The 5 Best Historical Places In The World To Visit
The world is filled with mind-blowing man-made historical sites and wonders out there. Over the thousands of years of human history, we’ve produced some pretty amazing stuff, even if, sadly, not all of it has latest until today.
Here’s the best to see this year:
1- The Pyramids at Giza
Photo Courtesy of Wix
The Pyramids are truly a marvel of human engineering that was fit for kings. They’re over 3,000 years old, and we still don’t know how they were built or how the Egyptians made them so precise (were aliens involved?). The three pyramids align to the stars and the solstices and contain tons of chambers that still haven’t been (and cannot be) opened. How did they create those little chambers people can’t even crawl through? The largest one, called the Great Pyramid, was built by Pharaoh Khufu and had limited access. You will also find the Sphinx nearby, another historical site whose mysteries baffle researchers and are the subject of many conspiracy theories.
2- The Colosseum and Forum
Photo Courtesy of Wix
The Colosseum and the Forum are next in Rome. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the known world, these sites are breathtaking for their beauty and history, and age. You’re standing in the spot Caesar walked and gazing into the arena where gladiators battled to the death. The Colosseum has slowly crumbled throughout the ages, and much of it is restricted now, especially the floor and basement where everything was organized. The Forum is great to walk around (and it’s free), though a ticket is required for Palatine Hill. I would definitely get a guided tour because the information presented by the authorities doesn’t go into much detail.
3- Taj Mahal
Photo Courtesy of Wix
This white marble tomb built for Emperor Shah Jahan’s deceased wife is a must-see. Built-in the 1600s, this building in Agra, India, is a testament to undying love. In 1983, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site and also has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj sees between two and four million tourists annually, so there have been recent restrictions on tourism to help protect the site. However, the greatest threat is the air pollution destroying the marble.
4. The Great Wall of China
Photo Courtesy of Wix
The Great Wall of China actually consists of numerous walls and fortifications. It was originally conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang (ca. 259–210 BC) in the third century BC to keep out the Mongol hordes invading the country. The best-known and best-preserved section of the Great Wall was built in the 14th through 17th centuries during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Though the Great Wall never effectively prevented invaders from entering China, it’s still a massive engineering and construction feat and human accomplishment.
5- Stonehenge
Photo Courtesy of Wix
Located near Salisbury, this megalithic structure is over 3,000 years old, and its stones come all the way from Wales. Scholars are still unsure how the builders got the rocks there and have tried to replicate the feat with dismal results. Moreover, we only have a vague idea of its purpose. Stonehenge is now fenced off, and you can no longer go into the circle; visitors can only walk around the attraction. But it’s worth visiting for the mystery behind it and an excellent and detailed audio tour.
The more you know and understand the past, the more you can understand why people act the way they do in the present. Visiting these attractions and learning our history helps us get there!
Ahmed Ragab is a fourth-year student at Cairo University, where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in physical therapy. He is a passionate email marketer who helps develop original email marketing strategies.