20 Must-Visit Cultural Heritage Sites Around The Globe

Sites To Add To Your Bucket List

Cultural sites stand as symbols of bygone eras. They encapsulate a period of human civilization, capture a characteristic architecture style, or represent the collective consciousness of a certain group of people. History buff or not, some places are bound to inspire awe, fascination, and wonder. Here are 20 of the most impressive cultural heritage sites around the world.

Photo by Tomal Bhattacharjee on Pexels

1. Angkor Wat

Angkor was the capital of the ancient Khmer empire and has stood the test of time as the most impressive relic of that era. The Hindu-Buddhist temple is the largest religious complex in the world and is still one of the most significant religious sites.

A person walking down a dirt path in front of a building Anthony Lim on Unsplash

2. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles symbolizes a bygone era of royal decadence at its very height. Its grounds, golden fixtures, and opulent paintings are simply gawk-worthy.

a large building with a checkered floor in front of it Tharun Thejus on Unsplash

3. The Pyramids of Giza

Perhaps the most famous site of all is the Pyramids of Giza, situated near Cairo, Egypt, they were built in 2,500-2,600 BCE. The imposing structures were erected as tombs for three pharaohs. Adding to their allure is the mystery around how they were constructed in such an ancient era, before sophisticated technology.

a group of people riding on the backs of camels Phillip Wang on Unsplash

4. Mont-Saint-Michel

Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, the magnificent Mont-Saint-Michel stands perched surrounded by sea between Normandy and Brittany. This abbey was built in dedication to the archangel St. Michael and is one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture.

white castle front of trees at daytime Tobias Tullius on Unsplash

5. Machu Picchu

The iconic Machu Picchu stands as a memento to the Inca civilization. Its intricate irrigation canals, road, and trail system are evidence of the sophistication of these ancient peoples.

Machu Picchu, Peru Adrian Dascal on Unsplash

6. Old Havana

The fascinating city center of Havana, Cuba features some of the most impressive Spanish colonial architecture from the country's imperial heyday. The colorful buildings are complimented by 1950s American cars, creating one of the most unique aesthetics of any city in the world representative of Cuba's distinct history.

A couple of people walking down a street next to tall buildings Agnes Lee on Unsplash

7. Historic Center of Krakow

The largest square in Europe is also home to the most impressive collection of medieval architecture the world has to offer. 13th century houses, churches, and fortifications line the city square, offering a unique glimpse into a long-gone era of human civilization.

orange and gray church Nomadic Julien on Unsplash

8. Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela

In the heart of Ethiopia lies these incredible 13th century churches, carved out of rock. Still considered a holy site for Christians, King Lalibela built these structures as a "new Jerusalem" after Muslim conquest put a stop of Christian pilgrimages.

person in white dress in front of pink building mulugeta wolde on Unsplash

9. Meteora

Greece's Meteora is home to one of the most important Eastern Orthodox monasteries unique for its location perched on top of enormous rock columns. Ancient monks built the monasteries in the 14th century to ensure solitude and safety against Turkish invasions.

Atlantios Atlantios on Pixabay

10. Petra

Petra is an ancient city in Jordan, half carved into the rock face. Its location between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea made it a major trades crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. Because it's carved into rock, it's impressively preserved despite having been constructed over 2,000 years ago.

Petra, Jordan Brian Kairuz on Unsplash

11. Potala Palace

Built at an altitude of over 12,000 feet, Potala Palace has been the Dalai Lama's winter palace since the 7th century. Its beauty and ornate design surrounded by pristine mountain landscape mark it as an enduring symbol of Tibetan artistry and culture.

a large white and red building on top of a hill Wanghao SANG on Unsplash

12. Moscow's Red Square

The center of Moscow is also the oldest part of the city. It's notable for the majestic and beautiful St. Basil's Basilica, one of the most important Russian Orthodox monuments, and the Kremlin, built in the 13th century as the official residence of Russia's ruler.

brown concrete building Anastasiya Romanova on Unsplash

13. Samarkand

Founded in the 7th century BCE, Samarkand is a historic town in Uzbekistan. Notable for its striking blue and white mosaics, Samarkand is considered the meeting point between eastern and western cultures.

a building with a door and a chair in front of it AXP Photography on Unsplash

14. The Great Wall Of China

Built in 220 BCE, The Great Wall was constructed under Qin Shi Huang as a defence system against invasions from the north. It wasn't completed until the 14th to 16th century when it became the largest and most impressive fortification in the world.

The Great wall of China covered with snow Andrea Leopardi on Unsplash

15. The Acropolis of Athens

Athens' Acropolis stands as a symbol of one of the most powerful empires in all of history. The hills where the acropolis stands were the birthplace of democracy, theatre, and philosophy making it the marker of one of the most important eras of artistic and intellectual progress.

brown concrete building under blue sky during daytime Sung Shin on Unsplash

16. The Taj Mahal

An impressive gem of Muslim art, the Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate his most beloved wife. The massive domed structure constructed completely out of white marble is admired by all for its beauty.

Taj Mahal India Jovyn Chamb on Unsplash

17. Stonehenge

One of the wonders of the world, Stonehenge is admired for its majesty as well as its mystery. It's one of the most famous groups of megaliths in the world. Its astronomical meanings are still being uncovered today despite having been constructed in prehistoric times.

a large stone structure in the middle of a field Priyank V on Unsplash

18. The Colosseum

Situated in Rome, the Colosseum is the most important artefact of one of the world's most significant empires. It was constructed in the 1st century as an amphitheater built to seat over 50,000 spectators and remains the largest amphitheater in the world.

A crowd of people standing around an old building Nicholas Martinelli on Unsplash

19. Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia situated in the heart of Istanbul is an important monument for both Orthodox Christians and Muslims. Built over 1,500 years ago, its iconic dome stands as an enduring symbol of the city which straddles multiple cultures and religions.

rtogacar58 rtogacar58 on Pixabay

20. Chichen Itza

Located in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, Chichen Itza is a tiered pyramid built as a sacred Mayan city in the 5th century. It's the most important relic of Mayan civilization that still remains today. Its architectural style meshes classic Mayan and newer central Mexican elements, representing a cultural transitionary period.

gray temple Christina Abken on Unsplash