12 Destinations Across the World Where History Comes to Life
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With the world moving forward in all walks of life, it’s important to look back and understand the history that shaped us today. For history buffs, visiting a historical location is like a dream come true. Even if you’re not aware of different cultures and civilizations, there are many places you can add to your bucket list, which will allow you to experience history in real life.
1. Petra, Jordan
The Lost City of Petra is half-built and half-carved into red and white sandstone cliffs, making it a remarkable site. The ancient city was built about 2000 years ago; it used the location as a trading center.
In 2007, the place became known as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Petra is not only stunning, but it’s also a steaming location for tourists due to films like Indiana Jones being made here.
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2. Machu Picchu, Peru
Perched atop the mesmerizing Urubamba River valley, Machu Picchu is a tourist hotspot. But what people don’t realize is its historical significance. This UNESCO World Heritage site was virtually unknown until a Yale Professor named Hiram Bingham discovered these Inca ruins.
Stone-built walls encompassed with undulating hills and bright blue sky make the place feel like heaven. While there’s no clear-cut origin story, some experts suggest it served as a royal retreat.
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3. Colosseum, Italy
Built between 70 and 72 C.E., the Colosseum embodies the peak of the Roman era like no other structure. Known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was a gift to the people of Rome and still holds immense importance. Four stories coupled with eighty entrances and a maximum capacity of 50,000 people, it’s engineering at its finest.
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4. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Constructed 4,500 years ago, the Pyramids of Giza are a marvel with an interesting backstory. Egyptian pharaohs believed that once they passed away, they’d become Gods in the afterlife, so they built massive temples and grand pyramids to prepare for their ascension. Whether you travel by foot, camel, or bike, its sheer size will leave you speechless.
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5. Acropolis, Greece
The city of Athens is filled with history and culture, but to immerse yourself fully, you need to check out the Acropolis. This district is home to places like the Parthenon, a white looming structure dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, and the Propylaea, a gateway to the Acropolis. Athens was constructed from a religious point of view, so it’s not surprising that they wanted to make a home for their gods.
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6. Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal channels the spirit of the ancient Maya civilization through its hieroglyphic writing, pyramids, palaces, and gigantic plazas. The National Park is not only a historical enigma, it’s also a serene place where you can destress and rest your brain. One of the complexes here even has an ancient burial chamber hidden beneath it.
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7. Angkor Thom, Cambodia
Translating to the “Great City,” Angkor Thorn lies amidst luscious jungles, making it a phenomenal place to get in tune with Mother Nature. During the period of Khmer kings, this city was the royal center where King Yashovarman I resided. Home to the stunning Hindu temple named Angkor Wat with its exemplary architecture and intricate carvings, this is a place where history has left its mark.
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8. The Alhambra, Spain
Perched at a high vantage point, the Alhambra is a majestic structure showcasing a mixture of Renaissance-style architecture merged with traditional Islamic influence. The structure was built between 1238 and 1358 during the reign of the Naṣrid dynasty. However, Charles V rebuilt portions of the place when he came to power. In any case, the beautiful mosaics and stunning motifs are a breathtaking site.
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9. Ayutthaya, Thailand
Ayutthaya is interlaced with many canals and houseboats, making it a marvelous destination for travelers across the globe. From the Wat Phra Si Sanphet monastery to Chandrakasem to the Chedi Si Suriyothai monument, the place is filled with historical landmarks waiting to be explored. To ensure you don’t miss a site, you can even take a guided tour and let the local guide do the heavy lifting.
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10. Borobudur, Indonesia
Borobudur is a surreal Buddhist temple inspired by post-Gupta art. The monument has 72 bell-shaped stupas that symbolize Nirvana, a temple mountain, and a mandala.
Not only is it an architectural masterpiece, but the entire place makes you feel grounded with panels showcasing the life and teachings of Buddha. During the Waicak ceremony, monks join forces to commemorate the life and death of Buddha.
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11. Ephesus, Turkey
Ephesus is a Greek city in western Turkey with the Temple of Artemis, a Greek god. If you’re a book lover, you can travel via the pristine waters to see the Library of Celsus I.
The library has a marble finish with several carvings and ghosts of thousands of scrolls with infinite knowledge. Even the public buildings here are arranged in a rectangular pattern that dates back to the Hellenistic days.
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12. Taj Mahal, India
Found in Agra, the Taj Mahal is a beautiful depiction of the Mughal Empire, which carved its way into the subcontinent. A testament to Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth, the place shows the wealth of the Mughals when it was once lined with jade, sapphire, and turquoise. The Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles merged in harmony here.
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Georgia Konidari is a nationally syndicated writer and the creator of World Wild Schooling, a digital platform dedicated to travel. She is on a mission to explore the globe and share her experiences with fellow travelers. She is regularly featured on MSN, the Associated Press Wire, and more. You can follow Georgia on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.
