Sacred places as heritage monuments and objects of tourism: geographical aspects

Abstract

Aim. The study of sacred sites as geographical formations, the development of their classification, to study the emergence of the sites in question and their transformation, the study of heritage and tourism objects.

Procedure and methods. The research materials were field expeditions of the author and data analysis of other specialists and travelers. The main method of research is the systematization of data, which resulted in the classification of sacred sites, their partial mapping. The comparative method made it possible to identify the connection between objects of ancient orientation and sacred sites, as well as their transformation.

Results. The definition of sacred places (also revered places, shrines) is proposed, the role of the spiritual component in their allocation is emphasized. The classification of revered places has been carried out, religious (holy) places and sacred places of culture have been identified. All revered places are also divided into natural and natural-man-made (in which the dominant man-made part is inseparable from the natural, from the place where it originated). Local, regional, national, and finally world-wide are distinguished by their significance and fame among the sacred places. Young and ancient shrines also differ. The appearance of sacred places took place in notable (non-ordinary) places. It was they who became landmarks, without which safe life was impossible. It is shown that the transformation of ancient sacred places took place over time. New sacred places most often arose in place of the old ones, and the latter were sometimes completely destroyed and sometimes not inherited.

Research implications. A systematic assessment of sacred sites has been carried out. It is shown that the majority of sacred sites become sacred after they are used to orientate in space and time as a prerequisite for safe living.