The globe is filled with historical wonders that epitomize the past of humanity. Countless civilizations have constructed remarkable sites that remain intact in the 21st century. Presently, breakthrough inventions and technologies have emerged worldwide. However, in ancient times when such advancements did not exist, brilliant minds still exhibited their technological prowess. Amazing, isn’t it? Listed below are some of the most captivating historical places in the world, offering travelers a glimpse into history. You can incorporate some of these into your global historical tour.
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If you are fascinated by history, explore these age-old wonders that have exuded beauty for centuries:
1. Qutub Minar
With a towering height of 73 meters, Qutub Minar stands as one of the tallest minarets in India. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s highest brick minaret. Qutub Minar drew inspiration from Afghanistan’s Minaret of Jam in terms of architecture and design, making it one of the finest historical places to visit with your family. This renowned structure in Delhi narrates the city’s tale like no other.
Location: Mehrauli, New Delhi, DL 110030Entry fees: ₹ 35 for Indians and ₹ 550 for international visitors.Timings: Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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2. Ajanta Caves
Ajanta Caves, safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India, encompass 32 Buddhist caves near the historic village bearing the same name. Additionally, the Ajanta Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The caves feature wall paintings, many of which retain their vibrant original colors, while the exterior walls are adorned with beautifully crafted sculptures, rendering it one of the intriguing historical places in the world.
Location: Near Ajanta village, North-central Maharashtra state, Western IndiaEntry fees: ₹ 40 for Indians and ₹ 600 for international visitors.Timings: Open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, closed on Mondays.
3. The Colosseum
The Colosseum, renowned as the Flavian Amphitheatre, emerged as a grand amphitheater in Rome during the era of the Flavian emperors. This colossal structure stood at a height of four storeys and spanned an impressive area of 189 by 156 meters (620 by 513 feet). It boasted eighty entrances—seventy-six for spectators, two for event participants, and two exclusive for the emperor alone. Today, it stands as a top-notch historical site attracting millions of tourists annually.
Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, ItalyAdmission fees: 12 Euro for Adults and 7.50 Euro for Adolescents.Operating hours: Open from 10:30 am to 7:15 pm every day with final admission at 6:15 pm.
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4. Chichen Itza
Chichén was constructed in the 6th century CE, potentially by Yucatán Peninsula Maya individuals who had inhabited the region since the Pre-Classic, or Formative, Period (1500 BCE–300 CE). Chichen Itza is a Mayan language word that signifies “near the mouth of the Itza’s well.” This historical site was assigned as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, and it was recently acknowledged as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Location: Merida, Chichen Itza 97751, MexicoAdmission fees: The entrance fee is now $497 MXN ($417 to the state of Yucatan $80 tax).Operating hours: Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm
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5. Great Sphinx of Giza
The Great Sphinx of Giza, near Cairo, is arguably the world’s most distinguished sculpture. The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt, built-in 2500 BC during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, lies on the Giza plateau directly in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Although the primary purpose for the Sphinx’s construction is unknown, some historians and archaeologists believe the sculptures were carved to protect significant sites that play a vital role in upholding their status as one of the iconic historical places in the world.
Location: Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, EgyptAdmission fees: Adult tickets are 80 Egyptian pounds (₹656) per personOperating hours: Everyday from 8 am to 5 pm
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6. Aqueduct of Segovia
The Aqueduct of Segovia was constructed under Roman jurisdiction in the latter part of the initial century A.D. and conveyed water from the Fro River to the city until the twentieth century. The Segovia Aqueduct is an unparalleled Roman Empire structure that maintains its authentic character and serves as a significant and evocative element of the region’s surroundings. In 1985, the aqueduct was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Location: Plaza del Azoguejo, 1, 40001 Segovia, SpainEntry fees: 4 Euros (6 Euros including the tower of Juan II).Timings: Open all day, 24 hours.
7. Mogao Grottoes
Mogao Caves are undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary historical sites in the world.
The ‘Caves of the Thousand Buddhas’ (Qianfodong), commonly known as Mogao, are a marvelous Buddhist art treasure trove. Extensive murals depicting Buddha anecdotes, Buddhist scriptures, depictions of cave patrons, decorative patterns, and scenes of societal and economic life embellish the walls and ceilings of the painted caverns, which cover an area of over 500,000 square feet.
Location: Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu, ChinaEntry fees: NATimings: Open everyday from 08:00 am to 05:30
8. Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is one of the oldest cities in India. It is recognized as a hub for religious monuments from the 7th and 8th centuries. You would be overjoyed to witness the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes temples constructed during the Pallava era. The Mahabalipuram’s Group of Monuments, consisting of rock-cut cave temples, monolithic temples, bas-relief sculptures, structural temples, and excavated temple remnants, holds a special place in classical Indian architecture.
Location: It lies along the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal 37 miles (60 km) south of Chennai (Madras).Entry fees: The entry fee is ₹ 10 for Indians and ₹ 340 for foreigners.Timings: Open every day from 6 am to 6 pm.
9. Luxor Obelisk
The Luxor Obelisk is a prominent landmark in global history, dating back over 3,300 years and constructed of red granite. It features Egyptian hieroglyphics showcasing the reign of Ramses II and Ramses III, making it a significant monument in world history. The two obelisks from the Luxor temple were given to the French by Muhammad Ali, the first governor of Egypt, and King Louis Philippe exchanged the obelisk for a large clock that is still situated in the clock tower of the mosque.
Location: Situated at the heart of the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France.Admission fees: Not applicableOpening hours: Accessible 24 hours a day.
10. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal, which stands splendidly on the banks of the Yamuna River, is an emblem of love and ardor. The Taj Mahal was erected by Mughal ruler Shah Jahn (reigned 1628–58) to pay tribute to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (“Chosen One of the Palace”), who passed away during childbirth in 1631. The appellation “Taj Mahal” is derived from the name of Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and it signifies “Crown Palace.”, this remarkable structure is undeniably one of the finest historical sites in the world.
Location: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001Admission fees: Indian tourists are charged ₹ 45, while foreigners or NRIs pay ₹ 1050, and SAARC/BIMSTEC tourists pay ₹ 535. A ticket that includes entry to the Mausoleum costs an additional ₹ 200.Opening hours: Open every day from 6 am to 7 pm.
11. Trajan’s Column
The Trajan’s column constructed by the Roman Senate in 113 A.D. to commemorate Emperor Trajan’s victories over the Dacians is one of the best-preserved monuments from Imperial Rome. The column is made of high-quality Luna marble and reaches a height of 38.4 meters (approximately 98 feet) atop a tall pedestal. The pictorial depiction engraved on the Column in swirling reliefs reveals Trajan’s account of the Dacian Wars, and visitors gather to marvel at the sheer splendor of the column.
Location: Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00187 Roma RM, Italy, RomeAdmission fees: Not applicableOpening hours: Open 24 hours a day, every day.
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12. Basilica of St. John
The Basilica of St. John is an expansive basilica in Ephesus, built in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. On September 8, 1987, this Catholic Church was included in the National Register of Historic Places. The church showcases architecture inspired by the Northern Italian, or Lombardy Romanesque, style and resembles Saint Paul’s Basilica outside the city walls of Rome. The Cathedral boasts historically significant architecture and encompasses more than a century of religious history, making it one of the must-visit historical sites in the world.
Location: Atatürk, St. Jean Cd., 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, TurkeyAdmission fees: 10 Turkish lira (87.83 INR)Operating hours: Monday-Saturday – 9:00 am. to 11:30 am and 12:45 am. to 5:00 am.
13. Didyma
Didyma, overflowing with history, is one of the most significant sites to witness ruins and take a journey down memory lane. This site was originally a Hellenic sanctuary on the northwest fringe of the city. Due to the enormous temple and thus the oracle of Apollo, it was originally declared a sanctuary. It is recommended that you visit the Temple in the late afternoon and unwind on one of the restaurant terraces while observing the sunset over the temple.
Location: Yenihisar Mh., 09270 Didim/Aydın, TurkeyAdmission fees: 10 Turkish lira (87.83 INR)Operating hours: Every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
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14. Khai Dinh Tomb
The Khai Dinh Tomb in Vietnam is one of the most intriguing historical sites in the world. It was constructed for the Nguyen Dynasty’s twelfth monarch, Khai Dinh. The architecture of this tomb is a blend of Vietnamese and European styles. The tomb’s exterior is covered in blackened concrete, which gives it a majestic appearance, and the interior is considerably more vibrant, with a myriad of mosaics.
Location: Khải Định, Thủy Bằng, Hương Thủy, Thừa Thiên Huế 530000, VietnamAdmission fees: INR 442.78Operating hours: Everyday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm
15. Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, or Torre Pendente di Pisa in Italian, is a medieval tower in Pisa, Italy, is one of the top historical sites in the world. It is renowned for the settlement of its foundations, which led it to tilt 5.5 degrees off the vertical in the late 20th century. The builders of Pisa’s Leaning Tower didn’t intend for the structure to lean. However, the building’s unintentional slant became famous, and it was even recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, ItalyAdmission fees: €18 (1,550 INR) for a 30-minute visitOperating hours: Every day from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
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In addition to the above listings, there are countless unfamiliar historical sites in the world to explore and gain insights into the world’s history. A historic site is the sole location where fragments of political, military, cultural, or social history have been preserved due to their cultural heritage significance. So, when planning an overseas tour of history, make sure to include all of these magnificent historical sites in your itinerary and let TravelTriangle assist you in enjoying an incredible vacation.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Historical Places in the World
Which are the top-rated historical places in the world?
These are some of the most renowned historical sites around the world that history enthusiasts can visit:
1. Taj Mahal
2. Leaning Tower of Pisa
3. Khai Dinh Tomb
4. Basilica of St. John
5. Mahabalipuram
6. Great Sphinx of Giza
7. The Colosseum
8. Aqueduct of Segovia
9. Ajanta Caves
