Religious structures evolve a sense of togetherness through the meaning and faith they carry. These buildings are a medium to step back in the past and revisit our culture and history. Religious buildings have the power to connect us to our origins and roots. Thus the physicality of these buildings must represent the significance and values of all that the religion stands for. These buildings have an aesthetical language, holding immense worth, respect, and awe. They define the nation’s and the community’s beliefs and become national and architectural treasures. Our ancestors built some religious buildings that are nothing but a marvel to behold. These buildings hold a legacy and have seen the world change around them. Let’s take a look at some of the most jaw-dropping and expensive buildings around the world.
Basilica of National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida | Religious Buildings
This church is one of the greatest catholic churches in Brazil. Brazil has the most number of churches after the Vatican. With an area of 12,000 sq.m, this church was started built-in 1995. It happens to be one of the most sacred places for Catholics in Brazil, and its estimated cost is around 100,000,000 million dollars. (Simao, 2019)
Shwedagon Pagoda
Located in Myanmar, this pagoda is entirely covered and plated in gold. It is one of the most frequently visited sightseeing and tourist destination in Myanmar that one would not want to skip, considering how mesmerising it is. An estimated cost for this pagoda is 3 million dollars. The maintenance of the pagoda is done from the visiting income charged to the tourists. (Simao, 2019)
Wat Rong Khun | Religious Buildings
This is a temple located in Thailand. Buddhist religious structures are usually made of natural materials, but this structure has followed modern construction methods. Wat Rong Khun is highly decorative, and its appearance is bright white because it is studded with mirrors on it. It was built in 1996, and its estimated cost is around 22 million dollars.
Hagia Sofia
Hagia Sofia is one of the very well-known religious structures in the world. Located in Istanbul, its magnificence has continued to leave us in awe and wonder. Built-in the 5th century, the magnitude and aesthetics of the structure have attracted many tourists and continue to do so. The reported cost for the structure is around 35 million dollars. (10 Most Expensive Religious Buildings In The World, n.d.)
St. Peter’s Basilica | Religious Buildings
The most valuable catholic church, St. Peter’s Basilica, is in Vatican city. The total fortune of this church is quite impossible to conclude because of its moral value. St. Peter’s basilica possesses art pieces and an opulent construction, making it irreplaceable and having immense historical significance. St. Peter’s Basilica and Sistine chapel are estimated to cost around 1 billion dollars. (Simao, 2019)
Angkor Wat
Situated in Cambodia, Angkor Wat is one of the biggest religious temples in the world. It was constructed between the 14th and 15th centuries and was one of the earliest Hindu temples built. The magnitude, intrications, and decorated elements make it a must for a visit. The temple’s location has a lush forest around it, making it very peaceful. It is estimated to cost around 50 million dollars. (10 Most Expensive Religious Buildings In The World, n.d.)
Notre Dame
Notre Dame is one of the most well-known buildings in Paris. It was constructed back in 1160, and thus it has witnessed numerous historical moments. The structure has been a popular tourist destination. Again, to have an estimate of this church is difficult to assume, but a couple of years back, when the monument was destroyed due to an inferno, people from around the world donated in bulk for its renovation, which was 1 billion dollars. (Simao, 2019)
La Sagrada Familia | Religious Buildings
One of the most talked about churches, Sagrada Familia, started to be built in 1833, and it is still under construction. Located in Barcelona, Spain, the church was idealised by Antoni Gaudi. It is reported to be completed in 2026, which also happens to be the 100th death anniversary of Gaudi. The structure has undergone several changes throughout its construction timespan and, once completed, will be the tallest religious building on the continent, at 564 feet. It is impossible to calculate the overall cost of the structure. (Simao, 2019)
Harmandir Sahib
Also known as the golden temple, Harmandir Sahib is located in Punjab, India. It is called the golden temple because it is made up of gold. It was initially built by Maharaja Ranit Singh from 162 kgs of gold, costing about 1.5 billion dollars. During the 1900s, the temple was renovated and received more than 500 kgs of gold from around the world, which cost 340 million dollars. The temple structure has more than 30 layers of 24-carat gold and is the most valuable religious place for Sikhs. Its worth is estimated to be 2 billion dollars. (10 Most Expensive Religious Buildings In The World, n.d.)
Masjid Al-Haram | Religious Buildings
The Masjjid-Al-Haram is also called the Grand Mosque and is the first stop for people visiting Mecca. It started to be built in the 7th century and spread across 356,800 sq.m of land. It has undergone several renovations over the years. The mosque is reported to be not only the most expensive religious building but also the most expensive building in the world. The estimated cost of the mosque is 100 billion dollars. (10 Most Expensive Religious Buildings In The World, n.d.)
References:
Simao, K. (2019, August 28). 10 Most Expensive Religious Buildings Ever Built. TheRichest. Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.therichest.com/luxury-architecture/most-expensive-religious-buildings/
10 Most Expensive Religious Buildings In The World. (n.d.). Topteny.com. Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.topteny.com/10-most-expensive-religious-buildings-in-the-world/
