There are so many beautiful sights to see in this world, that it’s hard to decide where you should go on holiday. If you’re stuck for choice, why not try and visit one of the world’s most stunning ancient ruins. These are just a handful of the awe inspiring places you could see.
1) Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor is a region in Cambodia that was the home of the Khmer Empire from around 800 AD to 1431 BCE. It is known as the Holy City and contains more than 1,000 temples, the most impressive of which is Angkor Wat, which is said to be the world’s biggest religious monument. The 390 square miles of Angkor are well worth exploring. It really is a magnificent sight to behold.
2) The Acropolis, Greece
The Acropolis is a ruin of an ancient Greek citadel. The ruins of several important buildings still remain such as the Parthenon, which was constructed between 447 and 438 BCE and was a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. You can also see the Temple of Athena Nike, which was the first Ionic temple built in the Acropolis, and the Erechtheion, another temple which was constructed between 421 and 406 BCE and is thought to have been a tribute to King Erechtheus. These beautiful ruin in Athens are a must-see for anyone visiting Greece.
3) The Pyramids, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza are arguably one of the most recognisable sights on Earth. People come from all over the world to see these ruins, located just outside of Cairo. The site contains the Great Pyramid of Giza, and several lesser pyramid complexes, as well as the Sphinx and the Tomb of Queen Khentkaues I. In addition, they are the only construction listed in the Seven Wonders of the World which is still standing.
4) Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is a monument located in Wiltshire, UK. This stone circle dates back to prehistoric times and is thought to have been constructed somewhere between 3000 and 2000 BC. Not even experts on Neolithic and Bronze Age culture know exactly how Stonehenge was constructed or what its purpose was, but there are a number of theories. Some people think that it could have been a burial ground, as evidence of ancient cremated remains has been found on the site, and others think it may have been a site of religious significance. No matter its original purpose, it is an impressive structure to see.
5) Chichen Itza, Mexico
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula region of Mexico, Chihen Itza was a major city built by the Mayans around 600 AD, although construction appears to have continued over the following 300 years. The most famous part of this site is the Temple of Kukulkan, named after the Mayan’s feathered-snake god, which stands nearly 100 feet tall. Although the building is in itself impressive, it is the astronomical calculations which went into constructing it which are most amazing. On the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun causes shadows to be cast, creating the appearance of a snake crawling down the side of the temple. The site also contains further temples, cenotes, an observatory, and ball-courts, and attracts around 12 million visitors every year.
6) The Colosseum, Rome
The Colosseum is a large amphitheatre, which is considered amongst the finest pieces of Roman architecture. It was completed in around 80AD, and was used for hosting fierce gladiatorial competitions, as well as animal hunts, performances of mythological dramas, and more. It could seat an audience of up to 50,000 people, so it is huge even by today’s standards. Much of the Colosseum is still intact, and it is quite a spectacle to behold. You can get guided trips round it, and it is a guaranteed feature on all tours of Italy.
7) Machu Picchu, Peru
These ruins are amongst the most famous remains of the Incan empire. It was built in the mid-15th century, but miraculously avoided being destroyed by Spanish Conquistadors. It is thought to have been a religious sanctuary. Situated between two mountains, and overlooking the Urubamba Valley, this city is a stunning place which has to be seen to understand its true beauty.
There are so many stunning ruins that it’s hard to pick just one to go to see, but wherever you choose to go you will be experiencing a little piece of the history of this world.
