In a world obsessed with the newest technological innovations, some of its oldest temples continue to fulfill their original purpose after thousands of years. From the eternal city of Rome to the diverse societies of India, ancient temples that once hosted worshippers in ancient times still welcome people today, not only as visitors or tourists but as worshippers.
The remarkable story of ancient temples
Perhaps there is no better example of this architectural and spiritual continuity than the magnificent ancient temple of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. Originally built around 2,000 years ago as a temple dedicated to all Roman gods (hence the Greek name pantheon, meaning all gods), this architectural beauty with its impressive dome has been in continuous use since its construction. Following its conversion to a Christian church in the 7th century AD, the Pantheon has been a Christian place of worship for nearly 1,400 years.
When visitors enter today, they are effectively treading the same marble floors that Roman Emperors did two millennia ago. The only difference is that they are likely to be taking selfies rather than offering sacrifices to Jupiter. The remarkable preservation of this ancient temple is partly due to its continuous and uninterrupted use, as each generation of worshippers has maintained what they considered a sacred space.
The temple of Luxor
Across the Mediterranean in Egypt, the Temple of Luxor is another example of an ancient temple still in use. Dedicated to the god Amun and constructed between 1400 and 1000 BC by Pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II, this magnificent temple has quite literally witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations and empires.
While its original purpose was to worship ancient Egyptian gods, the temple is still culturally and spiritually significant, particularly during the annual Opet Festival which celebrates ancient Egyptian traditions to this day. The temple has been continuously used throughout history, including when parts were converted into a Christian church and later a mosque, with the mosque of Abu Haggag still in use today.
The ancient temples of Asia still in use to this day
The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya
The Bogh Gaya temple of India is one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites, marking where Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. A temple has been built at this site since at least the 3rd century BC, with the current structure dating back approximately 1,500 years. Although Emperor Asoka built a shrine there around 250 BC, the current structure dates back to the 5th or 6th century. Despite being abandoned for significant periods, particularly between the 13th and 18th centuries, the temple complex has undergone a remarkable revival and is now Buddhism’s holiest pilgrimage destination.
Indonesia’s Borobudur
This is another great example of ancient temples being in use today. Built around 1,200 years ago on the popular island of Java, this ancient temple is another Buddhist sacred site that continues to draw both religious and curious tourists. This massive stepped pyramid with its 72 Buddha statues is still an active pilgrimage site, especially during Vesak Day celebrations. The temple overall (interior and exterior) contains a stunning total of 504 Buddha statues.
One might wonder why these ancient temples are still used to this day. For many younger visitors, these temples offer something social media and VR excursions cannot: authenticity and a spiritual connection with a world long gone.
The accumulated spiritual grandeur of these temples also contributes to their intergenerational significance. Whether you attribute this to metaphysical and religious forces or simply the psychological power of feeling connected to history, these temples are unique cases of wonder.
The architectural elements of these structures are another factor that makes their continuous use exceptional. The Pantheon’s perfect dome, Luxor’s massive columns, Mahabodhi’s 55-metre temple, and Borobudur’s intricate carvings are jaw-dropping examples of the magnificence of human engineering.
Ancient Sanctuary of Olympia
The Temple of Zeus at Olympia, once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the massive statue of Zeus—now stands in ruins, yet its legacy endures. While no longer a place of worship, Olympia remains a site of great cultural and symbolic importance. Every four years, the ancient Altar of Hera, located within the sanctuary, is used for the Olympic flame-lighting ceremony, a ritual that honors the Games’ ancient origins. Using a parabolic mirror and sunlight, the flame is ignited in a tradition that connects the modern Olympics to its classical past. Despite being an archaeological site, Olympia continues to serve as a bridge between history and contemporary global events, preserving its role as a place of ritual and international unity.