Religion

This compact temple is filled with garlands of colorful balls that represent restrained monkeys.

This shrine, built to protect against destructive waves, is home to two monumental lion heads.

All 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac are depicted in anthropomorphized deity form.

Dating back to the early 12th century, this is the first Augustinian priory established in England.

A well-worshipped shrine to the Virgin Mary nestled inside the last of Zagreb’s historic gates.

Hidden among Rawalpindi’s modern buildings are the remains of dilapidated Hindu temples.

Two elaborately decorated "catacomb saints" are displayed on either side of the altar in a small church in Germany.

The caskets in this graveyard have not been opened—they have always been open.

This mosque was built overnight as an act of defiance against the British colonial authorities.

For over two centuries, this palace served as a residence for the Holy Roman Inquisition's leaders, a courthouse, and a prison.

This historical font became infamous after a maid was allegedly tricked into urinating in it, leading to her tragic death sentence.

A museum showcasing the work of a self-taught painter and sculptor spanning four decades of output in seclusion.

Legend holds that St. Paul was flogged for preaching Christianity at this pillar.

One of Malta’s most popular beaches features a seemingly out-of-place statue of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus.

This dazzling wooden church was constructed as part of an elaborate peace project after the Thirty Years' War.