New Delhi: Religious sites are no longer simply spiritual havens. They are Instagram hotspots, drawing millions of social media enthusiasts.
Judaica Web Store—an online marketplace specialising in Jewish religious items and Israeli art—has compiled a list of the top 10 most “Instagrammable” religious landmarks across the globe, based on their popularity & engagement on the social media platform.
The study analysed the number of Instagram posts associated with each landmark and frequency of tags over a specific time period, and compared the engagement levels, in the context of the religious and cultural relevance of each site.
Here’s a list of the ten popular religious sites that made it to the list.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
With over 900 years of history, the Notre-Dame in Paris saw the highest number of Instagram hashtags (over 4.7 million) and had 15 million annual visitors.
Despite the catastrophic fire in 2019 that severely damaged its roof and spire, restoration efforts have renewed global appreciation for this architectural wonder. The cathedral’s connection to literary works, most famously Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, adds another layer to its cultural significance.
Whether viewed as a place of worship, an artistic treasure, or an enduring symbol of resilience, Notre-Dame is a favourite, both off and on Instagram.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal in Agra saw 3.7 million Instagram hashtags and has 7.5 million annual visitors. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also one of the most recognised and photographed landmarks in the world.
Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel, renowned for its pristine white marble, intricate inlay work with semi-precious stones and symmetrical gardens. The mausoleum and its marble façade, which changes hues during sunrise and sunset, has made the site a favourite among visitors and social media users alike.
Sagrada Família
Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain also features on the list. Its construction began in 1882, and despite over 140 years of work, the basilica remains incomplete.
Even with construction delays, the UNESCO World Heritage site is an Instagram favourite and one of the most visited landmarks globally. It saw over 3.3 million hashtags and has 3.2 million visitors every year.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat, located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is the largest religious monument in the world, covering approximately 402 acres. Constructed in the early 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II, it was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Beyond its architectural grandeur, Angkor Wat is renowned for its extensive bas-reliefs and intricate carvings that depict various Hindu epics and deities.
The temple’s orientation and layout are also believed to have astronomical significance, aligning with celestial events. It attracts approximately 2.6 million visitors annually, with over 1.9 million hashtags on Instagram.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
Perched atop Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur offers panoramic views of the city. This landmark, built in the Romano-Byzantine style, is renowned for its distinctive white façade, which gleams brightly against the Parisian skyline. The basilica’s interior boasts the largest mosaic in France, depicting Christ in Majesty. With over 1.2 million Instagram posts, it draws 11 million visitors each year.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
Located in Jerusalem’s Old City, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of Islam’s holiest sites, deeply revered for its profound spiritual and historical significance. According to Islamic tradition, it is the site where Prophet Muhammad was transported during the Night Journey (Isra).
The mosque has gained traction on Instagram with over 1.1 million posts. It is part of a larger complex, known as Al-Haram al-Sharif, or the Noble Sanctuary, which also includes the iconic Dome of the Rock.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, blends traditional Islamic design elements with modern construction techniques, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present. The mosque’s design incorporates influences from Mughal, Moorish and Ottoman architecture, evident in its grand arches, minarets and detailed ornamentation.
Elevated approximately 10 meters above ground level, the mosque covers a total area exceeding 555,000 square metres, and can accommodate about 55,000 worshippers. In 2023, the mosque welcomed over 5.5 million visitors, reflecting its status as a major cultural and religious landmark. It garnered over 1.1 million Instagram hashtags, attracting 4.37 million visitors annually.
Sri Harmandir Sahib
Commonly known as the Golden Temple, Sri Harmandir Sahib is the holiest shrine in Sikhism, located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. The temple’s golden façade and the surrounding Amrit Sarovar make the site a favourite for photographers and travellers worldwide.
With 9,35,900 Instagram posts, it sees 36 million visitors every year, the highest among all the studied landmarks. The community kitchen, or Langar, serves free meals to all visitors, embodying the Sikh principles of selfless service and equality. This tradition of hospitality and inclusivity has been a cornerstone of the Golden Temple since its inception.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is a Renaissance masterpiece and a central symbol of the Catholic faith. Designed by architects, including Donato Bramante, Michelangelo and Carlo Maderno, it stands as one of the largest churches globally, renowned for its grand dome and the Altar of the Confessio, which is believed to be directly above the tomb of Saint Peter.
Restorers have recently completed a significant renovation of the ornate canopy, or baldachin, over the main altar, ahead of the 2025 Jubilee. With 10 million visitors each year, St. Peter’s Basilica ranks high in both physical foot traffic and Instagram engagement, with over 8,07,600 posts.
Subotica Synagogue
The Subotica Synagogue in Serbia is an example of Art Nouveau architecture. Designed by Hungarian architects Marcell Komor and Dezső Jakab, it was completed in 1902.
The synagogue is known for its vibrant colours, intricate patterns and flowing lines. The Subotica Synagogue attracts approximately 1.7 million visitors annually.
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
Also Read: Restored Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens, five years after fire