Historical places are significant artifacts from past events that provide evidence for future study. From ancient temples to modern government buildings, these attractions provide visitors with an unparalleled glimpse into history that draw millions each year.
UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 24 Emperors, it can only be entered with special permission. Each year millions of visitors flock to Beijing’s Forbidden City – making this historic attraction one of the top travel spots worldwide.
Definition
Historical sites are places that hold cultural heritage values that are significant for society as a whole, such as buildings, structures or areas with historical associations that have been protected under law and cannot be altered without approval from authorities.
Cultural heritage can be seen reflected in local design, festivities and themes. Historic places have the power to positively affect local communities through healthy design and tourism opportunities.
Historical places are locations where significant pieces of political, military, cultural, and social history have been preserved through cultural heritage preservation efforts. Such locations may serve as resources for research and education as well as providing inspiration to future generations – some examples being the Statue of Liberty, Colosseum and Machu Picchu (an ancient citadel built by Nabataeans which now stands as an UNESCO World Heritage Site), among many others. A trip here offers visitors an incredible insight into some of history’s most fascinating architecture.
Examples
World history can often take us on an incredible journey through its many historical places and structures that show how advanced ancient cultures were. From monumental cathedrals to ancient stonework monuments, such wonders can take us back in time and demonstrate their technological brilliance.
Petra in Jordan is one such historic site built over 2000 years ago by the Nabataeans; today this spectacular place is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is an iconic architectural structure. Designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle, this monument remains one of the world’s most visited landmarks today.
Other popular historical sites include Egypt’s Great Sphinx of Giza and Jerusalem’s Western Wall – pilgrimage sites for Judaism, Christianity and Islam followers alike. Furthermore, Ephesus in Turkey boasts the Temple of Artemis which has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Purpose
Historical places exist to help people gain insight into where they come from and how they have arrived where they are today. Additionally, historic sites can inspire visitors and foster pride for the community they call home.
Historic landmarks can bring revenue into a town or region by drawing visitors with their historic charms. Tourists are likely to stay at historic hotels, visit famous artists’ studios or visit an iconic church or train station that has stood the test of time.
World history is abundant with extraordinary historical marvels that showcase ancient civilizations’ brilliance. These places play an essential part of our collective past, so they deserve to be preserved for future generations. At the same time, historic preservation saves money by avoiding new structures being constructed; reduces environmental waste by recycling materials that would otherwise go to landfill; and helps prevent sprawl by keeping existing buildings active – especially helpful in rural communities without zoning restrictions.
Significance
Historical sites provide travelers with a glimpse into the past, giving them a chance to walk in the footsteps of civilizations that came before. Furthermore, visiting such locations can bring back to life experiences and legacies left by previous inhabitants who resided there.
Jerusalem, for instance, holds great spiritual meaning as home of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount and Western Wall, where Jews, Christians and Muslims alike all pray. Additionally, Leaning Tower of Pisa has become an iconic symbol of engineering innovation due to its unintentional tilt becoming part of its design.
Other historic places, like Pompeii in Italy, provide visitors with an insight into life prior to Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD, while Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona shows visitors lifestyles and cultures from over 5,000 years ago.
