Historical sites offer us an incredible window into understanding our world today, making visiting these locales on vacation an extremely illuminating experience.
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most beloved historic landmarks, while Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia–once a cathedral and later converted into a mosque–is truly remarkable.
Italy
Italy is renowned for its rich and extensive history, leaving behind an abundance of historical landmarks to visit. As one of the earliest empires, its turbulent past can be studied in schools and universities worldwide; from gladiators to Renaissance art, Italy boasts fascinating tales that will enthrall visitors.
Italy boasts 58 UNESCO World Heritage sites, which includes the famed Colosseum and Pompeii. Italy also features hillside villages of Cinque Terre where railroad tunnels connect each town, providing walking paths through mountain terrain that provide stunning scenery for exploring.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands as an astounding architectural achievement. Constructed on soft ground over several years due to its uneven design, its construction was completed over 100 years after beginning.
China
China boasts an extensive and rich history and features numerous historic landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City – two examples being The Great Wall and Forbidden City respectively.
The Terracotta Army in Xi’an, designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO, stands as an impressive monument of China’s ancient past. Constructed as an underground army to guard over his afterlife and protect him, its existence stands testament to China’s longstanding civilization.
Other historical places in China include the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Potala Palace in Beijing; in addition, Beijing hosts Forbidden City where you can learn about imperial past of country; there’s also Great Wall of China which was constructed over 5 millennia ago to defend against Mongol invasions – also a UNESCO World Heritage site!
Germany
Germany boasts many incredible historical sights that should not be missed, from medieval castles to contemporary architecture reminiscent of bygone periods in history.
The Berlin Wall Memorial and Brandenburg Gate are two iconic German landmarks that represent its past, commemorating events leading up to German unification.
Neuschwanstein Castle was the inspiration behind Disney’s fairy tale castles and is listed with UNESCO as a historic monument. Furthermore, Cologne Cathedral took six hundred years to construct, embodying European Christianity with every brick.
Also worth seeing are the haunting Holstentor tower and old city centre in Lubeck; both landmarks attest to Germany’s rich culture and unparalleled beauty.
United States
The United States may be young, but its rich history can be seen through stunning historic places. Visit Washington DC for an immersive American history experience from White House tours to Lincoln Memorial visits and much more!
The National Mall is an ideal starting point, but if you prefer quieter surroundings, head towards the outer edges of the city for some peace and quiet. The United States Capitol building, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon, makes an attractive landmark.
Liberty Island’s Statue of Liberty stands as an inspirational icon to millions of immigrants around the world, designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and one of the world’s most recognized landmarks.
Turkey
Turkey occupies an ideal geographical position spanning Asia and Europe, making it an important trading center. Additionally, Turkey contains some of the oldest manmade sites such as Gobekli Tepe – making it an attractive option for hikers and skiers.
Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey became independent in 1923 with Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk). Modernisation occurred through major legislative changes to become a multiparty parliamentary democracy.
Homer famously described Troy in his Iliad as being situated in Turkey, which has seen extensive excavations. Furthermore, Turkey serves as an international religious hub, being home to both Islam and Christianity as headquarters respectively.
