Gold is a valuable thing in the world. Some grand buildings are built with this valuable gold. There are many monumental structures that are astonishing. Let us see these gold structures across the world that attract visitors.
1. Golden Temple: Amritsar, India
The Golden Temple in Amritsar is also known as Harmandir Sahib. It is a place of assembly and worship for Sikhs. Sikh also refers to it as Gurdwara sahib. It was built around the man-made pool in the 1500s by Guru Ramdas Sahib, the 4th of 10 Sikh gurus. The golden temple was renovated many times after it was destroyed several times by the Mughal and Afghan armies. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, covered the upper floor of the temple with pure gold. Then it was named as Golden temple.
The water around is considered purifying and allowed Sikhs to take bathe in it from the outer platform. The visitors also take this holy water home for purification and health. It is one of the important places to visit in India.
2. Golden Pavilion: Kyoto, Japan
Kinkaku-Ji is a zen temple in Kyoto, Japan. This Golden Pavilion is a three-story building. The top two stories of the Pavilion are completely covered in gold leaf. The site of Kinkaku-Ji has belonged to a powerful statesman Saionji Kintsune. The site was originally a villa called Kitayama-dai. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu owned it. It was burned down completely during the Onin war, and again in the year 1950, it was set on fire by a newly joined fanatic monk. The present structure was reconstructed in the year 1955.
The Golden Pavilion stands to a height of 40 feet. The three stories are built in three different styles such as shinden, samurai, and zen. The first floor was built in shinden style used for residential building during the Heian period. The second floor was built in the buke style used in samurai residences. The Third floor is built in traditional Chinese chan style. A good time to visit the site is either during the winters or during the spring. The Golden Pavilion is designated as a national special historic site. It is one of the most popular sites in Kyoto to visit and spend valuable time.
3. Grand Palace: Bangkok, Thailand
The grand palace is the spiritual heart of Thailand, and its complex consists of several impressive buildings, including the temple of the Emerald Buddha. It also consists of other buildings, including the outer court with many public buildings, the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings, and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings in the middle court, and the inner court and the Siwalai Gardens.
The grand palace and temple of the Emerald Buddha are very contrast in the style of constructions. The temple is built in Thai style, while Europeans inspire the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace has been the King of Siam’s official residence since 1782. It also has been the home and the administrative seat of the Thai king for more than 150 years. It has many grand buildings to visit during your vacation.
4. Dome Of The Rock: Jerusalem
The Dome of the Rock is one of the oldest extant works of Islamic architecture and Islamic shrines located on the Temple Mount in the city of Jerusalem. Its appearance is changed with gold plates in the modern period. This site is one of the iconic landmarks of Jerusalem. In the 20th century, damaged interior and exterior ornaments were repaired, and the dome was covered with new pure gold.
The dome is surrounded by an octagonal arcade of 24 piers and columns. The Dome of the Rock is situated in the center of the Temple Mount. The King Hussein of Jordon was also donated to cover the structure with gold.
5. Shwedagon Pagoda: Yangon, Myanmar
The Shwedagon Pagoda is also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda and the Golden Pagoda. It is the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world, and according to history, it was constructed by Mon King more than 2600 years ago. The stupa is made up of gold plates. It is 99 meters in height. Its top is decorated with diamond and is visible from much of the city.
It has four entrances, with the eastern one have either an elevator or an escalator. All are guarded by Chinthes, Burmese mythological lions with a white body and golden colored head. It is one of the golden places to visit.
Were you aware of these gold structures across the world? Have you visited any of them? Share your experience in the comment below.
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