Historical attractions around the globe provide a fascinating window into human achievement from centuries past, from iconic destinations like Beijing’s Forbidden City and Machu Picchu’s majestic ruins, inspiring travellers from around the globe.
India’s history can be found throughout its UNESCO-listed treasures, from the iconic Taj Mahal mausoleum to Khajuraho’s captivating temples.
1. Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was home to China’s imperial dynasties from 1416-1912. Beheading, warfare and neglected concubines living in remote palaces have given this imposing palace complex plenty of stories and legends over its 600 years of existence.
It stands as an exemplary ancient Chinese palace construction project and its central axis layout and symmetrical design had lasting influence on official Qing dynasty buildings for over 300 years. Students may wish to consider its relation to European exploration or Marco Polo’s voyages into Asia.
Yellow was one of the favorite colors among emperors, so the roofs of palaces always featured this hue. Additionally, these structures were originally built with 9,999 1/2 rooms since legend holds that God of Heaven has 10,000 rooms in his heavenly palace.
2. Angkor Wat
Cambodia takes immense pride in their nation-state, particularly their temples of Angkor – including Angkor Wat – which stand as symbols of national identity and are some of the largest structures ever constructed before the Industrial Revolution and originally covered an area larger than modern-day Los Angeles.
Bas-reliefs adorning its walls narrate a variety of Hindu tales. One such piece represents The Churning of the Ocean of Milk, depicting gods and demons engaging in an eternal struggle for control of heaven and Earth.
Historians have long studied Angkor Wat, but recent breakthroughs have come courtesy of LiDar laser technology which allows aerial mapping. Furthermore, historians have discovered evidence of ancient water systems and roads which had previously been forgotten in history.
3. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, Peru’s iconic citadel built upon top of a mountain, stands as an emblematic reminder of Inca civilization and culture. With temples, stairways, platforms that blend in seamlessly into their surrounding environment – this city-in-a-forest stands as a testament to human ingenuity.
Machu Picchu’s central buildings demonstrate the masterful masonry techniques developed by the Incas, using stones that interlock without mortar. It is thought that Temple of the Sun may have been used to pay tribute and offer sacrifices at different points throughout the year, including solstices and equinoxes, making this sacred site especially meaningful to Incas compared to Stonehenge which contains informational signs.
4. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s iconic landmarks, stretching across thousands of miles across China to protect it against northern nomadic tribe raiders.
Beginning in the 7th century BC, when emperors built walls to defend their territories from invaders, Chinese civilization was under constant expansion until it reached its modern form under Qin Dynasty (221 BC-206 BC). Subsequent emperors expanded it further.
This massive historic site – constructed out of rammed earth, wood, and bricks to reflect the resources available during different dynasties – also boasts strategically-important passes and watchtowers that now fall under State protection and serve as testament to engineering genius and pride for this nation.
5. The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower first made its debut at the 1889 World’s Fair, which featured cutting-edge inventions. Gustave Eiffel designed and constructed it, leading to initial criticism that even led to some attempts at its destruction; eventually however, its iconic iron structure became an international attraction that became an enduring symbol of France and drew global admiration.
Today, it is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited fee-charging monuments worldwide. Over its long history, it has played host to high-profile stunts, ceremonies, and scientific experiments (Foucault’s pendulum). Charles Lindbergh used it as a beacon on his 1927 solo trans-Atlantic flight using it as his beacon. Today it attracts 7 million visitors annually, 75% of whom are foreign visitors; no matter your history background it remains an unforgettable landmark that cannot be missed!
6. Versailles
The Palace of Versailles served as a center for France’s pre-Revolutionary ruling class until it was dismantled during the French Revolution. This incredible example exemplifies how absolute monarchy existed prior to that eventful time.
The luxurious complex and sprawling park were intended to symbolize human dominance over nature, featuring geometric plans with rational order for its gardens and parks.
Louis XIV was one of the most influential leaders of this period, introducing sanitation to Versailles by installing flush toilets (water closets) in his apartment – previously, royals relied on communal latrines or relied upon relief measures hidden under staircases or in other hidden locations for their needs.
