Travel Tips: Ancient Places Around the World You Should Know

Ancient buildings , which for various reasons have managed to survive over time, have a very important historical and cultural value in the countries where they are located.

They are so famous that they have even become must-see places for many people around the world, but which are the most important and definitely worth visiting?

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Numerous tourism media outlets have taken on the task of compiling several of the most recommended ancient places to visit, due to their historical value and aesthetic appeal .

National Geographic Traveller has selected seven destinations that fascinate not only for their architecture and the aura of mystery that surrounds them, but also for their profound connection to the very roots of civilization. From temples reclaimed by the jungle to cities frozen in time, these ancient sites hold tales of powerful empires, sacred rituals, conflicts, and feats of survival that continue to resonate throughout the centuries.

Pompeii (Italy)

Pompeii is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The disaster covered the city in ash and pumice, amazingly preserving streets, buildings, frescoes, and even body casts of its inhabitants . This 'freezing' in time offers archaeologists and visitors an unprecedented window into everyday life in ancient Rome, from the taverns and villas to the baths and theaters.

Walking through its cobbled streets allows you to relive the bustle of a Roman urban center at the height of its economic and cultural boom . Excavations, which began in the 18th century, have revealed not only architectural and artistic details, but also intimate aspects of the social, political, and economic life of its inhabitants. Today, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most visited destinations.

Machu Picchu (Peru)

Machu Picchu, the famous 15th-century Inca citadel, rises 2,430 meters above sea level amidst mist-shrouded Andean peaks . Its discovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham sparked global interest in Inca culture and its extraordinary ability to integrate architecture and natural surroundings. Built from polished stone, the city features temples, agricultural terraces, and water canals, all connected by meticulous planning that stands the test of time and withstands seismic movements.

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More than just a settlement, Machu Picchu is considered a ceremonial and astronomical center, aligned with solar and stellar phenomena . Its location and design reflect the Inca's deep respect for nature and sacred mountains. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it remains a symbol of pre-Columbian engineering and a place of cultural and spiritual pilgrimage.

Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)

The pyramids of Giza (Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure) are the only surviving remains of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built over 4,500 years ago, these monumental structures were erected as royal tombs for the pharaohs, combining advanced engineering, massive labor organization, and precise astronomical knowledge. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, in particular, continues to amaze with its geometric perfection and exact alignment with the cardinal points.

In addition to their architectural majesty, the pyramids are part of a funerary complex that includes temples and the famous Sphinx of Giza . Their construction remains a source of debate and fascination, generating theories about the methods and tools used. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, they are an enduring symbol of Egyptian civilization and one of the world's greatest tourist attractions.

Petra (Jordan)

Petra, known as the "Rose City" for the color of its sandstone, was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom and a prosperous trading center in ancient times. Carved directly into the desert rock faces, it combines Eastern and Hellenistic architectural influences. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and the Monastery (Ad-Deir) are its most iconic structures, accessible through a narrow gorge called the Siq .

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More than just a monumental complex, Petra reflects the Nabataeans' skill in managing water in an arid environment, using sophisticated systems of canals and cisterns. Abandoned and rediscovered by Western explorers in the 19th century, today it is a World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracting visitors from around the world with its unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Acropolis of Athens (Greece)

The Acropolis of Athens, located on a rocky hill in the heart of the city, is the most iconic symbol of classical Greece . Its most famous monument, the Parthenon, was built in the 5th century BC in honor of the goddess Athena, patron saint of the city. The complex also includes the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike, all masterful examples of Doric and Ionic architecture.

Beyond its artistic value, the Acropolis is a testament to Athens' political, philosophical, and cultural influence in the ancient world. It was the site of religious ceremonies and a symbol of Athenian democratic power . Its restoration and conservation are ongoing efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.

Angkor Wat (Cambodia)

Angkor Wat is the largest religious complex in the world and the architectural jewel of the Khmer Empire . Built in the 12th century, initially as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, it was later transformed into a Buddhist center. Its towers, passageways, and reliefs narrate mythological episodes and historical scenes, combining spiritual symbolism with architectural precision.

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Surrounded by a moat and walls that stretch for miles, Angkor Wat is aligned with the solstice and other astronomical events, reflecting a deep understanding of astronomy. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1992, it is a national symbol of Cambodia and a must-see destination for travelers interested in Southeast Asian history, religion, and art .

Chichén Itzá (Mexico)

Chichén Itzá was one of the most important centers of the Mayan civilization and a key point for cultural and commercial exchange in Mesoamerica . Its construction combines Mayan and Toltec architectural elements, reflecting a rich cultural mix. The Pyramid of Kukulkan, also called El Castillo, is the most famous building, renowned for its astronomical alignment that casts snake-shaped shadows during the equinoxes. In addition to the pyramid, the complex includes the Great Ball Court, temples, observatories, and platforms that showcase the high level of knowledge in mathematics, astronomy, and engineering. Chichén Itzá was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, attracting millions of visitors each year.

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