If your adventurous spirit yearns to explore some of the oldest temples in the world, our list of ancient spiritual beacons is a guide worth exploring.
Curious travellers are often attracted to ancient structures, monuments, temples and forts shrouded in the mystique of bygone eras. It is the allure of the unknown that captivates, inspiring wanderlust souls to unravel the secrets concealed within these venerable sites.
Whether you are an archaeology buff or an architecture enthusiast, and whether your interests lie in mythology or history, these ancient temples are sure to beckon the curious traveller in you, inviting you to delve deep into the rich tapestry of their stories.
Antiquity unearthed: Delving into the storied past of the world’s oldest temples
Göbekli Tepe, Turkey (between 9600 and 8200 BCE)
Believed to have been built approximately 6,000 years before Stonehenge during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic age, Göbekli Tepe is arguably the oldest temple in the world. As established by German archaeologist Klaus Schmidt in 2008, this ancient structure provides a glimpse into the lives of Upper Mesopotamians, with enormous stones dating back around 11,500 years. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, Göbekli Tepe features exquisitely carved stones and massive pillars that predate even the invention of pottery.
Best time to visit: April to September
Key attractions nearby: Urfa Castle and Gölbaşı Holy Land
How to reach: GAP Şanlıurfa Airport is approximately 25 km away
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Stonehenge, England (between 3700 and 1600 BCE)
A testament to ceremonial and mortuary practices during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1986. Symbolising the wealth and power of aristocrats and priests instrumental in its construction, Stonehenge comprises two specific areas in southern Britain, which include the Avenue, the Cursuses, Durrington Walls, Woodhenge and several burial mounds. The monument is believed to have been built for the worship of earth deities.
Best time to visit: April to May and October
Key attractions nearby: Salisbury Cathedral and Old George Mall
How to reach: Southampton Airport is approximately 42 km away
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Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni, Malta (between 4000 and 2500 BCE)
Different from other ancient temples around the world, this colossal structure features massive hallways, narrow passages, hidden chambers, huge faux windows, artistic doorways, bright graffiti paintings and rock-carved ceilings. Discovered in 1902 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni is an underground cemetery. Interestingly, only some parts of this mysterious structure have been discovered, leaving much to the imagination of archaeologists. While open to the public, only 80 visitors are allowed each day.
Best time to visit: April to June
Key attractions nearby: Tarxien Temples, Upper Barrakka Gardens and Grandmaster Palace Courtyard
How to reach: Malta International Airport is approximately 4 km away
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Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt (between 1473 and 1458 BCE)
Dedicated to one of the first female pharaohs of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Hatshepsut is an architectural wonder with a modern appearance despite its age. According to National Geographic, Hatshepsut, King Thutmose I’s eldest daughter, became queen during the 18th dynasty. After her husband Thutmose II’s death, she assumed the title of pharaoh and ruled for over two decades, despite the later coming of age of her stepson, Thutmose III.
Best time to visit: December to February
Key attractions nearby: Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple Complex and Temple of Luxor
How to reach: Luxor International Airport is approximately 33 km away
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Ġgantija Temples, Malta (between 1275 and 1240 BCE)
Recognised by UNESCO as one of the oldest free-standing stone structures, Ġgantija, along with Ħaġar Qim, Mnajdra, Skorba, Ta’ Ħaġrat and Tarxien, forms the Megalithic Temples of Malta. While there is no clarity on the religious practices followed within the Ġgantija Temples, the presence of animal remains suggests the practice of animal sacrifice. These gigantic limestone structures attract tourists owing to the mystery surrounding them.
Best time to visit: April to June
Key attractions nearby: Ramla Beach and Citadel
How to reach: Malta International Airport is approximately 40 km away
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Tchogha Zanbil, Iran (between 1275 and 1240 BCE)
Iran’s Tchogha Zanbil was founded by King Untash-Napirisha as the religious centre of Elam, located in the Khuzestan province in southwest Iran today. The highlight of this structure is a huge ziggurat dedicated to Elamite divinities Inshushinak and Napirisha. A symbol of ancient Iranian culture and traditions, it remained incomplete due to invasion by Ashurbanipal, a king of the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
Best time to visit: November to February
Key attractions nearby: Ali Ibn Mahziar Bridge and White Bridge
How to reach: Dezful Airport is approximately 85 km away
Temple of Apollo, Greece (330 BC)
Perched on the southwestern slopes of Mt. Parnassus, the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece, is one of the most intriguing tourist destinations. Located northwest of Athens above the Gulf of Corinth, the gorgeous structure offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys. Initially destroyed in an earthquake and rebuilt in 373 BCE, Delphi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The highlight of this temple is a spot marked by a stone called the omphalos (navel), where, according to myth, two eagles released by Zeus met, marking the world’s centre by the Greeks.
Best time to visit: November to March
Key attractions nearby: Archaeological Museum of Corinth, Apostolos Pavlos Church and Mare West
How to reach: Athens Airport is approximately 200 km away
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Mundeshwari Devi Temple, India (108 AD)
While the Mundeshwari Devi Temple in India may not be as ancient as the others on this list, it is the oldest functional temple in the world. Perhaps the oldest example of the Nagara style of temple architecture, this temple in Bihar has been a protected monument since 1915. Rituals have been continuously observed here, with celebrations like Ram Navami and Shivratri held amidst a lot of fanfare.
Although Viniteswara, represented by the Chatur Mukhalingam (Lingam with four faces), was the main deity in the seventh century, Mundeswari (also known as Maheshmardini and Durga) replaced him when the Cheros, an aboriginal tribe, came to power.
Best time to visit: November to March
Key attractions nearby: Mundeshwari Waterfalls and Kaimur Hills Range
How to reach: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is approximately 127 km away
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(Hero and feature image: Moonfish8/ Shutterstock)
Related: A Guide To The Ancient And New Wonders Of The World
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are ancient temples, and how do they differ from modern temples?
Most ancient temples around the world consist of ruins and are not functional like most modern temples. One of the major differences between the two is their architecture.
Which is the oldest known temple in the world?
The Göbekli Tepe in Turkey is believed to be the oldest known temple in the world.
Which ancient temple is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures?
Many ancient temples are famous for their intricate carvings and sculptures. One of them is the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni in Malta.
Where is the largest ancient temple complex in the world located?
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is believed to be one of the largest ancient temple complexes in the world.
What is the significance of the Temple of Karnak in Egypt?
The Karnak Temple Complex was the centre of the ancient religion during the period of the New Kingdom when Thebes (modern-day Luxor) was the central authority.
Are ancient temples still used for religious purposes today?
Yes. Some of the oldest temples are still used for religious purposes today, such as the Mundeshwari Devi Temple in Bihar, India.
How were ancient temples constructed without modern technology?
Most ancient temples were constructed using rocks (cutting and carving) without modern technology.
Are there any ancient temples that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Yes. Many ancient temples are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, such as Göbekli Tepe in Turkey and Stonehenge in Egland, UK.
Can tourists visit ancient temples, and are there any restrictions on entry?
Yes, tourists can visit ancient temples but some have restrictions on the number of entries in a day, such as the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni in Malta.
What are some lesser-known ancient temples worth visiting?
Pundarikaksha temple near Tiruchirapalli is one of the lesser-known oldest temples in India that can be visited.
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express and Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn't gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with ..Read More
