National Geographic Traveler has compiled a list of seven must-visit historical destinations that allow visitors to explore different periods of world history.
The publication stated that the chosen destinations are tangible testaments to the creativity and social organization of people from bygone eras.
Travel to these world-renowned places is not limited to sightseeing; it is an experience of walking among the ruins of ancient cultures and observing the ingenuity and spirituality of historical civilizations up close.
1. The Giza Pyramids, Egypt
The magazine placed the Giza Pyramids at the top of its list, stating that a visit is not merely a trip to a great archaeological site but a profound spiritual and psychological experience that reconnects a person to their civilizational roots. It fills one with a sense of awe and reverence for what humans accomplished thousands of years ago.
Standing before these immortal monuments sends positive energy through the soul and makes the visitor feel a sense of humility before the greatness of history and the immortality of civilization, while also fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
Reflecting on the precision and permanence of the construction reinforces confidence in human abilities and inspires patience and willpower to achieve goals. The place transforms from a mere stone ruin into a source of deep inspiration and inner peace.
Located on the West Bank of the Nile River, these pyramids are distinguished by their immensity and status as a symbol of ancient Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, built in the 26th century BC, dominates the desert landscape.
2. Chichen Itza, Mexico
The heart of the Mayan civilization in Mexico, Chichen Itza is one of the country’s best-restored archaeological sites, attracting over two million visitors annually. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza is home to the iconic pyramid of El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. This pyramid is renowned for a celestial phenomenon where, on the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun’s shadow creates the illusion of a serpent descending the stairs. The site is a testament to the advanced astronomical and architectural brilliance of the Maya people, showcasing a unique blend of Maya and Toltec styles. It served as a major political and pilgrimage center, offering a profound glimpse into a thriving ancient civilization.
3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
This is the largest religious monument in the world, distinguished by its towers that reflect the center of Hindu cosmology. It is the main feature of a complex spanning 240 square kilometers, which includes the Angkor Archaeological Park, with temples like the Bayon, famous for its Buddhist faces, and the Ta Prohm temple, whose forest-filled ruins create a captivating atmosphere at sunset.
4. The Acropolis of Athens
Considered the cradle of Western civilization, this monument is located in the heart of Athens. The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is its most important feature. Visiting the Acropolis in the early morning is one of the best ways to experience it.
5. Pompeii, Italy
This site offers a detailed look into the daily life of this legendary Roman city, which was preserved under the ash of Mount Vesuvius since 79 BC. The archaeological park includes carbonized bread and plaster casts of the victims, which adds a human dimension to the tragedy.
6. Petra, Jordan
It was abandoned in the 8th century AD and rediscovered centuries later. Known as the “Rose City,” Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey to the main city begins by walking through the Siq, a winding, narrow canyon with towering walls over 200 feet high. More than just the Treasury, Petra is a sprawling city of rock-cut tombs, temples, and homes carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Its intricate water management systems and sophisticated architecture highlight the remarkable engineering and artistry of the Nabatean civilization.
7. Machu Picchu, Peru
This archaeological site remained unknown outside of Peru until 1911. The primary purpose of this site is debated, but its construction and integration with its surroundings inspire great admiration from both tourists and locals. The stone blocks the Incas used are so precise that not even a single sheet of paper can fit between them.
