Shwedagon Pagoda

Considered the most sacred Buddhist monument in Myanmar, the Shwedagon Pagoda occupies the summit of Singuttara Hill and consists of a central stupa rising approximately 98 metres, surrounded by a platform of smaller shrines, prayer pavilions, and devotional statues. The stupa's surface is plated with gold, and the diamond orb at its apex is set with thousands of diamonds and other precious stones donated by monarchs and followers over many centuries. Pilgrims circumambulate the platform at all hours, and the devotional atmosphere is particularly intense during Buddhist festival days.