These locations undoubtedly offer a historical look back at the cultures that have shaped the world as we know it today. Across the globe, these places of worship have been central to defining the ...

The FT commenting names of readers have been given in bold type at the end of each entry. Where readers gave details about what they love about a particular place, that has been included as a quote.

The Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship, literally meaning 'door to the Guru'. They are open to everyone, although Sikhs ask that shoes are removed and heads are covered before entry.