These breathtaking historical places from architectural marvels to serene memorials tell humanity’s tale in grand fashion.
Germany offers many opportunities for exploration. Berlin hosts remnants of past empires while Checkpoint Charlie brings alive the Cold War experience. Munich boasts castles belonging to eccentric King Ludwig II such as Neuschwanstein and Linderhof that provide further opportunities for discovery.
China
China is an immense nation with a long and vibrant history, offering numerous points of interest for visitors. From its great Wall to the Terracotta Army, China is packed full of significant historic landmarks.
The Great Wall is an extraordinary military defensive structure dating back over 2,700 years. It can be found across China in various regions; three popular sections to visit are Badaling, Mutianyu and Simatai.
Another landmark worth visiting in China is the Forbidden City. Once an imperial palace, this former Chinese imperial palace remains one of the top attractions. Here 24 Chinese emperors were born, raised, enthroned, and ruled over Chinese culture and civilization.
The Terracotta Army in Xi’an was constructed over 2200 years ago by the first Emperor of Unified China as an underground defense system to protect his afterlife. Other must-see historical sites in China are Ming Tombs and Mogao Grottoes; both sites are listed on UNESCO as Heritage sites that include tombs for 13 Ming Dynasty members who died between 640 CE to 845 CE.
Germany
Germany offers visitors a host of UNESCO World Heritage sites to learn about its long, fascinating history. These landmarks demonstrate its superior intellect and rich culture while providing opportunities to celebrate fun festivals with delectable food offerings.
Begin your tour at Museuminsel (Museum Island), home to five luxurious museums that showcase art and architecture dating back 6000 years. From Altes Museum’s renowned ancient Greek and Etruscan art collections, to Neues Museum’s Byzantine and European sculpture displays – you will be left speechless!
Visit Wartburg Castle where Martin Luther translated the Bible into German, popularized hymns and married a former nun – all hallmarks of Luther’s contribution to German nationalism and nation building. Additionally, visit Wittenberg and Eisleben where Luther lived as homes; his legacy lives on in their respective towns while Auschwitz-Birkenau offers firsthand insight into what went down during Nazi rule and at its Holocaust museum.
France
France boasts one of the highest concentrations of officially classified historic monuments in Europe with over 40,000 officially classified historic sites ranging from grand palaces and cathedrals to tiny medieval chapels. There truly is something here for everyone in France!
Paris is known for many things – not only its renowned attractions like Notre Dame and the Louvre are among them, but so too is its vast cultural capital with the Pantheon, Musee d’Orsay, and Ile de la Cite as must-sees.
In the Loire Valley, kings and princes competed to build castles and estates in an emerging style known as Gothic. Notable examples are Chambord (pictured above), Chenonceau and Azay le Rideau.
Explore Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where Marc Chagall lies buried. This charming medieval town boasts fortified walls and narrow streets; in its early 20th century heyday it housed modernist artists.
Mexico
Mexico has been home to human populations for millennia, and still offers many historical attractions today. Ranging from pre-Columbian ruins to Spanish colonial landmarks, there is plenty to learn about Mexico’s long and storied past.
Palenque lies deep within the jungles of Chiapas and offers visitors an in-depth glimpse into Mayan culture through its complex of temples and pyramids. Although smaller and less visited than other popular Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza, Palenque still makes for an exceptional visit experience for all those who visit.
Mexico offers an intriguing history that spans millennia. Notable landmarks include the Monument to the Revolution in Mexico City on Paseo de la Reforma; other significant spots include Guanajuato’s baroque church Iglesia de Dolores Hidalgo as one of Pueblo Magicos; and Queretaro’s old town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Naturalists will find many incredible national natural landmarks in Queretaro and Tamazunchale that offer breathtaking landscapes for hikers to discover, including stunning aqueducts and waterfalls, while on December 12 it becomes a national holiday with the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrating a pilgrimage day as national holiday.
