Wikivoyage:Sacred site article template Voyage Tips and guide

Note: This is an informational skeleton that describes the structure to use when creating articles about monasteries, temples, or other religious sites. Editing this template will not create a new article; for information on how to create new articles see Project:How to start a new page.

Contents

To quickly insert a complete blank park template, copy the quick version into the edit box on the page you are editing.
You can also just type in {{subst:sacredsite}}, and the template will be included when you save.

Text in italics below is editorial comment, with suggestions for what should go in each section. You should plan on ruthlessly eliminating if you copy this code to a new park article.]

The first section of the sacred site article does not have a heading. This is a where you give a quick descriptive overview of the site. Be sure to include some context so readers know where and what they are reading about. You should probably link the region and country that the site is in.

Also give a high-level description of the site and why people would want to visit (i.e. Mount Athos is a mountain and a peninsula in Macedonia, northern Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.). Keep the description here brief, as most information will be included in the Understand section.

This is a more subjective description of the sacred site – what it's like, why someone would want to go there, the history, the religious context, why pilgrims travel there, what makes it different and distinct from other sites.

An overview of how and why the site came into existence.

What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?

Is English spoken at the sacred site? Other foreign languages? Is there a liturgical language that would be useful to know?

If the common languages at the site differ from what would be expected in the country, link the region article's Talk section (if described there) or tell about what to expect here.

Arrival details. How do most people reach the site? Are there any special considerations (bad road conditions, multiple isolated entrances, etc.?) If the site is accessible by car or public transoirt, give driving details and directions for getting to it from the nearest one or two large cities. Try to include the names of major highways and rough travel times.

Is it on a pilgrimage route? Is there a route travelers typically follow (ex. Way of St. James) for religious reasons? Is it at the end of the route, or somewhere along the way? Is there a bus or other service to the site that travelers along that route may take?

Can you visit as a tourist or are you expected to visit as pilgrim or for a religious stay (cf Taizé).

Is a permit required or is there some other restriction? Are people of a religious group or gender not allowed to the site as a whole (ex. women are not allowed at Mount Athos) or to certain parts of it?

How to get around once you are there: likely on foot but perhaps there are other options such as by bus, train, bicycle, car, boat, etc. Describe any special concerns such as bad road conditions, remoteness, distances within the site, etc.

Is the site accessible for those with mobility issues? Any specific advice? What about baby carriages?

List attractions that people come to this site to see, such as historic buildings, holy sites, religious artifacts, etc. You can also note here general information about attractions, such as need for a guide, weather warnings, good walking routes, etc.

Sites such as remote artifacts to be visited in passing can be mentioned in paragraph (prose) form with markers for coordinate location (ex. Mount Sinai).

• Name of Attraction, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Days and times open. One to five sentences about why this attraction is worth seeing, things to pay special attention to, warnings, notes, historical or other background information. $entryprice. 

This is for things that travellers will do themselves. More active participation is needed for Do things than for See things. Do visitors participate in meditations or prayers at the site? Going to see a holy site goes under See; participating in religious rituals or traditions goes under Do. Note to what extent non-followers should participate in the rituals (e.g. during Christian services, non-Christian visitors should stand up with the congregation, but should not take the Eucharist).

• Name of Activity, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Days and times open. One to five sentences about why this activity is worth doing, things to pay special attention to, warnings, notes, customs to follow, historical or other background information. $entryprice. 

Can supplies be purchased at the site? If the answer is no, state this with directions to a nearby place where supplies can be bought.

Are souvenirs sold anywhere? Are they "official" or sold by local craft shops?

• Name of the store or venue, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Days and times open. One to five sentences about the goods sold, specialties, atmosphere, service, parking, what have you. price range (if possible to determine). 

For restaurant listings and other food-related stuff. Are there restaurants at or near the site? Any way to obtain food? Is it provided at the site? Should you bring it with you? Should you eat your packed meal at some specific place (or off the main site)?

• Name of Restaurant, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Days and times open. One to three sentences about the food, service, atmosphere, view, specialties, music, what have you. lowprice–highprice (if possible to determine). 

Optional. Is alcohol allowed? What drinks are available at the site, if any?

Is there anywhere to stay at the site? Provide an overview here.

Are there hotels or hostels on the edge of the site that cater to visitors?

• Name of Hotel/Hostel, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Check-in: Check-in time, check-out: Check-out time. One to three sentences about the service, atmosphere, view, rooms, what have you. lowprice–highprice. 

Does the monastery provide its own accommodation? Does it provide basic services like hot water? Are there rules such as a curfew?

• Name of Dormitory, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Check-in: Check-in time, check-out: Check-out time. One to three sentences about the rules for staying, amenities, rooms, what have you. lowprice-highprice. 

Are there camping options? If so, list them here.

• Name of Camp, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Check-in: Check-in time, check-out: Check-out time. One to three sentences about the site, amenities, etc. lowprice-highprice. 

Is the sacred site in a region that is dangerous, such as going through a civil war? Are there religious tensions? Is there high crime in the broader region?

Are there other dangers, such as steep slippery stairs?

If the site is remote, are there health care facilities nearby?

What are the local customs a visitor is expected to follow? Are there restrictions in appearance, such as clothing? What to expect from other pilgrims?

Are there special issues with children? Are there certain spaces or ceremonies where visitors need to be able to keep silent?

Information about nearby destinations that would serve as a good "next stop." Provide a brief description of other nearby destination suggestions, neighboring cities or day-trip ideas. Don't duplicate information that's up in "Get in."