Sri Lanka - Detail of Buddha temple of Kelaniya Vihare

Egypt - Medinet Habu - The young Egyptian admire ancient Egypt

Temple of Dendara (Upper Egypt) - Hathor Shrine

Temple of Dendara (Upper Egypt) - Roman Mammisi

Abu Simbel - Great Temple - Ramses II, Re-Horakhty, Amun-Re and Ptah

Panoramic view of the sacred city of Machu Picchu, seen from Huayna Picchu

The vast archaeological complex of Pisac, one of the imperial "capitals".

Egypt - Abydos - Temple of Ramses II

Egypt – Valley of the Kings – Medinet Habu – Hieroglyphs

A young Bolivian is doing his homework on the steps of the sanctuary of Tiahuanaco.- Bolivia

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Vu du templete semi-souterrain de Tiahuanaco, l'escalier monumental aux six marches lithiques et la grande portada d'entrée du Kalasasaya restaurée. On aperçoit au centre la stèle «Ponce» du sanctuaire du Soleil.

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Derrière la table des sanglants holocaustes, béant sur le fascinant paradis des cimes andines tapissées d'une forêt exubérante, l'admirable muraille du Temple aux Trois fenêtres de Machu Picchu se dresse sur la place du quartier sacré de la célèbre «Cité perdue» des Incas.

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
L'une des curieuses portes à grecque scalaire de Iñak Huyo, temple et palais des Vierges de l'île de la Lune. 2000 servants et servantes de Quilla, la Lune-Mère, prenaient soin de ce sanctuaire lambrissé d'argent et en cultivaient les terrasses étagées. Les vestales inca y filaient la précieuse laine de vigogne, entretissée de plumes de colibri et filetée d'or.

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
L'énorme rocher de l'adoratoire de Kenko, à 3 kilomètres du Cuzco, est ciselé à profusion de rigoles, de pitons, de marches, d'autels, d'animaux symboliques. Au centre du grandiose amphithéâtre creusé de dix-neuf niches-sièges en éventail se dressait un totem lithique en forme de puma assis.

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Dans le doux «Eden » de la Vallée tropicale sacrée des Incas s'étend à 3.100 mètres d'altitude le vaste complexe archéologique de Pisac, l'une des «capitales» impériales. Une trentaine de résidences au style raffiné entourent l'Intihuatana elliptique, voué au culte astral.

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Enigmatiques et impérissables «testaments» de l'Empire inca du Tahuantinsuyo, les temples s'ouvrent majestueusement sur Inti Cancha, la place cérémonielle du haut quartier magico-religieux de Machu Picchu, que surplombent les quatorze terrasses pyramidales de l'observatoire et acropole solaire où se trouve l'Intihuatana.

The legends are only available in German, French or Spanish
Pachacamac: Le plus grand sanctuaire de la côte péruvienne, consacré au dieu créateur de l'univers, fut investi par les Incas, comme en témoigne cette porte en «trapèze».

Machu Picchu - Sacred Square - Main Temple and Temple of the three windows - the staircase leads to the Intihuatana - 1969

Machu Picchu - view through one of the windows of the temple of the three windows - 1969

Chavín Culture, Peru. The huge temple complex near the village of Chavín de Huántar behind the Cordillera Blanca gave its name to a culture whose influence around 1000 BC can be traced over a wide area and in later cultural forms, so that it can be called with some justification the mother culture. Recurring motifs are the jaguar or a mixture of predator, snake and condor and warriors with predator teeth, condor claws and snake hair or hair with condor heads. Here the main portal to the temple complex with the large ceremonial square in the foreground. - 1976

The Chavín culture, which we know mainly through its stonemasonry, belongs to the developmental period of pre-Columbian Peru. - 1969

The Chavín religion is characterised by a cult in honour of the condor. The very schematic representation of this giant vulture is also found on stone slabs that decorate the temple of the Chavín site in the Cordillera. - 1969

The Lanzón of Chavín is a sacred monolith or wanka that belongs to the Chavín culture. It is carved in irregular granite, 4.54 m high and is located in its original location in a sector of an interior gallery of the Old Temple of Chavín. It is called the "Lanzón" because it has the shape of a giant spire whose ends are firmly embedded in the floor and ceiling of the gallery. It has three sides covered with engraved motifs representing a deity with human features mixed with those of animals. It is the largest of the sculptures or monoliths preserved from the Chavín culture. - 1969

The heads of nails (Cabezas clavas) are a series of sculptures representing heads of cats, snakes and birds, combined with human features. One theory assumes that they were the guardians of the temple. They were carved in sandstone of different consistency, quartzite and granite. Unfortunately, of the 56 who were there, only one is still on site. The others have disappeared or are kept in museums. - 1969

The heads of nails (Cabezas clavas) are a series of sculptures representing heads of cats, snakes and birds, combined with human features. They have been carved in sandstone of different textures, quartzite and granite. Unfortunately, of the 56 that were there, only one is still on site. The others have disappeared or are kept in museums. - 1969

The heads of nails (Cabezas clavas) are a series of sculptures representing heads of cats, snakes and birds, combined with human features. They have been carved in sandstone of different textures, quartzite and granite. Unfortunately, of the 56 that were there, only one is still on site. The others have disappeared or are kept in museums - 1969

Chan Chan was the capital of the pre-Columbian Chimú Empire. Best preserved is the Tschudi area, named after the Swiss researcher Tschudi. The palace is now known as Palacio Nik-An. This area is being restored and is open to tourists. Here you can still see some of the banqueting halls with their magnificent decorations. - 1969

The "Huaca del Dragon", or as it is also called, rainbow temple, is located outside the city of Trujillo near Chan Chan. It is a large religious monument, ceremonial and administrative centre made of mud bricks, whose murals are decorated with relief friezes depicting anthropomorphic figures and depicting the rainbow in stylised form. - 1969

In the mountainous area of northern Guatemala, near the provincial capital of Huehuetenango, stand the ruins of Zaculeu. Some archaeologists place these glorious remains chronologically before the Maya of the first empire (Culture Mam). However, there is no unanimous agreement among scholars on this subject. The ruins of Zaculeu have been partially restored. The usefulness of some of these interventions could be questioned. Nevertheless, the site occupies a fairly large area and is set in a splendid landscape that is well suited to seduce the traveller. Moreover, from an ethnographic point of view, the Huehuetenango region is rich and deserves a visit. - 1977

In the mountainous area of northern Guatemala, near the provincial capital of Huehuetenango, stand the ruins of Zaculeu. Some archaeologists place these glorious remains chronologically before the Maya of the first empire. However, there is no unanimous agreement among scholars on this subject. The ruins of Zaculeu have been partially restored. The usefulness of some of these interventions could be questioned. Nevertheless, the site occupies a fairly large area and is set in a splendid landscape that is well suited to seduce the traveller. Moreover, from an ethnographic point of view, the Huehuetenango region is rich and deserves a visit. - 1977

The Jaguar Pyramid of Tikal (or Tik'al, according to modern Maya spelling), which is one of the largest urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation. It is located in the municipality of Flores in the department of Petén and is part of the Tikal National Park. - 1977

The Jaguar Pyramid of Tikal (or Tik'al, according to modern Maya spelling), which is one of the largest urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation. It is located in the municipality of Flores in the department of Petén and is part of the Tikal National Park. At the foot of the structure, one can recognise stelae one to two metres high, often laid out in a straight line, with strange signs and hieroglyphics. - 1977

The city of Tikal is located in the north of Guatemala, in the heart of the Petén jungle. It is one of the largest sanctuary cities in the classical Maya world, covering an area of at least 100 square kilometres. North American archaeologists have been studying this extraordinary site for several years now. Their work is all the more commendable because archaeological excavations are very difficult in the forest. The exuberant vegetation, kept alive by the heat and the year-round humidity, makes it difficult to carry out large-scale research. It is calculated that only one-sixteenth of the city has been studied to date, and this despite the greatest difficulties. The site shows a series of palaces, temples and pyramids. Some of the latter, which are nearly sixty metres high, dominate the jungle. Some of these amazing constructions represent a mass of material estimated at 200,000 cubic metres! This figure, in truth, leaves one dreaming. Almost vertical staircases lead to the upper part of these pyramids, which is a platform on which an often highly decorated temple still stands. Unfortunately, rain erosion, which is almost constant in the forest, has caused the destruction of many of these works of art. At the foot of the buildings and often forming alignments, one can see steles of one to two metres in height, covered with strange engravings and hieroglyphs. - 1977

Temple II of Tikal (or Tik'al, according to modern Maya spelling), which is one of the largest urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilisation. It is located in the municipality of Flores in the department of Petén and is part of the Tikal National Park. At the foot of the structure, one can recognise stelae one to two metres high, often laid out in a straight line, with strange signs and hieroglyphics. - 1977

Temple complex of Tikal (or Tik'al, according to modern Mayan spelling), which is one of the largest urban centres of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilisation. It is located in the municipality of Flores in the department of Petén and is part of the Tikal National Park. - 1977

The Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple ever built, rises northwest of the city of Yogyakarta in Central Java. With its countless bell-shaped stupas and Buddha statues, the complex is one of the finest examples of sacred architecture in South Asia. – 1990

The bas-reliefs on the terrace walls of Borobudur are of incomparable beauty. All the faces radiate a serene happiness. The presence of such a Buddhist sanctuary in an archipelago that is now almost exclusively Islamic may come as a surprise. However, it is important to note that from the 8th century onwards, Indian peoples migrated to Southeast Asia in waves, bringing with them elements of an important Hindu-Buddhist high culture. Three bas-reliefs in Borobudur depict sailing ships that undoubtedly correspond to those that transported spices as early as the 1st millennium. – 1990

Three bas-reliefs in Borobudur depict sailing ships that undoubtedly correspond to those that transported spices as early as the 1st millennium. – 1990

The bas-reliefs on the terrace walls of Borobudur are of incomparable beauty. All the faces radiate a serene happiness. The presence of such a Buddhist sanctuary in an archipelago that is now almost exclusively Islamic may come as a surprise. However, it is important to note that from the 8th century onwards, Indian peoples migrated to Southeast Asia in waves, bringing with them elements of an important Hindu-Buddhist high culture. – 1990

The Borobudur temple is believed to have been built between 778 and 856, but like the rest of Central Java, it was abandoned just a hundred years after its completion and buried under a mountain of ash for a thousand years following an eruption of the neighbouring Merapi volcano. In 1814, under the English Vice-Governor Thomas Stamford Raffles, the history of the rediscovery of this temple complex began. Borobudur has the shape of a square step pyramid with a base length of 113 metres. Four monumental staircases, aligned with the four points of the compass, lead to the top. Seen from above, the temple is a mandala, an aid to meditation, and as a whole, a stupa or three-dimensional model of the cosmos. The walls of the lower terraces are covered with bas-reliefs depicting the life of Gautama Buddha and his disciples, while the upper steps remain without pictorial decoration. Instead, numerous smaller stupas rise here, towered over by the main stupa, which culminates at a height of thirty-five metres. – 1990

The Mendut Temple (in Indonesian: Candi Mendut) is a Mahayana Buddhist temple located in the village of the same name, on the island of Java (Indonesia), in the Magelang district of Central Java. Built in the early 9th century, it forms part of the Borobudur Complex, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, along with the neighbouring temples of Borobudur and Pawon. – 1990

The bas-reliefs on the terrace walls of the Candi Mendut temple are, like those on the neighbouring Borobudur temple, of incomparable beauty. Here, too, all the faces radiate a serene happiness. – 1990

Candi Kalasan (also known as Kalibening Temple) is the oldest Buddhist temple in the Yogyakarta region of Java, Indonesia. It was completed in 778 AD and was originally dedicated to the Buddhist goddess Tara. The building is characterised by an octagonal roof decorated with reliefs of the Tathagatas (Buddha figures) facing the four cardinal directions. A special feature is that the walls are covered with Vajralepa, a white protective resin that has preserved the fine carvings. - The temple is located about 13 km east of Yogyakarta. 1990

Candi Rara Jonggrang, better known as Prambanan Temple, is a magnificent 9th-century Hindu temple complex in Central Java, Indonesia. It is dedicated to the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the largest Shiva temple in Indonesia. The name is closely linked to a local legend. - 1990

The Kek Lok Si (Temple of Supreme Bliss) in Air Itam near George Town on Penang is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and one of the most important shrines in Southeast Asia. The sprawling complex extends over several levels on a hill and captivates visitors with its unique blend of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture. - Malaysia - 1990

On the road from the airport to the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur stands the Chinese temple Thean Hou, which combines stylish decorative elements with modern architecture. In the courtyard, a worshipper lights incense sticks for his ancestors. – 1990

Penang, particularly George Town, is home to some of Southeast Asia's most magnificent Hokkien temples and clan houses (kongsis). These structures were built by immigrants from Fujian Province (Hokkien) and still serve as religious centres and symbols of family cohesion today. – 1990

Bicycle taxis, often known in Malaysia as colourful ‘trishaws’, are a popular traditional means of transport for tourists, especially in historic cities such as Malacca and George Town (Penang). Today, they mostly serve as a decorative attraction for sightseeing tours, whereas in the past they functioned as classic city taxis. – 1990

Papaya seller on King Street (Malay: Lebuh King), one of the most historically significant streets in the heart of George Town, the capital of the Malaysian island of Penang. It is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and reflects the city's multicultural history. – 1990

The Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore and an important national monument. It was founded in 1827 by Naraina Pillai and is located in the heart of Chinatown. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, who is revered in popular belief as the bringer of rain and healer of diseases. The most striking part of the temple is the five-storey entrance tower (gopuram), which is decorated with colourful sculptures of gods, mythological creatures and animals. – Singapore – 1990

Sleeping man in front of the ancient Kathiresan temple, dedicated to the god of war Murugan. – Colombo – 1990

This image shows a historical stone bas-relief located on a wall of the famous Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The relief depicts a magnificently decorated elephant with a rider (mahout) on its back. The Temple of the Tooth is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world and houses a relic revered as the left canine tooth of the historical Buddha. – 1990

The image shows a stone sculpture of the god Ganesha, located on the façade of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple in Sri Lanka. It is an important Buddhist temple that commemorates Buddha's historic visit to the island. It is considered one of the 16 most important shrines (Solosmasthana) and is known for its impressive architecture, murals and the annual Duruthu Perahera procession. – 1990

Kelaniya Temple is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka, as Buddhists believe that the Buddha sanctified the place during his third visit to the island. The stone carvings are an example of how stories from the Ramayana are linked to local Buddhist tradition. The depiction shows the coronation of Vibhishana as king of Lanka. His wife Sarama sits to his left. Lakshmana stands to his right, placing the crown on Vibhishana's head. Lakshmana is often depicted with a bow, which can also be seen here. – 1990

Stone sculpture of the Hindu god Ganesha, located on the exterior façade of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple in Sri Lanka. Ganesha is the deity of wisdom, good fortune and new beginnings, who removes obstacles and is depicted here sitting on his vahana (mount), the rat. Below the Ganesha niche are friezes depicting dwarf figures (ganas) and a row of elephants. - 1990

Artísticos trabajos de cantería en el Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (también conocido como templo Kelaniya), uno de los lugares budistas más importantes de Sri Lanka. Las paredes exteriores del edificio principal (Viharage) están decoradas con tres frisos distintivos, cada uno con su propio significado simbólico: Friso superior: muestra hamsas (cisnes o gansos), que simbolizan la pureza y la discernimiento. Friso central: muestra ganas (enanos o figuras muragal), representados en diversas poses juguetonas y acrobáticas. Friso inferior: consiste en una procesión de elefantes (gajas), que encarnan la fuerza y la constancia. – 1990

Buddhist monks in front of a white stupa (also called a dagoba) outside the grounds of the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, which is considered one of the holiest places in Buddhism because it houses a relic of Buddha's tooth. – 1990

A monk with a parasol walks along the outer wall of Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth. – Kandy, Sri Lanka – 1990

Stupa (also called dagoba) on the grounds of the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. – 1990

Mural from the Kathaluwa Poorwarama Viharaya in Koggala, Sri Lanka. The temple is known for its detailed murals, which feature a mixture of religious themes and influences from the British colonial period. Although at first glance the image may be reminiscent of ancient Egyptian art (such as the famous scenes of Tutankhamun and Anjesenamón on grave goods), it differs significantly in style, clothing and the script shown. – 1990

In der Nähe von Kosgoda befindet sich diese Dagoba mit der typischen Glockenform. - 1990

A flower seller outside the Sri Manguesh Temple (also known as Shree Mangeshi Temple), located in the village of Mangeshi in Goa, about 21 km from Panaji. It is one of the most significant and most visited Hindu temples in the region. Pilgrims often buy coconuts, flowers or garlands before entering the temple. In Hindu tradition, the coconut is regarded as an ‘auspicious fruit’. Smashing the hard shell symbolises shedding the ego in order to reach the pure core within. The flowers and garlands are offered to the deity (an incarnation of Lord Shiva). The gentle laying of the flowers at the feet of the deity symbolises, ritually, the letting go of worldly desires. – 1990

This photograph shows the upper section of the steep staircase leading to the main entrance of the renowned Jagdish Temple in Udaipur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe, who is worshipped here as Lord Jagannath. The temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and sculptures, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology as well as dancers and musicians. In the background of the picture, these detailed friezes above the entrance area are clearly visible. - 1990

A man sits on the steps of the famous Adinath Temple in Ranakpur. This temple is renowned worldwide for its 1,444 individually carved marble pillars, none of which are alike. The bright red turban is a distinctive feature of the Rabari herdsmen. It symbolises honour and pride and also serves as practical protection against the Rajasthani sun. The flowers in the basket (often roses and marigolds) are sold as offerings for the religious rituals in the temple. Visitors purchase these to place them before the statue of Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of the Jains. – 1990

An extraordinary marble carving from the Ranakpur Jain Temple (also known as the Chaumukha Temple) in Rajasthan, India. It depicts Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of the Jain religion. A characteristic feature of Parshvanatha is the canopy of snake heads above his head. This particular carving is often referred to as Nagdaman. The sculpture is famous for its complexity: it depicts Parshvanatha surrounded by a dense network of 1,008 intertwined snakes. The snakes’ tails are so artfully interwoven that it is almost impossible to find their beginning or end. The temple was built in the 15th century and is considered one of the most significant masterpieces of Jain architecture. It is best known for its 1,444 individually carved marble pillars, none of which are alike. – 1990

Probably the best-known complex in Ranakpur is the 15th-century Adinath Temple, famous for its sophisticated architecture and rich sculptural decoration. It is the largest sacred building of Jainism, a religion founded by a contemporary of the Buddha which offers the prospect of liberation from the cycle of rebirth through good deeds. The temple consists of dozens of ‘chapels’ and hundreds of chiselled columns, each with its own unique ornamentation. As Jains are forbidden to kill living creatures, they are vegetarians. The monk in the picture is grinding yellow ochre; every visitor is entitled to an auspicious dot of this colour on their forehead. – 1990

A flower seller outside a temple in Ranakpur, making garlands of orange marigolds (Tagetes). These flowers are of great cultural significance in India and are frequently used for religious offerings, temple visits and festivals such as Diwali. – 1990

The Gadi Sagar Temple, situated in the middle of the historic Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer. The pavilion was built from the region’s characteristic golden-yellow sandstone and features ornate arches and a traditional dome (chhatri). The lake was artificially created in the 12th century by King Rawal Jaisal. For centuries, it served as a vital drinking water reservoir for the entire fortified city of Jaisalmer. – 1990

The picture shows an ornately decorated chhatri pavilion on Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The artificial lake was built in 1367 by Maharawal Gadsi Singh. For centuries, it served as the vital and primary source of water for the desert city of Jaisalmer. The striking, dome-like pavilions, which stand in or at the edge of the water, are typical features of Rajput architecture. They were constructed from the region’s characteristic golden-yellow sandstone and served as royal cenotaphs, monuments or shaded resting places. – 1990

The intricately carved torana (ornate gateway) of the historic Lodhurva Jain Temple near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. It is an outstanding example of Maru-Gurjara architecture (also known as the Solanki style). The entire structure is built from the characteristic golden-yellow Jaisalmer sandstone. In Indian temple architecture, a torana symbolises the solemn transition from the secular outside world into the sacred, spiritual realm of the temple. The original temple complex was built as early as the 9th century, when Lodhurva was still the capital of the Bhati Rajputs. Following severe destruction caused by invasions, this magnificent gateway was faithfully reconstructed in 1615 AD. – 1990

This relief is located on the outer wall of the historic Lodurva Jain Temple near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India. This ancient temple complex was once the capital of the Bhatti Rajputs before Jaisalmer was founded. It is renowned for its intricate stonework and delicate carvings in yellow sandstone. - Seated on the back of the richly decorated elephant is a figure in a traditional posture, likely holding a weapon or an elephant goad (ankusha) to guide the animal. – 1990 Latticed windows and curved Bengali roofs. – 1990

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