Our planet is filled with incredible places that reflect human civilization. Here is our selection of some of our favorite historic sites!
The National Park Service collaborates with State, Territorial, and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to identify, nominate, and register historic places. We also administer grant programs in support of preservation partners.
Washington DC
Washington DC is an enthralling destination that stands as a monument to American history and democracy. From iconic monuments and memorials lining the National Mall to Capitol Hill’s bustling corridors, this city holds many treasures worth exploring.
DC is home to incredible historical sites ranging from Frederick Douglass’ home and church services attended by nearly every President since Franklin Roosevelt, to hidden libraries featuring unique takes on neoclassical architecture or forgotten boat elevators – each testament to DC’s rich and varied past that are known worldwide. Plus there are so many more incredible historic spots waiting to be discovered! To find out more, click through to our list of must-do activities in Washington DC!
Istanbul
Istanbul is home to some of the world’s most intriguing historical places, from ancient relics and architectural masterpieces, to numerous civilizations throughout its long and colorful history. A treasure chest for those interested in learning more about their past!
Hagia Sofia or Aya Sofia as it is commonly referred to is one of the city’s most iconic structures, originally built as a church by Emperor Justinian in 6th-century AD and converted into a mosque following Ottoman conquest of Constantinople; later it was transformed into a museum in 1935.
Topkapi Palace, once serving as the center of Ottoman rule, now consists of an expansive complex that encompasses kitchens, circumcision rooms and even an often-talked-about harem. Visitors to its walls can view antique collections that depict life under its Sultans while inside are artifacts from all civilizations humanity has known such as Alexander the Great’s sarcophagus as well as seals and texts from Babylonian, Assyrian, and Hittite civilizations among others.
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is an iconic global symbol of liberty and democracy and one of the world’s most iconic historical landmarks. Situated on an island in New York Harbor (formerly Bedloe’s Island), she served as one of the primary entryways to America for over twelve million immigrants from 1892-1954.
Edouard Rene de Laboulaye, President of the French Anti-Slavery Society, commissioned Frederic Auguste Bartholdi to design this statue which symbolized France and America’s historical alliance, international friendship, peace, and progress. Gustav Eiffel created its interior iron framework.
American committee responsible for fundraising the statue’s pedestal encountered some difficulties raising enough money, however Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of The New York World launched a successful campaign that attracted ordinary citizens rather than wealthy donors and was successful in raising enough funds in six months to finish its construction.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa has long been one of the most recognisable symbols of Tuscany and Italy as a whole, serving as both an iconic and fascinating historic structure that has been subject to numerous studies on gravity and stability.
Construction on Pisa’s Cathedral Square (Piazza dei Miracoli) began in the 12th century and took almost 200 years. Although intended as a freestanding bell tower, due to miscalculations during foundation work it began leaning before they finished building it!
Attempted attempts were made at straightening the tower, yet none were successful; some actually caused it to lean more! Benito Mussolini led one such attempt – digging out its base in order to rebalance it; unfortunately this didn’t work either but at least he tried.
