From the ancient cities of Rome and Athens to the breathtaking beauty of Petra and Machu Picchu, there are so many incredible historical places around the world that are begging to be explored. They have so much to offer in terms of both cultural insight and breathtaking scenery.
Here are the top 15 historical places to visit in your lifetime, including UNESCO world heritage sites that are all important parts of human history. Each of these sites is sure to provide a memorable experience as you explore the ancient civilizations and cultures that have come before us. So plan your trip, grab your passport and embark on a journey through time as you explore some of the most famous historical sites around the world.
Machu Picchu – Peru
The Inca civilization developed this city during 1500 AD, though it was abandoned a mere century later. The European world was unaware of its existence in South America until 1911 when the explorer Hiram Bingham III discovered it. It is guessed that the city once hosted at least 140 buildings.
The walls of these structures were formed with stones that were placed together without any cement or binding material. It is not known why this Inca fortress was built, but some people assume that it may have been a place of worship or was the home of the Inca ruler Pachacuti.
Machu Picchu is a site that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also part of the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Petra – Jordan
This settlement that has been around for centuries is situated in a deep ravine and was created by the Nabataeans more than two millennia ago. It became a crucial crossroads for the transport of goods between Africa and Arabia. In 363 CE, an earthquake occurred in the area that caused Petra to be essentially deserted; nevertheless, shepherds used the remains for protection for centuries that followed.
Petra is situated in a mountainous terrain, with most of its features tucked away beneath the surface. The Siq, a narrow ravine, is the only gateway to the city’s main square, the piazza. In 1985, UNESCO declared Petra a World Heritage Site. Petra is nowadays a highly sought-after spot for tourists in the Middle East. Numerous films, such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Mummy Returns, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, have been filmed there.
The Colosseum – Rome
The Colosseum is an internationally famous historical site. This amphitheatre, which was built in the year 80 AD, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Roman Empire. Emperor Vespasian ordered the building of this structure in 72 AD, and it took more than 10 years to finish. The Colosseum was utilized for fights between gladiators and other public performances.
It is believed that more than half a million individuals passed away in the Colosseum. Presently, it is a popular tourist attraction and a renowned symbol of Rome.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a long-standing defensive structure that stretches out for more than 13,000 miles. It’s very popular among tourists and is a must-visit site for anyone who is planning a trip to Asia. During the Qin dynasty (221 BC to 206 BC) and later during the Ming dynasty, a series of fortifications were designed and erected to safeguard the northern border of China from enemy forces.
Since 1987, UNESCO has selected the wall as a World Heritage site. Visitors can experience this historic attraction by either taking a guided tour or exploring the area individually. Check out our post here, you’re looking for handy travel tips to make the most of your trip abroad.
The Taj Mahal – India
The Taj Mahal is a historic tomb situated in Agra, India. Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the building between 1632 and 1649 as a way to pay tribute to his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. The intricate mausoleum was built with white marble and gemstones such as jade, sapphire, and turquoise. It is thought to be one of the most stunning structures on the planet and an absolute must for any tourist touring India.
In 1983, the UNESCO organization granted it World Heritage status and it was later selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Around two to four million visitors come to the Taj Mahal every year, prompting restrictions on tourism in a bid to safeguard the monument. The biggest danger, however, is air pollution which is endangering the marble.
Angkor Wat – Cambodia
The Angkor Wat temple complex, situated in Siem Reap, Cambodia, was constructed during the 12th century. It was initially erected as a sanctuary for the Hindu god Vishnu. The site was eventually transformed into a Buddhist temple, but nowadays, visitors of all faiths come to take in its remarkable beauty.
Angkor Wat is an awe-inspiring religious structure that is considered to be a must-stop for tourists heading to Southeast Asia. It is recognized globally as one of the most remarkable historical monuments.
The Pyramids of Giza – Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza are renowned structures that have been around for many centuries. These Egyptian pyramids dating back to the 26th century BC. The three pyramids found at Giza formed a funerary complex and served as the tombs of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid, the largest and oldest of the three, is renowned as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one still preserved.
Questions remain unanswered about the pyramids, including how the Egyptians were able to transport such huge rocks and construct the pyramids with such accuracy.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa – Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an iconic structure in Italy that started being built in the year 1173 in a low-lying area and was completed in 1399. When the first three stories had been constructed of the 8 that was intended, it was noticed that the tower had started to lean. This was because it had been built on soft ground and the tower has been in a slanted position ever since.
The tower at this historically significant site in Pisa, Tuscany, is tilted at an angle of around five and a half degrees, giving the impression that it could collapse at any time, even though it is completely secure.
The Acropolis – Athens
The Acropolis, located in Athens, is a hilltop area that is home to some of the most iconic ancient monuments in Greece. The most renowned structure in this area is the Parthenon, a temple that was devoted to Athena, the Greek goddess.
Constructed between 447 BC and 432 BC, the Parthenon is regarded as one of the most remarkable accomplishments of classical architecture. Famous architects such as Le Corbusier have admired the Parthenon since antiquity.
In addition to the Parthenon, the Acropolis is also home to the Propylaea (an entranceway) and the Erechtheion (or the Temple of Athena Polias). Exploring these ancient sites is best done with a knowledgeable guide.
Old City of Jerusalem – Israel
When you go to Jerusalem, it is impossible not to be in awe of the number of ancient sites. The Old City has been assigned UNESCO World Heritage Site designation since 1981. Perched atop a plateau in the Judean Mountains, Jerusalem is an ancient city of multiple religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Also referred to as the Wailing Wall, the Western Wall is renowned for its visitors who come to insert their prayer notes into the crevices of the wall.
The Bible states that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the spot where Jesus was put to death and buried. Another significant historical site is Temple Mount, which is home to the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Eiffel Tower – Paris
The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle. The French Landmark was meant to be short-term, but due to the public’s enthusiasm, it was never taken down from its location.
Since its construction, the building has become a renowned structure in France and has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site since 1989. The celebrated engineer Gustave Eiffel was the creator of the revolutionary construction which had the distinction of being the tallest building in the western world when it was built. Crafted with wrought iron, La Tour Eiffel stands 300 meters in height.
Stonehenge – England
Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire, England, is a grandiose archaeological ancient site comprised of a set of two stone circles, which are encompassed by pits, known as Aubrey holes, made from chalk. It has become a top tourist destination, yet its origin and purpose remain an enigma. It has been hypothesized that the stones were relocated from Wales and Cornwall to the site.
It is believed that the stone circles were built between 3000 and 2000 BC, and the purpose behind them is still a mystery. It is thought that activities related to astronomy may have been performed in these circles.
Chichen Itza – Mexico
Chichen Itza is an iconic archaeological site in Mexico, believed to have been constructed over 1500 years ago. Constructed by the Mayans, this UNESCO World Heritage Site additionally contains components from other civilizations such as the Toltecs and the Aztecs. The Pyramid of Kukulkan, which is also referred to as El Castillo, is the most renowned part of the site.
The Mayans had a great interest in astronomy, and the pyramid at Chichen Itza was likely utilized as a type of solar calendar. Additionally, there are various cenotes (natural swimming holes), which are typical of Mexico, located at the same site.
Easter Island – Pacific Ocean
This famous historical locale, situated in the southeast Pacific, is renowned for its colossal statues, known as moai. The original settlers of Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, created the statues out of a volcanic tuff rock native to the island. The 64-square-mile island was probably first occupied between 300 and 1200 CE by Polynesian people.
The majority of the statues are a height of around 13 feet (four metres), however, the highest ever finished moai was 12 meters (33 feet) in size. The moai statues that can be seen today were reconstructed by archaeologists.
Pompeii – Italy
Pompeii, an ancient city which was built roughly 2,000 years ago, was founded in 1748. The well-preserved ancient ruins are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
The city of Pompeii, located close to Naples, Italy, was covered by a thick layer of volcanic material from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Approximately 20 feet (6m) of ash blanketed the area and the roofs of the buildings were unable to bear the weight and collapsed, although the walls still remain standing.
It remains a famous archaeological site as the eruption left untouched a wide range of artefacts, from jars of preserved food to wall paintings to human remains. To this day, however, only two-thirds of the historical site has been dug up and a great deal of the remains are still entombed in ash.
