There are countless luxurious religious structures around the world. Over recent years, religious structures have started to prove they provide more than simply worship services; evidenced by their increasing cost. Tourists frequently flock to such structures which have received considerable financial investments to reach this point in their existence.
This article presents some of the world’s most expensive structures. Your jaw may drop at some of these astonishing sites!
Expensive Religious Structures Around The World
1. Mosque of Haram
Saudi Arabia’s Mecca is home to Masjid Al-Haram, estimated by experts to cost $75 billion. A site of pilgrimage, it covers an area of around 356,800 square meters – making it known as “the Mother of World’s Largest Mosque”.
2. HARMANDIR SAHIB
HARMANDIR SAHIB is a building in India’s 17th-century that is often known as the Golden Temple. Although initially constructed in 1604 and renovated several times since, major reconstruction work took place again between 1764 and 1903. HARMANDIR SAHIB has long been considered among India’s most stunning religious structures; its estimated worth has been put at between $5-10 billion dollars.
3. Las Lajas Refuge
It may come as no surprise to learn that Las Lajas Refuge took approximately 33 years to construct. Simply put, it is one of South America’s most costly religious structures and blends high cost with aesthetic beauty – this makes Las Lajas Sanctuary one of the must-see religious structures! Estimates put its cost at about $2 billion dollars.
4. BAH’S GARDENS
Baha’s religion may not be widely known around the world; however, its growth is fast-tracked with over five million supporters around the globe. Israel hosts one of THE BAH’ GARDENS temples with reported spending exceeding $150 million and recognized not only as one of the most costly structures but also one of the most beautiful structures ever conceived; everything about its architecture, construction and contents make for an experience to remember!
5. NOTRE DAME DE PARIS
Notre Dame de Paris is commonly known by other names such as Notre-Dame or Notre-Dame Cathedral, and is an iconic cathedral for Catholics located in Paris, France. Reportedly dating back to 1160, its construction began receiving over $100 million in funding to date – not surprising considering it boasts one of France’s greatest architectural achievements! No one would dispute that statement!
6. ANGKOR WAT
Cambodia is home to ANGKOR WAT, which is estimated at being worth over $50 million and one of the largest temples worldwide. Constructed between 14th and 15th centuries when Buddhism became increasingly prevalent across Asia, one feature that makes ANGKOR WAT worth visiting is its decorations.
7. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia mes Architecture lovers shouldn’t miss seeing Hagia Sophia when in Istanbul; it is one of the largest sanctuaries worldwide and one of its namesakes today is Hagia Sophia – also known as Megale Ekklesia before changing in the 5th century to Hagia Sophia which means divine knowledge. Although cited as one of the world’s most expensive religious structures, material available does not support this claim, however its estimated construction cost reportedly totaled $35 Million according to one estimate.
8. WAT RONG KHUN
WAT RONG KHUN is another temple dedicated to one particular religion found in Thailand, estimated at costing an estimated $22 million. When compared with other Buddhist temples around the world, this one stands out due to the way it was constructed; lavish ornamentation combined with mirror coating add a distinctive feature that makes this structure truly one-of-a-kind. Construction began on this contemporary religious structure back in 1996; according to estimates by its engineer it should outlive any expectations and last more than 90 years!
9. CHION-IN TEMPLE
CHION-IN TEMPLE is one of Japan’s oldest religious temples, dating back to 1234 AD at an estimated cost of $10 million. Initially comprising 21 structures, earthquakes and fire have left its remnants scattered about, yet the structure continues to stand tall today as one of Japan’s oldest religious structures despite several catastrophic calamities which have befallen it over time. Anyone wishing to enter must go through its largest gate.
10. Saint Basil’s Cathedral
Saint Basil’s Cathedral stands as one of Russia’s most beloved symbols and boasts significant historic value, with its striking color combinations making its design truly standout and making it one of the world’s most beautiful religious structures. Construction costs have been estimated to reach roughly $14 million per structure such as this.
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