Are you a history enthusiast? A world traveller? Or perhaps both? If your heart swells with excitement at the thought of seeing ancient buildings and places where history was written, this blog is for you. We invite you to explore the world and embark on a journey of discovery, visiting the top 20 best historical sites around the globe.
- The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: Standing tall on the Giza Plateau, the Pyramids are testament to Egypt’s ancient civilization. The complex includes three main pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and several cemeteries. The Pyramid of Khufu, the largest one, is a mathematical marvel of precision, inspiring awe and fascination among scientists and visitors alike.
- The Colosseum, Rome, Italy: An amphitheater built of concrete and sand, the Colosseum was where Romans gathered to watch gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public spectacles. Though partially ruined due to earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum stands as a symbol of Rome’s imperial power and architectural prowess.
- The Acropolis, Athens, Greece: The ‘High City’ of Athens holds the remains of several ancient buildings of great historical and architectural significance, the most famous among them being the Parthenon. The structures that have survived reflect the glory and grandeur of classical Greece.
- Stonehenge, England: Constructed between 3000 BC to 2000 BC, Stonehenge’s purpose remains a mystery. Theories suggest it may have been used for religious ceremonies or astronomical observation. This stone circle continues to intrigue archaeologists and visitors from around the world.
- Machu Picchu, Peru: The ‘Lost City of the Incas’, rediscovered only in 1911, is a testament to Incan engineering, with terraced fields, temples, and houses constructed around a central square. Its remote location high in the Andes lends a sense of awe and mystique to the site.
- The Great Wall of China: Constructed to protect China from nomadic invasions, the Great Wall winds through deserts, grasslands, mountains, and plateaus. It stands as a symbol of the Chinese nation, its strength, and its struggle through centuries.
- Petra, Jordan: The ‘Rose City’ due to the color of the rock, Petra’s structures, including temples and tombs, are cut into the surrounding cliffs. This ancient city was once a crucial crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia and exhibits a unique blend of Hellenistic architecture with Eastern traditions.
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia: Initially dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, Angkor Wat gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple. Its complex design, featuring a moat, concentric galleries, and intricately carved bas-reliefs, is a fine example of Khmer architecture.
- Chichen Itza, Mexico: Chichen Itza showcases the intellectual and cultural achievements of the Mayans, featuring structures like the Temple of Kukulkan (‘El Castillo’), the Great Ball Court, and the Sacred Cenote.
- Taj Mahal, India: A testament to love and loss, the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Its symmetrical structure, inlaid with semi-precious stones and standing in a beautiful garden, is a marvel of Mughal architecture.
- Mont Saint-Michel, France: The abbey is a marvel of medieval architecture with gothic spires, stout defensive walls, and delicate flying buttresses. The extreme tides in the area add to its uniqueness, making it a breathtaking sight.
- Easter Island, Chile: This remote volcanic island is famous for its nearly 900 moai statues created by the Rapa Nui people. While the exact purpose of these statues is unknown, they’re believed to represent tribal ancestors and gods.
- Alhambra, Spain: A palace and fortress complex, the Alhambra’s Islamic palaces were built for the last Muslim emirs in Spain. Its architecture, decorations, and the surrounding gardens represent the culture of the last centuries of the Moorish rule of Al Andalus.
- Hagia Sophia, Turkey: An architectural innovation, Hagia Sophia features a massive dome, beautiful mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy. Its design had a significant influence on Ottoman mosques and Byzantine architecture.
- Statue of Liberty, USA: A gift from France, the Statue of Liberty stands as a welcoming sight to immigrants arriving from abroad. The statue represents freedom and democracy and has become an emblem of New York and the United States.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland: Once a concentration and extermination camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau is a grim reminder of the Holocaust. Today, it serves as a museum educating about the atrocities of World War II.
- Ayutthaya, Thailand: Once a prosperous Siamese trade and political capital, Ayutthaya is now an archaeological ruin. Its temples, monasteries, and statues narrate a tale of a city ravaged by war.
- Pyramids of Teotihuacan, Mexico: Teotihuacan was one of the most influential and largest cities in the ancient world, best known for the vast size and population of its sacred pyramids – the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon.
- Sydney Opera House, Australia: With a distinctive roof comprised of a series of large ‘shells’, the Sydney Opera House is an architectural marvel and an iconic symbol of Australia’s creative and technical achievement.
- The Forbidden City, China: A palace complex in central Beijing, the Forbidden City was home to Chinese emperors for almost 500 years. It showcases traditional Chinese palatial architecture and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia.
Each of these historical sites offers an intriguing glimpse into the past, their structures telling tales of times gone by. Visit Explore the World Online to discover more about these historical sites and plan your next adventure today.