The human desire to build places for worship has often resulted in some of the most breathtaking architectural masterpieces in existence. From historic sites like the Pyramids of Giza or the Parthenon to modern marvels like the Lotus Temple in New Delhi or the Jubilee Synagogue in Prague, humanity has shown the best version of itself when it comes to creating spaces to honor, pray to, and worship a higher power.
While there are plenty of examples of stunning religious architecture that prove this, few fully reimagine the limits of human innovation quite like the places of worship that are built directly into nature. Set in caves, perching on cliffs, or carved into basalt, these spiritual sites span many faiths and locations. From a temple in Datong, China, that appears to defy gravity to a hand-hewn stone church in Ethiopia, AD has scoured the globe for the 24 most inspiring, extraordinary houses of worship built into the natural world.
