History-making places of the world span from architectural marvels to peaceful memorials; explore them and gain an understanding of humanity’s past! You may discover new stories behind each site that made history.
The Great Wall of China is an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site that spans more than 8,850km across China and serves as a reminder of China’s longstanding struggle against foreign invaders.
1. Old Havana
Cuba’s capital city of Havana is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, featuring vibrant rumba riffs, charming cobbled squares and streets, vintage cars and impressive fortresses that celebrate its Spanish colonial roots.
City was established by Europeans in 1519, making it one of the earliest European-founded cities in Western Hemisphere. It features an appealing combination of Baroque and neoclassical buildings from different periods in its history that create an attractive urban layout.
Castillo de la Real Fuerza should not be missed; once serving as an impressive protector against pirate attacks, now housing an amazing museum with scale models of original ships entering harbor, sunken Spanish galleon relics, and much more. Also worth seeing is Palaacio de los Capitanes Generales; once used by governors as their palace.
2. The Great Pyramids of Giza
The pyramids of Giza, one of the last remaining Seven Wonders from ancient civilization, stand proud on Egypt’s southern plateau. Constructed over three generations by Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure as royal mortuary complexes for themselves as burial tombs, their exact method remains unclear but we know Egyptians used copper tools like chisels and drills, knowledge of astronomy to orient pyramids precisely to cardinal points, as well as raising an earthen ramp on which stones were transported on sledges for burial tombs to them from various gravesites around this perimeter ramp for burial tombs to tombs like other ancient structures around which pyramids lay hidden for millennia.
As is widely recognized, the Great Pyramid contains an unfinished corridor designed to redistribute its weight evenly around either its main entrance (now frequented by tourists) or another yet-undiscovered chamber or space. Unfortunately, however, this remarkable archaeological site is increasingly threatened by urban encroachment, air pollution from waste incineration facilities, and illegal activities such as sand quarrying.
3. Bukhara
Bukhara was one of the many ancient trading cities situated along the Silk Road and became an epicenter for cultural, commercial, and religious exchanges between Persia and Central Asia – serving as a key regional centre during its long history. Ruled by numerous empires throughout its long history – each left their imprint upon it until today’s historic center feels more like an open-air museum than before!
Visit the 10th century Samanid Mausoleum and Poi-Kalyan Minaret for an incredible sight, while Karakhanid reign left us Ulugbek Madrasa and Timurid era produced numerous mausoleums including the striking Divakaran.
Chor-Bakr Necropolis is situated a short drive from Bukhara’s center and should also be on your list of destinations to visit. Commonly referred to as the ‘Town of the Dead”, this remarkable complex houses mausoleums, an orchard, mosque, and minaret that has its roots in Kalyan Minaret.
4. Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
Miyajima Shinto Shrine in Japan is one of the world’s most beloved shrines and one of its most picturesque spots, distinguished by its world-famous floating torii gate which contrasts beautifully with both seawater and surrounding forest.
This shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 593, its magnificence increased during Taira-no-Kiyomori’s rule as governor of Aki Province; during his rule he expanded both its main shrine and outer ones that lay along both shores.
Though Itsukushima had been severely damaged due to fires, earthquakes, and natural disasters, its original grandeur has been restored over time and further enhanced by Mori Motonari who served as daimyo of its region.
5. The Acropolis of Athens
After Athens was destroyed by Persian invaders in 480 BC, an extensive rebuilding effort ensued and its heart is located atop Acropolis – its temples and palace being its main features. They were constructed quickly due to architects like Fidias creating almost everything seen today on its slopes during Classical times.
Clefts in the rock of Acropolis reveal foundations of an early Mycenaean palace and portions of Cyclopean walls are still evident today.
One of the most impressive structures built during Ancient Athens was Mnesikles’ Propylaia, designed by Mnesikles to complement and equal in height and grandeur with the Parthenon which had just been completed. While the Parthenon was a temple, this gateway featured six Caryatids flanking its entrance.
