The 10 Best Historical Places in The World to Explore

The visits to historical places can be memorable, yet sometimes overwhelming. The sights and sounds of these iconic monuments can quickly turn a tourist-filled day into just another busy place lost in the allure of mass tourism.

But there are ways to get away from the crowds if you’re looking for a more tranquil experience of ancient places. Before or after peak tourist times is one way to find a quieter experience. Visiting during transitional seasons like fall or spring when the weather isn’t as punishing and the light is softer might also help. Avoiding weekends and picking weekday excursions to destinations tend to get fewer visitors can also make for a more peaceful visit.

And some go off-the-beaten track in search for less visited historical places around the world — from forgotten temples in India, rock-cut tombs in Jordan, an Egyptian obelisk amidst wheat fields, or semi-hidden but still intact walls in Uruguay — that although may not have much fame, they carry significances pertinent to local culture and traditions. Exploring lesser-known places can provide an even deeper understanding of past cultures while offering much sought-after respite from mass tourism.

There are some ancient places in the world that should be on everyone’s bucket list. These historical sites are so much more than just old buildings or ruins.

1. The Great Wall of China, China

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that have been built, rebuilt, or greatly maintained since the 5th century BC. It was originally built to protect the Chinese Empire from the invasions of nomadic tribes from the north and other hostile forces. The Great Wall stretches from modern-day Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Nur in Xinjiang in the west, an incredible 5,500 miles (8,850 kilometers). The majority of this length consists of a construction made of rammed earth, stones and bricks. In addition to defense and protection, it has had religious and cultural significance throughout its long history. Currently, sections of the wall are open to public access for tourism purposes.

2. The Taj Mahal, India

is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna River in Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan (reigned from 1628 to 1658), to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed over a period of approximately twenty-two years and completed in 1654, the elevated white marble structure stands on a square plinth with four outreaching minarets on each corner. The design is based upon both Islamic and Hindu artistic traditions.

The Taj Mahal is seen as an embodiment of love due to its reflection of the Mughals’ deep passion for the Mumtaz Mahal. Built with intricate detail, it serves as a symbol of eternal love and devotion between Shah Jahan and his beloved wife. The walls are confronted with various scriptures, inscriptions, and geometric patterns that represent elements of nature like trees, vines, fruits, and flowers. Inside it there are a series of chambers containing numerous tombs including those of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan as well as other members of the royal family. It also houses a Mosque and a guesthouse which showcase impressive examples of ornate carvings painstakingly made from marbles and stones intricately cut into pietra dura works such as pavilions or flower motifs. The grounds surrounding it feature beautiful gardens laid out in accordance with traditional Persian gardening styles complete with pools linked by channels filled with flowing water creating a breathtaking prospect for visitors.

3. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel located in the Andean Mountains of Peru, about 8 km (5 mi) northwest of Cuzco. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the mid-1400s, and today it stands as one of South America’s most iconic archaeological sites. The site consists of numerous terraced platforms, plazas, magnificent monuments, walls, and temples built with precise stone masonry that has earned international admiration.

4. Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico. The ancient Maya city is believed to have been built by the Itza people between 600 and 1200 AD, with its most iconic structure, the Kukulkan Pyramid, the focus of much religious worship. Visitors to Chichen Itza can explore the step pyramid’s construction and learn more about Mayan culture before heading off to visit other nearby attractions such as cenotes (sinkholes) and colonial towns.

5. Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is a Chilean island located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, at the southeasternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle. It is most famous for its approximately 900 extant monumental statues, called moai, created by the early Rapa Nui people. It is a special territory of Chile that was annexed in 1888.

6. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world. It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of God Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. It is widely accepted as one of the most important archeological sites in South East Asia. The temple’s design has served as inspiration for temples throughout Southeast Asia, including Bagan in Myanmar.

7. Stonehenge, United Kingdom

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It comprises a circle of stones that are estimated to have been built between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. It is believed to have been used as an astronomical observatory, as well as a place of religious and spiritual significance. The mysteries surrounding Stonehenge continue to enthrall visitors from all over the world.

8. Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii is a ruined Roman city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania. The city was famously destroyed and buried under 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) of volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It had been a prosperous town prior to its destruction. Pompeii was preserved by its ash cover that left an imprint of the city’s buildings and history, giving archaeologists an unprecedented insight into their times. Since its rediscovery, Pompeii has become one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions, providing numerous ruins, historic houses, baths, temples and churches as well as plentiful artifacts, frescoes and mosaics that can be explored. Nearby sights include the House of Julius Polybius with its intricate mosaics and plaster reproductions of frescoes; the Villa dei Misteri; the Temple of Apollo; the Stabian Baths; and Herculaneum, another ruined Roman city swallowed up by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD.

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome, Italy. It is one of the most famous structures in the world, and stands as a reminder of the civilizations that have lived in or visited the city throughout its long history. The Colosseum was built by Emperor Vespasian between 72-80 CE and was used for gladiatorial games, animal hunts, and executions. Its design features four stories high with seating for approximately 50,000 spectators. Its walls are made of travertine stone, while reinforced concrete provided extra stability during all events. Its arch, vaults and columns provided space to start fights safely on top tiers of the arena as well as cooling water around amphitheater’s base. The Coliseum has been a major tourist attraction since its rediscovery during the Renaissance period in the 15th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. Acropolis of Athens, Greece

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcropping above the city of Athens, Greece. Also known as the Sacred Rock of Athens, it is home to numerous ancient monuments that form the most important surviving examples of classical Greek architecture, including the Parthenon, Propylaea and Erechtheion. It served as a fortified residential area as early as the Bronze Age and was inhabited by Athenians far up into the Byzantine period. The Acropolis is also a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site and is regarded as one of the most recognized landmarks in Greece.

10. Tunis Medina, Tunisia

Tunis Medina is the old city at the heart of Tunis, Tunisia’s most vibrant and bustling capital. The historic center of Tunis is full of winding alleys, ancient monuments, mosques and souks. It has existed since the 7th century, when it was first established as a fortified city by Arab settlers, and today it still retains much of its original charm. Visitors to the Medina can lose themselves amidst the labyrinthine alleyways which are lined with traditional buildings and bazaars selling jewelry, carpets, spices, pottery and more. There are also plenty of museums and cultural sites in the Medina that offer visitors an insight into Tunisian culture and history.