Author(s): National Geographic

Spirituality

Nearly every culture in human history has sought to honor the sacred, the mysterious, the supernatural, or the extraordinary. These sites often become cornerstones for a culture and its people; the history of religion and spiritual sites is practically synonymous with the history of human society."Sacred Places of a Lifetime", a lushly illustrated gift book, showcases 500 of the world's most sacred spots, including pilgrimage routes, temples, mountains, churches, and holy places - from Mont St. Michel Abbey in France, founded after a reported vision of the Archangel Michael; to the White Horse Temple in China, site of the country's first Buddhist temple, dating from the first century A.D.; to Machu Picchu in Peru, whose origins lie in obscurity; to Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, said by many to be the holiest city in the world. The history and lore of each site will be described in eloquent detail, along with detailed information on how to visit, the best times to go, and other practical information.