World history is filled with incredible landmarks that captivate us, from monuments and castles to churches and palaces.
Petra is one of the world’s most stunning historical sites. This ancient sandstone city lay hidden from view for centuries until being discovered again recently.
The Statue of Liberty stands as a beacon of hope and freedom on New York Harbor shores.
The Pyramids of Giza
The three pyramids of Giza are three monumental stone structures which stand eerily atop Egypt’s Giza plateau. Each pyramid was built as tomb for one of Egypt’s 4th Dynasty pharaohs – Khufu’s being his tomb and serving as his memorial site.
Pharaohs were firm believers in an afterlife and planned on joining their gods in their next existence. To prepare themselves, they constructed large pyramid tombs filled with everything needed for this next stage in their journeys.
Historians remain divided as to how these massive stones were transported up these incredible structures. One theory suggests exterior ramps were coated with wet clay or water so small teams of workers could transport each block individually.
Other theories suggest that Ancient Egyptians used sledges and ropes similar to what modern cranes use – evidence for which can be seen through the discovery of workers’ town near the Great Pyramid.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, Peru is an incredible citadel located atop the Andes Mountains and built during the 15th century, but later abandoned for unknown reasons. Renowned for its intricate dry-stone walls that integrate large blocks without mortar and its seemingly astronomically aligned buildings – scholars still struggle to discern its exact former use.
History makes the site even more fascinating; for centuries it lay hidden from view until being discovered again by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911 – when he mistakenly found them while looking for Vilcabamba instead!
Bingham published his site in several magazines, which helped drive interest and launch an archaeological study of its ruins and begin an excavation process. Since then, it has become one of the world’s most beloved tourist spots; responsible tourism practices, strict regulations and investment in infrastructure are vital in maintaining it as tourist spots; illegal excavation and artifact removal remain serious threats to its preservation.
The Citadel of Aleppo
Aleppo may be synonymous with violence in Syria, yet it still holds an important historical place and boasts numerous archaeological and historical landmarks – most prominently the Citadel, an iconic fortress which towers above Aleppo’s Old City and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
The Citadel’s intricate architecture has been home to multiple civilizations over time, with archeological excavations discovering remnants dating back to 2 Millennium BCE. As an essential site for military and cultural development of Aleppo, its complex structure serves as a vital center.
Citadel features numerous architectural gems from its 12th-century Great Mosque to 16th and 17th-century madrasas, palaces and residences from that era, including Saladin’s son al-Malik al-Zahir’s Entrance Block rebuilt after Saladin was defeated at Karbala. Since 1994, Aga Khan Trust for Culture and WMF have worked together on projects at Citadel including extensive documentation and conservation works of notable structures.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an iconic medieval structure which leans about 5.5 degrees away from vertical. A popular tourist destination and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its tilt is due to the soft soil on which it was constructed.
After construction of the third story was finished in 1178, construction halted to allow ground settlement and prevent its toppling. Modern analysis indicates that had construction continued without giving enough time for consolidation of underlying soils to occur, then this structure may have collapsed entirely.
Pisa Tower is part of a larger complex which also comprises the cathedral, baptistery, and cemetery (Camposanto). It’s most notable for its tilt, drawing millions of tourists each year – its tilt is an important reminder that even impressive structures don’t stand still; humans can construct incredible buildings even with flaws! If you want to see for yourself how impressive this structure really is then plan your visit to Pisa now!
