Planning a trip can yield many historical spots worth visiting; one such landmark in Italy is Pisa’s leaning tower; Germany offers medieval town centres such as Munich’s and fairy tale castles built by King Ludwig II such as Neuschwanstein and Linderhof that provide ideal learning experiences.
But which country boasts the greatest collection of historic places?
China
China is an expansive nation with millennia of history, so it should come as no surprise that the country boasts so many iconic historic landmarks – from ancient temples and cliffside monasteries, to its Great Wall and mysterious ancient monasteries – making up its cultural legacy and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
China is most famously known for the Great Wall, an incredible defensive architecture stretching over 13,000 miles and taking 2,500 years to construct. Recognizable worldwide as one of its greatest symbols.
The Forbidden City is one of China’s iconic landmarks; an imperial palace with 9,900 rooms and halls that was used by multiple dynasties throughout its long history. Also worth seeing are the Terra Cotta Army soldiers that look just like their original counterparts; Potala Palace showcases some of the finest ancient Tibetan architecture and relics.
Germany
Some places inspire worldwide fascination not only because of their physical beauty or human ingenuity but also due to the window into history they provide – these iconic locations are known as UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Germany, one of Europe’s largest countries, boasts many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Settled by Germanic tribes and later Roman occupation, and being at the centre of 20th century conflict – Germany boasts a long and colorful history which can be seen through its stunning landmarks.
Germany boasts more UNESCO sites than any other European nation, including 51 UNESCO-recognized locations – more than any other. These include the Reichstag – an iconic former parliament building destroyed during WWII but since rebuilt to house the Museum of German History. Also, Neuschwanstein Castle and Schwerin Palace (seat of Schwerin dukes), both constructed by King Ludwig II, are popular tourist destinations; castles and palaces of southern Germany especially popular tourist sites.
England
England boasts an abundance of castles, palaces, churches, Roman ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage sites that make for wonderful cultural and historical experiences. Here travel writers reveal 12 must-see cultural and historic spots in England.
Chatsworth House in Derbyshire was England’s ninth most-visited historic site with 652,969 visitors in 2009. This spectacular stately home, originally constructed on property belonging to both Norseman and Saxon occupants before becoming royal property through Norman Conquest, remains an incredible spectacle today.
Hadrian’s Wall is one of the premier tourist attractions in northern England, boasting a 73-mile long wall stretching coast-to-coast across northern England bordering Scotland and built by Roman Emperor Hadrian himself in 122 AD; now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bristol also hosts Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge which attracts nearly 400,000 visitors per year, and stands out as its landmark structure.
Jordan
Jordan’s modern capital combines new shopping malls and restaurants with ancient cultures from across history. Amman is an excellent way to learn more about Jordan’s long history.
Venture further east and you will discover an impressive cluster of early Islamic castles resembling ruins within rocky desert plains known as Desert Castles – fascinating reminders of what life was once like here in this part of the world.
Madaba is one of the highlights of any trip to Jordan, thanks to its beautiful Mosaic Church featuring an ancient map. According to legend, it may even mark where Moses first saw the Promised Land! Additionally, Unesco-listed Petra offers one of the world’s most captivating experiences with its sandstone canyons and temples that will delight any history enthusiast; various tours run from Amman that include days here as part of their itinerary.
