Important historical places: Top 15 Historical Places in The World (to add to your bucket list)

Top 15 Historical Places in The World (to add to your bucket list)

The idea behind this 15 historical places in the world list was to spark some bucket list wanderlust in you. It was initially 5 sites then there were 10. The more I continued my research – the more bucket list wonders I found.
I know what you’re thinking now – “He needed to do research to find Angkor Wat, the Easter Island, and the Pyramids? Lol, such an avid traveler.”

Actually, the research was centered around their history and the myths and legends that surround them. I was looking for the “Wow” factor they would induce upon first sight. I admit I haven’t been to all of these amazing historical places in the world…yet. They are on my bucket list, though. Now it’s time to make them part of yours too!

1. Angkor Wat and the Siem Reap Temples

2. The Pyramids And The Sphinx of Giza

3. Machu Pichu

4. Stonehedge

5. Borobudur

6. Petra

7. Chichen Itza

8. The Colosseum

9. The Terracotta Army

10. Valley of the Kings

11. The Ellora Caves

12. Easter Island

13. The Acropolis

14. Ayutthaya

15. Göbekli Tepe

1. Angkor Wat and the Siem Reap Temples

When: Between 900 and 1,400 AD
Where: Siem Reap, Cambodia

Not the oldest temples on the list but definitely among the most famous ones. The temples of Siem Reap were built by the mighty Khmer empire, between the 10th and 15th centuries, and their beauty is still well preserved to this day. The most famous ones are the ancient city complex – Angkor Thom, the temple where Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider took place – Ta Prohm, and the crown jewel of the Khmer empire – Angkor Wat.

An undisputed symbol of Cambodia, you can find Angkor Wat on the Cambodian flag and even on the Cambodian money. Constructed in the 12th century, the monument originally honored the Hindu god Vishnu but was later transformed into a Buddhist temple.
Today Angkor Wat is one of the most visited and photographed historical places in the world. If you plan to visit it on sunrise make sure you check my Ultimate Angkor Wat Sunrise Guide and go there prepared.

2. The Pyramids And The Sphinx of Giza

When: Between 2,589 to 2,500 BC.
Where: Cairo, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza are the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They are also the only one still standing to this day. The legendary tombs were built more than 4,500 years ago to prepare the Egyptian pharaohs of the Old Kingdom for the afterlife.

The reason behind Sphinx’s construction is still unknown. Egyptologist suggests it may have been intended to associate the pharaoh with the sun god – Ra. Others believe his purpose was to guard the kings. Some even claim the Sphinx is thousands of years older than the Pyramids!

Many mysteries surround the Giza plateau. Scientists are still unaware of the building techniques used to erect the grad monuments. To build just the Great Pyramid of Giza, the ancient Egyptians used more than 2 million limestone blocks, each of them weighing about 2.5 tons. Such a construction process would be complicated even today. How did the ancient people do it, nobody knows.

   See Also:  The Good, The Bad and The Ugly in Cairo

3. Machu Pichu

When: 1,450–1,460 AD
Where: Andes Mountains in Peru

One of the “newest” ancient sites on the list, Machu Pichu may not be as old as some of the other wonders here but is sure to compensate with its magnificent appearance and mythical origin. Located high up in the Andes Mountains in Peru, Machu Pichu is the most famous archaeological site in South America and a must-see for anyone who finds himself near the country.

Abandoned around the 16th century, the “Lost City of the Incas” was never actually lost. Conquistadors and other foreign explorers may have missed it ( it’s still a mystery why ), but local farmers often visit and even inhabited the ruins. It all changed in 1911 when the historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Pichu for the world.

Today, Machu Pichu’s fame goes far beyond the borders of Peru. It was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and voted to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

4. Stonehedge

When: 3,100 BC to 2,200 BC
Where: Wiltshire, England

United Kingdom’s most famous ancient site can’t be left out of the list. Especially since it’s older than the Pyramids.  Stonehedge is not only among the oldest structures on earth but also among the most mysterious ones.

 
Who builds Stonehenge? Unknown.
Why was it build? Unknown.
How did the ancient people (who supposedly haven’t even discovered the wheel ) transport 45-ton stones from 200 miles away and managed to lift them so high? Big unknown!

What it is known is that Stonehenge was built in several different stages, it has 56 holes that used to hold more stones. The one thing I know about it, ist that Stonehedge is the epitome of a mysterious ancient site and is 100% worthy for your bucket list.

5. Borobudur

When: 9th century AD
Where: Yogyakarta, Indonesia

We’re back in Asia, this time to Indonesia where the biggest Buddhist monument in the world overlooks the nearby city of Yogyakarta. Built more than a 1,000 years ago, Borobudur’s architecture is a curious blend of local indigenous elements and classical Indian Gupta design.

The size of Borobudur is truly mesmerizing. Covering a 123 x 123 meters area, the temple is decorated by 2,672 relief panels and more than 500 Buddha statues. It’s a curious thing that roughly half of the figures have no heads. The beheading was neither done by some ancient conquerer nor by vandals. It’s the frequent earthquakes of the area that are in fault, breaking the most vulnerable part of the statues – their necks.

To visit Borobudur on sunrise is one of the most popular things to do in Indonesia. If you want to do it yourself, check out my experience and prepare for your adventure the best way possible.

6. Petra

When: 5th century BC
Where: Wadi Musa, Jordan

A pink sandstone city tucked in a desert canyon? Sign me up!
The “Rose City” of Petra is genuinely an otherworldly place! A honeycomb of caves and tombs, the ancient Nabatean city offers an incredible chance to see 2,500 years old engineering masterpiece. The hand-carved town had such a sophisticated water system that it could support more than 30,000 inhabitants. Let me just repeat – It’s in the middle of the Jordanian wasteland!

Petra was rediscovered in 1812, but it still has many secrets to offer. In 2016, with the help of some satellite images, scientist discovered a monumental structure under the sand they never suspect existed.

The local Beduins believe only 30% of Petra is visible as the other 70% are still buried in the desert. And since they literally live there, I tend to believe them.
The raw beauty of Petra, combined with the camel riding Beduins, and more “recent” Roman ruins is a proven recipe that will instantly transport you back in time.

   See Also:  The Best Photo spots in Petra

7. Chichen Itza

When: 6th century AD
Where: Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Occupying an area of 10 square km( 4 square mi), the ancient city of Chichen Itza is the most popular tourist attraction in Mexico today and one of the most famous in North America. Erected by the Maya people, this pre-Columbian city is not only well preserved but also features an intriguing mix of different styles from all the Maya regions of ancient Mexico.

Chichen Itza is also famous for its legendary ritual named the Cult of Cenote. The tradition consists of humans being thrown into the major cenote of the city as a sacrifice to the rain god, and it was considered to be just a legend for years. In 1904 though, Edward Thomson dredged the cenote and found multiple skeletons and sacrificial treasure hence confirming all the myths.

Chichen Itza is one of the most fascinating historical places in the world and a serious candidate to top your travel bucket list!

8. The Colosseum

When: 70-80 AD
Where: Rome, Italy

The eternal symbol of the Eternal City, the Colosseum was commissioned more than 2,000 years ago by Emperor Vespasian as a gift to the Roman people. Many emperors, wars, and disasters later, the Colosseum still stands as marvelous as ever.

The impressive design of the amphitheater allowed easy access to 55,000 people who were seated according to their rank. Just like today, the more wealth you have would equal a better seat close to the action. And there was no lack of action. Gladiator battles, chariot races, wild animal hunts, public executions, and even sea battles were some of the spectacles the ancient Romans could enjoy in the Colosseum.

Voted as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World in 2007, the Colosseum is one of those attractions that you simply can’t leave out of your bucket list.

Check out how to visit the Colosseum without waiting on the enormous lines!

9. The Terracotta Army

When: 475–221 BC
Where: Xi’an, China

The next ancient site is not so much a historical place but more of a historical collection. The First Emperor Qin’s buried battalions consist of more than 8,000 life-size terracotta warriors and horses. They also carry more than 10,000 bronze weapons! Did I mention that all of their facial expressions are unique?

The details behind the army are extremely precise. For example, all of them are facing east – towards the emperor’s enemies at the time. If you examine them carefully, you can also find traces of paint. That means that back in their early days, they were even more of an impressive site, wearing their brand new colorful uniforms.

One of the greatest archeological discoveries ever, the Terracotta Army rightfully claims the title of the “eighth wonder of the world.”

10. Valley of the Kings

When: During Egypt’s New Kingdom (1,539-1,075 BC)
Where: Luxor, Egypt

The Valley of the Kings may not be as famous as the Pyramids of Giza, but it’s equally jaw-dropping if not even more.  Once the ancient pharaohs realized that advertising your afterlife treasure with a big pile of stones is not a wise idea, they replaced the giant monuments with deeply hidden tombs.

A valley next to the capital Thebes was selected for the job. For more than 500 years, every Egyptian pharaoh was buried there. The tombs exact location was kept in deep secret, and even the next ruler didn’t know where the graves of his ancestors are.

Sixty-five tombs are discovered today, most of them kept in astonishing conditions. The most famous is the one of the boy king Tutankhamun which treasures became one of Egypt’s most prominent national symbols.

   See Also:  Valley of The Kings: All You Need to Know

11. The Ellora Caves

When: 6th to 8th century AD
Where: Next to Aurangabad, India

The Ellora cave temples are the most intriguing ancient site in India. A prime example of the ancient Indian architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the course of 500 years. Creating just the glorious Kailasa Temple took 7,000 laborers over 150 years. Not that surprising considering the fact everything was crafted by hand, with only a hammer and chisel.

Monks from various religions left their mark on the temples turning the Ellora caves into the curious mix of ancient cultures we can observe today.

The abovementioned Kailasa Temple is the most outstanding showpiece of this ancient site. It’s life-size elephant guardian statues are something impossible to see anywhere else in the world!

12. Easter Island

When: 1,400 – 1,650 AD
Where: Pacific Ocean, Chilie

This ancient site is the most isolated one on the list. Lying deep off in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island and its marvelous gigantic statues reflect the gloomy story of a glorious civilization.

The Rapa Nui people had a paradise island on their hands. Being a place full of forests and animals, the first Easter Island inhabitants had little to worry. Centre of the Rapa Nui beliefs were the Moai statues. Supposed to personify their ancestors, the Moai played an essential role in the lives of the Rapa Nui. But creating so many sculptures had it tow on the limited resources of the island. In combination with the growing population, the once island of paradise could no longer support its inhabitants. Long story short, the Rapa Nui started to fight each other and ultimately left the island for good.

Today, Easter Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and certainly one of the most exotic historical places in the world you can add to your bucket list!

13. The Acropolis

When: 5th century BC
Where: Athens, Greece

Probably the most important historical place of the western world, the Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel overlooking the capital of Greece. It contains the remains of several ancient buildings, the most famous one being the Parthenon.

The Parthenon, alongside the other more prominent constructions of the Acropolis, was built by Pericles in the fifth century BC as a monument to glorify the achievements of the Athenians. Pericles did his job so good that the Parthenon survived all the tests of time, including dozens of wars, several occupations, and even a few earthquakes.

In 1987 the Acropolis was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, if you want to visit the ancient site, better do it first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. The Acropolis is a top landmark in Europe and one of the most popular historical places in the world so every other visiting hour would stick you among the hordes of tourists flocking to the Acropolis hill.

14. Ayutthaya

When: 1,350 AD
Where: Next to Bangkok, Thailand

Our list continues with the historic capital of the Siam Kingdom – Ayutthaya. The convenient location of the city, between the Malay Archipelago, China and India – turned it into a major trading hub and the largest city in the world circa 1,700 AD. It’s believed that more than 1,000,000 people inhabited Ayutthaya at this time!

Unfortunately, all ended in 1767 when the Burmese conquered the city and razed it to the ground. Today only a glimpse of this ancient gem of a city remains, but the ancient site is still awe-inspiring enough to attract millions of tourist every year.

15. Göbekli Tepe

When: 10 – 12th millennium BC
Where: Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey

Our top historical in the world list would end with the most underrated site there is. You’ve probably never heard of Turkey’s Göbekli Tepe, right? Is it really that special? Well, this archaic temple was built – wait for it – between 10,000 and 12,000 BC!

To put that in perspective, between your birth and the (supposed) birth of Jesus, there were roughly 2,000 years. In that age, the scientist considers humans to be still living in caves and learning how to hunt and gather. Well, it looks like some of them were competent enough to build something that would last thousands of years. Göbekli Tepe literally rewrote our entire understanding of human history.

The temple was first discovered in 1963, but excavation didn’t begin until 1995. Considered new in the archeological world, the oldest temple on earth is one of the most fascinating historical places in the world!

That’s all from me, I hope my top historical places in the world managed to awake your wanderlust. If not, these inspirational travel quotes or daring adventure quotes should do the trick! 
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If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips!
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I have hundreds of spots like these on my own bucket list. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!

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Amazing Historical Sites in the World that We’ve Seen

One of our favourite things to do when traveling is to explore historical sites in the world. There are many people who make a point of visiting as many UNESCO world heritage sites as they can and use that goal as a theme to their travels. Ticking off these famous sites is a great way to choose where to go on your next vacation. So we thought we’d help you plan your travels around our favorite historical places in the world that we’ve seen.

The Best Historical Sites in the World

Table of Contents

Do these historic places live up to the hype? What is the experience like to visit them and are they worth seeing? If you are looking for historical places around the world, our list will help you decide if they are worth adding to your travel bucket list.

1. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza are a tough historical place to rate. If you go at the wrong time or take the wrong tour, it can be a miserable experience as you are shuffled around in a crowd dodging touts and tour buses.

We have visited the Pyramids of Giza four times and thoroughly enjoyed our visits 3 of them. Once by camel, once on a private tour, once by bicycle, and once on a tour bus. Needless to say, the crowded tour bus was our first visit and least enjoyable. Read more: 10 Amazing Temples of Egypt – That We’ve Seen

The camel ride was an amazing way to see the Pyramids of Giza making us feel like Lawrence of Arabia as we explored the complex, the Sphinx, and the three temples of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.

The Pyramids of Giza seem surreal and as you approach the Giza Plateau they don’t seem real looking more like a mirage in the desert. Make sure to see the light show at night. It might be a bit cheesy, but it is truly a unique experience. Read more: 20 Exciting Things to do in Egypt – Plus A Few Fun Facts

Dating back 5000 years the Pyramids of Giza are the only remaining structures from the ancient wonders of the world. When you see them with your own eyes, you truly become a believer that aliens may have existed. How were these massive monuments made by man? How did they stand the test of time?

They truly are magical. This incredible site of Memphis and its Necropolis including the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979.

2. Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is located outside of Beijing and we have visited it twice. Each time we’ve found it to be awe-inspiring. There are several different sections of the Great Wall to visit with the Badaling Great Wall and Mutianyu Great Wall being the most accessible. Each was a very different experience, but both were incredible to see.

The Great Wall of China was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987. Read more at The Great Wall of China – Mutianyu VS Badaling.

For us, The Great Wall of China lived up to the hype. A lot of people will say it doesn’t, but between our two visits to the Great Wall, we were impressed and excited.

We visited the Badaling and Mutianyu Great Walls of China and each was a different experience. Badaling attracts local tourists and is very crowded with local visitors since it is the closest wall to Beijing. However, that is exactly what makes it so exciting.

People are thrilled to see you and by visiting the section of the wall that the locals visit we felt less like a tourist and more like a part of the family. Mutianyu is a little farther out of the city of Beijing and there are far fewer tourists here. It is just as beautiful and impressive. Read more: 24 of the Best Things to do in Beijing, China

3. Petra, Jordan

We didn’t know what to expect before visiting Petra in Jordan other than Petra had been the setting for movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Alladin, Transformers, and The Mummy Returns.

As we walked the 1.3 km along the Siq towards the grand square housing the treasury, we were enthralled by the high cliffs along the narrow path. It’s no wonder this complex remained hidden to the outside world for centuries.

Seeing the facades of the Treasury and Monastery carved into the red sandstone is awe-inspiring. How did the ancient Nabataeans manage to create such a masterpiece two thousand years ago? Read more: Petra Jordan – Tips for Visiting and Things to See

Created in the 2nd century AD, Petra is located three hours from the capital city of Amman. We hired a driver and then spent the night in the city of Petra walking distance from the ancient city.

Make sure you visit Petra at Night to walk the beautiful candle-lit path to the treasury for a Bedouin performance and then get there the next day early in the morning to beat the rush of tour busses. This caravan city was a major trading route between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1985. Read more: Petra by Night in Photos

4. Tikal, Guatemala

Our visit to the ruins of Tikal in Guatemala was unlike any other. What enthralled us about Tikal were all the pyramids taken over by the jungle. Mounds of pyramids jutted out from the earth hinting that something wonderful was underneath. This jungle setting is what puts Tikal at the top of historical places in the world.

Howler monkeys cry in the distance and spider monkeys play in the trees overhead. Leafcutter ants cut tracks through the jungle and you can climb its massive towers where you are treated to endless views of the rainforest. When visiting Central America, this ancient wonder should be put at the top of your list. Read more: Top 5 Places to Visit in Guatemala

This ancient historical site was one of the major sites of Mayan civilization and dates back to the 6th century BC. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Read more: 7 Wonders of the World – the New, The Natural, and the Ancient

5. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu was named as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and with good reason. How many ancient cities are located 2430 meters above sea level? This Lost City of the Incas sits high on a mountain in the Andes of Peru.

Located 3 hours by train from the city of Cusco, it is not the ruins themselves that make Machu Pichu impressive, it is its setting. Terraced blocks of brick buildings plunge into the valley below. Read more: How to Plan a Trip to Machu Picchu

Trekking to Machu Picchu can be done in four days along the Inca Trail creating a spiritual journey you will never forget. Even though it is touristy, Peru has limited visitors, and hiking the trail is a solid challenge. With travel limitations, 2022 might be the time to hike to Machu Picchu and feel what it was once like before mass tourism. Read more Machu Picchu Hike: All You Need To Know To Be Perfectly Prepared

6. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is overrun with tourists, there is no doubt about it but there is the reason it is so popular. This ancient city in the jungles of Cambodia was once the most powerful city in Southeast Asia with the Khmer Empire dominating the land.

What makes this historical place so impressive is the fact that it has been reclaimed by much of the jungle. Read more: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Angkor Wat Temples

Tree roots weave through the temples overtaking many of the structures. Make sure to spend a few days exploring Angkor Wat. We hired a private tuk-tuk leaving early in the morning staying one step ahead of the tour busses and crowds. By the afternoon, Angkor Wat is overrun with tourists, so head back to your guesthouse to relax and pick up where you left off the next morning.

7. Cappadocia, Turkey

The fairytale chimneys of Cappadocia are a dream. We had wanted to see this magical land since viewing photos of hundreds of hot air balloons above stone spires, it did not disappoint. Cappadocia’s top draw is taking a hot air balloon at sunrise over the vast valleys with names like Love Valley, Rose Valley, and Red Valley. Read more: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon

Cappadocia is an ancient land created by a series of volcanic eruptions in the  Central Anatolian region of Turkey. Throughout the ages stone spire formations scattered the valley where early peoples created cave dwellings into the sandstone cliffs. Today many of those caves have been turned into luxury hotels.

8. Chichen Itza, Mexico

 Chichen Itza was the first historical place we ever visited. I remember working in the film industry and we booked an all-inclusive trip to Cancun. My boss told me that I must visit Chichen Itza. So I did!

This UNESCO World Heritage Site blew my mind. We actually visited Chichen Itza years ago when you could still climb to the top of El Castillo. And that is where we became fascinated with the Mayan culture and ancient civilization. After visiting this ancient city in the Yucatan Peninsula, we made a point to see them all in the future. (and we are pretty close to achieving that goal!_ See our list of favorite 42 Amazing Ancient Ruins of the World

If you can rent or hire a car to visit before the tour buses arrive, we highly recommend it. This place gets busy. Chichen-Itza – Chichen Itza is a long drive from Cancun, so combine it with a full tour stopping at a Cenote, and the Colonial City of Valladolid. Chichen Itza was also named as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Read more: 7 Wonders of the World – the New, The Natural, and the Ancient

9. Colosseum, Italy

I am not going to lie, we were spoiled when we first visited the Colosseum of Rome. We stayed in a luxury apartment directly across from this ancient ruin looking at the Colosseum every morning from our bedroom window. It is an extraordinary sight to wake up to. The giant amphitheater (also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre) in the heart of Rome is the top tourist attraction in Rome. Read more: How to Visit Rome on a Budget in 2022

Dating back to 72 AD, The Colosseum was used for gladiators battling to their deaths. Much of Rome is a UNESCO Protected area as it is filled with monuments and museums including nearby Palentine Hill, the Roman Forum, The Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps. Read more: 23 of the Best Things to do in Rome

10. Acropolis, Greece

I will admit, our visit to the Parthenon in Athens Greece was a bit of a bust as Dave was suffering from diarrhea. (That’s the way travel goes sometimes). But we did manage to make our way through a long afternoon exploring the grounds. This monument standing proud over Athens for more than 2000 years is a tribute to ancient Greece.

The complex offers beautiful views as you stand from the most recognizable structure, the Parthenon. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena is dates back to the mid 4th century BC. Temple of Nike, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre. Read more: 24 Amazing Things to do in Athens, Greece

11. Historical Site India – Taj Mahal

Oftentimes we lament that The Taj Mahal was a bit of a letdown during our travels through India but upon reflection, I am so glad that we went. The Taj Mahal in Agra is the most iconic monument in India. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan, it is considered the ultimate love letter. He had it commissioned to honor his wife.

It took more than 20 years to be built and he lived in sadness until his death. It fell to ruin over the years, but luckily, the British viceroy of India – Lord Curzon, put an end to looting and restored it to its former glory. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 1983 and was named as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.

12. Historical Site China – Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an China are mesmerizing. They have been meticulously rebuilt after only being rediscovered in the 20th century. The underground army was built 2200 years about by the first Emperor of a unified China, Emperor Qin Shi Huang of The Qin Dynasty.

It took 38 years and 700,000 people to build this underground monument. The craftsmen who built this masterpiece were killed to keep the location a secret. It worked because nobody knew where the entrance to the tomb containing  8000 Terracotta Warriors and horses leading bronze chariots were buried until it was discovered by a farmer in 1974. Read more: Xian Terracotta Warriors – Facts – Are They Real and How Were They Made

13. Historical Site Myanmar – Bagan

Dave and I have seen a lot of pagodas and temples in Asia from Borobudur to Angkor Wat, but it was the historical city of Bagan that took our breath away. Located in Myanmar on the Irrawaddy River, Bagan is a vast complex of temples that was was built between the 11th and 13 centuries.

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. Read more: The Incredible Temples of Bagan, Myanmar

14. 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. Theories range from being a burial site, a place of worship and a place for religious ceremonies. I’ll stick to aliens.

15. Newgrange, Ireland

The jewel in the Crown of Ireland’s Ancient East is a massive passage tomb is more than just a tomb that is also one of the best places to celebrate the winter solstice. 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.

We went inside to explore its mysterious inner chamber where archeologists have yet to uncover what exactly this was used for. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ireland is definitely worth visiting. Read more: Newgrange – Visit Ireland’s Ancient Passage Tomb

16. Historical Site Ethiopia – Lalibela, Ethiopia

While cycling through Ethiopia I asked a fellow cyclist what he thought of Lalibella and he said “It almost makes me believe in God. ” This incredible historical site consists of 11 rock churches dug into the ground.

The medieval structures are a pilgrimage site and Lalibela is the holiest city in Ethiopia. What Ethiopia is going through right now is devastating, but hopefully, there will be peace and we can all enjoy the beauty of this country again soon.

17. Historical Site Thailand – Ayuthaya

Dave and I visited Ayuthaya in 2000 so we are due to go back! This historic city existed between the 14th and 18th century and was the capital of Siam. The Burmese army destroyed it in 1767 and it remained in ruin but it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1991.

It is significant because, during its time, it was one of the largest cities in the world. A wonderful way to visit Ayuthaya is to take a boat tour down the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok.

The Statue of Liberty is still a shining star of the United States providing hope and freedom. Created by the French sculptor Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) the Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States in 1884 to welcome immigrants. Read more Fun Facts About New York

Visiting this symbol of freedom is one of the top things to do in New York City and we absolutely loved our three visits to it. (She never gets old). Located at the entrance to New York Harbor, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of Manhattan where you will take a walk through history. Make sure to visit Ellis Island which is part of your ticket to the Statue of Liberty. Read more: Tips for Visiting The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

19. Historical Site – Easter Island

Photo by Flying and Travel

We haven’t been to Easter Island to see the mysterious Maori heads, but ever since Mark of Flying and Travel wrote about his experience at these Mysterious Statues in the Pacific Island we have had it at the top of our list. We were so close when we visited Santiago as there are direct flights twice weekly from there. It’s okay though, next time.

We just need to get ourselves down to the far reaches of South America to transfer to this South Pacific Island containing the Moai statues. Want to learn more: Read more here Easter Island – Mysterious Statues in the Pacific Island

20. Historical Area of Istanbul, Turkey

Straddling two continents divided by the Bosphorus peninsula, the old city of Istanbul has so much historical significance that the entire historical area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the Hagia  Sophia, The Blue Mosque, the Grand Baazar Topkapi Palace, the hippodrome of Constantine, and the aqueduct of Valens, there is so much to explore. It was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1985 and is not to be missed. Read more: Best Things to do in Istanbul Turkey / The Blue Mosque of Istanbul and tips for Entry

21. Rideau Canal, Canada

Many of Canada’s UNESCO Sites are natural historical places, but there are a few places like Old Quebec City and Lunenberg that are man-made. However, it s the Rideau Canal that had us completely fascinated. Having spent 3 weeks exploring it this summer, we learned that this feat of engineering is an Ontario hidden gem. Read more: Amazing Places to Visit on the Rideau Canal.

The 202 km long waterway is a network of 24 lock stations containing 47 historic locks from Ottawa to Kingston. Built in 1832 as an alternative to navigating the St. Lawrence River in case of war, the workers of the Rideau Canal faced many hardships cutting through the rugged Canadian terrain.

War never happened and it was eventually deemed useless. But today it is blossoming as a recreational waterway. Read about our experience at Amazing Rideau Canal Cruise – A Unique Cruise Holiday with Le Boat

22. Whalers Bay – Deception Island, Antarctica

We had the opportunity to visit a few historical sites in Antarctica. Port Lockroy is a scientific base that has been in operation since 1944 and it is from here you can send a post card from the 7th continent. However, it was the old whaling station on Deception Island that is etched in our memory.

Whalers Bay has a dark past where whales were slaughtered to nearly to the point of extinction. Today, there are remnants of whale bones strewn along the shore, there are old boiling vats and some abandoned buildings reminded us of the destruction that the human race can put upon this earth. Read more: 11 of the Best Things to do in Antarctica

So, these are our favourite historical places in the world. We have been fortunate to have been to many more and will be adding to the list as we think of them. Or perhaps, we will do a part 2. So, let us know what your favourite historic site is in the world that we should add to the list. And tell us why in the comments below.

Read next:

• 7 Wonders of the World – the New, The Natural, and the Ancient
• Bucket List Travels – 52 Places to Visit in Your Lifetime
• 42 Amazing Ancient Ruins of the World
• Beautiful Isolated Places on Earth – In Photos
• 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Visit – That We’ve Been
• The Best Adventures for Couples with a Splash of Romance

Memorable places with history

We invite you to walk around the center of ten ancient cities. Find out when the monument to Judas was built and disappeared without a trace, to what historical event Irkutsk owes the appearance of the cream of secular society, where is the “City of the Dead” on the map of Russia and how to forge the “Golden Gate” and not part with life.

The historical center of St. Petersburg. A world-class precedent is one of the first cases in history when almost the entire city, including its surroundings, received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only palace and park complexes, but also natural landscapes and even industrial facilities, such as the Sestroretsk Arms Plant, are recognized as monuments. Petersburg is a World Heritage Site by four criteria at once. This is also an outstanding architectural ensemble associated with historical events, artistic and literary works of world significance. nine0005

A complex of historical buildings in Sviyazhsk. Military base for the siege of Kazan in 1551. The fortress that “crossed” the Volga. Initially, the buildings were built by order of Ivan the Terrible in Uglich, but then they were dismantled and floated down the river to the island. Having served his homeland, Sviyazhsk became famous for its monastic lands and crafts. From a military outpost, it turned into a spiritual Orthodox center of the Middle Volga region. The age of only one monument, atheism, turned out to be short-lived in the city. In 1918, by order of Trotsky, a monument to Judas Iscariot was erected there. After standing for several days, the monument disappeared without a trace. nine0005

The place where Angara meets Irkut. Irkutsk was founded as a prison in 1661 on the route of trade caravans from Russia to China. Two centuries later, the city received 40 important “guests involuntarily”: after the uprising on Senate Square, the Decembrists were exiled to the Irkutsk province. In secular society, eight princes, four barons and one count were added at once. The city softened the harsh Siberian morals: it was overgrown with metropolitan salons, theaters, and the houses of the Volkonsky and Trubetskoy later became museums. Three centuries later, Irkutsk is famous for its Siberian Baroque monuments on Karl Marx Street. nine0005

Another Siberian prison that has grown over the centuries into a city with a historical center of architectural monuments. Yeniseisk – the capital of furs. In memory of the largest fur fair, the Yenisei coat of arms still adorns the image of a sable. Once, up to 95% of all Russian gold was mined in these places. The city is a crossroads where trade routes from Mongolia, Yakutia and China converged. The main architectural attraction is the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery of the 17th century. The monastic ensemble absorbed the features of traditional Russian architecture and European art with Siberian charm. nine0005

See also:

• Where to go on winter holidays: 5 cities around Moscow The city, which is a thousand years old, is famous for its architectural monuments: 140 unique buildings only in the center. UNESCO recognized the development of Yaroslavl as an outstanding example of mutual cultural and architectural influence between Western Europe and Russia. The most important historical event in the field of literature is connected with the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery of the city: it was in the monastery walls, famous for the largest collection of ancient manuscripts in Rus’, that the collector Musin-Pushkin discovered The Tale of Igor’s Campaign. nine0005
  

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  Once the first capital of the Crimean Khanate, today Salachik – a suburb of Bakhchisarai. The luxurious palace of the 15th century has not been preserved, but time spared the tomb of the members of the Khan dynasty and the Zyndzhyrly madrasah, a spiritual educational institution. The building of the 16th century retained a chain hanging at the entrance so that everyone bowed their heads to science. Arabic philology, logic, rhetoric, astronomy and other sciences were taught within the ancient walls. Now Zyndzhyrly is a museum where excursions and master classes are held to study the archaeological finds found in the neighborhood. nine0005

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  Fortress built by order of Catherine II . The historical center of Vladikavkaz is not only architectural monuments. The city park is considered one of the most beautiful in Russia due to nature and engineering. The most romantic place is the Olginsky Bridge, brought from England in the 19th century, and next door is the first reinforced concrete bridge in Russia, which connected the banks of the Terek a hundred years ago. An architectural monument of Vladikavkaz, revived from the ashes, is the Russian Theater. This scene remembers the early stage sketches by Mikhail Bulgakov and the first productions by Evgeny Vakhtangov. nine0005

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  The creation of goldsmiths of the XIII century — “Golden Gates” in Suzdal. “Fire dragging” is a life-threatening craft. Gold was dissolved in mercury, applied to a copper surface and calcined. The names of the masters who created this unique structure have not been preserved by time. But the gates of the Nativity Cathedral themselves, like the temples of Suzdal, are recognized as a world heritage. The giant vault on an area of ​​338 meters without a single pillar is a man-made miracle of the Cross Chamber. The church, built by order of Ivan the Terrible in memory of his daughter Anna… Suzdal is a real city-museum in the open air. nine0005

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  City of the Dead. Dargavs Historical Center in Alanya. Visiting hours are set in each architectural and ethnographic complex, but “anyone who, out of idle curiosity, dares to enter the crypt, will pay with his life,” local belief helpfully warns. The locals never come to these places after sunset. 95 tombs from a distance resemble a mountain village, cut off from the rest of the world at the beginning of the 21st century. The Kolka glacier destroyed the road leading to the village, leaving only a life-threatening mountain serpentine. Perhaps to “not disturb the dead.” nine0005

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  Mr Veliky Novgorod. A thousand years and one century of the history of the city, the only Russian city that escaped decline in the 11th century. Behind the fortress walls, it was possible to preserve a unique world heritage – monuments of ancient Russian architecture of the pre-Mongolian period. The main Orthodox shrine is St. Sophia Cathedral. The oldest temple in Rus’, built by the Slavs by order of Prince Vladimir, son of Yaroslav the Wise. In total, the Museum-Reserve has 183 historical buildings and the ensemble of the Novgorod Kremlin – one large monument: from majestic white-stone churches to the 15th-century fortress moat. nine0063

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  Top 30 sights of Russia

  How many sights do you think are located on the territory of the largest country on the planet? We think no one will name the exact number, because there are so many amazingly beautiful and unique places in Russia!

  This country is rich in both natural and man-made attractions, it will surprise you with historical buildings and cultural traditions. In Russia, you can find both incredibly beautiful wooden temples and picturesque corners created by nature just for a pleasant stay. nine0005

  Of course, most of the tourists begin their acquaintance with Russia from Moscow and St. Petersburg, where the tourist infrastructure is especially well developed. However, today tours are becoming more and more popular, for example, on the lakes of Karelia, on Baikal and Altai.

  The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a short description.

  St. Basil’s Cathedral

  Probably the most famous Russian church, bright and unusual, a real visiting card not only of Moscow, but of the whole country. St. Basil’s Cathedral is remarkable not only for its location right on Red Square, but also for its history, architecture, original decoration and a collection of icons and church valuables. nine0005

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  The Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

  The Kremlin is not just an amazing historical building, but also a symbol of Russian power. It takes a very long time to talk about everything that can be seen on the expanses of Red Square and the Kremlin, this object is still the subject of study by scientists and creates new legends. Of course, visiting Russia and not visiting her heart would be a huge omission!

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  Lake Baikal

  Every schoolchild knows that Baikal is the deepest on the planet. But to say that this is just the deepest lake means not to note the amazing atmosphere and beauty of this place. Be sure to appreciate the purity of the blue ice of Lake Baikal, its amazingly tasty fish and just take a break from the bustle of the city alone with nature.

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  Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka

  This valley looks like it was transported from another planet. This is the most extensive territory with geysers in the world and the only one in all of Eurasia! If you want to see one of the Seven Wonders of Russia, take a helicopter tour, which is conducted according to strict rules and only under the supervision of a guide. nine0005

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  The architectural ensemble of Kizhi

  This amazing creation is located on an island on Lake Onega and is unique in its kind. The openwork church, built, just imagine, without a single nail, exclusively with an ax, the bell tower, a beautiful fence and the unique color of the Kizhi ensemble leave no one indifferent.

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  Kazan Kremlin

  This is not just a historical object of cultural heritage, but a museum-reserve, the only center of Tatar culture and traditions on the planet. The Kazan Kremlin has been perfectly preserved, retaining its unique features and appearance. This Tatar fortress is located in the very center of Kazan, so you definitely won’t pass by.

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  Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

  Built in the 16th century, the Kremlin in Novgorod surprises with impregnable walls with narrow loopholes, blind towers stretching for several levels, and fortifications. The Cathedral of the Archangel Michael is also located here. Until now, the Kremlin remains the cultural and administrative center of the city, there are two museums and the Center for Contemporary Art. nine0005

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  The Golden Ring of Russia

  Of course, this ring is symbolic, uniting eight ancient Russian cities. Routes along the Golden Ring have become very popular weekend tours, during which you can see the most interesting places in Suzdal, Vladimir, Rostov the Great and so on. Monasteries, churches, original souvenirs and simply beautiful nature will make a trip around the Golden Ring memorable and interesting.

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  Church of the Intercession on the Nerl

  A masterpiece of world architecture, an elegant building that stands on a meadow, in the place where the Nerl River joins the Klyazma. This architectural monument is surely called the most lyrical, unusual and beautiful. The temple, standing alone on the banks of the river, harmoniously blended into the surrounding nature, it seems to be an integral part of it.

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  State Tretyakov Gallery

  The largest Russian museum, which has collected a lot of masterpieces by Russian masters and not only. Starting with a private collection, today the Tretyakov Gallery is known throughout the world and is a federal museum. You can wander through the halls of this gallery for hours, and many paintings deserve a separate story, they are so important for world culture.

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  Hermitage

  This St. Petersburg museum celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2014 and is one of the most extensive collections of art masterpieces on the planet. The Hermitage collection contains more than 3 million exhibits, including not only paintings, but also sculptures, numismatics, archaeological artifacts, as well as objects of applied art. nine0005

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  Bolshoi Theater

  One of the most important opera and ballet theaters on the planet. The Bolshoi Theatre, which not so long ago “survived” a large-scale reconstruction, is located in the center of Moscow and attracts not only theater-goers, but also those who would just like to get to know its features and magnificent decoration. We warn you that it will not be easy to get tickets for the premiere at the Bolshoi Theater, and their price may unpleasantly surprise the provincials. nine0005

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  Peterhof

  Luxurious, truly royal residence near St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great, known for its parks and fountains, magnificent decoration of the Grand Palace and pavilions. The system of cascades and fountains of Peterhof is the largest in the world! Moreover, all the fountains are decorated in the same style, with numerous sculptures.

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  Stary Arbat street

  The most famous street in Moscow, sung by poets, writers and artists. Now the Arbat is the most touristic street in the capital, closed to cars and famous for its souvenir shops, shops, street musicians and artists. It is nice to sit in a cafe here, just take a walk along the street, which has retained its historical charm.

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  Mamaev Kurgan and the sculpture “Motherland Calls”

  Mamaev Kurgan during the Great Patriotic War played a very great strategic importance, became a place of bloody battles. Now there is a memorial complex here, the most noticeable part of which was the statue “Motherland Calls”. The complex has become the most visited in Russia, due to its location it is clearly visible from a distance of tens of kilometers. nine0005

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  Cable-stayed bridges in Vladivostok

  The need to build bridges that should connect different parts of Vladivostok, scattered along the banks of the Golden Horn, has been discussed for more than a hundred years. However, this large-scale project, which changed the face of the city, was only realized in 2012. Now Vladivostok is adorned with two of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the country, and the bridge to Russky Island with the longest span on the planet is included in the Guinness Book of Records. nine0005

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  Weathering pillars – Manpupuner

  The Manpupuner Plateau is located in the northern part of the Urals and is famous for its weathering pillars – massive stone statues created by nature. Now it is a reserve, which can be visited only on the basis of a special permit. The height of individual pillars reaches 42 meters; this place was important in the religious beliefs of the Mansi.

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  Kungurskaya Cave

  This is the pearl of the Urals – an ice cave, which is considered the most beautiful of all the gypsum caves on the planet. Today, the Kungur cave, located in the ancient city of the same name, is the only one in the country specially equipped for excursions. You can walk between the frozen “sculptures” of ice and stone, visit the restaurant at the entrance and stay right at the local hotel.

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  Volcanoes of Kamchatka

  It is noteworthy that the inhabitants of Kamchatka are not afraid of their volcanoes. They are not very active, decorating the landscape with their dark silhouettes. Which of the Kamchatka volcanoes is the most beautiful? You can argue about this for a very long time! Usually called Kronotsky, Koryaksky and Klyuchevsky volcanoes, which have become real symbols of the region, as the highest.

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  Lena Pillars

  This natural park is located in Yakutia, on the Lena River. Boat tours along the majestic pillars created by nature, simply striking in their size and unusual appearance, are very popular. In general, the complex consists of two separate sections, occupying a total area of ​​about 81,000 hectares. nine0005

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  Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station

  This is already a landmark, if you can call it the largest human-made hydroelectric power station in the country. It took a very long time to build the Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP, faced with such difficulties as cracks in the dam. In 2009, a major accident occurred at the station, and it was only possible to restore it in the fall of 2014.

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  Kul Sharif Mosque

  According to legend, after the Russian troops took Kazan in the 16th century, the mosque was burned to the ground, and Kul Sharif himself, the warrior and prophet of Muhammad, was killed. However, the outlines of that mosque remained, which simply amazed the conquerors. As a result, Ivan the Terrible repeated them in St. Basil’s Cathedral. The mosque in Kazan was rebuilt and opened in 2005 and has now become an ornament of the whole city.

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  Shikhans in Bashkiria

  This is the highest rocky massif of the entire Upper Urals, three mountains that appear to be warriors protecting this region – Kush-Tau, Tra-Tau and Yurak-Tau, the three brothers of Shikhan. The fourth mountain was almost completely used in the extraction of raw materials for the plant in Sterlitamak. Shikhany in Bashkiria are known for their wonderful nature and amazing geology – they are from coral reefs, because the Ural Sea once raged here. nine0005

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  Elbrus

  The highest mountain in Russia. And if we take into account the fact that there is still no clear border between Europe and Asia, then throughout the European territory. Of course, not everyone can climb its 5642 meters, but the surroundings of Elbrus still enjoy the glory of one of the most beautiful regions of Russia, with its ancient history and special atmosphere.

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  Trans-Siberian Railway

  The Trans-Siberian is the longest railway line on the planet. This highway stretches for 9298 kilometers! Almost across the country. The Trans-Siberian Railway connects the European part of Russia with Siberia and the Far Eastern regions, plays a huge role in the history and economy of the country. The construction of the Transsib began back in 1891, so now the authorities intend to reconstruct the line.

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  Golden mountains of Altai

  Steppes and tundra, semi-deserts and mountains, pristine lakes and amazing caves, fast rivers and alpine meadows are united in this stretch of vast expanses of Russia. In the Golden Mountains of Altai, cedar forests have been preserved, it is here that the highest mountain of Siberia – Belukha, the Altai pearl – Lake Teletskoye and a lot of other interesting things are located.

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  Stolby Reserve25 year. The main feature of the reserve is the cliffs that rise above the taiga, surprising with their variety of shapes and colors, as well as sizes – up to 100 meters. The nature of the Stolby reserve is very beautiful and diverse, which attracts tourists.

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  Wrangel Island

  One of the most remote nature reserves not only in Russia, but throughout the world, is located in the Arctic and is primarily known as a favorite place for polar bears, whose females breed their cubs here. In winter, Wrangel Island is very deserted, but in summer, on a polar day, you can come to admire the untouched nature of the Arctic. nine0005

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  Cruiser Aurora

  It makes no sense to describe the most famous Russian ship. Everyone who studied in a Soviet school is well aware of the song dedicated to him, and the history, and participation in the 1917 revolution. Now it is a museum cruiser, which has now left the “eternal parking” and went to the shipyards for a major overhaul. The Aurora should return to the berth of the northern capital in 2016.

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  Pole of Cold Oymyakon

  Yakutia is the coldest of all inhabited regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It was the settlement of Oymyakon that was recognized as the coldest place – the temperature here dropped to minus 71.2 degrees! In honor of this, a memorial sign, the so-called “Pole of Cold”, was erected. At the same time, already at minus 50 degrees, local residents hear the “whisper of the stars”, a noise that looks more like wind or falling grains.