Discover the top places you must visit during your lifetime! Wonderful UNESCO sites...
1. Hagia Sophia, TurkeyOne of the most precious jewels of the World Heritage… also called as “the eighth wonder of the world”. Sits proudly in the center of the old city for almost 1700 years, expecting from the visitors to admire its greatness! It was built in 537,dedicated to the Wisdom of God and it served as a Christian church for over 900 years…until the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1453. Hagia Sophia is an amazing architectural sample of Byzantium Era which said to have changed the history of architecture. In 1935, Kemal Ataturk converted it into a museum |
2. Acropolis, GreeceThe most known and important symbol of Hellenism since ancient times, considered to be the Acropolis of Athens... Stands imposingly on a high hill from the 5th century BC. A global symbol which marked the classic spirit and culture, so as was given to the whole world through the ancient Greeks! Acropolis contains the remains of several significant ancient buildings, with the Parthenon to be the most magnificent and striking of all. It was built in honor of the goddess Athena, protector of Athens city, attracting the admiration of the world for centuries. |
3. Pyramids, EgyptOne of the most famous sights universally and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world! Pyramids were built around 2560 BC, used as tombs for Pharaohs and their Queens. The complex which is located in Egypt close to the old town of Giza, includes the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx and several cemeteries. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three of them, built in honour of Pharaoh Khufu! The construction techniques that were used at that era, still impress! |
4. Colosseum, ItalyA magnificent amphitheater, located in the centre of Rome, built between 70-80 AD. Consider as one of the greatest works of architecture and engineering ever, used for over of 500 years. It is estimated that Colosseum sat between 50.000-80.000 spectators and used for gladiator contests, public spectacles, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and dramas based on Classical mythology. Although the earthquakes and the stone robbers, ruined a big part of the theatre, portions of the structure remain open to tourists |
5. The forbidden city, ChinaThis mysterious city, was actually the Imperial Palace of the Chinese dynasties, from Ming to Qing! Built in 1420 with traditional Chinese architecture, served for over 500 years not only as the residence of the Chinese Emperors but also as the main ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government until 1912. Consists of 980 buildings, 10000 rooms and dozens of gardens. Owns the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world, according in UNESCO list |
6. Petra, JordanAn impressive example of Middle Eastern culture, with influences from Greek architecture... Al Khazneh is one of the most fabulous temples in the ancient Arab Nabatean Kingdom at the city of Petra. Its name (treasury), derives from a legend in which pirates hide their treasure in a stone on the second level. Al Khazneh, was built as a mausoleum and crypt, during the reign of Aretas IV Philopatris in the 1st century AD. Half built-half carved into the rock and surrounded by mountains... makes it an imposing sight! |
7. Bagan, MyanmarBagan is an ancient city, which served as capital of the Kingdom of Pagan during the 9th and 13th centuries. The highlight of the area are the unique Pyu ancient cities! It is a group of three moated cities with extensive monastic quarters, palace citadels, burial grounds and Buddhist stupas. The names of the cities are: the Halin, the Beikthano and the Sri Ksetra city. The Pyu kingdom ruled from 200 BC to 900 AD, for almost for 1000 years! |
8. Taj Mahal, IndiaA gorgeous mausoleum, built as a final resting place for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Janan, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed between 1632-1648, covering 42 acre, including a mosque, a guest house, beautiful gardens, raised pathways and sunken flowers beds! Also known as "Crown of Palaces", this ivory white marble mausoleum, built with influences from the Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian architectural styles. A jewel at the Yamuna river in the city of Agra |