Top 10 Historical Travel Destinations
If you are looking to travel and want to go back in time here are ten great historic travel destinations for the history buff on the go. From Castles to Great Walls to Pyramids here you will find 10 Historical destinations that everyone should visit. Do you have any places in mind that are both historic and a travel destination? Please leave a comment and name the place.
10. European Castles
Dotted all throughout Europe there are thousands of Medieval and Baroque castles that conjure up images of fairytale princesses and chivalrous knights. They were not only built as protective fortresses but also as the homes of feudal lords and kings that showed their wealth and status. Some of the most impressive examples include Germany’s Neuschwanstein Castle, France’s Palace of Versailles, Ireland’s Blarney Castle, Sintra Palace in Portugal, Turkey’s Topkapi Palace, Prague Castle in the Czech Republic and Leeds Castle in England. Photo by ZeHawk
9. Stonehenge
While there are several theories around the functionality of this Neolithic monument, no one can argue that within minutes of arriving you find yourself pondering the mystery of Stonehenge. The major rivaling theories are that it was either built as an astronomical observatory or religious site while others believe that the bluestones were thought to have healing powers. Construction first began around 3000 BC and was carried out in three separate stages hundreds of years apart. Photo by LuluP
8. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is easily the most recognizable temple in Cambodia as well as one of the most beautiful. It was built in the early 12th century by King Suryavarman II to act as his state temple and capital city. The best example of Khmer architecture, which includes many bas-reliefs and devatas, Angkor Wat is unique in that it is the only such temple that is oriented towards the west. Photo by Stuck in Customs
7. The Great Wall of China
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall is an impressive feat of engineering. The Wall is the product of 21 centuries of building and rebuilding that began in the 5th century BC, and was used to protect the Empire of China from Xiongnu attacks. Although sections of the current wall, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty, are in total disrepair, near tourist centers it has been well preserved and even reconstructed to give visitors a glimpse of its former glory. Photo by DragonWoman
6. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, known to many as “The Lost City of the Incas”, is the most impressive remainder of the Incan Empire. It was built in 1462 AD and abandoned only a hundred years later, which saved it from plunder and destruction at the hands of Spanish conquistadors, who were unaware of its location. American historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. The three primary structures are the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows and the Intihuatana Stone, an astronomical clock or calendar that has been dubbed “The Hitching Point of the Sun”. Photo by szeke
5. The Parthenon
The Parthenon is an elegantly crafted symbol, not only of Ancient Greece, but also of the very roots of democracy. The current building was built Pericles in the mid-5th century BC as a Doric temple to the goddess Athena and also as a treasury for the Delian League. Many of the sculptures, referred to as the marbles, have been removed and now reside in the British Museum, the Louvre and other museums despite efforts by the Greek government to return them to their proper place. Photo by by wallyg
4. The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the most stunning structures in the world and the story behind its construction is just as beautiful. The Taj was built between 1632 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan to serve as a mausoleum and monument to his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was constructed by twenty thousand workers from marble and inlayed with twenty-eight different kinds of precious and semi-precious stones from across India and Asia. Photo by by betta design
3. Petra
The ancient Nabataean capital of Petra was built around 100 BC and was a site where many ancient trade routes converged making its residents very wealthy. Some of the major attractions are the Theatre and the Monastery, but the most recognizable is the Al Khazneh, commonly referred to as the Treasury, that’s use was a mystery until a recant excavation found that the Khazneh is really a tomb, probably of the royal family. Photo by by ChrisYunker
2. Rome
The Eternal City is filled with some of the most stunning and iconic architecture in the world. Layers of Ancient Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque buildings are to be seen at almost every turn. However, no trip to Rome is complete without taking in the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Circus Maximus, the Arch of Constantine, Fontana di Trevi and at least one of the many historic piazzas throughout the city. Photo by: by Al?na Romanenko
1. Egypt
Egypt it one of the most culturally rich countries in the world and one of the most ancient tourist spots in the world having played host to many visitors from ancient Greece and Rome. Of course the site that is most synonymous with the image of Egypt is the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx at Giza. Other must see sights include the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, the Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, Luxor and Karnak, all of which will make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time to the lands of Ancient Egypt. Photo by Mrs Logic
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WOW, I thought it was common knowledge being able to see the Great Wall of China from space is an utter myth.
http://www.universetoday.com/guide-to-space/earth/can-you-see-the-great-wall-of-china-from-space/
I have made the correction. Thanks, Monkerz.
Even with that erroneous statement about the Great Wall, this is still a great list. Stunning visuals
Great list!
Re Stonehenge: “While there are several theories around the functionality of this Neolithic monument, no one can argue that within minutes of arriving you find yourself pondering the mystery of Stonehenge.” – No, having been there myself you immediately wonder why there is a 4 lane motorway 10 meters over, why no-one is allowed anywhere near it and why there is nothing provided to inform or educate the tourist about it. Stonehenge sucks, it shouldn’t be on this otherwise great list.
How can Jerusalem not be on this list? Who cares about stonehenge?
good list. but theyre all top 10 regular tourist destinations. theres got to be better :/
I do not understand, why stonehege appear in these list.
Th site is over hyped and nothing is there except stones. There should be campaign to remove stonehenge from all these list. A recent study from NY university is proved that most of the things are over hyped and there is NOTHING special about this site
The world is so big and there are so many wonderful things to see and places to visit…and you put Stonehenge in a top 10 list? Really? It’s just a bunch of rocks for Christ’s sake, there is nothing to see there.
Okay, I get it. People don’t like Stonehenge. Sheesh.
And the reason these are regular tourist destinations is because they are the top 10 travel destinations. I think we need a top 10 Least Known Travel Destinations list. Anyone feel up to writing that? Contact admin@toptenz.net if you are.
Yeah, it’s hard to disagree with this list. And great pictures! I love lists like this! I just made a list on my blog of Destinations for Outdoor Activities. And I would like to see more travel destination lists. It’s always great inspiration!
Ah come on, so Stonehenge isn’t as impressive looking as the rest of the things on the list, but then it is over 2500 years older than the next nearest competitor here, so that’s gotta count for something! +1 for the crappy old pile of rocks!
great list, good work. “doing” is always better than the babbling of arm-chair expert do nothings.
however:
why shouldn’t stonehenge be on the list??? can YOU build better?
they’re ALL just “a pile of rocks” anyway. spectacular achievments, but rocks all the same. what’s so special about jerusalem? oh, that’s just a pile of jews. like NY!
the stonehenge “study”, offered by the dude in his mothers basement is meaningless, especially when you consider less than 80% of americans can even properly identify the US (you know, where THEY LIVE), on an unmarked world map; they certainly couldn’t identify England let alone stonehenge, or any other of the beautiful world sites listed. how embarrassing.
I find that Florida is perfect as a holiday destination not only because of Disney World and the miles of beaches, but also because of the many wilderness and adventure experiences that one can enjoy. Just visit http://holidayflorida.net/ and see for yourself.
Brilliant picz
Does anyone here realize that Stonehenge was built before the invention of the wheel? I would like to see one of you push one of those ten ton rocks more than five feet. Much less, stand one on it’s end.
I’ve been to dozens of European castles, Rome and Stonehenge and more since I started traveling in 1994, so I’ve seen a few things on this list. Stunning visuals — others are right. This site just reaffirms how exciting, deep and complex our world is, and how much there is to see. I’ll be taking off this summer 2009 for the first time in 12 years to have surgery, but I always travel every chance I get. Thanks again for renewing my wanderlust! Cheers.
Great collection !
@tommychurchill
Stonehenge is not 2500 years older than everything on the list. Egypt as a country has monuments that predate it. The Giza Pyramids were potentially built at the same time, though there is some evidence Stonehenge could have been built a few hundred years earlier. Of course, there are older sites in Egypt.
great list! all these places are stunning!! Machu Picchu is mystical place and a great spot to divinity. It is the Peru’s most popular place. thanks for sharing.
A fine list…
However as always, these lists are very individual and sometime the greatest experience when travelling is finding your own favorite place on the planet. So actually to avoid, or spend less time at, some of the most popular sites can improve your travel experience.
My favorite place is Lake Toba in Indonesia (Sumatra)
i have visited The Great Wall of China last year and The Taj Mahal 3 years ago. both are very nice. we must visit these place once in life. and i have plan to visit Machu Picchu and egypt. i thing both are nice place to visit. thanks for sharing.
They all seem like they are amaizng places, except Stonehenge, which is a pile of over rated crap…There are also plenty of amaizng castles in Scotland.
I disagree about Stonehenge. I think you are missing out on the historical value of it.
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Awesome.. This information is splendid. The way these spots are represented with photographs is amazing. I have been to 4 places.. But desperate to witness all these Historical places.. Thanks a lot buddy!! Keep it up!!
There’s just too many places on Earth that are must-sees for travel destination. If you’re all griping about Stonehenge, what about Easter Island? What about Ayers Rock? What about the Northern Lights? Some of these destinations are personal, just like how this list is based on personal opinion. Stonehenge is still a top travel destination too. Great list, by the way.