Witness the Ashes of Pompeii
History buffs are spoiled for choice about where to vacation if they want to steep themselves in history. They can behold the Pyramids of Giza, relive a Civil War battle, or touch the sand on the grounds of the Colosseum. Whatever era or event interests you, here are 20 places you must visit if you love history.
1. The Colosseum
The Colosseum was built around 70-80 CE, and remains an enduring symbol of the Roman Empire and its advanced society. The Colosseum hosted gladiator battles, public spectacles, and more. Amazingly, most of the structure still stands today.
2. The Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza were built over 4,500 years ago and are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These tombs were made for pharaohs, and you'll be engrossed and awed by their scale and the mysteries surrounding how they were designed and constructed.
3. Petra
Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 4th century BCE, and flourished as a trading mecca that connected Egypt, Arabia, and the Mediterranean. There are several awe-inspiring sites to visit, including the Treasury and Monastery.
4. Stonehenge
The mystery surrounding Stonehenge persists to this day. Located in Wiltshire, this is a prehistoric monument that dates back to 3000 to 2000 BCE. Its purpose is debated. It might be a burial site or a ceremonial site. Whatever it is, if you love history, Stonehenge should be at the top of your list for places to visit.
5. Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is a site to behold. It's part of Athens' impressive skyline and a symbol of Ancient Greek civilization. The Parthenon is its most famous structure, showcasing the apex of ancient architecture.
6. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. It was constructed in the 12th century and dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu. It would eventually become a Buddhist temple, and visitors can marvel at its intricate carvings and moats.
7. Alhambra
Alhambra is located in Granada and features amazing palaces and a fortress complex that was made during the Nasrid Dynasty in the 13th and 14th centuries. There is a wealth of Islamic art and ornate arches to behold, and history fans can immerse themselves in a place where Islamic and European traditions merged.
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8. Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is in Beijing, and it is a massive palace where Chinese Emperors resided. It encompasses close to 1,000 buildings and was considered to be the political and ceremonial center of China for roughly five centuries.
9. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde is in Colorado, and its preserved cliff dwellings allow visitors to experience where Ancestral Puebloans lived from 600 to 1300 CE. This national park includes multi-story stone villages in cliff alcoves that highlight Native American cultures.
10. Tikal
Tikal is a Maya city-state that was prominent between the 4th century BCE and the 9th century CE. Located in the Guatemalan jungle, Tikal features palaces and pyramids that reflect Maya architecture.
11. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is in Istanbul and was built in 537 CE under Justinian I. It was a cathedral that was converted into a mosque, and now it's a museum for visitors to tour. It represents over 1,500 years of cultural history, and its massive dome is quite impressive.
12. Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was a major Maya city between 600 and 1200 CE. Visitors should check out El Castillo, its most famous structure. History buffs will love experiencing this site that preserves the Maya achievements in religion, science, and politics.
13. Easter Island
Easter Island in Chile is renowned for its largest stone statues and remains of the world's most enduring mysteries. Constructed between 1250 and 1500 CE, it is believed to represent ancestors and leaders of Polynesian culture.
14. Versailles Palace
King Louis XIV built the Palace of Versailles in the 17th century as a testament to the opulence of his absolute monarchy. It became a symbol of French culture and power, and its vast gardens showcase the art and architecture of its time.
15. Pompeii
Pompeii is a site so devastating and monumental that it will evoke emotions even in those without any passion for history. Pompeii is frozen in time thanks to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. It is a preserved reflection of Roman life. Entire streets and villas remain covered in volcanic ash.
16. Great Wall of China
The Great Wall stretches 13,000 miles and took centuries to build. Its purpose was to protect the Chinese states from invaders. Visitors can witness its watchtowers and battlements, and appreciate the size and scale of one of humankind's most impressive monuments.
17. Taj Mahal
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal to be built in 1632 as a mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This site is a masterpiece with its marble facade and inlay work, and it tells a story of love and artistry.
18. Auschwitz-Birkenau
The Auschwitz concentration camp is a hard place to visit, but it is important. It's a sobering memorial to the lives lost during the Holocaust. Auschwitz has been preserved as a museum and memorial, reminding the world of the horrors of genocide.
19. Hiroshima Peace Memorial
This site is another sobering and haunting memorial of the atrocity of war. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial captures the devastation of WWII and symbolizes resilience and the hope for future world peace.
20. Gettysburg
Gettysburg is a site where a key battle occurred in 1863 during the U.S. Civil War. Gettysburg was a turning point of the Civil War, and 50,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing during the three-day battle.
