Historical Places in the World
Exploring historical landmarks around the globe ranks high on our list of travel joys. For some, the quest to visit as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites as possible becomes the guiding theme for their journeys. These incredible sites serve as compelling focal points when deciding on your next adventure. To aid in your travel planning, we’d love to share our favorite historical gems from around the world that we’ve been fortunate to experience.
Discovering the world’s most remarkable historical sites is a treat for any history enthusiast. Here, we’ve curated a collection of both renowned and hidden historical gems that beckon exploration. Whether you seek UNESCO World Heritage Sites or lesser-known yet captivating locales, our list aims to assist you in selecting destinations worthy of your travel aspirations. It’s your gateway to assessing whether these sites merit a coveted spot on your must-visit list.
Colosseum, Italy
Our first encounter with the Colosseum of Rome was a dream come true, as we luxuriated in a stunning apartment with a direct view of this ancient marvel from our bedroom window. Waking up to such an extraordinary sight was truly a privilege, one shared by many enamored visitors. Undoubtedly, the Colosseum stands tall as not just an iconic historical site but also as a distinguished member of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Nestled in the heart of Rome, this colossal amphitheater, known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, reigns as the city’s premier tourist attraction and stands among the globe’s most renowned landmarks.
With its origins tracing back to 72 AD, the Colosseum served as the dramatic stage for gladiatorial combat, a testament to a bygone era. Rome, steeped in history, stands proudly as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, safeguarding an array of monuments and museums within its boundaries. Nearby treasures like Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, The Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps add depth to this protected expanse, weaving together a rich tapestry of ancient marvels and cultural significance.
Pyramids Of Giza, Egypt
he Pyramids of Giza present a challenge when it comes to rating the experience. At times, especially during peak tourist periods or with the wrong tour, it can transform into an overwhelming and congested destination. Navigating through crowds, contending with touts, and jostling amidst tour buses might detract from savoring the profound significance of standing before the Great Pyramid.
Yet, despite these potential obstacles, the Pyramids of Giza undeniably hold a place among the most awe-inspiring wonders to behold. The sheer magnitude of these ancient structures, their historical importance, and the mystique surrounding their construction continue to captivate visitors despite the challenges they may encounter.
Acropolis, Greece
Athens stands tall as a beloved global tourist hotspot, captivating travelers with its splendid architecture and captivating ruins. Our fondness for this city blossomed, particularly during our third visit, when the Acropolis and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of ancient Athens captured our hearts. The grandeur of the Acropolis, coupled with the historical significance woven into the ancient city’s UNESCO-designated sites, left an indelible mark, deepening our affection for this remarkable destination.
Ensure you acquire the 6 Archaeological Sites Pass to unlock entry to Athens’ renowned historical sites, delving into the ancient civilizations that thrived within the temple complex.
At the Acropolis, the Parthenon reigns as the most iconic edifice, offering breathtaking vistas. Standing before this revered structure, dedicated to the Goddess Athena and dating back to the mid-4th century BC, provides an unparalleled connection to history and offers awe-inspiring views, making it an essential stop on your journey through this ancient marvel.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Exploring Chichen Itza in the Yucatán Peninsula marked our maiden voyage to a historical marvel. This archaeological gem, hailed among the new Seven Wonders of the World and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, etched lasting memories within us. During our visit years ago, ascending the ancient temple of El Castillo was still permissible, crafting an unforgettable experience at this mesmerizing locale.
This was the site where our fascination with the Mayan culture and ancient civilization ignited. Yucatán Peninsula sparked a determination to explore more of these incredible sites, for a more serene experience, we highly recommend renting or hiring a car to arrive before the tour buses inundate the area. Chichen-Itza tends to get quite crowded. Given its distance from Cancun, consider a comprehensive tour that includes stops at a Cenote and the Colonial City of Valladolid for a well-rounded exploration.
Great Wall Of China
The Great Wall of China, honored among the New Seven Wonders of the World, encompasses various sections to explore, with Badaling Wall and Mutianyu Wall standing out as highly accessible and distinct experiences, both awe-inspiring in their own right.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, added to the list in 1987, boasts a history dating back 3000 years, offering a captivating glimpse into antiquity. Remarkably, it comprises several walls amalgamated following the unification of China’s warring states under Emperor Qin. The grand unification and construction of the Great Wall took shape more than 2000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty, etching an enduring legacy in history.
Petra, Jordan
Approaching Petra in Jordan, our expectations were a bit uncertain, aside from its cinematic appearances in movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Aladdin, Transformers, and The Mummy Returns. Yet, upon stepping into the stunning landscape of Petra, the reason for its recognition as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World became instantly clear to us. The sheer beauty and grandeur of Petra created an unforgettable experience that resonated far beyond its Hollywood portrayals.
In the 2nd century AD, Petra, situated three hours from Amman, Jordan’s capital, held rich historical roots. Bedouins had inhabited this area since the 3rd century BC, yet it remained veiled from outsiders until a mere two centuries ago. Astonishingly, the Ancient City of Petra remained unknown to the Western world. Its “discovery” unfolded in 1812 when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt revealed its magnificent existence to the broader world—an event that unveiled this hidden gem to the global stage.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal’s inclusion among the new Seven Wonders of the World highlights its global significance, and despite any initial letdown, the historical and cultural value it holds remains undeniable.
The Taj Mahal, nestled in Agra, India, stands as the quintessential monument, crafted in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. This architectural masterpiece embodies the ultimate love tribute, commissioned in honor of his beloved wife.
The construction spanned over 20 years, a labor of love that left Shah Jahan consumed by grief until his passing. Over time, the Taj Mahal faced gradual decline, yet fortune smiled upon it when British viceroy Lord Curzon intervened, halting the plunder and orchestrating a restoration to reclaim its former grandeur. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal secured its place among the new Seven Wonders of the World, reaffirming its timeless allure and historical significance.
Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal possesses a mesmerizing quality as the jungle reclaims its ancient pyramids. The mounds of these structures protruding from the earth hint at the hidden wonders beneath within Tikal National Park. It’s this captivating jungle setting that elevates Tikal to the pinnacle of historical places around the world. The entwined relationship between nature and these awe-inspiring ruins creates an unparalleled allure, setting Tikal apart as a truly remarkable and mystical destination.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Undoubtedly, Machu Picchu’s recognition among the New Seven Wonders of the World is well-deserved. As both a cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient Inca city nestled high in Peru’s Andes Mountains beckons history enthusiasts. Since its unveiling to the Western world in 1911, Machu Picchu has drawn increasing throngs of tourists annually, often resulting in bustling crowds that can detract from the serene experience.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, nestled in the Cambodian jungle and situated near Siem Reap, stands as an ancient city that once reigned as the most influential power in Southeast Asia. It served as the stronghold of the formidable Khmer Empire, asserting dominance over the region.
Cappadocia, Turkey
The enchanting chimneys of Cappadocia paint a fairytale landscape, renowned as one of the world’s premier destinations for hot air balloon rides. Gazing down from above at sunrise, the sprawling valleys—each bearing evocative names like Love Valley, Rose Valley, and Red Valley—unfold in breathtaking vistas, creating an unforgettable experience that encapsulates the mesmerizing allure of Cappadocia.
Bagan
Exploring various pagodas and temples across Asia, from Borobudur to Angkor Wat, has been a fascinating journey for Dave and me. However, it was the historical marvel of Bagan in Myanmar that left us spellbound. Nestled along the Irrawaddy River, Bagan encompasses a sprawling expanse of temples constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries. Its vastness and historical significance truly make it a must-see historical site in Myanmar, an experience that captures the essence of ancient magnificence.
At one time there were more than 10,000 temples and today and today 3500 still remain. Bagan barely made the UNESCO World Heritage list after Myanmar’s military junta restored many of the temples in a shoddy manner but once restrictions were lifted, it eventually made the list.
Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge in England is one of the top places to celebrate the winter solstice. It has made a lot of news this week showcasing the glorious sunrise after the longest night of the year. The UNESCO historical site dates back 5000 years but nobody truly knows their purposes.
Newgrange, Ireland
The centerpiece of Ireland’s Ancient East, this colossal passage tomb stands as more than just a sepulcher; it’s a site where celebrating the winter solstice takes on a profound significance. 200,000 tones of rock stacked 12.5 meters (41 feet) high. Dating back to 3200 BC it is older than both the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. Yet it is not nearly as famous.
Lalibela, Ethiopia
The medieval structures are a pilgrimage site and Lalibela is the holiest city in Ethiopia.
Statue Of Liberty
Absolutely, the Statue of Liberty remains an enduring symbol of hope and freedom in the United States. As an integral part of the National Register of Historic Places, it stands as one of the most globally recognized and revered historical landmarks on this list. Its significance resonates deeply, representing not only a beacon of liberty but also embodying the values cherished by the nation.
Istanbul, Turkey
Indeed, Istanbul’s old city holds immense historical importance, so much so that the entire historical precinct has earned the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Straddling two continents across the Bosphorus peninsula, its rich tapestry of historical significance stands as a testament to the city’s cultural and architectural legacy, captivating visitors with its centuries-old charm and heritage.
Easter Island
Easter Island has held a top spot on our must-visit list for quite some time. The enigmatic Easter Island heads exude an air of mystery and fascination. The allure of this remote island and its intriguing history make it an irresistible destination for exploration.
Ayuthaya
This historic city you’re referring to existed between the 14th and 18th centuries and served as the capital of Siam. Tragically, it fell to ruins after being ravaged by the Burmese army in 1767. Despite its desolation, this once-splendid city earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991, a testament to its historical significance and the remnants that still echo its grandeur amidst the ruins.
Terracotta Warriors
The Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, China, stand as a mesmerizing archaeological marvel. Remarkably, they were painstakingly reconstructed following their rediscovery in the 20th century. This underground army, crafted 2200 years ago, was commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of a unified China during The Qin Dynasty. The intricacy and historical significance of this monumental creation continue to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into ancient China’s remarkable craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Whalers Bay – Antarctica
Port Lockroy, a scientific base operational since 1944, holds a unique charm as it offers the opportunity to send a postcard from the elusive 7th continent. However, it’s the haunting remnants of the old whaling station on Deception Island that have left an indelible mark on our memory. Whalers Bay, nestled within Deception Island, stands as one of the most isolated and remote places in the world, evoking a sense of awe and fascination with its historic echoes amidst its rugged landscapes.
Leaning Tower Of Pisa
The construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa commenced in 1173, and astonishingly, it took nearly two centuries to reach completion. Yet, the fate of the Pisa Tower was sealed from its early days. Even before its construction concluded, the tower began to lean due to the unstable soil beneath it. Despite numerous attempts by engineers worldwide over decades, efforts to rectify its tilt proved futile. The tower’s iconic lean has only added to its intrigue, drawing countless visitors intrigued by its architectural anomaly and rich history.
