- by foxnews
- 04 Feb 2025
Travelers may venture abroad to see a majestic cathedral in Europe, or stay right at home in America to see attractions that pay homage to faith.
Judaica Webstore, an online Jewish culture shop located in Jerusalem and Delaware, revealed the top 10 "most Instagrammable" religious landmarks that can be found outside the United States.
Some of the highlights revealed that Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is first with the highest number of Instagram hashtags. Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple in Amritsar, India), which attracts millions of annual visitors, and Sagrada Familia in Barcelona remain among the most visited landmarks in the world despite ongoing construction.
The results of the survey results were based on the number of Instagram posts associated with each landmark, the frequency of tags and the overall social media buzz generated.
Here are the top 10 religious landmarks posted by travelers, plus similar attractions located in the United States.
Taj Mahal in Agra, India
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, India
St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City
Subotica Synagogue in Vojvodina, Serbia
Lottie Norman, chief marketing officer with Contik, told Fox News Digital that visitors flock to iconic landmarks to get a front-row view of sites they've seen in movies and other social media posts, as well as to attain cultural immersion.
"It's not just about the photo or video; it's about capturing a moment that feels bigger than yourself."
Also, Barcelona's Sagrada Familia is an architectural masterpiece that Americans dream of capturing in their travel photos, Lottman said.
"On our tours, the Sagrada Familia is a consistent favorite, whether it's a key stop on a Contiki itinerary or a memorable free-time add-on during Barcelona exploration," she said.
From the travel-professional perspective, jet-setters embark on seeing these religious landmarks in person for faith-based reasons, according to Lottman.
"It's considered a global hub for Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism as well as a hub for enlightenment and meditation," Kelly Connor, a travel adviser with AAA Club Alliance in Marlton, New Jersey, told Fox News Digital.
"The Taj Mahal is photogenic because of its symmetry, intricate details and the way it interacts with light," Connor added.
"It's central dome, flanking minarets and perfectly aligned gardens create a sense of balance and harmony."
U.S. states have religious landmarks that many travelers find inspiring.
To highlight standouts, Leisure Group Travel, a publication charting the news of group travel trends, noted four highly visited U.S.-based faith-based landmarks.
William Franklin Graham Jr. was an American evangelist, ordained Baptist minister and a civil rights advocate.
You could learn about the Rev. Graham's life and mission by visiting the 20-acre setting where he was raised.
Marvel at a full-size Noah's Ark built according to the dimensions outlined in the Bible.
The model is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high, and it welcomes about 1 million visitors per year, making it one of the most popular religious attractions in the United States.
The museum building is constructed from golden Jerusalem limestone that was mined and hand-chiseled in southern Israel.
This landmark is the world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and one of Utah's top tourist and religious attractions, Leisure Group Travel reported.
Here, guests are immersed in Mormon heritage, history and culture.
Travelers visiting religious landmarks across the world may see a photo opportunity that's worthy to share on social media. Here are 10 popular spots, plus some attractions in the U.S.
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