If you look for adventures all around the world and Indiana Jones is your role model, pack your bags and let‘s head to the ten historical sites you should not miss for anything in the world! From China to Mexico, Cambodia to Peru, deep into the jungles and high in the mountains – these are the places that capture thousands of years of epic history and are the symbols of human civilization.
Teotihuacan
Where? Mexico, about 50 km northeast of modern Mexico City.
How old? According to leading historians of the region the city was established around 100 BC and was the most impressive city centre of its epoch in the Western hemisphere. Its downfall came around 550 AD but the place was completely abandoned about two centuries later.
Ease of access? Because of its close proximity to Mexico City the site is very easy to reach.
Why should you visit? Climb the Pyramid of the Moon, the second largest in the city, towering about 50 meters over the Avenue of the Dead. Once you catch your breath, just look across these solemn waves of stone, so perfect in their geometric order to the towering bulk of the Pyramid of the Sun. If you do not goosebumps from this sight, crawling down your spine as you are stunned by the sheer size of this place – then nothing in this world can impress you!
The Alhambra Castle
Where? Granada, Andalusia, Southern Spain.
How old? The first small fortress was built in 889 but was soon after abandoned, only to be turned into a powerful castle in the 11th century. It was converted into a royal palace in 1333 by the Sultan of Granada and quickly became the most magnificent arcitectural jewel of Arabic Spain.
Ease of access? It is extremely easy to reach Granada, because the city has its own airport. British Airways offers several flights per week from London to Granada. The other option is to fly to Madrid or Barcelona and then catch a domestic Spanish flight. You can also fly to Malaga and then catch the bus (it is about a 90 minute run).
Why should you visit? The legendary beauty of the palace has sparked the imagination of thousands of people throughout the generations. With its quiet marble inner courts, beautiful fountains, lavish arabesques and stonework canopies, Alhambra looks like a dream out of this world, as if you have stepped into one of Sheherezade‘s tales. Its ethereal calmness remind of a world long lost and all its details tell us a story of culture as elaborate as none other in Medieval Europe.
The Great Wall Of China
Where? North China.
How old? The Great Wall of China was build throughout the centuries, but the oldest ramparts were erected as early as 7th century BC. What was later known as the Great Wall was mainly built between 220-207 BC by Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of unified China. What remains today was mainly built and maintained during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Ease of access? As this is not a single monument but a series of fortifications that runs for thousands of miles accross a relatively wild and uninhabited area, there are only certain sections of the Wall that are easy to reach. The easiest would be the section that is closest to Beijing – between 60 and 110 km north from the Chinese capital. There are numerous tourist buses on regular lines to different sections of the wall. Want more info – read: Beijing: The Great Wall Of China
Why should you visit? Well, if you visit Beijing and do not go to the Great Wall you are definitely not an adventure material! Because of its legendary status, because of the breathtaking scenery, because of the hundreds of years of history, resonating from every single stone and brick of it. Do you need any more reasons?
Abu Simbel
Where? Southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan.
How old? The temple of Abu Simbel was carved out in the Nubian mountains during the reign of Ramesses II The Great (13th century BC). The entire structure and the massive statues had to be relocated in 1968 due to the building of the Assuan Dam on the river Nile.
Ease of access? The only way to safely reach Abu Simbel is by using a traveling agency. You first have to reach Assuan and then take some of the tourist buses to the complex.
Why should you visit? Abu Simbel is one of these ancient sites that look supernatural and hard to grasp at first sight. Its splendour, its scale, its imperious stature that defies time – the solemn statues that had stood for milennia and look untouched by the epochs… You can literally feel the power of history when you stare in the eyes of the greatest Egyptian pharaoh, who designated the temple more than four thousand years ago.
The Colloseum
Where? Rome, Italy.
How old? The Colloseum was completed in 80 AD, during the reign of Emperor Titus.
Ease of access? This is arguably the easiest monument to reach in the list. Not much of a trouble to get to Rome, is it?
Why should you visit? OK, this is obviously a rhetoric question. The Colosseum might have lost a great portion of its original splendour, but none of its imposing presence in the centre of Rome. And if you have watched The Gladiator, do not forget that this is the arena where it all happened!
The Acropolis
Where? Athens, Greece.
How old? 5th century BC.
Ease of access? Not much of a hassle here either. As easy to reach Athens as any other city in Europe. Beware of the traffic jams though!
Why should you visit? This is the heart of classic ancient history, plain and simple. Plato and Aristotle walked under the shadow of the Acropolis and moulded the foundations of modern philosophy. The greatest architects and sculptors in ancient Greece worked years on end to transform it into the most imposing temple complex of its time. This was the home of the Goddess Athena on earth – hence it had to be as splendid and monumental as possible.
If you know just a trifle about ancient history this place should still touch your soul. It is a must in your traveling list!
Taj Mahal
Where? Agra, Northern India.
How old? The mausoleum was finished in 1632.
Ease of access? Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, so you should have absolutely no problem planning your trip to Taj Mahal. The easiest route is to fly to Delhi and then catch a tourist bus to the city (appr. 3 hours).
Why should you visit? Along with Alhambra castle, this is the most beautiful monument in the list. Its perfect symetrical order and elegance can be rivaled by very few buildings in the world. Taj Mahal is arguably the most recognizable symbol of India and its peacefulness and romantic beauty leave a deep trace once you visit it.
Machu Picchu
Where? Cusco, the high mountains of Peru.
How old? The city was probably built around 1450 and abandoned a century later, at the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca empire.
Ease of access? This one is a bit more tricky. You will have to take a flight to the capital of Peru, Lima, and then catch a domestic flight to Cusco. Then you must catch the train to Aguas Calientes (4-hour ride), a small town at the foot of the mountain slope. From there you can either go on foot or choose the very slow and head-dazzling bus ride to the ruins.
Why should you visit? This is perhaps the most surreal of all places in the list. There is something fantastic about Machu Picchu – its location, the towering mountain peak above, the thin air, the mind-blowing vista from the slopes. And on top of all that – the ghostly abandoned town of the Incas, lost in the memory of time and the mist of the mountain. Goosebumps.
Angkor Wat
Where? The jungles of Cambodia.
How old? Early 12th century AD.
Ease of access? Though it may sound too exotic, the temple of Angkor Wat is actually not that hard to reach. The fastest way is to take a flight to the airport of Siem Reap in North Cambodia. You can most easily do that from Bangkok, Thailand. Then you can reach the temple complex by bus or tourist van – it is less than half-an-hour ride.
Why should you visit? Angkor Wat is the largest temple complex in the world and its stunning size, complexity and beauty will stun the unexpecting visitor. If you really want to feel adventurous, this is the perfect choice! It is exotic, it is beautiful, it is mysterous and magical! It is cultural tourism at its very best!
The Pyramids of Giza
Where? Giza, North Egypt.
How old? 27-26th century BC.
Ease of access? Extremely easy – the Pyramids are located in the outskirts of Cairo, and being a major world tourist destination, the capital of Egypt is very easy to reach.
Why should you visit? OK, I admit it – it is a stupid question. These are the oldest, most famous historical monuments in the world – the six pyramids of the Fourth Dynasty and there ominous guardian – the Sphynx. I see no need to explain why you should see them – trust me, you will know it once you stand in their shadow.
