Shwedagon Pagoda

Buddhism · Myanmar · golden architecture

Covered in gold leaf. The Shwedagon Pagoda is layered with real gold that makes it gleam brilliantly in the sunlight. Visitors and monks have been adding gold to the pagoda for centuries as an act of devotion and respect.

Located in Yangon. This magnificent structure sits on a hill in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, and can be seen shimmering from many parts of the city.

Over 1,000 years old. The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the oldest and most important religious monuments in the world, having stood for more than a millennium.

Holds sacred relics. Inside the golden stupa are precious Buddhist relics believed to be hairs and other objects belonging to Gautama Buddha, making it one of Buddhism's holiest places.

Most sacred site in Myanmar. For Buddhists in Myanmar, visiting and praying at the Shwedagon Pagoda is considered one of the most important spiritual experiences they can have.