History buffs visiting New York City will likely appreciate visiting historical landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as they become available.
Texas offers many historical landmarks to explore, like the Alamo or Gettysburg National Military Park; both provide insight into American history. Gettysburg National Military Park was home to an iconic Civil War battle and inspired Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech.
Petra
Petra has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its stunning rock-cut tombs, temples, monuments, and high place of sacrifice as well as its magnificent Theatre.
It is said that the Nabateans who built this city held an intense respect for the sun, with all of their buildings seemingly aligned according to solar patterns.
Petra is best-known for its Treasury, carved directly into sandstone. However, visitors shouldn’t forget the Street of Facades as well – lined with tombs crafted in styles drawn from Egyptian, Greek and Mesopotamian architecture to display wealth and status.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, built in Peru during the 15th-century by Inca rulers, stands high atop the Andes Mountains near Urubamba River valley. Known for its incredible dry-stone walls crafted without mortar that connect enormous blocks without mortaring joints, intriguing buildings with astronomical alignments, and stunning panoramic views, Machu Picchu has earned worldwide renown over its 150 years of existence.
After being abandoned by the Incas prior to Spanish conquest of their region, this site lay hidden for 400 years until being discovered again in 1911 by Yale professor Hiram Bingham and now classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Machu Picchu may have served as a religious or ceremonial center, although its exact purpose remains unknown. It could have served as a mausoleum for members of the royal family or simply been used as a retreat from daily life.
The Acropolis
Acropolis refers to any city built upon an elevated rock, and visitors are invariably impressed with this collection of ancient Greek temples and structures located atop one. Visitors have long marveled at this monumental collection, which was constructed over centuries. This monument stands as testament to classical politicians such as Themistokles and Perikles for leading Athens toward democracy; philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Demosthenes; as well as architects such as Iktinos Kallikrates Pheidias who created their masterpiece.
The Parthenon and Erechtheion represent some of the finest examples of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian architecture. Even after being affected by centuries of wars, invasions, bombings and earthquakes – not to mention being stripped bare by occupying forces looting its decorative sculptures – Acropolis still enchants today.
Easter Island
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is most famous for its impressive moai statues; with 887 total and many standing on ceremonial platforms like an ahu to honour important ancestors.
One of the most striking characteristics of moai statues is their distinctive pukao (hats). While some theories hold that these pukao represent hair or power, others believe they signify both. By the time Europeans encountered these statues most had fallen due to neglect or warfare and therefore most had no standing presence anymore.
The Colosseum
The Colosseum is one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Built as the largest amphitheatre ever built, its presence stands as an iconic representation of Rome and is revered as an iconic symbol.
King Vespasian began work on his arena in 72 AD with assistance from skilled artists, painters, and builders. When he died, his successor added a gallery for slaves and poor people to watch the games from.
During the Renaissance period, both artists and tourists on the Grand Tour took an increased interest in Roman ruins, specifically protecting the Colosseum from further looting by stone robbers (spolia). Furthermore, it became an official shrine for Christian martyrs.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands as an iconic icon of Italian culture and engineering, famously tilting against gravity itself. As one of the world’s most celebrated structures, its incredible tilt has earned it worldwide fame and admiration.
Built as a bell tower for the cathedral and located within the Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracles Square) World Heritage Site, this monument has been tilting for over 800 years despite earthquakes or other natural disasters.
No matter its inclination, this tower remains safe to climb! If you dare, make your way up the steps and enjoy seeing 7 bells at its summit!
The Terracotta Army
Since 1974, when this life-sized army of terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots was discovered, it has become one of the most iconic images of Chinese culture globally. Furthermore, it showcases China’s sophisticated approach to funerary art as well as age-old burial practices.
The three pits contain approximately 8,000 warriors in total, divided among infantrymen, cavaliers and charioteers. There have also been several bronze water birds discovered as well as stone armour found here.
Pit 1 is the most impressive pit, containing thousands of terracotta soldiers armed with long spears or daggers, each wearing an infantry helmet and carrying long spears or daggers. A vanguard consisting of three rows of infantry is present, while 38 columns comprised of infantrymen and chariots comprise the main force.
