Many of the world’s premier historical locations are breathtaking, mysterious and captivating. Petra in Jordan – listed by UNESCO – was created over 2000 years ago by Nabataeans but only discovered by Swiss explorers in 1812!
Staying at Independence Hall allows visitors to Philadelphia to relive the founding of America. Here the Declaration of Independence and Constitution were both debated.
Bagan Myanmar
Bagan reached its zenith during its 12-century glory days when it housed over one million residents living among thousands of temples, pagodas, libraries and monasteries – most constructed after King Anawrahta converted to Theravada Buddhism and started an ambitious temple building frenzy starting in 1057.
These structures were constructed using two distinctive architectural styles – stupa-style solid temples and gu-style hollow temples – each designed to represent Mount Meru in Buddhist mythology, housing relic chambers within them, while gu-style hollow temples feature vaulted interior spaces with pointed arches.
Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts an incredible variety of temples, pagodas and other monuments spanning five millennia. Each provides an insight into different periods in history, social structures or building technologies used. Though some restoration attempts were carried out poorly in the past, Bagan remains an impressive and memorable site worth visiting; though its future is at risk from future earthquakes as well as river erosion along the Irrawaddy River which eats away at ruins faster than they can be restored back together again.
Stonehenge England
Stonehenge is an ancient monument comprising of standing stones, lintels and sarsen (types of sandstone) pillars that forms two circles, a horseshoe shape and a central monument. Some sarsen stones weigh up to 50 tons each and are connected using mortise-and-tenon joints.
Origin and purpose of the site have long been subject to debate and speculation. Early researchers, such as English antiquarian John Aubrey in 17th-century and William Stukeley in 18th-century, believed it to be a temple dedicated to Sun worshipers.
Scholars speculate it was used to mark summer and winter solstices or used as a place for healing. Today it stands as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and inspires visitors to marvel at ancient peoples’ ingenuity.
Xi’an China
Xi’an, China is an ancient city known for being home to 13 ruling dynasties and being the birthplace of Chinese civilization. Known for being home to important cultural relics such as Terra-Cotta Warriors – one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Also noteworthy, The Historical Museum of Xi’an boasts large light halls with unique exhibits dating back from Neolithic era up through Qing dynasty!
There are also many other important tourist attractions, including Banpo village remains dating back to 4500 BCE located near Xi’an’s city walls. Big Wild Goose Pagoda was constructed under Tang emperor Gaozu in 7th century to house Buddhist scriptures. Another popular destination is Tang Dynasty Furong Garden which recreates an 18th century Tang dynasty palace. Since Xi’an is known for being its starting point on the Silk Road, tourism has become a key part of its economy.
Statue of Liberty New York
New York City is indelibly associated with its iconic green colossus – known by her official title Liberty Enlightening the World – standing proud at its entrance, welcoming people from all corners of the globe into America. As its central symbol, she symbolizes American values of freedom for all people living within its borders.
Frederic Auguste Bartholdi of France collaborated with Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) to design this monumental statue as a gift to commemorate one hundred years since American independence and it was inaugurated on October 28, 1886 by President Grover Cleveland. Subsequently it was declared a National Park by Congress before becoming part of UNESCO World Heritage List in 1984.
Original designed as an emblem of friendship between France and the United States following their Civil War, and to celebrate slavery’s end, it has come to symbolize freedom for all humanity. It served as an important rallying point for several social and political movements including women’s suffrage in early 20th century and civil rights protest in late 60s.
