Important places in history: Historical Places In The World To Add To Your Bucket-List
Historical Places In The World To Add To Your Bucket-List
Over the millennia of years of human history, we have observed how the world is filled with mind-blowing man-made historical sites and wonders. And, to choose only a few from these amazing historical places is quite a challenge. All of these world heritage sites are nothing less than incredible. Built by ancient civilizations, each monument or landmark holds an integral piece of history. They not only capture the world’s imagination because of their beauty and human ingenuity behind them but also because of the distinctive window into the past that each everlasting location provides. But, don’t worry! You don’t need to be Nicolas Cage in ‘National Treasure’ or Indiana Jones to explore these pieces of history. If you are curious about glimpsing the past, here are our picks of the nine most stunning historical places in the world that are rightfully UNESCO World Heritage sites as well.
Take A Look At The Best Historical Places In The World
1. The Abandoned Granite Walls Of Machu Picchu, Peru
This magnificent Incan city is perched 2,430 metres above sea level between two towering peaks in the Andes. While the intricate stone ruins of Machu Picchu are the work of 15th-century Inca rulers, its natural setting is what makes it so alluring. As you reach the citadel, you’ll get to see the famous Huayna Picchu backdrop, lush green spreads and a barrier of Andean peaks, all making you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret. Set atop the flattened peak of a mountain, this Ancient Wonder of the World is thought to have been built to study astronomical elements. This historic site is also known for its sparkling granite walls, erected without mortar, and of course its spectacular views.
Also Read: A guide to trekking To The Famous Machu Picchu
2. The Largest Man-made Structure: The Pyramids At Giza, Egypt
You can find pyramids around the world.
You cannot have a list of the best historical places in the world without mentioning the pyramids of Giza. Constructed by the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, between 2550 and 2490 BC, these iconic monuments are recognised by UNESCO for their political and architectural significance. Built to last for eternity, the Giza Pyramid complex constitutes three large pyramids, three smaller pyramids, several cemeteries, a worker’s village, palaces, as well as the sculpture of the Great Sphinx. The pharaohs believed that they would become gods in the afterlife and therefore filled these pyramids with everything they would need for their lives there. However, these pyramids are now devoid of their treasures (they are now in museums or with private collectors across the world), but the structures are still a sight to behold. This historical place in Egypt is truly a marvel of human engineering, and hence known as one of the most famous tourist attractions in the modern world.
Also Read: Things To See In Cairo That Aren’t Mummies Or Pyramids
3. The Lost City Of Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The sprawling temple complex of Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman II, of southeast Asia’s former Khmer empire in the 12th century. Comprising 12 main temples and scores of smaller structures, along with the largest religious monument in the world Angkor Wat, this temple complex is spread across approximately 400 acres in northwestern Cambodia.
The Angkor Archaeological Park, which was once the heart of the massive capital city of the Khmer empire, consists of a network of stone temples that are decorated with intricate carvings of devatas (Hindu deities). Located 3.4 miles north of Siem Reap, one can visit the UNESCO-protected ruins to see the many remnants from the Khmer empire, including forest villages that are still inhabited.
Also Read: See These Beautiful Hindu Temples From Around The World
4. The Longest Man-made Structure: Great Wall Of China, China
You must’ve seen this historical site in many postcards and pictures. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stone and earth fortification was originally conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the third century BC. It took more than 2,500 years to build the complete Great Wall, which snakes almost 12,500 miles along China’s forested ridges. It was primarily constructed as a formidable protective barrier against invading Mongols. A marvel of engineering and a triumph of human ingenuity, the Great Wall Of China is the longest man-made structure in the world. The main body of this structure consists of walls, watchtowers, horse tracks, fortresses and passes.
5. The Rose City Of Petra, Jordan
This unfathomable 147-foot-tall facade chiselled into Jordan’s mountainside is all the more remarkable when you learn that it dates back to the first century B.C. Once the capital of the Nabataean Empire of King Aretas, Petra, also known as the Rose City, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The city, located in southern Jordan, was established sometime around the 6th century BC. It’s one of the world’s richest and largest archaeological sites, all carved in the region’s spectacular red sandstone. Set against a dominating red sandstone landscape, the city lives up to the hype with its honeycomb of hand-hewn caves, temples, and tombs. Don’t forget to check out the 4,000 seat amphitheatre, the El Deir monastery along with intricate tunnels and water chambers that show the enormous sophistication of the Nabataean people.
Also Read: The Top 10 Things To Do On Your Visit To Jordan
6. The Mystery Of Stonehenge, UK
Dating back to 2500 B.C.E., this prehistoric monument is still the topic of mystery and debate today. The reason behind the creation of this ring of 30-feet-tall standing stones is still unknown. Located in the English county of Wiltshire, this iconic monument is composed of a circular setting of large standing stones in the earth. It is at the centre of the densest complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, including hundreds of burial mounds. While some archaeologists believe that ancient Britons constructed the site for religious ceremonies, some believe that these structures were used to study the movements of the sun and the moon. Today, the structure is fenced off, and so you cannot go into the circle. However, you can take a walk around this historic place while listening to its impressive audio tour. Of these historical places in the world, Stonehenge is one of the most mysterious, as people are still trying to unravel what its purpose once was.
7. The Iconic Moai Statues Of Easter Island, Chile
Moais in Rapa Nui National Park on the slopes of Rano Raruku volcano on Easter Island, Chile.
This small, remote volcanic island with rolling hills and a lush carpet of palm trees, is located 2,200 miles off the coast of Chile and is known for its 900 giant monolithic statues. The island was named by 18th-century Dutch explorers and is a special territory of Chile. These gigantic statues were chiselled around 900 years ago by the Rapa Nui civilization of eastern Polynesia ( the original inhabitants of this island) to pay tribute to their ancestors. These carved figurines, known as Moai are made from a soft volcanic rock called tuff. However, today no one knows how anyone managed to move the mammoth blocks of stone—each 13 feet tall and weighing 14 tons—to form these ceremonial structures around the island.
Also Read: Popular And Quirky Festivals Of Chile Worth Travelling For
8. The Largest Amphitheatre Ever Built: The Colosseum, Italy
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Known as one of the most iconic sights of both Rome and the Roman empire, the Colosseum was built between 70 and 80 AD. While this spectacular structure was used for almost 500 years for gladiatorial matches, executions, battle reenactments, and other public spectacles, it has been inactive since the sixth century. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the oval structure measures 620 by 513 feet and can host over 50,000 spectators, making it the largest amphitheatre ever built. Visitors from around the world come to admire the remnants of a civilization that once controlled most of the known world. The Colosseum is one of the most iconic Roman sites in the world, but today almost two-thirds of this historical place has been destroyed due to weather, natural disaster, neglect, and vandalism.
Also Read: Take A Virtual Tour Of The 7 Wonders Of The World
9. An Ode To Love: Taj Mahal, India
Universally admired, the Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum which was built between 1632 and 1648. This symbolic masterpiece was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Standing on the banks of the Yamuna rover in Agra, the Taj Mahal is an outstanding example of Muslim architecture. This marvel was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, and is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Often called a monument to enduring love, the Taj Mahal complex includes stunning formal gardens, raised pathways, sunken flower beds, and an iconic reflecting pool. The white mausoleum glows in the golden rays of dawn and dusk, but in moonlight, it shines like a luminescent pearl.
Also Read: Travel Hacks And Tips For Visiting The Taj Mahal
Delve Into The Past With These Breathtaking Historical Sites
With the above mentioned historical places in the world, you get to experience a part of humanity’s story. You get a deep understanding of history, power, commonalities, and shared experiences. So plan a trip to visit these beautiful landmarks around the world and tell us all about your experiences in the comments section below!
20 Oldest Places for Exploring History in America (2023 Guide) – Trips To Discover
By
K.C. Dermody
Our research is editorially independent but we
may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
If you’re a history buff, you don’t have to travel overseas to explore fascinating sights. While not everything on this list is old in the European sense, dating back thousands of years, the United States is home to a number of ancient sites that pre-date the country’s birth as well as places that have played an important role in American history over the last several hundred years, including these.
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The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
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The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
Best Places to Stay
The Alamo is one of America’s most famous historic sites, attracting over 2.5 million visitors each year. This is the place where an epic 13-day siege took place during the Texas Revolution. One can pay homage to the men who fought Mexican General Santa Anna’s army, including defenders like Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett through exhibits that detail the fort’s role during the war, as well as its past as a Native American burial ground and the Mission San Antonio de Valero. While many of the complex’s original buildings are gone, visitors can explore the Long Barrack, which features a museum detailing the history of Texas, and the mission church with displays of battle artifacts, including weapons and paintings.
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville, Illinois
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Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville, Illinois
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville, Illinois
Best Places to Stay
The largest and most complex archaeological site north of Mexico’s great pre-Columbian cities, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is directly across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Mo. This was the site of the most advanced prehistoric native civilization to have existed north of Mexico, inhabited between 700 and 1400 AD, believed to have a population of up to 20,000 at its peak in the mid-11th-century when it stretched for six square miles. Excavations have revealed that the town, occupied by the Cahokia tribe in the 1600s, was rather sophisticated, with thatched-roof homes surrounding a number of plazas. Other discoveries have indicated there were flat-topped temples and burial mounds as well as religious symbols found on pottery, stones and copper that provide evidence of occasional human sacrifices. Guided tours along with educational programs and an interpretive center are available to the public.
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Best Places to Stay
Washington is paradise for history loving travelers, with practically an endless amount of museums exhibiting art and artifacts from every American era, as well as memorials that enshrine the country’s greatest leaders. This is the home of amazing art galleries as well as dozens of historical landmarks that cover everything from the civil war to civil rights. You could spend years visiting this treasure trove of U.S. history, including the U.S. Capitol, in and around the National Mall, the White House, the Smithsonian Museums, and the Washington Monument. To enjoy a White House tour, book at least six weeks in advance, but if you forget, you can always explore the White House Visitor Center that houses fascinating artifacts like the desk FDR used during his Fireside Chats.
French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
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French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
Best Places to Stay
There are few better places in all of America to experience history than in the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Take a walk through the district — bounded by the Mississippi River, Rampart Street and Canal and Esplanade — and you’ll view lots of intriguing architecture, like Creole cottages built on stilts, French colonial townhouses draped in ivy and grand antebellum mansions with balconies laced with intricate ironwork. Here you can almost feel the cultures clashing, meeting and merging in this focal point of American history. As the French Quarter is meant to be explored by foot, you might want to start in Jackson Square, with its patch of spectacular moss-covered oaks and striking statue of Andrew Jackson. Stop in at Café Du Monde for its delectable signature beignets and take advantage of a beautiful photo-op at the Spanish Colonial- and Renaissance-style St. Louis Cathedral.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Best Places to Stay
51,000 union and Confederate soldiers died here in July 1863 during the three-day battle at Gettysburg — the bloodiest conflict of the Civil War. It was so traumatic, that four months later, President Abraham Lincoln eulogized the fallen Union Troops in his Gettysburg Address, which would become the most famous speech in American history. The museum and visitor center offers a comprehensive preview, including a film narrated by Morgan Freeman. After a tour of the battlefield, head to the national cemetery at sundown, one of the most revered sites in the nation. This is also known as one of the most haunted places in the U.S., particularly the battlefield, with numerous sightings of ghost soldiers and the sounds of battle heard. Ghostly encounters are also common in the period buildings that surround the battlefield, including the Farnsworth House Inn and at Gettysburg College.
St Augustine, Florida
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St Augustine, Florida
St Augustine, Florida
Best Places to Stay
The oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America was founded by the Spanish in 1565, after explorer Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed on its shores and named them after the Roman saint, Augustine. While Timucua Indians had previously settled here, St. Augustine became the first European settlement, later ruled by the British before becoming part of the United States. Many historic buildings still stand and can be visited today, like the Castillo de San Marcos, the historic city gate and the Plaza de la Constitucion. You can even walk in Aviles’ steps at the place where he came ashore near the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park just north of Castillo de San Marcos. For a good overview of the city, consider joining one of the many tours, like the Old Town Trolley historic tour. When you’ve had your fill of history, check out the beautiful beaches nearby.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Best Places to Stay
You’ll see the influence of Ben Franklin all over the City of Brotherly Love, including Independence Hall where he and other colonial leaders met and wrote the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Of course you can also pay homage to the famously cracked Liberty Bell and bite into a classic Philly cheesesteak in South Philly, but to really understand why this history still matters today, visit the National Constitution Center — an interactive, multi-media museum, the revamped Benjamin Franklin Museum and the President’s House, a recreated look at the one-time home of Washington and Adams, when Philadelphia was the nation’s capital. If you want a more in-depth look at Independence Hall, join the Independence After Hours tour that includes an appearance by Thomas Jefferson and dinner at City Tavern – an 18th-century tavern with award-winning cuisine.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Best Places to Stay
Santa Fe was settled by the Spanish in 1607, more than a decade before Plymouth Colony was established. It was declared the New Mexico capital in 1610 by Governor Don Pedro de Peralta, making Santa Fe the oldest capital city in the nation. Today, it also claims to have the oldest public building in the U.S., the Palace of Governors, built in 1610, and the oldest community celebration, Santa Fe Fiesta, started back in 1712. Santa Fe is easily explored on foot, where you can wander through the winding streets lined with adobe-style buildings that house boutiques, art galleries, historic sites and museums.
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
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Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico
Best Places to Stay
Just a two-hour drive north from Santa Fe at the northern edge of Taos, Taos Pueblo is a set of adobe dwellings, ranging from two- to five-stories tall, with walls that gleam in the sunshine of the high desert. It’s one of a group of settlements in the valleys of the Rio Grande and its tributaries, which have survived to the present day, offer a unique insight into the culture of the first Americans. It’s similar to the settlements of ancient Pueblo peoples at spots like Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon, and continues to be a thriving community today. This sixth-century-old settlement is still used by the Tiwa-speaking people who live on the adjacent reservation for ceremonial rites, like Deer and Matachines Dances, typically performed to heavy drum beats. The pueblo is open to the public for guided walking tours, shopping and fry bread eating.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
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San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Best Places to Stay
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the U.S., which means U.S. citizens can travel there without a passport. Not only does it offer the quintessential Caribbean experience, including relaxing and enjoying beautiful beaches, but history buffs will love it too. Old San Juan, a National Historic Landmark District, is a walled city of cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture, and the massive fortress of El Morro and governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza, are among Puerto Rico’s most popular attractions. One of its earliest structures, La Casa Blanca, formerly the home of Ponce de Léon’s family, offers interpretive tours. Meanwhile, the 1540 Cathedral de San Juan Bautista, the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere, contains the tomb of first governor, Ponce de Léon.
Salem, Massachusetts
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Salem, Massachusetts
Salem, Massachusetts
Best Places to Stay
Salem is home to the oldest continuously operating museum, the Peabody Essex Museum, which opened in 1799 when museums were officially known as a “cabinet of natural and artificial curiosities. ” It was a group of sea captains that founded the East India Marine Society with a specific charter provision to collect such specimens, the legacy becoming this fascinating museum that holds 1.8 million pieces of maritime, Asian, African, Indian, and Oceanic art plus historic buildings, including the Qing Dynasty Yin Yu Tang house. Salem was the hub of the China Trade, and once one of the East Coast’s major ports, with its streets still lined by stately homes built for wealthy merchants and sea captains. It also has literary connections as the birthplace and home of Nathaniel Hawthorne, in addition to being the site of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, which can be experienced through re-creations today.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
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Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Best Places to Stay
The village of Plymouth was founded in 1620 and is best known as the site of the landing of the Pilgrims who were fleeing religious persecution in Britain. Visitors can view Plymouth Rock, which marks the spot of their landing – and while there is some dispute about the rock and its significance, it does represent the settlement of New England and the second permanent colony in America. But there is a lot more to see. Hop aboard the Mayflower, a full-scale replica of the ship, complete with exhibits and tours led by costumed guides. At Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum, you can see Plymouth just as it was in the 17th-century.
Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown, Virginia
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Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and York Town, Virginia
Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg and Yorktown, Virginia
Best Places to Stay
These three towns make up Virginia’s “History Triangle.” Jamestown is the site of the first permanent settlement in the Americas, founded back in 1607. At Historic Jamestowne, you can explore the Glasshouse to learn about the country’s earliest industries and see ongoing archaeological discoveries of the fort as well as thousands of artifacts unearthed on display in the Nathalie P. and Alan M. Voorhees Archaearium. Explore a world-class living history museum that re-creates life in Jamestown colony at Jamestown Settlement, and watch history come alive in Colonial Williamsburg, where costumed characters act out the details of life in the early years of America.
Yorktown saw one of the most pivotal battles of the American Revolution. Here, you can step back in time at the Yorktown Battlefield and Visitor Center. The Yorktown Victory Center is a living history museum of the American Revolution, with indoor galleries and exhibits as well as a re-created military encampment outside that depicts life in the military during Colonial times.
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
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Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Best Places to Stay
Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado is home to some of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in the U.S., with nearly 5,000 found within its boundaries, including 600 ancient Pueblo cliff dwellings. Trace the ancient footsteps of ancestral Puebloans who once lived here, including Cliff Palace with its 150 rooms and 23 kivas. The 40-room Balcony House features well-preserved rooms, kivas and plazas that stand as a tribute to those who built and occupied the site in the 13th century.
Boston, Massachusetts
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Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts
Best Places to Stay
The “Birthplace of the American Revolution” is a city of American firsts, home to the first public park, the first library, first public school and first subway system. On the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, you can experience some of its most famous landmarks like Faneuil Hall, the Old South Meeting House and the Old North Church, strolling the same cobblestone streets as the revolutionaries and puritans. As strolling the walkable trail is sure to work up an appetite, stop by the Green Dragon Tavern, which has had the likes of John Hancock and Paul Revere as regulars.
Charleston, South Carolina
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Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Best Places to Stay
With its charming cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages, Charleston feels like a time capsule. Walk around The Battery, viewing Fort Sumter in the distance, and you might think you really have stepped back into a spectacular antebellum world. Get a glimpse of 19th-century Southern high society by touring the Calhoun Mansion and the Nathaniel Russell House, and view a piece of living history at the McLeod Plantation Historic Site, focused on the lives of slaves who worked here, as well as being the site of a 6th-century oak tree. Charleston offers numerous outstanding dining options too, including McCrady’s, housed in a Georgian mansion where George Washington once dined.
Savannah, Georgia
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Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
Best Places to Stay
This grand historic town revolves around magnificent antebellum architecture set alongside the Savannah River among enormous live oak trees draped with Spanish moss. It preserves its past with elegance and pride that can be seen throughout the beautiful mansions, Colonial public buildings and cotton warehouses. Some of the city’s most interesting historical structures can be found at Old Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski National Monument. Its historic cemeteries are also a great way to discover Savannah’s early history, particularly Bonaventure, which dates back to the 1800s, while Colonial Park Cemetery in the Historic District was established in the mid-18th century and hosts more than 900 graves. A number of the city’s original houses of worship remain intact and are open to the public, like the First African Baptist Church, one of the country’s oldest black churches.
San Francisco, California
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San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California
Best Places to Stay
While many tourists hum the “San Francisco treat” tune while riding the city’s famed cable cars, San Francisco is truly a treat for history buffs from the architectural achievement of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Presidio military outpost that dates back to the Spanish era and the Officers Club, established in 1776, which recently opened as a museum. If you want to relive the city’s more recent, but especially colorful 20th-century history, take the Wild SF Walking Tour that covers the Beat Generation’s old stomping grounds and the artists of the Mission District.
New York City, New York
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New York City, New York
New York City, New York
Best Places to Stay
While the Big Apple is fantastic for its forward-looking culture, with a multitude of cutting-edge art galleries and theater, it also offers the opportunity for an in-depth look at America’s history. Enjoy theatrical history by seeing a concert at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, and head to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to explore the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and the Peopling of America Center, which extends the story of immigration under the iconic green lady. Trinity Church, overlooking Wall Street, dates back to 1696 when the land was granted for a worship space – the first church service was held in 1698.
The New York Historical Society is a lesser-known historical landmark just across the street from the National History Museum. Its fourth floor is filled with historical artifacts dating from the pre-revolutionary war period and as current as artifacts from 9/11. The museum was actually New York’s first, having been founded in 1804 and is the best resource for anyone who wants to learn about the history of this great city.
Baltimore, Maryland
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jepoirrier
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland
Best Places to Stay
The famous Fort McHenry is known for successfully defending Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the national anthem. Baltimore offers much to delight the history enthusiast, from the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, Federal Hill and the Edgar Allan Poe House. America’s history can also be discovered here on national historical trails, tiny row houses and gilded-age mansions. The city is home to its own Washington Monument too, the first one built for the father of our country – and, if you’d like to delve into Baltimore’s literary history, saddle up to the bar at The Horse You Came In On, the last place where its native son Edgar Allen Poe was seen alive in 1849.
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Popular Stories
20 main sights of Europe
As you know, Europe is one huge tourist center. Here are the most famous sights in the world that any person who has not even been interested in travel has heard of. Based on numerous ratings and surveys, we have compiled a list of the 20 most important, famous and important attractions in this unique part of the world.
1. Parthenon (Athens, Greece)
The main architectural landmark of Greece is the ancient Greek temple Parthenon, built in 438 BC and being the center of the Athenian acropolis. Today, it is one of the most famous monuments of ancient culture.
2. Colosseum (Rome, Italy)
The Colosseum is one of the most important attractions not only in Europe, but throughout the world. This is the oldest amphitheater where gladiatorial fights took place. The history of the Colosseum goes back almost 2000 years. Located in the “eternal city” – Rome. Every traveler is obliged to visit the Colosseum and touch the centuries-old history.
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3. Eiffel Tower (Paris, France)
According to many tourists, the Eiffel Tower is the main attraction of Europe. Indeed, who has not heard of her and does not know what she looks like? You can say whatever you want, but there is one curious fact: the Eiffel Tower is the most visited and most photographed landmark in the world! From its opening in 1889 until 2008, 236 million people visited it!
4. Edinburgh Castle (Edinburgh, Scotland)
The 900-year-old castle in the Scottish capital – Edinburgh, is one of the most popular attractions in Europe. It is truly a unique place with a unique atmosphere.
5. Sagrada Familia (Barcelona, Spain)
The capital of Spanish Catalonia – Barcelona, in addition to its beautiful beaches, boasts unique architectural objects.
The most important of them is the Sagrada Familia, designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí, who had a hand in many of Barcelona’s sights. An interesting fact is that the temple began to be built in 1882, and its construction is still going on! And its end is not to be seen even in the next 10 years.
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6. Stonehenge (England)
The most famous archaeological site in the world is the mysterious Stonehenge, which, apparently, is more than 5000 years old. Stonehenge is located 130 km from London. Scientists still cannot come to a consensus about what is the true purpose of this object.
7. St. Peter’s Cathedral (Vatican)
The main architectural dominant of the Vatican – the smallest state in the world, located within the city of Rome – St. Peter’s Cathedral. It is the largest historical Christian church in the world. At the sight of the cathedral, everyone’s breath stops. Almost two dozen architects of different generations worked on it, including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and many others.
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8. Buckingham Palace (London, England)
The residence of British monarchs for almost two centuries – Buckingham Palace – ” London and all of the UK.
9. Moscow Kremlin (Moscow, Russia)
Fortress in the center of Moscow, the largest city in Europe by population, residence of the President of the Russian Federation. The Kremlin is the “heart” of the great and mighty Russia and the pride of all its citizens – you and me. And not only we admire the Kremlin, but also people from all over the world.
10. Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa, Italy)
Of course, this list must also include the famous “leaning” tower – the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the Italian city of Pisa. It is noteworthy that for several years now, contrary to its name, the tower no longer falls. These are the results of many years of work to strengthen its foundation. If these works had not been carried out, then in a few decades, the tower would finally have really collapsed and the world-famous landmark would have disappeared from the face of the Earth forever.
11. Louvre (Paris, France)
The Louvre is one of the largest and most popular museums in the world, located in Paris. The Louvre has collections from all over the world.
12. Big Ben (London, England)
An almost 100-meter tower with a huge clock installed on it – Big Ben – the most famous attraction in London.
13. Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Mosque (Istanbul, Turkey)
Sultanahmet, or Blue Mosque – visiting card of Istanbul. It is considered an outstanding image of Islamic architecture. Every year, it is this attraction that attracts thousands and thousands of tourists of absolutely any faith to Istanbul: both Muslims and Christians.
14. The building of the Hungarian Parliament (Budapest, Hungary)
Budapest is rightfully one of the 10 most beautiful cities in Europe, despite its youth. The hallmark of the city is an outstanding architectural structure – the Hungarian Parliament Building, which combines neo-Gothic and Beaux-Arts elements.
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More about the Hungarian Parliament Building…
15. Neuschwanstein Castle (Bavaria, Germany)
One of the most famous castles in the world – Neuschwanstein, located in southern Germany, in Bavaria. It was founded by order of the Bavarian king Ludwig II. History, description and photos of the castle – in a separate article Neuschwanstein.
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16. Dubrovnik Old Town, Dubrovnik
The historical center of Dubrovnik, surrounded by fortifications and located on the steep coast of the Adriatic Sea. According to UNESCO, Dubrovnik, along with Venice and Amsterdam, is one of the three most beautiful cities in Europe.
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17. Atomium (Brussels, Belgium)
The Atomium is a landmark that stands out from the rest with its modern and unusual design. This building was opened in Brussels in 1958 and is a kind of symbol of the atomic age and the peaceful use of atomic energy. The height of the Atomium is 102 meters. At first, there were talks about demolishing this building, since it does not fit into the general architectural ensemble of the city. However, the Atomium soon became the main symbol of Brussels, eclipsing the most popular Manneken Pis.
18. Charles Bridge (Prague, Czech Republic)
“Visiting card” of the capital of the Czech Republic – Prague – Charles Bridge, named after Emperor Charles IV, who in 1357 ordered to build through the main water artery of Prague – the Vltava , a stone bridge. Thus began the history of this famous building. Today it is one of the most romantic places in Prague, attracting millions of tourists. More about Charles Bridge…
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great Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible. Undoubtedly, it is the main monument and symbol of Russian architecture, attracting millions of foreign tourists.
20. Tower Bridge (London, England)
Another famous attraction in London that can compete for the title of the most popular with Big Ben. It is a drawbridge with two towers, 65 meters high, made in the Gothic style.
20 main sights of Europe – video
1. Singapore Stone
You must have heard of the Rosetta stone. So, the Singapore stone looked like its older brother. A colossal boulder, three meters high and 3 meters wide, was located at the mouth of the Singapore River, and no one could decipher the ancient inscriptions made on it.
Today we are almost certain that it was a 10th-14th century variant of Old Sumatran, but to the people who discovered it in 1819 it was a completely incomprehensible language. The stone was a very important find and was considered sacred.
But we blew it up. In 1843, the British Army requisitioned the land on which the stone was located in order to build a fort. Instead of taking the stone to the British Museum or some other safe place, they smashed it to pieces and used the pieces as building material.
Although several fragments of were saved by and are now in the National Museum of Singapore, the sacred site was destroyed and most of the text is lost forever. Was it evidence of an ancient victory, a local legend, or just a record of everyday life? We will never know this again.
2. Cypress “Senator”
3,500 years ago, a cypress seed fell on the land of present-day Florida and took root. It sprouted and over the next three and a half millennia turned into a 36-meter tree. This giant saw the birth of Jesus Christ, the rise of Columbus, the collapse of Wall Street and the fall of the Berlin Wall…
In 2012, local drug addict Sarah Barnes climbed a cypress tree while under the influence of drugs. When it got dark, she decided to light a fire, which instantly did what a fire usually does to a tree, and the situation got out of hand.
According to emergency services, the Senator burst into flames like a torch and turned into a pile of ash in a couple of hours. Barnes was arrested and sentenced to prison. She told her friends that she couldn’t believe that she “burned a tree older than Jesus.”
3. Paradise Nauru
The tiny island nation of Nauru is best known today as a place of detention for criminals. Only a hundred years ago it was better known as “paradise”. When it was first discovered by Europeans in the 18th century, the island was so lush and dense with tropical vegetation that they officially named it “Pleasant Island”. Even today, the photographs of its beaches are so beautiful that they could easily be mistaken for a montage.
Now Nauru looks like a pile of stones, devoid of any signs of life. Unfortunately for the inhabitants of the island, their country was directly above one of the largest deposits of phosphates on Earth. After 1900, due to the actions of the colonial powers, the island completely lost any vegetation. When the state of Nauru declared its independence in the 1960s, the new government continued to mine the island’s phosphates, leaving behind a desert where nothing could grow anymore.
Although physically Nauru still exists, what made the sailors who discovered it fall in love with this place is gone forever.
4. Atacama Archaeological Sites
The Atacama Desert is the driest place on Earth. Due to the lack of moisture, fragile pre-Columbian artifacts and drawings have been perfectly preserved there to this day. Some dunes have even retained 90,005 traces of the winds that shaped them 18,000 years ago! The last thing you want to do with these unique hills is drive over them. But this is exactly what the participants of the Dakar rally did in 2009year.
Previously, this race was held in Africa, but after terrorist threats in 2008, the venue was moved to South America. Unfortunately, the organizers did not consider it necessary to explore the route well, and this led to the destruction of six unique Atacama monuments. From the ancient geoglyphs – drawings that can only be seen from a great height – only traces of car tires remained. The pre-Columbian hunter-gatherer camp was destroyed and reduced to dust. And many other important objects are marked with irreparable damage.
Worse, the tracks of the next races brought even more destruction. According to the Santiago Times, 44% of archaeological sites were irreparably damaged as a result of the races. So the cultural heritage of the Atacama turned into ruins.
5. Tomb of Prophet Jonah
In Mosul, the final resting place of the Old Testament prophet Jonah, swallowed by a whale, was a pilgrimage destination for both Muslims and Christians. It is also a favorite site for archaeologists, as the oldest parts of the tomb complex date back to the eighth century BC. But all this did not stop the leaders of the ISIS group (“Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant”), who, after looking at this priceless historical monument, solved it explode .
In July 2014, ISIS troops entered the mosque above the grave while praying and ordered everyone to leave. Then they planted explosives and completely destroyed the monument and several neighboring buildings. According to their ultra-strict understanding of Islam, they saved those present from worshiping a false idol. But in the understanding of all mankind, they deprived us of an invaluable cultural treasure.
Apparently, the destruction of cultural property is considered by ISIS to be its supreme mission. In February 2015, they blew up a 2,700-year-old ancient Nineveh wall, setting much of Iraq’s history on fire and destruction.
6. City of Benin
Until the 19th century, the city of Benin was one of the greatest places on Earth. Portuguese merchants testified that this city with large ornate houses and streets was larger even than Lisbon. The Oba Palace in the city center was so beautiful that the Dutch engravers depicted it with the same accuracy with which they portrayed Florence, without missing a single turret or detail of the cityscape. Many Europeans admired him as much as they admired their cities. But then the British came and burned it to the ground.
In 1892, the British signed an agreement with the rulers of Benin, giving them the right to use the land. But when the government of Benin refused to comply with British trade demands, ten soldiers were sent from London to pacify them. All ten died. In response, the British gathered an army armed to the teeth and sent to Benin.
In the course of fierce battles that lasted 17 days, the palace of Oba was destroyed, the city was plundered, and the fire practically left no stone unturned. It was worse than such a death in the fire of Paris or Athens, because no one cared about this tragedy.
7. Lake Urmia
Back in the 1990s, Lake Urmia in Iran was a tourist paradise. Known for its azure waters and hundreds of islands that are home to all sorts of exotic animals, it attracted crowds of tourists from all over the globe. Some bathed, were treated with healing mud, others came to admire flocks of flamingos. The lake the size of Luxembourg was known as one of the natural wonders of the world. Today is a wasteland.
Due to highly dubious government policies comparable to those that destroyed the Aral Sea, Lake Urmia is on the brink of extinction. Its waters have receded so far that the boats that have become unnecessary are rusting on scorched earth, and all the animals that lived here have long since left.
In its place, toxic salt storms now rage, destroying everything, sowing death in their path. Although the Iranian government has pledged billions of dollars to restore the lake, no one seriously expects them to keep their promise.
8. Meyers Cave
15,000 years ago, a group of cavemen living in the southwest of present-day France decided to paint on the walls of Meyriers Cave. The result of this creative impulse were two cave paintings of a buffalo, made with incredible skill and a sense of beauty. Although these works of art could not be compared with the impressive drawings of the Chauvet cave, they were in amazingly good condition and were considered priceless. Only until the moment when, unfortunately, they attracted the attention of local virtues.
In the spring of 1992, a local Protestant youth club decided to do a good deed by clearing graffiti from some nearby caves. Armed with metal brushes and a lot of ignorance, 70 teenagers descended into Meyriers Cave and began to scrape off prehistoric art. The drawings are destroyed, the French officials are furious, and the youth group that did this was awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for 90,005 contributions to the destruction of the legacy of our past.
9. Ancient Syrian monuments
Today, Syria, which is in the fire of a terrible war, is destroyed to the ground. Along with the monstrous loss of life, this war robbed the world of more treasures than any other military conflict in modern times.
Almost at the very beginning of hostilities, the historical cities of Damascus and Aleppo were damaged, turning them into ruins. In 2012, a fire passed through the ancient Aleppo bazaar, destroying one of the most important trading posts on the Great Silk Road.
A year later, the UNESCO-protected Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers comes under air attack and the ancient minaret of the Great Mosque of Aleppo is razed to the ground after 1,000 years of existence. The war is an excellent cover for 90,005 professional grave robbers, 90,006 who have plundered many priceless historical monuments so that nothing remains of them.
In December 2014, the UN announced that ,300 cultural heritage sites had been damaged or completely destroyed across the country. ISIS, which is bombing cultural monuments in the north of the country, only increases the number of irreparable losses every day.
10. All in Saudi Arabia
We have already told you about the strange transformation of Mecca into a kind of Las Vegas of the Middle East. But even this cannot be compared with the absolute madness of the Wahhabi kingdom. Since 1985, the Saudi ruling family has voluntarily destroyed more than 98% of the cultural heritage of the Islamic kingdom.
This doesn’t just mean that they demolished some old buildings to build new hotels. There is ample evidence pointing to a deliberate attempt to destroy as much cultural property as possible. The mosque, which belonged to the very first Islamic caliph Abu Bakr, was recently razed to the ground and replaced with an ATM. And the well-known crevice in Mount Uhud in Medina, to which, presumably, Muhammad himself retreated after the battle, was filled with concrete and fenced off from pilgrims.