Ep 1. House of the Divine

In the first episode of Earth's Sacred Wonders, titled House of the Divine, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the world's most sacred and awe-inspiring religious sites. Beginning in the ancient city of Jerusalem, the episode introduces us to the Western Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism. This massive stone wall dates back to the Second Temple period and is believed to be the last remaining part of the temple complex. Jewish worshippers come here to pray and leave handwritten notes with their prayers tucked between the crevices of the wall.

Next, the episode travels to the great temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the largest religious monument in the world. Built to honor the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat is a stunning work of art featuring intricate carvings and stunning architecture. Despite being built over 800 years ago, this temple complex remains an incredibly important religious site and is visited by millions of tourists and pilgrims each year.

The show then takes us to the Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali, located in the heart of the Sahara desert. At over 900 years old, the Mosque is one of the most impressive and important religious sites in Africa. Made entirely out of mud bricks, the mosque is carefully maintained by the local population who come together every year to rebuild it using traditional techniques. The mosque is an important symbol of the Islamic faith and provides a sense of community for the locals who attend it regularly.

The episode then travels to Japan, where viewers are introduced to the stunning Higashi Honganji temple in Kyoto. Founded over 400 years ago, this temple is the largest in Japan and is considered a masterpiece of wooden architecture. The temple is home to two giant 18th-century Buddhas, which are some of the largest wooden carvings in the world. The temple is an important symbol of Buddhism and attracts millions of worshippers and tourists each year.

The final stop on our journey is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, France. One of the most famous and iconic religious sites in the world, the cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and has stood for over 850 years. The episode explores the history of the cathedral, including the devastating fire that occurred in 2019 which caused significant damage to the structure. Despite this tragedy, Notre-Dame remains a symbol of France and an important site for Catholics around the world.

Overall, House of the Divine provides viewers with a fascinating and awe-inspiring glimpse into some of the world's most important religious sites. From the massive Western Wall in Jerusalem to the stunning Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia, each site is unique and provides an important insight into the diverse religious beliefs and practices around the globe. The show is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, architecture, and the human experience of religion.