These ancient landmarks tell our world’s story and can inspire wonder. Their beauty awe-inspiring and makes us question our place within it all.
Italy holds the crown with 58 UNESCO sites ranging from Roman and Renaissance temples, medieval castles and villages, as well as being one of the world’s oldest civilizations. China follows closely behind with 56 declared sites.
Italy
Italy is an iconic Mediterranean nation with a long and storied history that has made an indelible impactful mark on Western culture and cuisine. Italy boasts ancient ruins, iconic art works, scenic cities like Florence – home of Michelangelo’s David and Duomo; Venice with its canals; and Rome, with its Roman Forum and Colosseum – iconic destinations that continue to draw travelers today.
Italy began pursuing liberal democracy during the 19th century. Italy entered World War I on the side of the Allies and won Trentino, South Tyrol, and Trieste from Austria-Hungary through postwar peace treaties.
Italy boasts the most World Heritage sites of any country with 58 UNESCO World Heritage sites – Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is home to Dante and Michelangelo’s tombs while Bargello National Museum features works by Donatello and Giambologna among many others.
Egypt
Egypt straddles both northeast Africa and the Middle East. Millennia-old monuments dot its banks – from Giza’s pyramids and Great Sphinx to Luxor’s Karnak Temple with its hieroglyphs-lined walkway and Valley of the Kings tombs – providing stunning scenery along its Nile.
Pharaonic royalty took their afterlife seriously, which can be seen through their lavish tombs such as those found in the Valley of the Kings; these tombs contained everything needed by deceased nobles in order to prosper after death, from clothing and gold coins to mummified remains and intricate artwork.
One of the many iconic sites to see in Aswan are the Colossi of Memnon and Dendera Temple Complex dedicated to Hathor. Additionally, Abu Simbel Temples must also be seen – they had to be relocated because their position would have been submerged under Lake Nasser created by Aswan High Dam’s creation of Lake Nasser.
Russia
Russia is a vast country filled with history and intriguing places. Visitors can choose between 26 cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage sites as points of interest during their exploration.
The Kremlin has long been seen as the symbol of Russian statehood and political power since it first opened for business in 13th-century Moscow. Once home to Czars until their departure in 1917 when Soviet government took their place.
The Hermitage Museum is the premier repository of art and culture in Russia and one of the world’s greatest museums, with collections that have been amassed over two centuries curated into breathtaking displays that make visiting an experience not to be missed by history buffs. Other incredible landmarks worth experiencing while in Moscow include Kremlin and Red Square which should not be overlooked on your travels!
India
India is home to numerous historic places with fascinating tales to tell, such as Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Humayun’s Tomb and Ajanta Caves – to name but a few.
The Taj Mahal is an exquisite monument with romantic overtones. Constructed between 1632 and 1648 under Emperor Shah Jahan’s rule, the Taj is also one of the New7Wonders of the World.
Humayun’s tomb is an elegant blend of Indian and Persian architecture, created by Hamida Banu Begum for her husband Humayun during the 15th century. The structure features arched alcoves, carved domes, and elaborate corridors – an architectural masterpiece!
The India Gate is one of Delhi’s most iconic historic structures, often being compared with Rome’s Arch of Constantine or Paris’ Arch de Triomphe.
Africa
Africa is home to some of the most incredible historical sites on earth, from Great Zimbabwe’s magnificent stone city and tombs in Zimbabwe’s Great Zimbabwe Mountains National Park, Egypt’s temples and tombs and South America’s iconic pyramids – this vast continent brims with history!
Africa has emerged from its dark past of slavery and apartheid to become a vibrant continent with 54 independent countries and diverse cultures, boasting spectacular natural beauty that rivals any other continent on the globe.
Ujiji was the center of ivory trade during its initial stages during slavery’s early years, drawing visitors in from far and wide for its historical importance. Today it remains popular as an attraction due to its fascinating past – make sure you use an experienced guide so as to gain maximum benefit of its historic importance!
