Top 10 Historical Places in the World !
Top 10 Historical Places in the World !
The world is filled with amazing things to see- both natural and man-made. But here are the top ten historical sites in the world. These are places every traveler must go visit. Places so great that flocks of people fly all around the world to see. That’s what makes these historical sites special. So old, but still so interesting.
Machu Picchu
Located in southern Peru, this fascinating city lies on top of a mountain that’s only accessible by train or 4 day trek. It was an important center for the Inca civilization, but was abandoned when the Spanish came. It is famously referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.” The location was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Concerns over growing numbers of tourists have led to limitations on people who can enter the site, though only by a fraction of what is necessary. It was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Tikal
This Mayan city-state is one of the largest and best preserved ruins of the civilization. Located in Guatemala, this place lets you experience your inner-Indy early in the morning or late at night when the tourists go home and it’s just you and the jungle. Tikal was a dominant force in the Mayan world. It’s a wonderful place to explore, deserves at least two days, and is easily accessible from neighboring Belize.
The Pyramids at Giza
Over 3,000 years old and we still don’t have a good idea as to how they built them or how the Egyptians got them so precise. The Pyramids align to the stars and the solstices and contain vast chambers we still haven’t opened. They are truly a marvel of human engineering that was fit for kings. The largest one, called the Great Pyramid, was built by the Pharaoh Khufu. Also in this area is the Sphinx, another historical site that baffles researchers with its own mysteries.
Angkor Wat
This ancient city in Cambodia was the center of the Khmer empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. This empire went extinct, but not before building amazing temples and buildings that were reclaimed by the jungle for hundreds of years. Though Angkor Watis packed with tourists, it’s still breathtaking to see. Temple regions to the north and south see far fewer tourists than the main temple group. The best time to visit is early in the morning before the tour groups arrive. The most popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom. In order to really experience the temples, you’ll need to purchase the three or five day pass.
Petra
Carved into a canyon in Arabah, Jordan, Petra was made famous by Indiana Jones’ third movie. It was “discovered” in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. Prior to that, it was unknown to the western world. Though its founding is not known, it appears this place had settlers as early as the 6th century B.C. Under Roman rule, the site declined rapidly and was abandoned by the late 4th century. In 1985, Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Stonehenge
Located near Salisbury, England this megalithic structure is over 3,000 years old, and its stones come all the way from Wales. Scholars still are not sure how they got the stones from Wales and have tried to replicate the feat with dismal results. The attraction is now fenced off, and you can no longer go into the circle. Visitors can only walk around the attraction. It’s worth visiting for the mystery behind it and the really good audio tour.
Colosseum/Forum
The Colosseum and the Forum are right next to each other, so I included them together. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the “known” world, these sites are breathtaking not only for their beauty but for of their history and age. You’re standing in the spot Caesar walked and gazing into the area where gladiators battled to the death. The Colosseum has slowly crumbled throughout the ages and much of it is restricted, especially the floor and basement where everything was organized. The forum is great to walk around (and it’s free!!), though a ticket is required for Palatine Hill.
Parthenon
Though currently getting a face lift, the Parthenon is still amazing. The ancient temple to Athena stands as a symbol of the power ofAthens and a testament to Greek Civilization. Moreover, it provides a great view of Athens and nearby ruins. The surrounding ruins, temples, and buildings are equally as wondrous. Built in the 5th century BC, the temple used to house the treasury. Over the centuries, much of it and the surrounding structures have been destroyed by war and thieves. Luckily, the structure still stands… at least for now.
Easter Island
Located out in the Pacific Ocean and special territory of Chile, these statues are the only thing left of culture that once lived here. These gigantic and amazingly carved heads are just another reminder that primitive people are not really all that primitive. The stones that attract visitors to this island are made out of volcanic ash. Many still remain in the quarry, left by the settlers as diminishing resources on the island left their tribes doomed to war that finally killed them off.
Taj Mahal
Built in the 1600s, this building is a testament to undying love. Located in Agra, India, this white marble tomb built for a Emperor Shah Jahan’s deceased wife is a must see for everyone. In 1983, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Taj sees between two and four million tourists annually. There have been recent restrictions on tourism in an effort to help protect the site. However, the greatest threat to the site is the air pollution that is destroying the white marble the building is constructed of. It too was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The world is filled with amazing things to see- both natural and man-made. But here are the top ten historical sites in the world. These are places every traveler must go visit. Places so great that flocks of people fly all around the world to see. That’s what makes these historical sites special. So old, but still so interesting.
Machu Picchu
Located in southern Peru, this fascinating city lies on top of a mountain that’s only accessible by train or 4 day trek. It was an important center for the Inca civilization, but was abandoned when the Spanish came. It is famously referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.” The location was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Concerns over growing numbers of tourists have led to limitations on people who can enter the site, though only by a fraction of what is necessary. It was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Tikal
This Mayan city-state is one of the largest and best preserved ruins of the civilization. Located in Guatemala, this place lets you experience your inner-Indy early in the morning or late at night when the tourists go home and it’s just you and the jungle. Tikal was a dominant force in the Mayan world. It’s a wonderful place to explore, deserves at least two days, and is easily accessible from neighboring Belize.
The Pyramids at Giza
Over 3,000 years old and we still don’t have a good idea as to how they built them or how the Egyptians got them so precise. The Pyramids align to the stars and the solstices and contain vast chambers we still haven’t opened. They are truly a marvel of human engineering that was fit for kings. The largest one, called the Great Pyramid, was built by the Pharaoh Khufu. Also in this area is the Sphinx, another historical site that baffles researchers with its own mysteries.
Angkor Wat
This ancient city in Cambodia was the center of the Khmer empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. This empire went extinct, but not before building amazing temples and buildings that were reclaimed by the jungle for hundreds of years. Though Angkor Watis packed with tourists, it’s still breathtaking to see. Temple regions to the north and south see far fewer tourists than the main temple group. The best time to visit is early in the morning before the tour groups arrive. The most popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom. In order to really experience the temples, you’ll need to purchase the three or five day pass.
Petra
Carved into a canyon in Arabah, Jordan, Petra was made famous by Indiana Jones’ third movie. It was “discovered” in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. Prior to that, it was unknown to the western world. Though its founding is not known, it appears this place had settlers as early as the 6th century B.C. Under Roman rule, the site declined rapidly and was abandoned by the late 4th century. In 1985, Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Stonehenge
Located near Salisbury, England this megalithic structure is over 3,000 years old, and its stones come all the way from Wales. Scholars still are not sure how they got the stones from Wales and have tried to replicate the feat with dismal results. The attraction is now fenced off, and you can no longer go into the circle. Visitors can only walk around the attraction. It’s worth visiting for the mystery behind it and the really good audio tour.
Colosseum/Forum
The Colosseum and the Forum are right next to each other, so I included them together. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the “known” world, these sites are breathtaking not only for their beauty but for of their history and age. You’re standing in the spot Caesar walked and gazing into the area where gladiators battled to the death. The Colosseum has slowly crumbled throughout the ages and much of it is restricted, especially the floor and basement where everything was organized. The forum is great to walk around (and it’s free!!), though a ticket is required for Palatine Hill.
Parthenon
Though currently getting a face lift, the Parthenon is still amazing. The ancient temple to Athena stands as a symbol of the power ofAthens and a testament to Greek Civilization. Moreover, it provides a great view of Athens and nearby ruins. The surrounding ruins, temples, and buildings are equally as wondrous. Built in the 5th century BC, the temple used to house the treasury. Over the centuries, much of it and the surrounding structures have been destroyed by war and thieves. Luckily, the structure still stands… at least for now.
Easter Island
Located out in the Pacific Ocean and special territory of Chile, these statues are the only thing left of culture that once lived here. These gigantic and amazingly carved heads are just another reminder that primitive people are not really all that primitive. The stones that attract visitors to this island are made out of volcanic ash. Many still remain in the quarry, left by the settlers as diminishing resources on the island left their tribes doomed to war that finally killed them off.
Taj Mahal
Built in the 1600s, this building is a testament to undying love. Located in Agra, India, this white marble tomb built for a Emperor Shah Jahan’s deceased wife is a must see for everyone. In 1983, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Taj sees between two and four million tourists annually. There have been recent restrictions on tourism in an effort to help protect the site. However, the greatest threat to the site is the air pollution that is destroying the white marble the building is constructed of. It too was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
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