Over time, humans have created some truly magnificent historical sites. These magnificent man-made marvels have withstood time’s test and continue to mesmerize both tourists and explorers alike.
From Angkor Wat’s iconic spires to Petra’s vibrant pink rock star status, these are some of the world’s finest historical landmarks to visit.
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat, built during the 12th century and dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu, later acquired Buddhist iconography. Its vast size and symmetrical design are testament to Khmer culture’s skill at crafting harmonious proportions.
This complex features a protective moat and intricate causeway leading from its temple to the center of the complex, using sandstone blocks from over 50 locations sourced throughout the area. Their intricate designs represent generations of artists.
Antonio de Madalena was among the first Europeans to visit Angkor Wat in 1586, while French explorer Henri Mouhot brought its glory into prominence during the 19th century. Cambodia still enjoys close relations with Angkor Wat, and their rulers work to restore and protect it for future generations to enjoy. For an unforgettable visit, arrive early morning before crowds of tourists begin arriving – this will make an experience you won’t soon forget!
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and was an important Mayan city from AD 750-1200, becoming an archaeological complex today with temples, ball courts, pyramids, platforms and columns.
Chichen Itza’s Great Ball Court (Pok-Ta-Pak or El Juego de Pelota) was the site of important ritual games with religious and political significance, where rubber balls were hit through scoring hoops placed high up the walls to score points; loser were punished by death!
Another highlight of Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulkan, an intricate pyramid with feathered serpents framing its doorway and an observatory used by Mayans to track sun, moon and star movement. Chichen Itza also hosts its iconic Sacred Cenote: an enormous natural sinkhole which they believed served as entrance into underworld; rituals were held there frequently as well as sacrifices, with Spanish accounts reporting of young female victims being sacrificed alive by being thrown into its waters alive!
Stonehenge
Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England inspires both admiration and fascination after more than five millennia of existence, yet remains one of the world’s most intriguing archaeological mysteries. A lack of written records means historians are only able to piece together what Stonehenge meant to prehistoric Britons through guesswork.
The site comprises a circle of bluestones and sarsen stones which has been gradually assembled over several phases, as well as a ditch and bank. Furthermore, its location at the convergence of several ridges with gullies known as “periglacial stripes” suggests Neolithic people planned its landscape accordingly.
Stonehenge still holds great spiritual meaning for many today despite its mysterious character, with people gathering there to celebrate both summer and winter solstices. But scholars continue to speculate as to its purpose – for instance Sheffield University professor Mike Parker Pearson believes it may have served as a place for ancestor worship because its two circles connected by avenues symbolize the domains of living people and dead alike.
Versailles
Versailles Palace and Gardens on the outskirts of Paris draw over 15 million visitors each year, serving as one of Europe’s premier royal palaces with over 1,000 acres of parkland, gardens and buildings to house government officials, military guards and numerous buildings for government functions.
Louis XIV, commonly known as the “Sun King,” had his property transformed in an extravagant display of human dominance over nature. A mile-long canal was constructed, while woods were given rational and geometric designs to reshape them further.
This lavishness can best be experienced in Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, where King Louis held banquets and danced with his court. Tour guides can give special insights into this extravagant palace if desired; alternatively you could book a musical-gardens tour which allows you to see special areas while listening to similar music that would have played for Louis’ court.
