11. Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
Angkor Wat, located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, is the world’s largest religious monument, covering an area of 162.6 hectares. Constructed in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II, it was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu (history.com). The temple’s design symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, with its central tower rising 65 meters above the ground. Angkor Wat is renowned for its extensive bas-reliefs, which adorn the walls and depict various scenes from Hindu mythology, showcasing the artistic and cultural achievements of the Khmer Empire.
