10 Places To Visit For Their History
The world is a massive place. Some people never get to go farther than their own homes, others are lucky enough to just see a fraction of it. The thing about travel I love most is being immersed in the history. Each destination has a story. No, each destination has thousands of stories. From ancient empires to devastating disasters, there is so much to discover. We might only be here for less than a century but our footprint leaves a mark just like the millions of people who came before us. History has left us beautiful ruins like the Parthenon and the Colosseum. It has left us civilizations frozen in time like the catastrophe of Pompeii. It brings us together with a symbol of strength like Hadrian's Wall. It's an experience like none other. To inspire your wanderlust, we've gathered 10 places throughout the world to visit for their history. Now, this list was incredibly difficult to narrow down. There are hundreds that qualify for this post but they'll have to wait for another day.
Boston, MA | United States
I guess I can let the cat out of the bag since my plane ticket is purchased. I will be visiting Boston for the very first time this fall. This is a childhood dream of mine come true and I get a little misty-eyed just thinking about all of the things I'll be able to experience. Boston is the city of firsts where America is concerned. From the historical monuments to cobblestone streets our founding fathers walked on, this city has it all.
French Quarter, LA | United States
New Orleans is on my American bucket list as well. This city has a rich history of both celebrations and devastation. The architecture is some of the most sought out in the country and don't even get my started on the beignets. It's a mecca for history from colonial America and the French colonization that happened in the US. Plus, the ghost stories this city has makes me want to run there right this minute. Must sees include Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral and Cafe du Monde.
Greece
Pick a city, pick a temple, pick a town. Greece, like many other European countries, is a historical monument in itself. From architectural wonders like the Parthenon and the Acropolis to beautiful seascapes, this country is a history-lover's dream.
Hadrian's Wall | England
Hadrian's Wall was built in AD 122 by the Roman Empire when they could not defeat the people who inhabited the lands, aka "barbarians." The wall is still standing and serves as a symbol to the people who live there of their unbeatable spirit.
Machu Picchu | Peru
Only accessible by train or 4-day hike, this New Wonder of the World is a glimpse of an ancient Incan civilization that was abandoned after the Spanish invasion. I am torn about this particular location because the thought of going on a four-day hike has me freaking out but to be able to see these ruins would be an unforgettable experience.
Paris | France
Where do I start? The "city of love" has not always necessarily been "loving." From violent revolutions to catastrophic plagues, this city has seen its fair share of hard times yet it remains standing as one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse cities in the world. Paris is the definition of resilience. You can experience the history in a number of locations like Père Lachaise Cemetery, Notre-Dame, Île de la Cité, Montmartre, the catacombs or even just walking down the street. I am counting the days until I return.
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica on Montmartre
Pompeii | Italy
As devastating as this city is, it is a true glimpse into an ancient civilization. It's hard to not be completely overcome with emotion when witnessing a place of such destruction but the ability to see how people lived thousands of years ago is just incredible.
Pyramids at Giza | Egypt
My cousin rode a camel to see the pyramids and she said it was one of the most incredible experiences. We still don't know how these pyramids were built with such precision and many of the insides are still undiscovered because of doors that no one can open. They are one of the original 7 Wonders of the World and still stand strong today.
Image via Pixabay User Nadie Doerle
Rome | Italy
Italy is another country that is basically a historical monument in itself. Wherever you go, there are ruins from the Roman Empire or other structures from the timeline of the world. As if walking down a Roman street wasn't enough, there is also the Colosseum and the Forum.
Stonehenge | England
The human-made rock formation is over 3,000 years old. That's one insane birthday celebration! Scientists and historians still have no idea how the stones were transported from Wales to their location and then placed so specifically. Their purpose is also still just a guess and has led to myths, legends and even some really bad movies.
Image via Pixabay User Freesally
As I mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of places and monuments that could make this list. Some include the Great Wall of China and Petra. What are some places on your bucket list that have a rich history?
