#Kenya, a vibrant country in #EastAfrica, is home to countless #religioussites. These places provide peace, tranquility, and serenity – essential things missing in our busy lifestyles. These places have an aura of their own.
Even for those who don’t consider themselves religious, the reasons for spiritual travel are more broadly academic. Many independent-minded travelers are fascinated by the prospect of exploring the cultural and historical traditions of an ancient place.
Below are some places of interest, the list is endless.
JAMIA MOSQUE, NAIROBI
Jamia Mosque – This is the largest and one of the most important mosques in the nation. It acts as an important Centre of Islamic practice in the East and Central African region. The mosque was constructed by a pious individual named Syed Maulana Abdullah Shah during 1902 to 1906.
MAI MAHIU CATHOLIC CHURCH
In between the B3 highway and the cliff of the great rift valley sits the Mai Mahiu Catholic Church. The church dates from 1942 when Italian POW were forced to build the road to Naivasha. Along the road, the British allowed the Italians to build a Catholic Church to practice their faith. And what they built is one of the smallest and most beautiful churches not only in Kenya but in the world.
The church is very small, it is around 4.5mx 2.5m, having only one small isle with 3 small wooden benches on each side and an altar at the end. On each wall there are two small stain glass windows filled with small circular pieces of coloured glass.
MAKINDU SIKH TEMPLE:
The Makindu Sikh Temple was established in 1926 by the Sikhs who were working on the construction of the Uganda railway line from the coast (Mombasa) inland to Lake Victoria and beyond to Uganda. It’s a ‘must-see’ place for tourists, especially Sikhs visiting Kenya. There’s a large dining space, which provides free langar 24 hours a day. Tourists can put up in the rooms for a maximum of two nights.
ST FRANCIS XAVIER CHAPEL -THE OLDEST PORTUGUESE CHAPEL IN EAST AFRICA
The little-known Portuguese Chapel, is located on the seafront about 100 metres from the waterline at Shella area on Mama Ngina Road in Old Town, Malindi. It is thatched with makuti and has a cross on top. It was built by Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama in 1498 while passing here on his way to India before St Francis Xavier visited Malindi in 1542.
SHREE JAIN TEMPLE, MOMBASA
Built in 1963, the Shree Jain Temple is a wonderfully decorated white marble structure with statues, gold spires, and silver doors. There are statues of Shantinath, Neminath, Parasvanath, Mahavir Swami, and Simandhar Swami here. Abishek (religious ritual) and poojan (worship) are held every day.
ACK MOMBASA MEMORIAL CATHEDRAL, MOMBASA
Mombasa was principally occupied by Muslims in the bygone era. However, with the arrival of Vasco de Gama, the scenario changed. Many Portuguese Christians settled in the city. Sometime later, the ACK Mombasa Memorial Cathedral came into existence! It is a spectacular Anglican cathedral and resembles a mosque with its white walls, arches, and cupola dome.
