Top 10 Historical Places in the World
Table of Contents
Extraordinary mystical structures and historical places are waiting to be seen in many parts of the world. Some secrets have not been solved yet, while others have preserved their dazzling structure for centuries. If you’re a digital nomad or a remote worker who wants to explore the world, make sure you continue reading what this article will uncover!
In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the most spectacular historical sites in the world. After this article, I’m sure you will add these fantastic structures to your itinerary or wish list! There are many structures and places worth seeing all over the world. I hope you can visit these magnificent structures in different parts of the world as soon as possible. Let the countdown begin!
10. Parthenon
Location: Athens, Greece
Construction date: Between 447 BC – 432 BC
The Parthenon temple, built on a rocky ledge atop the Acropolis of Athens, is considered the most incredible work of Ancient Greece and one of the best historical sites that is worth a visit.
The Athenians, who survived the Persian occupation, dedicated the Parthenon, which they built as a sign of this victory, to the goddess Athena. Used for various purposes throughout history, the Parthenon was a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the 6th century. After the conquest of the Ottoman Empire in 1456, it was used as a mosque. After the Venetians captured it, the minaret added by the Ottomans was removed and used as a church again.
In the construction of the Parthenon, which is the symbol of Athenian democracy, the sculpture was made at its highest level. It was also built in the Doric order. In addition, the Parthenon is among the first works to use the golden ratio.
Although some sculpture pieces were moved to the British Museum in the 19th century, the artifacts and remains discovered in the Parthenon Museum are exhibited.
You can use the city buses and metro to visit the Parthenon in the center of Athens. The closest metro stop to the Parthenon is Akropoli.
9. The Colosseum
Location: Rome, Italy
Construction date: Between 70 AD – 80 AD
The Colosseum, the symbol of Rome, was founded by Emperor Vespasian as a gift to the Roman people. The Colosseum, a huge amphitheater, is 189×156 meters wide and four stories high. It has eighty entrances, seventy-six for the audience, two for the event attendants, and two for the emperor.
Many important events took place in the Colosseum, from gladiator fights to the first public executions of Christians. Also known as the place of martyrdom, the Colosseum is also considered a holy place.
Although the Colosseum has gone through many wars and disasters since its construction, it still maintains its splendor.
The Colosseum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, is one of Italy’s most visited historical sites.
8. The Great Wall of China
Location: Beijing, China
Construction date: Between 770–476
The Great Wall of China, which has become the most well-known and magnificent symbol of China, continues along the country’s northwest. The construction of the Great Wall of China started in 221 AD. In the 17th century, the Ming Dynasty made repairs and additions and took their final form. The Great Wall of China, which was built for various reasons, was generally created for defense and to slow down the enemy. As a result of the archaeological research, it is accepted that it is approximately 21,196 km long.
It takes 177 days to walk to see the entire wall. For this reason, most tourists only visit one or two sections of the Great Wall.
The most-visited parts of the Great Wall of China are Mutianyu and Jinshanling. Mutianyu is a 90-minute drive from Beijing and can be visited for the day. Jinshanling is longer and is one of the best-preserved parts. Hikers often visit it.
7. Taj Mahal
Location: Agra, India
Construction date: Between 1631-1654
Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahn on the banks of the Yamuna River to honor and commemorate his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. This magnificent work, which symbolizes passion and love, means “Crown Palace”.
Taj Mahal, one of the most magnificent monuments globally, has a central dome about 74 meters high, and its exterior is made of precious stones. A team of 20,000 people, consisting of the best masters of Central Asia, worked on constructing the Taj Mahal, which has a perfectly symmetrical structure. Shah Jahn had a white marble tomb built for his wife, and he was buried next to his wife. The Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Site with its red sandstone gate and reflecting pools of water.
Visitors can visit the Taj Mahal by high-speed train from Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, or Varanasi.
6. Chichen Itza
Location: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Construction date: Early 400s
Built on an area of 10 kilometers, Chichen Itza is one of Mexico’s most touristic and popular historical centers. Built by the Mayan people, the ancient city of Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a World Heritage Site. Consisting of pre-Columbian ruins, the ancient city developed as one of the largest cities of the Maya people between 400-1400 AD. The city, which contained cultural factors from various Mayan regions of Mexico and was built in Mesoamerican architectural style, is very well preserved.
Among the most famous structures of Chichen Itza are El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Great Ball Court.
A three-hour drive from Cancun or about half an hour from Valladolid can be taken to visit Chichen Itza. The ancient city also has various accommodation options. You can stay at the Coqui Coqui guesthouse, the baroque cathedral, or hotels with the cenote.
I recommend you visit this fascinating site if you ever make it to Mexico!
5. Stonehenge
Location: Wiltshire, England
Construction date: Between 8500 and 7000 BC
Stonehenge, one of the most mysterious and oldest structures globally, is a structure full of unknowns. Who built it, why, and how it was built is never known! While even the wheel was not discovered, how they carried 45-ton stones for meters has still not been solved.
Some archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was built to perform religious ceremonies or to watch the movements of the sun and moon. This engineering marvel creates a circular arrangement of standing stones. There are many monuments from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.
Stonehenge was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1986. Considered a national heritage site, Stonehedge is owned by the Crown, and the National Trust owns the surrounding land.
Those who want to visit Stonehenge can take a train journey from London or Bath. Free shuttles to Stonehenge also depart from the Wiltshire visitor center.
4. Petra
Location: Wadi Musa, Jordan
Construction date: 312 BC
Petra, an archaeological and historical city, consists of advanced water channels and structures carved into the rock. The city, which has become the symbol of Jordan, was built to be the capital of the Nabataeans. Petra’s location is a basin on the slope of Mount Hor, among the mountains that make up the eastern part of the Arabah valley. It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List in 1985.
When Petra was the capital, it was a center for the trade of Indian spices, Arabian incense, and Chinese silks. Although it was built in 400 BC, it was not discovered by Western countries until the 1800s. It still keeps many more secrets. In 2016, scientists found a monumental structure hidden under the sand through satellite images.
Petra is located in a narrow canyon with high temples, and tombs carved out of pink sandstone cliffs. Known as the “Red-Rose City”, Petra has fascinating architecture!
Visitors wishing to explore the magical architecture of Petra should travel 150 miles south of Amman. The town of Wadi Musa, near Petra, has luxury hotels for visitors to stay in.
Best Places for Solo Digital Nomads
3. The Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Construction date: 2570 BC
The Pyramids of Giza are the oldest surviving structures from the ancient world. It is also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Pyramids of Giza, which contain the legendary tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs, were built 4,500 years ago to prepare the pharaohs for the afterlife.
The reason why the Sphinx of Giza was built has not been solved yet. Some think it was made to associate the pharaoh and the Sun God Ra, while others believe it was made to protect kings. According to some views, the Sphinx is thousands of years older than the Pyramids!
Scientists have not been able to solve the mystery of Giza and its construction techniques fully. More than 2 million blocks of limestone weighing 2.5 tons were used to construct the pyramid.
How such a miraculous and extraordinary structure can be built even today is quite complex.
The mystical Giza Plateau is located 11 miles southwest of Cairo. Since there is no public transport to the Pyramids, you can use a taxi, Uber, or rent a car. For tourists, there are several hotels within walking distance of the pyramids.
2. Machu Picchu
Location: Aguas Calientes, Peru
Construction date: Between 1420 to 1530
One of the mysterious structures, Machu Picchu, was discovered in 1911 by archaeologist Hiram Bingham.
Located in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu was built by the Incas. Although there are stone structures from the 1400s on the summit of the Andean, according to legends, Macha Picchu is a much older place. Developed by the Incas, the area became a city. Used by the Incas as an underground city for sacred ceremonies, Machu Picchu is self-sufficient with agricultural terraces and natural springs.
Millions of tourists visit Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu to get to the area. There are village-concept hotels for accommodation in the region. You can also join guided walk-through tour operators from Cusco to get to Machu Picchu.
1. Angkor Wat and the Siem Reap Temples
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Construction date: Between 1110-1150
Among the most famous temples, Siem Reap was built by the Khmer Empire. It has retained its beauty and popularity to this day. The most famous ancient cities in Siem Reap are Angkor Thom – the last capital of the Khmer Empire – and Angkor Wat – the big temple city and building identified with Cambodia.
Angkor Wat is even featured on the Cambodian flag and currency as a symbol of Cambodia. Although it was gifted to the Hindu God Vishnu when it was founded in the 12th century, it was later converted into a Buddhist temple. Angkor Wat is one of the most visited structures in the world today.
Siem Reap is a 10-minute drive from the International Airport. Most Asian airlines offer flights to Siem Reap Airport (REP). Tourists who want to visit Angkor Wat can hire a driver for $15 per day.
Accommodation facilities in the region are pretty developed. You can find many hotel options and safari-style tents. Siem Reap, which is at the top of our list, is home to the most magnificent temple complex in the world, although they are not the oldest.
Related Article
The Best Historical Places: The Bottom Line
There you have it. I’ve tried to give you an introduction to the best historical places and famous landmarks that you can add to your bucket list. Of course, there are many other World Heritage sites that deserve your attention and visit. But this list can be a beginning to start your journey!
Have you ever been to any of these historical places or any other Worl Heritage site? Let us know…
Frequently Asked Questions on Historical Places
Which is the famous historical place?
Well, there is not just one answer to this question as the list of amazing historical sites is very long. However, as we've listed above; here are some of the most famous historical places:
- Parthenon (Greece)
- The Colosseum (Italy)
- The Great Wall of China (China)
- Taj Mahal (India)
- The Pyramids (Egypt)
Which country has the best monuments?
Italy is the first country that springs to mind when it comes to history. Because Italy has placed a high value on historical sites and places and has worked to protect them from harm from the dawn of time. As a result, there are many stunning sights to see in this interesting country that has hosted great and numerous notable empires such as the Roman Empire.
With a history stretching back to the Old Stone Age, Ancient Egypt is one of the civilizations that has left the most historical sites. As a result, for individuals who enjoy historical excursions, Egypt offers several options. The National Museum in Cairo, Egypt's capital city; the Pyramids of Giza; the old Cairo region, which is rich in history; Alexandria, the historical city that houses the Alexandria Library; Asvan and Luxor; are among the historic sites in Egypt that must be seen.
Which is the oldest landmark of India?
There are many landmarks in India. See some of them below:
- Konark Sun Temple, Orissa
- Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
- Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad, Telengana
- Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Rani Ki Vav
- Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
- Qutub Minar, Delhi