We can never go back in the past, however, we always have an option to visit the monuments around the world that stand tall in the testimony of time. These majestic monuments and archaeological sites do give us an opportunity to grab insights of glorious bygone eras. Right from the grand architecture, and sprawling surroundings to intriguing stories, historical monuments are truly a work of art and can pique curiosity. However, they remain understated; sometimes due to lack of maintenance, sometimes due to lack of awareness. So here’s a tribute to 12 historic monuments in the world that are super fascinating and will surely give you major travel goals.
From the classic city of Petra to the iconic Taj Mahal, check out the ultimate list of famous Historical monuments in the world that are truly worth visiting!
Built around 312BC, Petra was rediscovered by a Swiss explorer - Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Reckoned as Lost City, Petra was almost extinct as it remained buried beneath the layers of sand for centuries. After a long excavation work conducted on the site, Petra came to the surface and became one of the seven wonders of the world for a valid reason. It is one of the oldest cities in the world that is a classic example of the most extraordinary prehistoric civilizations. Also known as the Rose City, this sprawling UNESCO World Heritage is home to about 800 tombs with pink facades.
Best Time to Visit Petra, Jordan: March to June
Read More : World Heritage Sites In India
Pyramids of Giza hold immense universal value as they are the largest and most prominent pyramid structures in the world. These mammoth sized pyramids are symbols of the great Egyptian civilization that flourished during the old kingdom in 2686 to 2181 BCE. The Egyptians believed in the afterlife and erected these elaborate pyramids to honor the Pharaohs. The Pyramid of Khufu is open for tourists and gives you an opportunity to discover other mummies of popular Pharaohs such as Djoser, Khafre, and Menkaure. This is one of the famous historical monuments in the world that will leave you awestruck with diverse cultural beliefs and legacy of eras gone by.
Best Time to Visit Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: October to April
Read More : Places To Visit In Egypt
One of the most visited monuments in the world, Taj Mahal is the pride of India. This iconic marble mausoleum grabs the attention of many foreign tourists for its enchanting beauty and marvelous architecture. It is reckoned as the ‘Jewel of Islamic Art’ due to its elaborate aesthetics, intricate carvings and striking beauty. This historical monument in Agra, India was commissioned by emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife. Top artisans including painters, carvers, calligraphers, inlayers etc. from India, Persia and other regions were hired to create this universally acclaimed masterpiece. And therefore it must be on everyone’s wish list.
Best Time to Visit Taj Mahal, India: October to March
4. The Colosseum, Rome | Italy
Etched in the heart of Rome, The Colosseum is a massive oval shaped amphitheater that is high on heritage tours in the world. Also called the Flavian Amphitheatre, this masterpiece of world's heritage was built between 70 to 72 CE during the rule of Emperor Vespasian. It is the largest amphitheater in the world that can accommodate up to 50,000 people. The Colosseum was a famous ground for gladiatorial contests such as animal hunts, battle with bulls etc. It is a site worth visiting for people who like to discover the rich heritage of different countries.
Best Time to Visit The Colosseum, Rome: April to June and September to October
Read More : Places To Visit In Italy | Top 6 Tourist Attractions
Built during the reign of the first Chinese emperor - Qin Shi Huang, the Great Wall of China is recognized as one of the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. This massive fortification was raised to protect the territory from foreign invasions. It is claimed that the Great Wall of China is the only man made structure that is visible from space, however, there are contradictions to the belief. Even if this 13,000 miles fortification is not visible from space, it is totally worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit The Great Wall of China: April to June
The relics of Machu Picchu are evidence of the imposing prominence of Incas when they were basking in the glory of power and position. This striking archaeological site of Peru is nestled in the slopes of the Andes and is a top attraction for tourists across the globe. It is often referred to as the Lost City of Incas which was discovered by the explorer, Hiram Bingham III in 1911. It is one of the most gorgeous historic sites in the world that is perched at the altitude of 2,430 m right in the heart of Cusco Region in Peru.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu, Peru: May to September, June end to attend the Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi)