Definite article before the name of a temple or castle

[Snappy]

When you talk about a temple or castle, do you use an definite article before the name of the temple or castle or is it optional?

1. The Ginkakuji Temple is surrounded by trees and has a quiet outlook.
2. The Osaka Castle is located in the central part of Osaka.

[pyoung]

When you talk about a temple or castle, do you use an definite article before the name of the temple or castle or is it optional?

1. The Ginkakuji Temple is surrounded by trees and has a quiet outlook.
2. The Osaka Castle is located in the central part of Osaka.

Dear Snappy:

There are exceptions, but for the most part, temples and cathedrals, palaces and castles are generally referred to without the definite article:

St. Peter's Basilica
Ashta Lakshmi Temple
Eiheiji Temple
Shaolin Temple
Jerusalem Great Synagogue

Neuschwanstein
Windsor Castle
Odawara Castle
Ajlun Castle
Xiamen Castle

I hope this is helpful,

Petra