10 must-see historical sites around the world /

Over the many years of mankind, the world has accumulated quite a collection of man-made historical sites and landmarks. Some of today’s most iconic structures and ruins give us a glimpse into past ancient civilizations.

From Europe to the Americas, there are plenty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to add to your bucket list. Here are 10 must-see historical sites from around the world that will change your life. . .

1. Machu Picchu – Cusco Region, Peru

Found in southern Peru, atop a mountain only accessible by train (or a four-day trek), is one of the world’s most famous urban ruins: Machu Picchu. Although it is one of those historical sites that takes a bit more work to get there, upon arrival you will encounter the magical Inca powers that still linger.

Popularly referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas,” the site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and, unsurprisingly, was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in 2007.

2. The Great Pyramids – Giza, Egypt

About over 3000 years old, and we still don’t have all the answers about how the Great Pyramids were built or how the Egyptians made them so accurately. Were aliens involved? The three pyramids are aligned with the stars and solstices and contain many chambers that remain unopened. The pyramids are a true marvel of ancient civilization engineering.

(Of course, the nearby Sphinx is another of Egypt’s incredible historical sites).

3. Cappadocia – Anatolia, Turkey

Cappadocia in Turkey, easily one of the most bizarre World Heritage Sites, is known for its cascading rock formations and stone-topped chimneys that beg to be photographed. You can find many of these incredible structures in the Monks Valley and Goreme, and nearby, in the village of Uchisar, you can see ancient cave dwellings carved into the soft rock by humans during the Bronze Age (about 5,000 years ago).

Cappadocia is popularly enjoyed with sunrise hot air balloon rides, giving you the best view to take in this breathtaking historic landscape.

4. Mesa Verde – Colorado, USA

Mesa Verde is home to one of the most amazing archeological historic sites in the United States, which also happens to be some of the best-preserved Native American ruins in North America.

Mesa Verde (present-day Colorado) features cliff dwellings tucked into canyons, a forest-covered plateau, and other ruins, all belonging to this historic site once inhabited by the Ancestral Puebloans. You can take a scenic drive up the winding road to the top of the mesa, explore the grounds and observe pit houses, enjoy panoramic views, and discover other ruins.

5. The Alhambra – Granada, Spain

Spain’s grand love letter to Moorish culture, the Alhambra is part palace, part fortress, and part World Heritage Site. Found in Granada, Spain, the historic site mesmerizes visitors with rustling leaves, rippling fountains, and lingering ancient ghosts. Taking in this majestic place, it’s hard to imagine that the Alhambra was almost blown up when it was used as barracks during the Napoleonic occupation.

Thanks to careful restoration, what remains is a beautiful site steeped in history, with gardens overlooking Granada – a favorite way for visitors to take in the city below.

6. Petra – Arabah, Jordan

Many historical sites around the world are shrouded in mystery, especially Petra in Jordan. Carved into a ravine found in Arabah, Jordan – Petra’s founding is still unknown, but already shows signs of settlement in the 6^e century BC. Petra was “discovered” in 1812 by a Swiss explorer who followed a local tribesman there and was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Today you can visit Petra on horseback with English speaking guides who will take you back in time to an ancient site.

7. Stonehenge – Wiltshire, England

Stonehenge is a megalithic structure more than 3,000 years old – and the stones come all the way from Wales. Academics are still figuring out how the stones at the historic site were transported there and have even attempted to replicate them. Plus, there are no real answers to Stonehenge’s purpose.

Stonehenge is currently closed to the public, but visitors can still walk around the attraction. This one is definitely worth a visit because of the mystery behind it!

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8. The Parthenon – Athens, Greece

When it comes to historical sites, Greece gives historians a run for their money. Of course I think of the iconic Parthenon in Athens. The ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, symbolizes the power of Athena and is a testament to Greek civilization.

Of course, the Parthenon offers sweeping views of the city, as well as other nearby ruins where temples and buildings are just as captivating.

9. Old City – Jerusalem, Israel

Nestled in the heart of Jerusalem is the Old City. Steeped in history and traditional old-world charm, the Old Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and continues to amaze locals and visitors alike with its giant walls and historic significance. Jerusalem is located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains, Jerusalem is home to many religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Historic landmarks to visit in the Old City include the Wailing Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Temple Mount.

10. Pompeii – Naples, Italy

Pompeii was built about 2,000 years ago during the Roman Empire and was rediscovered in 1748. Today, the preserved ruins are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Found near Naples, Italy, this historic site was buried under rock and ash by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Much of this historic site remains buried under ashes to this day, but ironically everything from jars of fruit, paintings on walls, and even bodies of victims has been preserved.

Let me know in the comments what some of your favorite historical sites are!

Efrat Sagi-Ofir is CRO and founder of Air Doctor. Air Doctor is a startup that connects travelers via a user-friendly app to a global network of 20,000 local doctors, so that they can receive appropriate medical care anywhere in the world.

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