Top 20 Oldest Active Temples

This ancient temple complex in Cambodia was built in the 12th century during the reign of King Suryavarman II. Angkor Wat is one of the largest temple complexes in the world, covering over 400 acres of land and featuring intricate carvings and bas-reliefs. The temple's original purpose was for Hindu worship, with the highest tower dedicated to Mount Meru, the mythical home of the Hindu gods. Angkor Wat is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer Empire. The temple's architecture reflects the unique blend of Indian, Buddhist, and indigenous influences that shaped ancient Southeast Asian culture.

This ancient Greek temple in Turkey was built in the 6th century BC and dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The temple is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek buildings, featuring six Doric columns that support a marble frieze adorned with intricate carvings. The temple's original construction was funded by the Ionian Greeks, who were skilled shipbuilders and traders. Ephesus Temple was an important center of worship during the Hellenistic period. This temple is notable for its well-preserved structure, which provides valuable insights into ancient Greek architecture.

This massive Buddhist temple in Indonesia was built in the 9th century AD and is considered one of the greatest surviving examples of ancient Javanese architecture. The temple features over 2,600 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, making it a masterpiece of Buddhist art. Borobudur is believed to have been built during the Golden Age of Buddhism in Indonesia. This temple's unique stepped pyramid design was influenced by Indian Buddhist architecture. The temple's elaborate carvings depict various Buddhist stories and legends.

This ancient Nabatean city in Jordan was carved into the sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago. Al-Khazneh, or "The Treasury," is one of the most iconic structures in Petra, featuring intricate facades with Roman-style columns. The temple complex was built during the reign of King Aretas IV and served as a symbol of Nabatean power. Petra's unique architecture reflects its strategic location at the intersection of major trade routes. This ancient city is famous for its elaborate rock-cut architecture.

This sea temple in Bali, Indonesia, was built in 1403 AD to serve as a Balinese Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is perched on a small island surrounded by rocky cliffs and crystal-clear waters, creating a breathtaking scenic view. Tanah Lot features six temples on different levels, with the main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple's stunning location has inspired numerous paintings and prints in local art. Its setting provides an extraordinary backdrop for cultural festivals.

These ancient temples on Malta were built around 3600 BC, making them among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. The South Temple features two parallel rows of megalithic pillars that once supported a massive roof. Both temples demonstrate intricate engineering skills and architectural precision for their age. Archaeologists believe these temples may have served as early places of worship. This site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

The remains of this ancient Egyptian temple were discovered in the 19th century by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette. Located near modern-day Tell el-Dabaa, it's believed that Tanis was an important center of worship during the 20th dynasty. The discovery provided valuable insights into the architectural styles and rituals practiced in ancient Egypt. However, its original structure remains a topic of debate among scholars due to damage over time.

This ancient Egyptian temple was built around 237 BC to honor the god Horus. Located near modern-day Edfu, it is considered one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and features an impressive pylon gateway adorned with hieroglyphics. The construction required significant resources, including thousands of workers and advanced stone masonry techniques. This temple showcases the unique blend of Egyptian architectural styles during the Ptolemaic period.

Located near modern-day Bodrum, Turkey, this ancient temple honors Athena. Built in the 2nd century BC by the Roman emperor Hadrian as part of a larger complex honoring different deities, it reflects the unique blend of Greek and Roman architectural styles. Its impressive pillars made from local limestone provided significant support to its massive structure. A testament to the rich cultural heritage of the city, this temple continues to inspire interest among history enthusiasts.

This ancient Hindu temple in Indonesia was built in 1673 on the island of Borneo. Featuring intricate stone carvings and sculptures depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes. This temple showcases the rich cultural blend between local indigenous communities and foreign influences, as well as significant religious diversity within the region.

Located near modern-day Aswan in Egypt, these massive structures were carved into the mountainside around 1260 BC by Pharaoh Ramses II to serve as tombs for himself and his wife Nefertari. The temples feature colossal statue-lined facades that represent ancient Egyptian architectural perfection. Their design was influenced by both Greek and Mesopotamian styles but distinctly reflect the power and achievements of Ramses II's reign.

This sacred Shiva temple in India is built from large, massive blocks of stone without mortar and is a prime example of traditional Kumaoni architectural style. The temple's imposing structure has stood for centuries despite weathering intense wind and storm conditions due to the unique construction technique that holds its stones together.

Built near modern-day Alexandria in Egypt during the 17th century BC, this ancient temple honored the goddess Taweret who symbolizes fertility and protection. The imposing structure was likely used for both spiritual and cultural practices of local communities. Its design blends elements of ancient Egyptian architecture with influences from Greek styles. While much of its original structure is now lost to history.

Also located in Cambodia but smaller than the primary Angkor Wat temple complex, it was built during a different period in 1198 under King Jayarajvarman. This lesser-known site features unique carvings and bas-reliefs that may hold different secrets about Khmer mythology and symbolism.

This ancient Roman temple was discovered in modern-day Serbia near the ruins of the city of Viminacium, a former Roman provincial capital. The structure dates back to 200 AD under Emperor Septimius Severus and was constructed to honor the Roman god Jupiter. Despite its age, much of the original temple remains intact and offers insights into ancient Roman worship practices.

Built during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), this beautiful Buddhist temple near Hangzhou, China, showcases exquisite craftsmanship in its design and engineering. Its unique architecture is characterized by wooden structures that seamlessly blend with natural settings while reflecting a harmonious balance between nature and human construction.

Located on Iceland's South Coast, this Pagan temple was constructed near the early Christian church around 970 AD for its pagan worshippers. Though largely destroyed over centuries due to conflicts and changes in regional values, this site is still significant in understanding how Christianity gradually replaced Pagan practices during that era.

The oldest known man-made temple complex located in southeastern Turkey, dating back around 11,000 years. This unique example demonstrates the ingenuity of early humans as builders by incorporating an advanced knowledge of engineering and physics into its structure.

Dating from the Warring States period (475 – 221 BC), this ancient Chinese temple near Beijing is notable for preserving a significant part of China's cultural heritage. Its stone carvings provide insight into the social norms, mythology, and daily life practices during that era in China.

The oldest surviving building in Japan, constructed around 607 AD as one of four great temples dedicated to Buddhism introduced from Korea. A remarkable example of early Japanese architectural innovation, it showcases influences from both traditional East Asian and more distant Buddhist architectural traditions.