Mogao Caves

A Statue of Buddha at Mogao Caves (Caves of the Thousand Buddhas) , Dunhuang, China

Mogao Caves, also known as Mogao Grottoes or the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, are a collection of 492 caverns, built into the cliffs along China’s Dachuan River, home to a whole host of artwork from over 1,000 years. Constructed on these caves began around 366 AD, by Buddhist monks from several significant dynasties of China, up into the 14th century.

The location of the caves, right on China’s famous Silk Route, also greatly influenced the lasting cultural significance of the caves and the works of art they hold. The caves were an important location for the exchange of both goods and cultures.

Each of the 492 caves is a sanctuary, adorned with various types of art including statues and frescoes. The art work has been dated, and provides a unique look into the progress of Chinese art over the centuries. The art also gives an inside look into life in the area during those years, depicting varied scenes of the culture and arts, politics, religion, and economics of China throughout the various dynasties. The art also shows influences of the other cultures who came into contact with the Chinese throughout this era, including Indians, Turks, and Tibetans. The people portrayed in the art also show the evolution of dress styles and cultural traditions over time.

The caves are numbered, featuring various scenes of daily life, including scenes of the Silk Route, camels with carts, and trade exchanges, field workers, warriors, and landscapes. One of the caves was found with thousands of historical manuscripts, which has been named the Library Cave. This was an important discovery for the studies of ancient Chinese culture, providing much insight into the history and culture.

Wat Arun, Thailand

Wat Arun, Thailand also known as the Temple of Dawn

Originally known as Wat Makok, meaning ‘the Olive Temple’, Wat Arun was built during the days of the ancient capital of Ayuttaya. Wat Arunratchawararam, shortly called Wat Arun, offers breathtaking views at sunset time from the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River. Perhaps owing to this fact, it is also known as ‘the Temple of Dawn’. Stamped on post cards, Wat Arun is an outstanding monument that is worth visiting during a tour to Bangkok.

King Rama II started constructing this majestic temple in early 19th century and later it was completed by Rama III. The central prang built as a Khmer-style pagoda, standing with a height of 80 meters, is the main attraction of Wat Arun. The bell-shaped central prang is said to symbolize the legendary Mount Meru, center of the universe and home of the gods.

Wat Arun is surrounded by four smaller satellite prangs, which are beautifully adorned with seashells, pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. Wat Arun is home to various statues of ancient Chinese soldiers, animals and the Hindu god Indra.

Looking at the two temple guardian figures or the so-called demons at the front side of Wat Arun will enthrall you. Entry is chargeable and the ticket costs around 30 Bahts per person for foreign visitors. There is no entry fee for Thai citizens.

Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Italy

Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Italy

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi (Basilica di San Francesco in Italian) is an Italian cathedral located in the city of Assisi. This cathedral is the head, or mother church, of the Franciscan Order (the Roman Catholic Order of the Friars Minor). The Basilica was constructed after the canonization of Francis on July 16, 1228, by Pope Gregory IX.

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a popular pilgrimage destination. This is since Saint Francis was known for his lifestyle of non-materialism and his treatment of all creatures as equals, including animals and the poor. The current Pope of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, chose his name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi consists of the Upper Church and the Lower Church, as well as a third level below, the Saint’s tomb, where the remains of Saint Francis are kept. The Upper Church interior is decorated in the Gothic style. Interior features include many frescoes from contemporary medieval painters such as Giotto di Bondone, Pietro Cavallini, Pietro Lorenzetti, and Cimabue, displaying a variety of Italian art from this period. Other decorative features include the Gothic doorway and ornate rose window, which has been called “the eye of the most beautiful church in the world.”

Devils Tower National Monument United States

Devils Tower National Monument at Wyoming, United States

Spanning over an area of 1,347 acres, the Devils Tower is a monolith – an igneous intrusion of phonolite in Crook County, Wyoming in the Unites States. The Devils Tower is a United States National Monument located in the Black Hills above River Belle Fourche. Towering over the surrounding region at a height of 5,114 feet (above sea level), the monolith is a favorite with visitors who love the adventure of a good climb. More and more visitors these days are gravitating towards traditional climbing techniques due to the hundreds of natural cracks on its surface. The Devils Tower attracts over 400,000 visitors each year.

The Devils Tower stands out of the surrounding prairie like a God towering among mortals. This is perhaps the reason the tower is revered as a sacred spot by the Lakota and other native tribes of the region. The eight mile trekking trail is lined with dozens of varieties of wildflowers during spring. A ranger-led tour takes about an hour and half and is an educative experience opening up to the geography, culture, and biolife of the region.