Certain sites capture the imagination of people worldwide because of their beauty and humanity they exemplify. They stand as testaments of past civilizations for all to witness, providing us with a glimpse into history we otherwise wouldn’t get the chance to witness ourselves.
Federal Hall, where George Washington took his oath as America’s first President, houses both his Bible and balcony where he stood during this historic event.
1. The Great Sphinx of Giza
The Sphinx is one of the world’s largest freestanding sculptures and believed to have been constructed as a memorial to pharaoh Khafre, ruler of Egypt during its 4th Dynasty. The massive figure depicting an arched back lion and human form with human head is often mistaken as godlike imagery.
Archaeological evidence indicates that the original Sphinx may have been decorated in vibrant blue and yellow colours that have since disapppeared. There was even an Old Kingdom temple attached to its statue, likely modelled after Khafre’s mortuary temple.
The temple consisted of a colonnade of 24 granite pillars surrounding a courtyard with two sanctuaries on an east-west axis, suggesting that its Sphinx was facing both sunrise and sunset.
2. The Parthenon in Athens
The Parthenon (Greek: “parthenos”) is a temple dedicated to Athena. Constructed between 447 and 432 BCE by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates with supervision from renowned sculptor Phidias, its construction was completed between 447-432 BCE.
Pericles directed a massive rebuilding program which included the Propylaea gateway; Erechtheum shrine to agricultural deities especially Erichthonius; and Treasury of Delian League confederacy of Greek city-states.
The temple was converted into a Christian church during Byzantine rule and eventually into a mosque under Ottoman control in 1458. Unfortunately, however, its appearance was severely damaged when Venetian bombers attacked Athens in 1687; since then extensive restoration work has taken place and now this monument is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Machu Picchu in Peru
Machu Picchu, located high in Peru’s Andes Mountains, is an enchanted citadel built by Inca builders during the 15th century as a royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti and features temples, sanctuaries, plazas, homes and much more.
It is a triumph of architecture and civil engineering. The intricate inlay work reflects Inca craftsmanship of the highest order; huge stone blocks fit together so precisely that no mortar was required between them.
Inca spiritual meaning was strong at Machu Picchu; they considered this sacred site extremely potent, so visitors from around the globe are attracted to visit this historic location – making this must-see spot an essential visit when traveling through Peru.
4. The Statue of Liberty in New York City
At first thought of New York City comes to mind Lady Liberty. This monumental statue made of green copper stands as an international symbol of freedom. Bartholdi designed it in order to resemble Libertas – the Roman goddess of liberty and included various symbolic elements to enhance this theme.
President Grover Cleveland officially inaugurated the Statue of Liberty at Bedloe’s Island in Manhattan, NY, on October 28th 1886. Since then, this iconic landmark has come to represent America’s ideals and welcome immigrants from around the globe to a land of opportunity and freedom. Historical places allow students to interact directly with tangible objects or locations that help develop sensory skills for understanding historical values that have an effect on national character and understanding why such places matter in history lessons.
5. The Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed his grand plan for the new capital city in 1790 with the Capitol Building taking center stage. This grand federal structure would serve as the centerpiece of an extensive mall dotted with stately structures and an expansive open park, creating a grand plan that gave prominence to this federal building.
George Washington swore his oath of office as America’s first president here. Today, visitors can see both his Bible used in this significant event and a stone slab from his balcony where he stood.
As America grew, so too did its Capitol. As representatives and senators were elected, architects such as Benjamin Henry Latrobe and Charles Bulfinch added their expertise. A former slave named Philip Reid assisted with adding its iconic white dome that now graces it.
