While Singapore is known for its modern metropolis and technological marvels, the city also has a rich heritage that can be seen in some of the country’s key religious sites.
Thian Hock Keng Temple
The nation’s oldest Chinese temple, this sacred site was built to honour the Goddess of the Sea, Mazu. The Thian Hock Keng Temple can be easily reached from hotels near Marina Bay; while it features fascinating Fujian-style design and dragon sculptures, it should also be noted it was built without the need of even one nail!
St Andrew’s Cathedral
Singapore’s oldest Anglican church, St Andrew’s Cathedral has a captivating Neo-Gothic architectural style and is said to have been inspired by the design of an English church that dates back to the13th-century. Within a 10-minute walk from Naumi Hotel Singapore, this site is well worth photographing or even for attending a service.
Sri Mariamman Temple
A revered site for Hindus, the Sri Mariamman Temple was built to honour the Goddess Mariamman. The country’s oldest Hindu temple has a distinctive Dravidian architecture and style; highlights include a gopuram with six-tiers on the exterior with deities and figures from Hindu mythology as well as various shrines inside.
Sultan Mosque
A main religious hub for the local Muslim community, the Sultan Mosque is a national monument that is known for its Indo-Saracenic revival architecture; this showcases a mix of Turkish, Persian and Moorish influences combined with a British-Indian style of design.