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)
The largest and most elaborate Greek temple of the bygone era, Parthenon is a must visit historic monument in the world to witness the elevated culture of Athens. This erstwhile temple that was dedicated to Goddess Athena is now a famous historical monument of Greece that is a symbol of its imposing status during the 5th century when Athens was flourishing in wealth, power and culture. Despite being ravaged many times, what’s left behind in the iconic monument of Acropolis is still praise worthy. The architectural brilliance speaks volumes about the love with which it was built and designed.
Best Time to Visit Parthenon, Acropolis: October to April
Read More : Top 10 Places To Visit In Greece
One of the most beautiful historic monuments in the world, Khajuraho Temples is a must visit to witness the supreme architecture and elaborate work of art. The legacy left behind by the prominent Chandela Dynasty, this massive temple complex, comprising 85 stunning temples is indeed one of the wonders in the world of art and architecture. The Nagara-Style architecture along with myriad sculptures depicting eroticism is a visual treat for people who like to gather exceptional experiences. Do pay a visit to this jaw dropping site that also hosts a grand cultural festival every year.
Best Time to Visit Khajuraho Temples, India: October to February
Read More : Famous Historical Monuments Of India
One of the largest Buddhist temples in the world, Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is an impressive archaeological site for many reasons. This sprawling temple complex dates back to the 8th and 9th century and displays exquisite architecture that includes five square terraces and three circular platforms. This historic monument is also a famous pilgrimage site for the Buddhists and is visited by a large number of monks and travelers from across the world.
Best Time to Visit Borobudur Temples, Indonesia: April to August
Read More : 10 Mind Blowing Facts About Indonesia
Located on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, Chichen Itza is yet another fascinating site that piques curiosity of history buffs and travel geeks. The erstwhile Mayan city is home to myriad architectural marvels that are more than 1500 years old. Along with the iconic Temple of Kukulcan, an elaborate pyramid built by the Mayans, there are many other breathtaking monuments in the sprawling city of Chichen Itza such as Rotund observatory, Temple of Warriors, Ball court etc. which are worth exploring. Do visit this ancient city of Mexico where many hidden secrets are waiting for you.
Best Time to Visit Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico: November to March
One of the most iconic landmarks in England, Stonehenge is an unusual yet intriguing prehistoric stone circle that is surrounded by many mystifying stories. This historic site located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire takes us back in time to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Some believe it to be a symbol of ceremonial and mortuary practices while others say that these are the ruins of a Roman temple, folklore suggests that this prehistoric stone circle was created by the wizard of Arthurian legend - Merlin. Well, the mystery of Stonehenge remains unresolved and you must visit this amazing site to find which side of it is relevant.
Best Time to Visit Stonehenge, Wiltshire: June-September.
Built by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is the iconic surviving temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. This historic site is also featured on the national flag of Cambodia. This temple complex dates back to the 12th century and has many fascinating stories that mystifies historians and travelers alike. Perched atop a mountain, this expansive temple complex is dotted with thousands of monuments that are adorned with exquisite sculptures of Hindu gods, scenes drawn from Indian epics and sights of Khmer. Angkor Wat is one of the cultural wonders of the world and therefore must be on your wish list.
Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat, Cambodia: November to March
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Q. What is a historical monument?
A. A historical monument is a structure or site that holds significant cultural, historical, architectural, or artistic value. These monuments are usually preserved and protected due to their importance in human history
Q. What is the oldest historical monument in the world?
A. While there is debate about the oldest historical monument, some contenders include Stonehenge in England, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, and Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, all dating back thousands of years.
Q. Which historical monument is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?
A. The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is the only remaining structure of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Q. How are historical monuments preserved and protected?
A. Historical monuments are often protected through legislation, maintenance, and conservation efforts. Governments, heritage organizations, and UNESCO play key roles in safeguarding these sites.
Q. What is the significance of the Taj Mahal in India?
A. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of eternal love. It was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Q. Where can I find the ancient city of Petra?
A. Petra is located in southern Jordan and is famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system. It was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 4th century BC.
Q. What are the Easter Island Moai statues and where are they located?
A. The Easter Island Moai statues are large stone figures carved by the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island (Rapa Nui), a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. They are known for their mysterious origins and massive size.
Q. Which historical monument is known as the "City of the Incas"?
A. Machu Picchu, located in Peru, is often referred to as the "City of the Incas." It is a well-preserved ancient Incan city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q. What is the historical significance of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece?
A. The Acropolis is a hilltop citadel with several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance. The most famous structure on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Q. Why is the Great Wall of China famous?
A. The Great Wall of China is famous for its immense length, stretching over 13,000 miles. It was built to protect China from invasions and is one of the most iconic and recognizable historical monuments in the world.
--- Published By Arpita Mathur
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