
The first temple in the Southeast, a modern hilltop landmark in Sandy Springs.
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Operating
Auckland New Zealand Temple
A sacred edifice in Auckland, New Zealand, where members participate in sacred ordinances and strengthen their relationship with God.
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Operating
Bahía Blanca Argentina Temple
A sacred temple serving Latter-day Saints in the southern region of Argentina, dedicated to strengthening faith and uniting families.
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Operating
Bangkok Thailand Temple
A sacred space in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, serving Latter-day Saints throughout Southeast Asia.
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Operating
Barranquilla Colombia Temple
Perched on a hillside overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this sacred neoclassical sanctuary stands as a beacon of eternal covenants and peace for the Saints of northern Colombia.
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Operating
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
One of Rome's four major papal basilicas, built over the tomb of Saint Paul the Apostle.
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Operating
Baton Rouge Louisiana Temple
A sacred sanctuary of peace and refuge nestled against a lush wetlands nature reserve in South Baton Rouge.
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Operating
Belém Brazil Temple
The first Latter-day Saint temple in Brazil's vast Amazon region, serving as a sacred spiritual beacon at the gateway to the Amazon River.
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Under Construction
Benin City Nigeria Temple
A sacred sanctuary of peace and eternal covenants, rising in the historic heart of Edo State to serve the rapidly growing Latter-day Saint community of southern Nigeria.
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Operating
Bentonville Arkansas Temple
The first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arkansas, blending classical architecture with local Ozark heritage.
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Operating
Bern Switzerland Temple
The first temple built in Europe, serving Latter-day Saints across multiple countries.
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Operating
Billings Montana Temple
A sacred sanctuary nestled beneath the historic Rimrocks, serving as a beacon of eternal covenants and Christian devotion in the Big Sky Country.
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Operating
Birmingham Alabama Temple
A sacred sanctuary of peace and eternal covenants nestled on a quiet, tree-covered hillside in northern Alabama.
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Operating
Bismarck North Dakota Temple
A sacred sanctuary on the northern plains, bringing the blessings of the House of the Lord directly to the Saints of the Dakotas.
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Operating
Bogotá Colombia Temple
A sacred house of worship in Bogotá, Colombia, where Latter-day Saints can strengthen their connection with God.
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Operating
Boise Idaho Temple
The pioneering six-spire temple that launched a worldwide design standard, clad in white granite and adorned with Idaho's state flower.
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Operating
Boston Massachusetts Temple
Standing as a monument of faith in New England, the Boston Massachusetts Temple bridges historic Christian traditions with modern Latter-day Saint worship.
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Operating
Bountiful Utah Temple
A sacred sanctuary nestled high on the eastern foothills of the Wasatch Range, overlooking the Great Salt Lake.
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Operating
Brasília Brazil Temple
A modernist spiritual sanctuary of white Brazilian marble and blue stained glass in the heart of Brazil's federal capital.
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Under Construction
Brazzaville Republic of the Congo Temple
The first house of the Lord in the Republic of the Congo, standing as a sacred sanctuary of peace and eternal covenants in the heart of Brazzaville.
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Operating
Brigham City Utah Temple
A majestic Neo-Gothic sanctuary in historic downtown Brigham City, standing in beautiful architectural harmony with the pioneer-era Box Elder Tabernacle.
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Operating
Brisbane Australia Temple
Perched majestically atop the Kangaroo Point cliffs, this sacred sanctuary stands as a beacon of light and eternal hope overlooking the Brisbane River.
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Operating
Buenos Aires Argentina Temple
The Buenos Aires Argentina Temple was the first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built in Argentina, serving members across Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
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Operating
Burley Idaho Temple
A sacred sanctuary in Idaho's Magic Valley, blending modern classical elegance with local agricultural heritage.
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Announced
Busan Korea Temple
A promised house of the Lord in South Korea's historic southern cradle of faith.
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Operating
Calgary Alberta Temple
A sacred sanctuary of Classic Modern design, offering spiritual peace and eternal covenants on an elevated ridge overlooking the Canadian Rockies.
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Under Construction
Cali Colombia Temple
A sacred sanctuary of peace and eternal covenants rising in the vibrant northern district of Cali, Colombia.
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Operating
Campinas Brazil Temple
A majestic spiritual beacon overlooking Campinas, symbolizing the eternal covenants of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Operating
Caracas Venezuela Temple
A sacred sanctuary of peace and eternal covenants nestled at the base of the majestic El Ávila mountains in Caracas.
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Operating
Cardston Alberta Temple
The Cardston Alberta Temple was the first temple built in Canada and the first outside of the United States.
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Operating
Casper Wyoming Temple
A sacred sanctuary on the Wyoming high plains, standing as a beacon of covenant faith and eternal family bonds.
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Operating
Cebu City Philippines Temple
A sacred sanctuary of peace and covenant-making in the heart of the Visayas, bridging the earthly and the eternal.
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Operating
Cedar City Utah Temple
A majestic beacon of faith on Leigh Hill, bridging southern Utah's rich pioneer heritage with eternal covenants.
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Operating
Chicago Illinois Temple
The first Latter-day Saint temple in the Midwest in nearly 140 years, set on 13 acres and buffered by an 80-acre nature sanctuary.
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Operating
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located in Jerusalem, is the holiest site in Christianity, commemorating the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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Operating
Church of the Multiplication
A Roman Catholic church in Tabgha, Israel, commemorating the miracle of the loaves and fishes.
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Operating
Ciudad Juárez Mexico Temple
A sacred sanctuary of peace and eternal covenants standing as a beacon of hope on the United States–Mexico border.
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Operating
Cobán Guatemala Temple
A sacred sanctuary in the highlands of Alta Verapaz, bringing the blessings of the temple to the Q'eqchi' Saints.
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Operating
Cochabamba Bolivia Temple
A majestic sanctuary of hand-hewn Comanche granite set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes Mountains.
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Announced
Cusco Peru Temple
A temple to serve the Latter-day Saints in Cusco, Peru, enhancing their connection to Abrahamic traditions.
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Operating
Dallas Texas Temple
The first temple in the Lone Star State, known for its marble facade and six spires.
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Operating
Denver Colorado Temple
A modern stone landmark in Centennial, chosen by the community for its elegant single spire and renowned for its 600 square feet of custom stained glass.
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Operating
Etchmiadzin Cathedral
The mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, considered the first cathedral built in Armenia and one of the oldest in the world.
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Operating
Frankfurt Germany Temple
A sacred house of the Lord in Friedrichsdorf, Germany, serving members across Europe and beyond.
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Under Construction
Freetown Sierra Leone Temple
A temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, currently under construction in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
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Operating
Freiberg Germany Temple
A beacon of faith in eastern Germany, the Freiberg Germany Temple stands as a testament to enduring devotion and spiritual growth.
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Operating
Greek Orthodox Church of Jerusalem
One of the oldest patriarchates in Christendom, headquartered in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, overseeing numerous holy sites in the Holy Land.
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Operating
Guatemala City Guatemala Temple
A sacred house of the Lord in Guatemala City, serving the Saints of Central America.
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Operating
Hallgrímskirkja
An iconic Lutheran church in Reykjavík, Iceland, known for its distinctive architecture and panoramic city views.
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Operating
Hamilton New Zealand Temple
The Hamilton New Zealand Temple was the first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Historic
Hill Cumorah
The Hill Cumorah is revered as the place where Joseph Smith obtained the golden plates, which he translated into the Book of Mormon.
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Operating
Holy Trinity Cathedral
A prominent Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo cathedral in Addis Ababa, serving as a national landmark and burial site for notable figures.
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Operating
Hong Kong China Temple
A beacon of faith in the heart of Hong Kong, serving members across Asia with sacred ordinances and spiritual strength.
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Operating
Idaho Falls Idaho Temple
A sacred edifice in Idaho Falls, embodying faith and community spirit through its history and architecture.
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Operating
Johannesburg South Africa Temple
A sacred edifice serving Latter-day Saints in South Africa and other African countries, providing a place to make sacred covenants with God.
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Operating
Jordan River Utah Temple
A sacred space in South Jordan, Utah, where families are united for eternity through sacred ordinances.
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Historic
Kirtland Temple
The Kirtland Temple, the first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stands as a testament to early faith and sacrifice.
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Under Renovation
Kona Hawaii Temple
A sacred house of worship for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, currently under renovation to better serve the community.
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Announced
La Paz Bolivia Temple
A sacred sanctuary rising in the high Andes, bringing the blessings of the House of the Lord to the saints of La Paz and El Alto.
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Operating
La Sagrada Família
Rising from Barcelona's Eixample district for over 140 years, the Sagrada Família is Antoni Gaudí's completed masterpiece — a visionary basilica where stone becomes a forest, light becomes prayer, and geometry becomes theology.
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Operating
Laie Hawaii Temple
The 'Taj Mahal of the Pacific,' a spiritual sanctuary standing at the crossroads of the Pacific.
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Operating
Las Vegas Nevada Temple
A spiritual oasis and crowning jewel overlooking the Las Vegas Valley.
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Operating
Layton Utah Temple
A sacred space in Layton, Utah, the temple stands as a beacon of faith and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Latter-day Saints in the region.
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Operating
Lima Peru Temple
A sacred house of the Lord in Lima, Peru, serving the Saints of Peru and beyond.
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Operating
Logan Utah Temple
The 'Castle on the Hill' stands as a fortress of faith, overlooking Cache Valley with its unique limestone battlements and pioneer-era Gothic architecture.
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Operating
London England Temple
The first temple built in the United Kingdom, serving members across southern England and parts of Europe.
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Operating
Los Angeles California Temple
The Los Angeles California Temple, dedicated in 1956, is a prominent Mayan-inspired spiritual landmark of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southern California.
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Operating
Madrid Spain Temple
The first temple in Spain, serving Latter-day Saints in Spain and surrounding countries.
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Operating
Manila Philippines Temple
A sacred edifice in Quezon City, Philippines, serving Latter-day Saints with ordinances and blessings.
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Operating
Manti Utah Temple
A fortress of faith and pioneer craftsmanship standing watch over the Sanpete Valley.
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Operating
Mesa Arizona Temple
A Neoclassical sanctuary in the desert, renowned for its historic friezes and legacy of gathering nations.
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Operating
Mexico City Mexico Temple
The Mexico City Mexico Temple, the first temple built in Mexico, serves Latter-day Saints in central Mexico.
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Announced
Monrovia Liberia Temple
The first House of the Lord in Liberia, standing as a beacon of hope, resilience, and eternal covenants for West African Saints.
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Operating
Mount of Olives
A mountain ridge in East Jerusalem, revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, with significant religious and historical landmarks.
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Operating
Mount of Temptation
The Mount of Temptation, overlooking Jericho, is where Jesus Christ was tempted by the devil.
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Operating
Nauvoo Illinois Temple
A monument to the faith of the early Saints, rebuilt on its original footprint overlooking the Mississippi River.
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Under Renovation
Notre-Dame Cathedral
A renowned Catholic cathedral in Paris, dedicated to Mary, exemplifying French Gothic architecture.
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Operating
Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple
The Nuku'alofa Tonga Temple stands as a beacon of faith, serving the Latter-day Saints of Tonga and the surrounding islands.
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Operating
Oakland California Temple
A beacon on the hill overlooking the San Francisco Bay, fulfilling a prophetic vision of an ensign to the nations.
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Operating
Ogden Utah Temple
A spiritual anchor in downtown Ogden, transformed from a modernist landmark into an Art Deco beacon of renewal.
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Announced
Osaka Japan Temple
A sacred sanctuary bridging modern Latter-day Saint architecture with the timeless elegance and reverence of the Kansai region.
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Announced
Otavalo Ecuador Temple
A sacred sanctuary in the Andean highlands, bridging rich indigenous Kichwa heritage with eternal Christian covenants.
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Operating
Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican
Rising above Vatican City for over five centuries, St. Peter's Basilica stands as the spiritual heart of the Catholic world — a masterwork of Renaissance and Baroque genius crowned by Michelangelo's soaring dome, sheltering the tomb of the Apostle Peter and the artistic treasures of a civilization.
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Operating
Papeete Tahiti Temple
A sacred house of the Lord in French Polynesia, serving the Saints of Tahiti and the surrounding islands.
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Operating
Paris France Temple
A sanctuary of peace and nobility standing in the shadow of Versailles.
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Operating
Portland Oregon Temple
A spiritual beacon in the City of Roses, featuring translucent marble walls that glow with divine light.
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Operating
Preston England Temple
A beacon of faith in Lancashire, serving Latter-day Saints across Northern England, Scotland, and Ireland.
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Operating
Provo City Center Temple
Beauty for ashes: A historic tabernacle reborn as a House of the Lord.
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Under Renovation
Provo Utah Temple
The busiest temple in the Church for decades, its revolutionary modernist design served millions of ordinances before its transformation into the Provo Utah Rock Canyon Temple.
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Operating
Rome Italy Temple
A historic bridge between ancient Christianity and the modern restored gospel in the Eternal City.
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Operating
Sacred Grove
A sacred woodland in New York where Joseph Smith Jr. experienced his First Vision, a foundational event in Latter-day Saint history.
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Under Renovation
Salt Lake Temple
Rising 222 ft (68 m) to the top of the Angel Moroni statue with its iconic six spires, this granite masterpiece took 40 years to construct and stands as the most recognized symbol of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide.
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Under Renovation
San Diego California Temple
A beacon of faith in Southern California, the San Diego California Temple is undergoing renovations to continue serving the Latter-day Saint community.
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Operating
Sanctuary of Las Lajas
Suspended 100 meters above the Guáitara River gorge, the Sanctuary of Las Lajas is one of the most breathtaking pilgrimage churches in the world — a Gothic Revival marvel built into a canyon cliff around a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary imprinted directly on the stone.
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Operating
Santiago Chile Temple
The first temple built in a Spanish-speaking country, serving the Saints of Chile.
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Operating
São Paulo Brazil Temple
The first temple in South America, serving Latter-day Saints in Brazil since 1978.
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Operating
Seattle Washington Temple
The Seattle Washington Temple, located in Bellevue, Washington, serves Latter-day Saints in the Pacific Northwest with its modern design and rich symbolism.
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Operating
Seoul Korea Temple
A sacred house of the Lord in Seoul, serving the Latter-day Saints of South Korea and promoting eternal family connections.
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Operating
St. George Utah Temple
The oldest operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this pioneer treasure was the only temple completed during Brigham Young's thirty-year presidency and stands as a monument to faith in Utah's red rock country.
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Operating
St. George's Cathedral
The seat of the Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem, known for its Neo-Gothic architecture and historic pilgrim guesthouse.
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Under Renovation
Stockholm Sweden Temple
The first temple built in Scandinavia, currently undergoing extensive renovations to better serve the Saints of Sweden, Norway, and Latvia.
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Operating
Sydney Australia Temple
A sacred house of the Lord in Carlingford, serving the Latter-day Saints of Australia.
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Operating
Taipei Taiwan Temple
The first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Taiwan, a beacon of faith and eternal families.
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Operating
The Garden Tomb
A serene and contemplative site in Jerusalem, believed by some to be the location of Jesus' burial and resurrection.
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Operating
Tokyo Japan Temple
The Tokyo Japan Temple was the first temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints built in Asia and in a non-Christian nation.
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Operating
Toronto Ontario Temple
A sacred space in Brampton, Ontario, serving Latter-day Saints with religious ordinances and spiritual growth.
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Announced
Ulaanbaatar Mongolia Temple
The first Latter-day Saint temple in Mongolia, standing as a beacon of faith and eternal family covenants at the base of the sacred Bogd Khan Uul mountain.
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Historic
Vatican Hill
A historical hill in Rome, the site of St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican City.
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Announced
Warsaw Poland Temple
A temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be built in Warsaw, Poland, serving members in the region.
Explore →Common Questions
What is the difference between a church and a cathedral?
A church is any building used for Christian worship. A cathedral is a specific church that serves as the seat of a bishop, representing the central administrative and spiritual hub of a diocese.
Are Christian sacred sites open to the public?
Most historic churches and cathedrals welcome visitors for quiet contemplation, services, or tours, provided respect is shown. Latter-day Saint temples are open to the public during a pre-dedication open house, but restricted to members in good standing after dedication.
Why are many historic churches shaped like a cross?
This layout, called a cruciform plan, aligns the physical footprint of the building with the Cross of Christ, serving as an architectural symbol of the faith.
Glossary
Ecclesiastical and architectural vocabulary for Christian sanctuaries.
- Liturgy
- The customized, public ritual worship of the church, especially regarding the administration of sacraments.
- Sacrament
- A sacred rite instituted by Christ that serves as an outward, visible sign of an inward, spiritual grace.
- Diocese
- A geographic district of churches under the pastoral care and authority of a bishop.
- Inscription
- Sacred, dedicatory writing placed on holy structures (such as "Holiness to the Lord" on Latter-day Saint temples).
- Basilica
- A title of honor granted by the Pope to historic or architecturally significant churches, or an ancient Roman architectural style.