Beautiful names of places of interest. The most interesting places on the planet. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
The world has a huge number of places and attractions that you want to visit. All of them are something special and attract the attention of thousands of tourists every year. When planning your next trip, take a look at this list and maybe visiting one of these amazing places will leave you with a lasting impression.
1)
A large sinkhole located in the center of Lighthouse Reef, an atoll within the Belize Barrier Reef. The diameter of this natural wonder is 305 meters, and it goes 120 meters deep. The blue hole annually attracts a huge number of divers from all over the world.
2) "Wave" in Arizona, USA
In the state of Arizona in the USA, there are rocks covered with intricate layered patterns that give this place an ethereal look. It is located near large settlements, therefore it has gained great popularity among tourists.
These chocolate hills are located on the island of Bohol in the Philippines. In total, there are more than 1200 such hills covered with greenery in this area.
This place in the Karakum desert in Turkmenistan, nicknamed the Gate to Hell, was formed after unsuccessful drilling in search of gas. During drilling in 1971, all equipment, including the drilling rig, fell into the resulting crater, which was filled with gas. To avoid accidents and poisoning, it was decided to set fire to this gas, and since then, it has continued to burn for more than 40 years.
In the Chinese province of Hunan, they became the prototype for fantastic landscapes from the movie "Avatar". More than 3,000 sandy mountains rise to a height of up to 800 meters and are of great interest to tourists, especially after the success of Cameron's film.
One of the most accessible amazing places on the planet, many Russian tourists have already been there, since Pamukkale is located just a few hours from the popular Turkish resort - Antalya. Pamukkale, which means “Cotton Castle”, is a snow-white terrace filled with water from mineral springs. The water in these terraces is believed to have healing properties.
7) Antelope Canyon, USA
Antelope Canyon is located in the southwestern United States, 240 kilometers from. Wind and water for many thousands of years have done a great job, which resulted in this amazing canyon of reddish-red flowers.
Do you know that the most active volcano is in Antarctica? Erebus Volcano (Ice Towers of Mount Erebus) was discovered on January 28, 1841 by an English expedition led by polar explorer Sir James Clark Ross on the ships Erebus and Terror. The height of this volcano is 3794 meters, which makes it one of the highest points in Antarctica. Inside the volcano is a large lava lake.
9) Kasha-Katuwe-Tent Rocks Monument, USA
This national monument is located in the state of New Mexico, 60 kilometers from the city of Santa Fe and was formed due to the deposition of volcanic rocks.
10) Ischigualasto Natural Park, Argentina
This park, which is also called The Valley of the Moon, is located in the province of San Juan in Argentina. Not the most popular place among tourists, as it is located far from the main tourist routes, but this is where NASA tested its rovers. The landscape of this place looks alien.
11) Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
Salt Lake (Salar de Uyuni) in Bolivia is located near Lake Titicaca - this is one of the most amazing and photogenic places on our planet. Everything in this area is saturated with salt, it is everywhere, but the most amazing sight happens when it rains and everything is covered with a thin layer of water, the ideal surface of which turns into a mirror.
12) Landscape Danxia (Danxia Landform), China
It may seem that this incredible landscape is just the result of the work of Photoshop, but this is a real geological feature, formed due to the overlay of sandstone and other mineral rocks. This natural site is located in the Chinese province of Gansu. In 2010, the Danxia Landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
13) Crystal Cave of the Giants, Mexico
This cave with the world's largest crystals was found recently in 2000 near the city of Chihuahua in Mexico. These giants are up to 15 meters long and 1.5 meters wide and are composed of zinc-silver-lead salts. The cave has a special climate (almost 60 degrees Celsius and 100% humidity), in which a person cannot spend more than 5-10 minutes.
14) Dry Valleys, Antarctica
The dry valley is the territory of three oasis valleys (Victoria, Wright, Taylor) in Antarctica to the west of McMurdo Sound. Hurricane winds, lack of precipitation, low temperatures created a unique climate in this place. Rare lakes have long turned into ice wells, in which, according to some scientists, unknown microorganisms live.
15) Socotra Island, Yemen
Socotra is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, consisting of 4 islands, located off the coast of Somalia. These islands have preserved unique plant and animal life, many of which can only be found here. The symbol of the archipelago is the endemic dragon tree.
16)Giants Causeway, Ireland
More than 40,000 basalt columns form a path that leads to the foot of the volcano, thanks to the eruption of which these amazing columns arose. The Trail of the Giants is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.
17) Kliluk Lake, the Spotted Lake, Canada
The local native Indians consider this lake to be sacred. The water of this lake has bright colors, as it is saturated with sodium sulfates, calcium, magnesium and other minerals. In the hot season, the water in the lake dries up and many small puddles form, which have different colors, depending on which element of the periodic table prevails in them.
18) Pulpit or Preikestolen, Norway
Preikestolen Rock - a favorite place for photographers and just tourists, is a huge rock-cliff with a flat area of 25 by 25 meters. The height of the cliff is 604 meters and from its top there is a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. Preikestolen Rock is one of Norway's most popular attractions.
19) Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes are the main attraction of Croatia. There are 16 large and several small lakes, about 20 mysterious caves and 120 waterfalls. In this place you can find many species of plants and animals that are unique and found only in the Plitvice Lakes region, so they are strictly protected by UNESCO.
20) Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, or the "Land of Beautiful Horses" is a unique place located in the Göreme Valley in Turkey. Cappadocia is almost a whole world that is hidden in caves of volcanic origin, there are houses, monasteries, unique multi-tiered underground cities and much more, all this appeared before our era. This unique place is rightfully popular with tourists coming to Turkey.
21) national park Yellowstone, USA
Yellowstone National Park is a unique natural park known throughout the world. The most famous and most visited national park in the United States. Yellowstone is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This park is located on the territory of three states at once: Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. Yellowstone is famous for its unique geological objects: geysers, geothermal springs and the largest dormant volcano of the entire continent - Caldera.
22) Tunnel of love in the city of Klevan, Ukraine
This tunnel of trees envelops the railway tracks that pass near the city of Klevan. Because of its amazing beauty and romance, this place is called the Tunnel of Love. In summer, when the tunnel is in its prime, newlyweds like to come here, taking a photo against its background is considered a good sign.
23) Corinth Canal, Greece
It is impossible to believe that this channel was created by human hands. The construction of the Corinth Canal began under the emperor Nero in 67 BC, and ended only in 1893. This unique human creation connects the Saronic Gulf of the Aegean Sea and the Corinthian Gulf of the Ionian Sea. The depth of the Corinth Canal is 8 meters and the width is 24 meters.
One of the most beautiful places in Chile is Lake Lago General Carrera, which houses the Marble Caves. This unique natural cave consists entirely of multi-colored marble (pink and blue), there are more than 5,000 million tons of it.
25) Village of Monsanto, Portugal
This small Portuguese town is built among huge boulders, many of which are home to local residents. The town of Monsanto almost entirely consists of one-story buildings, which are separated by narrow streets, getting here, you can feel like in the Middle Ages.
The views of this icy canyon in Greenland are mesmerizing, its deep blue waters are mesmerizing and you can get lost in the many artfully crafted ice arches. This canyon is the largest on the island, and its waters are home to bowhead whales, seals and walruses.
27) Skaftafell, Iceland
Skaftafell Park is Iceland's natural wonder, containing the ice caves of Jökulsarlon.
28) Multnomah Falls, USA
29) Seljalandfoss waterfall, Iceland
This temple carved into the rocks truly deserves the title of one of the wonders of the world. The construction of this city began before our era, and at present it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
32) The town of Riomaggiore, Italy
A small town in Italy, in which houses are piled on the rocks right at the edge of the sea. In Riomaggiore, driving is prohibited.
33) Loy Krathong Festival, Thailand
Every year a festival is held in Thailand, the unchanging tradition of which is the launch of sky lanterns. This amazing sight, when thousands of luminous lights rise into the sky at the same time, is simply mesmerizing. If you are in Thailand in November, do not miss this festival.
34) Mount Roraima, Venezuela
The height of Mount Roraima is 2723 meters, and the summit plateau has an area of 35 square kilometers. Reports of an expedition to the mountain region inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write The Lost World.
35) Etretat, Normandy, France
Impossible to list everything in one place interesting places planets, because each place is unique in its own way and deserves attention, but we tried to gather a lot of interesting places that you should pay attention to when setting off on your next trip.
Experts from the world's largest travel site TripAdvisor have compiled a rating of 25 cultural sites that have been most highly rated by tourists from around the globe.
In general, if you have not yet decided on your plans for your next vacation, you can find some great ideas in this review. For the next 25 vacations.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the New Wonders of the World, is located on the territory of the modern, on top of a mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. It is called the "city in the sky" or "the city among the clouds", and sometimes the "lost city of the Incas". Some archaeologists believe that this city was created as a sacred mountain retreat by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec around 1440 and functioned until 1532, when the Spaniards invaded the territory of the Inca empire. In 1532, all its inhabitants mysteriously disappeared.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the six largest mosques in the world. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates. Unlike many other Muslim temples, everyone is allowed into it, regardless of faith.
Taj Mahal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal mausoleum is one of the most recognizable landmarks not only in India but all over the world. The construction was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and also a symbol of eternal love.
Mesquita, Cordoba, Spain
Walls decorated with intricate patterns, mosaic ornaments, hundreds of thin openwork columns - this is how the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba appears today. Many centuries ago, there was an ancient Roman temple on this site, then it was replaced by the Visigothic church, and in 785 Mesquita appeared. It became the second most important mosque on the planet, and the pilgrimage to Cordoba was even equated with the hajj to Mecca, which is obligatory for every Muslim. But then the Catholics replaced the Moors, and Mezquita was turned into a Christian church.
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Italy
The heart of the Vatican and the entire Catholic world, St.'s Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Rome. Here you can see the ancient one from a bird's eye view, admire the interior of the cathedral from the top of the dome, defend the mass and even receive the blessing of the pontiff.
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Cambodian temple complex Angkor Wat is the largest religious building ever built, with a history of almost 9 centuries. Even its name speaks about the monumentality of the temple complex, because Angkor Wat literally translates as Temple City. It covers an area of 200 hectares and is surrounded by a moat 190 meters wide. This colossal building is dedicated to the god Vishnu, revered in this area.
Bayon Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Bayon is one of the most amazing temples located on the territory of Tom and was its religious center. The “highlight” of Bayon is considered to be towers with many faces carved from stone, silently looking from a height on the vast territory of Tom, and in the heyday of the state - on the entire Khmer Empire. Initially, there were 54 towers, which symbolized the 54 provinces under the rule of the king. Today, only about 37 towers have survived.
Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ on Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, better known as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, has become the only Russian attraction on the TripAdvisor list. Spas-on-Blood attracts tourists from all over the world not only with the splendor of its domes and interiors, but also with an unusual history that has given rise to many legends and conjectures. Many of them are related to the fact that the temple was erected on the spot where on March 1, 1881, I. Grinevitsky, a Narodnaya Volya member, mortally wounded Alexander II, who was popularly called the Tsar Liberator for the abolition of serfdom.
Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg National Military Park is not a park at all in the traditional sense. Here you will not find shady alleys and flowering flower beds. This is where an important battle of the United States Civil War took place in 1863.
Old city walls, Dubrovnik, Croatia
In 1979, UNESCO listed the Old Town of Dubrovnik as a World Heritage Site, including a large part of the city's ancient walls. They surround the city on all four sides and contain a venerable collection of historical monuments, including towers, fortresses, churches, monasteries, squares and streets, schools, museums and galleries. Built for defense purposes, these stone walls have protected the citizens since the founding of Dubrovnik in the 6th century.
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar
The Shwedagon Pagoda is the tallest spiritual building in Myanmar, or, as it is also called, the Land of Pagodas. The entire complex of the giant pagoda occupies more than five hectares of land, on which, in addition to the main structure, there are many smaller spiers and an innumerable number of sculptural images of mythical and real animals: golden griffins and elephants, dragons and lions. Shwedagon Pagoda became what it is today in the 15th century, during the reign of Queen Shinsobu. It was then that the giant temple was finally given the shape of an inverted begging bowl and sheathed with gold from top to bottom.
Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Washington DC
The Lincoln Memorial is a majestic temple, made in the ancient Greek style and somewhat reminiscent of the Parthenon. It is supported by 36 white marble columns according to the number of states that belonged at the time of President Lincoln's death. In the center of the temple is a statue of the world's most respected American president, seated in an armchair. Its height is 5.79 meters.
Ancient City of Petra, Petra/Wadi Musa, Jordan
In the heart of Jordan, in the valley of Wadi Musa, deep in the sandy mountains, is the amazing city of ancient Petra. Initially, Petra was a temporary home for the nomadic tribes of the Nabataeans. From several fortified rocky caves, it gradually grew into a large city-fortress. There is only one way to get to the city - through the narrow gorge of the Siq, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Petra still belongs to the Bedouins, who welcome guests to their land.
Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, Beijing, China
In no other section of the Great Wall of China has restoration work been carried out as well as in the Mutianyu section. This site with 22 watchtowers that have retained their original appearance is a real architectural masterpiece. The phrase Mutianyu is translated from Chinese as "a valley in which you can admire the views of the fields." Among all sections of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu is the longest fully restored section open to tourists.
Ancient city of Ephesus, Selcuk, Turkey
The largest and best preserved ancient city on the coast of the Aegean Sea and the second most important after Pompeii in the Mediterranean is ancient Ephesus, which is the most visited attraction in Turkey. Legends connect the appearance of the city with the name of Androclus, the son of the ruler of Athens Codras, who, on the advice of the oracle, arrived in these places to lay the temple of Artemis. The city got its name from the Amazon Ephesia, beloved of Androclus.
Alhambra, Spain
Alhambra (Arabic Al Hamra - literally "Red Castle") is an ancient palace and fortress of the Moorish rulers of the province in southern Spain. The castle occupies the top of a rocky plateau on the southeastern border of Granada. The name Alhambra probably comes from the color of the sun-dried clay or bricks from which the castle walls are made. However, some historians suggest that the name comes from the "red flame of torches" that illuminated the long-term construction of the castle, which went on around the clock.
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia
This is the main memorial dedicated to the memory of soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars. Today it is considered one of the most significant monuments of its kind in the world. The memorial is located near the Parliament building, from the balcony of which a panoramic view of the monument opens.
Siena Cathedral, Siena, Italy
According to the annals, at the beginning of the 13th century, the inhabitants of the city-state, which acted as the main competitor and opponent of Florence, "called on their leaders to build a temple more magnificent than their neighbors." So between 1215 and 1263, the Duomo of Siena was founded on the site of the old temple according to the plan of the Gothic master Niccolò Pisano. Today this majestic temple is the main attraction of the city.
Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy
The most important place in Milan is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nashente (Duomo), the pearl of Italian Gothic, which was built from 1386 to the beginning of the 19th century. The third largest Catholic church on the planet can safely be considered one of the wonders of the world. Its hundred-meter spiers rise above the center of Milan, and the golden statue of the Madonna on the longest spire (four meters high) is visible from many parts of the city.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world: its construction began almost 150 years ago and continues to this day. Although initially Antonio Gaudi had nothing to do with the construction of this temple, a year after the start of work, he led this project. Gaudí built the temple for 30 years until he died. The reason for such a long construction is that the Sagrada Familia is built solely on donations from parishioners.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
If you look at the Google map, you can understand why the bridge (not golden at all, but red) is called the gate. The main local attraction, as it were, “lets” the Pacific Ocean into the San Francisco Bay, connecting the city with Marin County. This grandiose building was erected from 1933 to 1937. At the time of its opening, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world.
Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
The statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the most famous and popular monuments in the world. Every year, millions of tourists rise to its foot, from where a stunning panorama of the city and the bay opens with the picturesque Sugar Loaf Mountain, the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, a huge bowl of the Maracanã stadium.
Teotihuacan, San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico
The name of the ancient settlement Teotiukan is translated from the Aztec language as "the city where people become gods." According to legend, after the Flood, the gods returned to Teotihuacan to re-create the world. Modern researchers believe that the area of this ancient settlement was 26-28 square kilometers, and the population was about 200 thousand people. This is one of the oldest and largest cities in the Western Hemisphere, the exact age of which is still unknown.
Golden Temple - Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, India
Harmandir Sahib - one of the oldest and most revered temples in India, is the Mecca of the Sikhs. Its upper tiers are covered with gilding, which is why it is also known as the "Golden Temple". The road to the entrance to the temple goes along a narrow marble bridge over a pond, the water in which is considered to be healing. Pilgrims believe that it consists of the elixir of immortality and holy water. The road over the bridge symbolizes the path from the sinner to the righteous.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Its architect was the Dane Jorn Utzon. Having designed the original roofs, somewhat reminiscent of shells, he made Sydney a magnificent gift - a symbol of the city. Today, every tourist, planning to visit Australia, must include an excursion to the majestic opera house in the program of his trip.
Tourists annually: 9–10 million
The Great Wall of China sounds simple yet powerful. The 8851.9 km long structure stretches across China, and its most impressive section, Badaling, is located 75 km from Beijing. Most of the wall has survived to this day, although it was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and the beginning of the construction of individual sections dates back to 770 BC. Such a large-scale construction was possible thanks to the work of millions of slaves and prisoners of war, on whose backs to the tops of the most high cliffs granite blocks, stones and bricks were delivered.
2. Colosseum, Rome
Tourists annually: 6.9 million
After construction was completed in 80 AD, the arena of the Colosseum accommodated 50 thousand spectators who were going to watch various theatrical performances (mythological dramas), reenactments of land and sea battles, as well as executions and gladiator fights. In 2010, underground floors were opened for tourists, where gladiators were waiting for their exit to a deadly duel. From the upper floors of the Colosseum, a picturesque panorama of the Eternal City opens up.
3. Roman Forum, Rome
Tourists annually: 5.1 million
The Roman Forum remained the civic center of the city for 1200 years, from the fifth century BC. On this square were commercial buildings and the main government institutions of Rome. The ruins of temples, columns and ancient frescoes take us back two thousand years and remind us of the former greatness of the city.
4. Terracotta Army, Xi'an, China
Tourists annually: 3.6–4.5 million
The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974. This sculptural composition consists of more than 8 thousand statues of warriors made of clay in full size: generals, infantry, cavalry, archers, chariots, more than 400 horses. Each with unique facial features, hair, clothing elements, which makes the sculptures even more convincing. The statues are buried together with Emperor Qin Shi Huang, becoming part of the majestic acropolis. It is assumed that some of the warriors have not yet been excavated, since the excavations were stopped until a way was invented to protect the paints with which the statues were painted from fading in the open air.
5. Pyramids at Giza, Egypt
Tourists annually: 4 million
Created 4.5 thousand years ago, the pyramids are still considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a symbol of Egypt. We still don't know exactly how the ancient Egyptians were able to build them, which adds to the intrigue and even more attraction for tourists. Three huge sarcophagi for the pharaohs are located 25 kilometers from the center of Cairo - a city with 11 million inhabitants.
6. Pompeii, Italy
Tourists annually: 2.5 million
Visiting Pompeii, walking along its ancient stone streets, you can imagine how people lived in the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD. Coastal city in 79 AD was completely covered with ash and pumice during a sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius. People, animals, houses were imprinted under a layer of ash, creating a kind of frozen cast of the life of the ancient city.
7. Acropolis, Athens
Tourists annually: 2 million
The Acropolis is located on one of the hills of Athens and is crowned on top with the Parthenon - a temple to the goddess Athena, a kind of symbol of classical Greece and the origins of democracy. Built in the 5th century BC, the Parthenon has lost most of its decoration, and the marble sculptures that adorned it, "mysteriously" appeared in European museums (unsuccessful negotiations are still underway to return them to Greece).
8. Ephesus, Turkey
Tourists annually: 2 million
Literally 30 years ago, Ephesus was almost completely abandoned Roman ruins in a sparsely populated region of Turkey. But now, thanks to this attraction, the local economy has begun to develop dramatically. The ancient library and other buildings were restored, recreating the atmosphere of a big city from the beginning of our era, and theatrical performances based on ancient dramas are held in the amphitheater, with a capacity of 25 thousand seats.
9. Teotihuacan, Mexico
Tourists annually: 1.9 million
Pyramid-shaped terraces, dedicated to the Sun and the Moon, towered over the ancient square of the sacred city, built in the period from the first to the seventh century AD. With a base of more than 200 meters and a height of 64.5 meters, the Pyramid of the Sun is considered the third largest pyramid in the world. At the same time, the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl) has a brighter decorative finish: with unique sculptures and bas-reliefs.
10. Hieropolis, Turkey
Tourists annually: 1.6 million
The dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale's hot spring pools have attracted people's attention to these places for more than two thousand years. Therefore, it is not surprising that the ancient Greco-Roman city, Hieropolis, was built here. Extruded from travertine in 190 BC, this "resort town" has ruins of temples, a well-preserved amphitheater and a Sacred Pool where you can swim among the ancient Roman columns.
11. Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico
Tourists annually: 1.4 million
The stepped terraces of the pyramid of Kukulkan, called by the Spaniards El Castillo or the Castle, rise above the ancient city, surrounded by tropical jungle. The Maya began building the city in the seventh century AD, and then, three centuries later, it was captured by the Toltec tribes. A huge balustrade with a feathered head of a snake - the deity Kukulkan, borders the stairs leading to the top of the pyramid.
12. Ellora, India
Tourists annually: 1.2 million
34 temples, monasteries in honor of the Buddha and Hindu gods, and numerous caves were carved into the basalt rock between 600 and 1000 AD. Buildings made of solid stone and the passages between them are decorated with thousands of different intricate bas-reliefs and sculptures.
13. Hadrian's Wall, England
Tourists annually: 1.2 million
When the Roman army failed to defeat the "barbarians" in northern Britain, Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD. ordered the construction of a stone wall a little south of the modern border between England and Scotland, which has survived to this day. Today, Hadrian's Wall has become a source of pride among the "barbarian" Scots, praising their invincible spirit. Along the defensive fortification, 117 km long, there is a popular walking route Path National Trail.
14. Roman Baths, Bath, England
Tourists annually: 1.1 million
The Celts were the first to declare these springs sacred and dedicated them to their goddess Sulis. Then, in 43 AD, the Romans came and renamed Sulis to their goddess Minerva and built a resort town with the Latin name Aquae Sulis, with baths and a temple to Sulis-Minerve. Later, the city was renamed Bath (from the English. Bath - bath), and in the 18th century, public buildings were built in the neoclassical style.
15. Longmen, China
Tourists annually: 1.1 million
A complex of Buddhist cave temples from the 5th to 9th centuries, with many statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva carved into 1,350 caves and 750 niches, is located along the limestone bank of the Yihe River. Some of the statues, of which there are more than 110 thousand, are over 7 meters high. One of the caves even displays numerous medical prescriptions.
16. Stonehenge, England
Tourists annually: 1.1 million
The meaning of the mysterious megaliths, put in a circle more than 6 thousand years ago, people interpret as they wish. Perhaps they had some astronomical significance or were part of druidic rituals. Now it's a place of pilgrimage for neo-pagans, feminists (linking Stonehenge to matriarchy times), aliens and science fiction fans. Especially many people visit this attraction, located 100 kilometers from London, on the day of the summer solstice.
17. Tulum, Yucatan, Mexico
Tourists annually: 1.1 million
This famous Mayan city, walled on the north, west and south and facing the Caribbean Sea on the east, reached its might in the 1200s AD. The temples, walls, frescoes and carvings of the city of Tulum (the original name is Zama, meaning “sunrise”) have withstood the salty sea wind, hurricanes for centuries and have lost most of the features inherent in other Mayan ruins. However, Tulum is popular with tourists due to its affordable and convenient location.
18. Machu Picchu, Peru
Tourists annually: 1 million
To get to Machu Picchu, you can take train tickets or go on foot, as the ancient Incas did, along a path leading to a 2450-meter mountain range overlooking the Urubamba River. Many people dream of visiting Machu Picchu, because this city looks older than it actually is; its construction began relatively recently - around 1400 AD. So many people come here that it is being considered to limit the number of visitors to 2,500 people a day, or 912,500 a year.
19. Canyon de Chey, Arizona
Tourists annually: 828.1 thousand
Native Americans have lived around Red Rock Canyon for more than 5,000 years, and 800 years ago they built their homes on the bottom of the rocks. The protected area of Canyon de Chey is located within the reservation of the Navajo Indian people, so you can visit the monument only with a guide from this tribe. The exception is the White House Ruins tourist track. The name of the canyon comes from its Native American name Tséyi', which means "canyon"; they pronounced the word "say-ee," but it sounded like "de-she."
20. Angkor Wat, Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia
Tourists annually: 804.7 thousand
The original temple of Angkor Wat, built between the 9th and 15th century AD. during the formation of the Khmer Empire, was dedicated to various Hindu gods. Despite the fact that Angkor Wat eventually became a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, the architecture of the temple still reflects the significant Indian heritage of those times.
21. Masada, Masada National Park, Israel
Tourists annually: 786 thousand
At the end of the first century BC. King of Judea Herod I the Great built a luxurious three-level palace on top of a mountain plateau stretching over the desert at an altitude of 400 meters. Roman mosaics, wall paintings, reservoirs for collecting water, baths and military barracks, due to the dry climate and the sufficient remoteness of the fortress, are quite well preserved. The story is known that this fortress remained the last stronghold for the survivors after the Great Jewish Revolt, which took place in 66 AD, and only five years later the Roman legionaries managed to capture the defenders.
22. Mogao Grottoes (Cave of a Thousand Buddhas), Dunhuang, China
Tourists annually: 750 thousand
At the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Buddhist monks carved 492 caves and more than 2,000 sculptures decorated with clay and paint from stone. For thousands of years (from 6 to 16 centuries ago), monks created frescoes on 45 thousand m² of the walls of these caves, striking both in their scale and beauty. The frescoes reflect paintings about Buddhism, local history and the daily life of the inhabitants of the region.
23. Knossos, Crete, Greece
Tourists annually: 705.3 thousand
There is an opinion that the ruins of this Minoan city, built during the Bronze Age, are the lost Atlantis, information about which has come down to us from the descriptions of Plato. It is assumed that Knossos was destroyed by a volcanic eruption on the island of Santorini, which occurred around 1500 BC. The only thing that has survived and managed to be restored is the so-called Palace of Minos, where frescoes with images of dolphins, fish, griffins and people of that era have been preserved.
24. Petra, Jordan
Tourists annually: 629.8 thousand
The ancient city was created by the Arab people of the Nabataeans. Temples and monuments skillfully carved from stone, the majestic Temple-mausoleum of El-Khazneh and more than 500 tombs were created along the narrow gorge. A thousand years ago, this once prosperous city was located at the crossroads of trade routes that brought frankincense, spices and silk; thanks to this, the cultural influence of other ancient civilizations is noticeable here: the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Egyptians and Phoenicians.
25. Montezuma Castle, Arizona
Tourists annually: 573.7 thousand
The name of this place can be misleading: after all, this building is not a castle at all and has nothing to do with the Aztecs and their ruler. The building, consisting of 20 cave rooms in a sheer cliff at a height of 20 meters, was created by the Pueblo Indians (Anasazi culture) 800 years ago. Small T-shaped entrance openings kept heat in the dwelling and protected from the wind. This is one of the best preserved ancient rock settlements of the American Indians.
26. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Tourists annually: 572.3 thousand
The rock dwellings of the Anasazi Indians (ancestors of modern pueblos) were built of sandstone cemented with mud mortar between the 6th and 12th centuries AD, becoming one of the largest and best preserved ancient settlements in North America. On the walls plastered in red, brown and white, there were images of people, animals, handprints and various geometric patterns. Perhaps the colors had some generic meaning.
27. Mira (St. Nicholas Church), Antalya, Turkey
Tourists annually: 544.8 thousand
Lycian tombs with square pillars, looking like houses, were carved into limestone rocks in the 4th century BC. They rise above a well-preserved Roman amphitheater with a double vaulted corridor. However, this ancient city is now better known for its restored 9th-11th century church named after the local saint who did good to people, St. Nicholas (now better known as Santa Claus).
28. Pergamon (Bergama), Izmir, Turkey
Tourists annually: 536 thousand
Izmir is now the closest major city to Pergamum, an ancient Hellenic cultural center with an acropolis rising 250 meters above the valley, marble temples to Athena and Troyan, a Greek amphitheater and a library with 200,000 manuscripts found in it. In the 2nd century AD. in this valley, Galen, one of the most famous doctors of antiquity, opened the largest medical center, based at the temple of Asklepion.
29. Troy, Canakkale, Turkey
Tourists annually: 515.9 thousand
Troy was immortalized in Homer's Iliad, which tells of a misfortune that happened to the city around 1183 BC. Until the 19th century, the location of Troy was unknown. Now tourists come here to see the 10-meter Trojan horse with windows and preserved sections of the city walls, reminiscent of the heroic fate of Troy.
30. Delphi, Greece
Tourists annually: 500 thousand
The site of the construction of majestic temples, created among the mountains in the Neolithic period 6 thousand years ago, was considered by the ancient Greeks as the center or “navel” of the whole world. A temple to Apollo, Athena and other gods was erected here, as well as stone terraces and rest houses for parishioners. The famous Oracle reached its greatest influence between the 6th and 4th centuries BC.
31. Gaochang, Xinjiang, China
Tourists annually: 500 thousand
An oasis city located on the Silk Road between the Fire Mountains and the Takla Makan Desert, from the 1st century BC. until the 14th century was the Western Chinese cultural, economic and political center. Work on the reconstruction of buildings in Gaochang, created in the image of the city of Xi'an, once the largest city in the world, is still ongoing.
32. Ajanta, India
Tourists annually: 416 thousand
Using only hammers and chisels, it took Buddhist monks from 15 to 21 centuries to create 30 caves - each with separate interiors and holes that overlooked the gorge and the river. The monasteries are decorated with paintings and stone statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas. Samples of magnificent works of art reveal the way of life of Indians in those distant times.
33. Coba, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Tourists annually: 400.6 thousand
In this 2000 year old Mayan city, from the very high pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula there was a center for 46 sakbe or "white roads" connecting different parts of the mesostate, built of rubble, pebbles and limestone. Koba is surrounded by five dips filled with water (cenotes) and impenetrable tropical jungle.
34. Perge (Perga), Antalya, Turkey
Tourists annually: 399.8 thousand
The ruins of Perge now surround the fields and countryside near Antalya, but two thousand years ago there was a flourishing Roman city here. Alexander the Great passed through these places with his army, then the Romans came and built baths, fountains, a 60-meter agora (a market square in ancient policies), an amphitheater for 12 thousand spectators and a boulevard with a colonnade. This place is also known for its unusual stone gate towers, built with a combination of Greek and Roman styles, and for the fact that the Apostle Paul preached here.
35. Herculaneum, Italy
Tourists annually: 320.5 thousand
This town, covered in ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is even better preserved than nearby Pompeii. Here opens a dramatic picture of the last minutes of the life of the ancient Roman city, with its public baths, warehouses and living quarters, luxurious villas, hidden for many years under a 20-meter layer of volcanic rock.
Moscow is many-sided and grandiose, each time it turns to the traveler with thousands of different sides. Here, the multicolored domes of Orthodox churches coexist with monumental skyscrapers in the Stalinist Empire style. The rich estates of the aristocratic families of the Russian Empire stand next to trendy restaurants and clubs, the spiers of the glass skyscrapers of the business districts sparkle against the backdrop of the picturesque Kutuzovsky Prospekt.
Moscow has a huge number of cultural objects - more than 400 museums, about a thousand monuments, 130 theaters and dozens of concert halls. Most of the events of the social life of the country, from premieres to international exhibitions, take place in the capital. You need to come to Moscow for a long time to feel the spirit and energy of this dynamic city.
The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles/day
What to see and where to go in Moscow?
The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and a short description.
1. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square
The most recognizable and visited places in the Russian capital. The red towers of the Kremlin crowned with stars are an established brand, a symbol of Moscow. Since the 12th century, the Kremlin has served as a defensive structure; over the centuries, it has been repeatedly burned and rebuilt. Red Square has repeatedly become the site of important state events. It hosted public meetings, fairs, parades, and various cultural events.
2. St. Basil's Cathedral
The cathedral was founded by order of Ivan the Terrible as gratitude to the Lord for help in the capture of Kazan. Initially, the building had golden domes and red and white walls. After a fire in the 18th century, as a result of restoration, the temple was decorated in bright colors and now it towers over Red Square like a multi-colored gingerbread. The name was given in honor of the holy fool Basil the Blessed, who collected part of the money for the construction of the temple and transferred it to Ivan the Terrible.
3. Zaryadye Park
Public space in the historical district of the capital of the same name. Construction was carried out in 2014-2017, after the demolition of the Rossiya Hotel located on this site. There are 4 landscape zones of Russia represented in the park. The total number of trees planted is 752, bushes - about 7 thousand. In different parts of Zaryadye there are zones with an artificial microclimate. In 2018, a concert hall was opened in the park.
4. Moscow City
The business district of the capital, consisting of modern skyscrapers of futuristic design. The project is unique both for Russia and for the whole of Eastern Europe. The highest tower of the Federation complex reaches a height of 235 meters, other buildings have also been given their own names. Moscow City was nicknamed "Moscow Manhattan", the quarter was conceived as the Russian analogue of the London and New York business districts.
5. Cathedral of Christ the Savior
The Cathedral of Moscow, where the Patriarch conducts divine services. The temple was built in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 according to the design of Konstantin Ton, the work lasted more than forty years. During Soviet times, the building was blown up, and the Palace of Soviets appeared in its place, and later, the Moskva pool. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1994-1997. and now has the maximum external resemblance to the original.
6. Novodevichy Convent
The oldest convent in the capital. According to legend, it stands on the spot where, during the reign of the Golden Horde, girls were selected to be sent into slavery. The monastery was founded in 1524 by Vasily III. Subsequently, many royal persons, as well as girls from princely and boyar families, took the tonsure in the monastery. Many came here against their will. In architectural terms, the monastery is a real fortress with powerful walls.
7. Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye
Temple of the 16th century on the banks of the Moskva River in the territory of the park complex in Kolomenskoye. Presumably, the Italian architect Petrok Maly took part in the construction of the building. The church is one of the first samples of stone hipped temples in Russia. The structure was built in the form of an equal-ended cross with a 62-meter bell tower. The architecture of the temple is considered unique.
8. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The main Catholic cathedral in Moscow, built in the Neo-Gothic style at the expense of the Polish community. The main buildings were erected at the beginning of the 20th century according to the project of F. O. Bogdanovich-Dvorzhetsky. The cathedral is a typical example of the architecture of Catholic churches - lancet arches, figured towers directed upwards, colored stained-glass windows. Organ music concerts and other cultural events are constantly held in the temple.
9. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve
The palace and park ensemble, covering an area of more than 100 hectares, is located in the south of the capital. All buildings were created in the 18th century in the pseudo-Gothic or Russian Gothic architectural style. Previously, the ensemble served as the royal residence. Today, the park houses exhibitions, museums, concert halls, greenhouses. Thanks to the beautiful landscape, the Tsaritsyno ensemble has become a popular place for wedding photo shoots.
10. Kolomna Palace
The wooden palace in Kolomenskoye Park, which belonged to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. It opened to the public in 2010. The building was founded in the 17th century, its appearance was conceived in such a way as to emphasize the power of the Russian state and the greatness of the tsar. The interior decoration was opulent and luxurious. Under Catherine II, the palace was dismantled, but its detailed drawings were previously made. According to these drawings, the complex was completely restored later.
11. Kremlin in Izmailovo
An attraction of the New Age in the spirit of Russian architecture of the 17th century, a stylized residence of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. The ensemble was built according to old sketches and drawings. The Kremlin appeared in 2007 near Partizanskaya metro station. There are craft shops, museums, taverns, a church on the territory. The Kremlin was designed by A.F. Ushakov as an attraction to attract tourists.
12. Manor Kuskovo
The mansion of the XVIII century, which belonged to the count family of Sheremetevs. The magnificent estate, surrounded by a landscaped park, was used for magnificent receptions, balls, festivities and theatrical performances. The museum on the territory of the complex exhibits one of the world's largest collections of ceramics. Exhibitions, concerts, festivities in old Russian traditions are constantly held in Kuskovo.
13. Krutitsy Compound
An architectural monument of the 17th century in the Tagansky district of the capital. Since 1991, it has been serving as a patriarchal residence. The Department for Youth Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church is also located here. The history of the place began in the 13th century. At first, a monastery was located here, and then the residence of higher clergy. Krutitsy Compound is a place where you can imagine what Moscow looked like in past centuries.
14. Bolshoi Theater
The main opera stage of the country and one of the best theaters in the world. The theater was built in 1825, but in 1853 the building burned down. Three years later, the Bolshoi was rebuilt. Large-scale reconstructions were carried out in 1886-1893, in 1958 and in 2005-2011. The monumental building of the theater is decorated with massive columns, the interior decoration is striking in luxury. The crystal chandelier in the main auditorium deserves special attention.
15. State Tretyakov Gallery
An art museum with a rich collection, founded by the merchant family Tretyakov. In 1861, in his will, Pavel Tretyakov transferred the family gallery to the city and determined the amount of money for its maintenance. In 1893, the museum officially opened to the public. The Tretyakov Gallery is the largest (more than 180 thousand exhibits) collection of Russian painting, engraving, icon painting.
16. Armory and Diamond Fund
They are located in the same building on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin. The Armory has been functioning as a museum since 1806. Here are stored art and artifacts, both made in local workshops and donated by embassies of other countries. The Diamond Fund is an impressive exhibition of masterpieces of jewelry art. The best examples of the collection date back to the 18th-20th centuries. In addition, the exposition presents precious stones and nuggets with a rich history.
17. State Historical Museum
It is located on Red Square and is one of the main metropolitan museums. Collections covering all eras in Russian history from ancient times to the 20th century are exhibited in countless halls. Extensive expositions relating to the history of other states are also presented. The museum was founded by order of Alexander II in 1872. In 1990, the building was included in the UNESCO heritage list along with Red Square.
18. Nikulin Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard
The circus was built in 1880 with the money of the merchant Danilov. From the very opening, the administration tried to invite only the best teams and attract more visitors to the performances. In 1996, in honor of the 75th artist Yu. Nikulin, the circus was given the name "Moscow Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard." The auditorium is designed for 2000 people, modern equipment is used during performances.
19. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
The museum gallery was opened in 1913, the basis of the collection was exhibits from the collection of the Cabinet of Fine Arts and Antiquities of Moscow University. Later, original samples of culture were acquired ancient egypt. During the 20th century, the museum developed and expanded, and now it contains about 700 exhibits. Various exhibitions of world-famous authors are constantly held in the halls.
20. Bunker 42 on Taganka
Museum of the Cold War, located at a depth of 65 meters underground. The bunker was built in the middle of the 20th century, it was conceived as a completely autonomous shelter in case of a sudden nuclear strike. A supply of water and food was stored here for a long time. The entrance to the museum is a one and a half ton door, behind which a long staircase begins. Visitors can explore the interior of the bunker during a guided tour and watch a film about the Cold War.
21. Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill
Park complex with memorials dedicated to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945. Before construction began in 1987, the hill on Poklonnaya Gora was partially demolished. The park officially opened in 1995. The central monument is an obelisk crowned with a statue of the goddess Nike, 141.8 meters high. In 2009-2010 the Eternal Flame burned here, transferred for the period of reconstruction from the Alexander Garden.
22. Sparrow Hills
Sparrow Hills are considered the main observation deck of Moscow, from where you can see the valley of the Moskva River, Luzhniki, Stalinist skyscrapers and skyscrapers of Moscow City. Nearby is the building of Moscow State University. The park zone of Sparrow Hills is a great place for walking, cycling and rollerblading, jogging. Moscow bikers have been gathering near the observation deck for many years.
23. Luzhniki Sports Complex
Opened in the 50s of the last century, it was rebuilt many times. The area exceeds 180 hectares. Hosted some events of the 1980 Olympics. In the 90s, it turned into a huge clothing market, which was liquidated by 2003. Now the complex consists of dozens of objects, including a sports arena for 78 thousand seats, football fields, tennis courts, swimming pools and a golf academy. The final match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup was played at Luzhniki Stadium.
24. Moscow Metro
The largest subway in the territory of the former USSR. The first line was launched in 1935, it connected Sokolniki and Park Kultury. Currently, 15 lines have been laid with a length of almost 400 km. Of the 230 active stations, 48 are recognized as objects cultural heritage Russia. The design of some metro halls resembles museums; there are guided tours, including night ones.
25. Moscow Zoo
One of the oldest in Europe, it has been welcoming visitors since 1864. Currently, the zoo contains about 6 thousand individuals. They represent over a thousand animal species. The area is divided into themes. There are both open expositions and enclosures, as well as closed ones. Anyone can arrange guardianship of the animal they like, finance its maintenance and receive a number of privileges. The living symbol of the zoo is Samson the giraffe.
26. VDNH
A large park area in the North-East of the capital with numerous exhibition pavilions, well-groomed alleys, fountains, cafes, concert venues. VDNKh is one of the most popular weekend getaways for citizens. Here you can visit the aquarium, the historical pavilion, innovative exhibitions, farmers' markets, a theater and even a "port" with a pool and a beach. There are many cyclists, roller skaters and other athletes at VDNKh.
27. Ostankino TV Tower
The TV tower is another important symbol of the capital. The tower provides TV broadcasting to the whole of Russia, TV studios and offices of the main channels are located here. The building reaches a height of 540 meters. The Ostankino Tower was built in the period 1963-1967, at that time it was considered the tallest building in Europe. For visitors, there are special excursions to the tower with a visit to the observation deck.
28. Triumphal Gate
Arched gates on Kutuzovsky Prospekt, erected in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. The structure was built according to the design of the architect Beauvais in 1829-1834, later in 1936 the arch was dismantled. The reconstructed gate reappeared on the avenue only in 1968. The inscription on the top of the old structure glorified the deeds of Alexander I in Russian and Latin, the new inscription immortalized the feat of Russian soldiers in 1812.
29. Stalin skyscrapers
Seven high-rise buildings built in the pompous "Stalinist Empire" style in the middle of the 20th century. These unique buildings, as planned by the leader, were supposed to symbolize the power and greatness of Moscow and the entire USSR. The buildings house the University of Moscow State University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hotels, residential apartments. In Soviet times, housing in these elite houses was distributed only to prominent scientists and statesmen.
30. State department store (GUM)
It is located on Red Square and is one of its main attractions. The history of the building began in the 19th century with the opening of shopping arcades. Over the course of the 20th century, GUM gradually became the main and most coveted store in the country - all business travelers tend to get into it in order to purchase scarce goods. Nowadays, GUM is a territory of expensive boutiques, historical shops and author's showrooms.
31. Street Old Arbat
The famous walking boulevard of the capital, where, surrounded by charming Moscow mansions of previous centuries, street performers perform and artists draw portraits. A large number of souvenir shops, restaurants and small interesting museums are concentrated on the Arbat. The street is included in the mandatory visiting program for foreign tourists, so here they can be seen in considerable numbers.
32. Hermitage Garden
A small park in the city center, a popular place for walking among locals. The garden was founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Y. Shchukin at the end of the 19th century. The last major renovation took place in the late 1990s. XX century. The park has three theaters and an open stage for summer concerts. In the warm season, festivals and various events are often held here, attracting many visitors.
33. MUZEON Arts Park
A large area of arts, located on the Crimean embankment. The art zone includes outdoor exhibitions, landscaped gardens, fountains, contemporary art objects and numerous walking paths. Herself Crimean embankment is a picturesque pedestrian area on the banks of the Moskva River, a cozy and romantic place that quickly gained popularity among tourists and Muscovites themselves.
34. Art cluster "Red October"
Numerous art workshops, galleries, design studios, exhibition halls occupying the former building of the Krasny Oktyabr confectionery factory. This is a kind of bohemian center of the capital, where events are constantly taking place with the participation of the fashionable public and famous people. The red brick factory building itself is a classic example of industrial architecture of the early 20th century.
35. Gorky Park
The park is located on the embankment of the Moscow River. In recent years, the place has changed and has become a point of attraction for the advanced public. Ecological events, vegetarian festivals, skateboarding competitions and other events are constantly organized here. The park often becomes a venue for large-scale city holidays. In winter, a skating rink has been operating on the territory for several years.
If you have the opportunity to go anywhere in the world and want to maximize vivid impressions, it is useful to know the names and addresses of the most popular attractions. This review will save you time looking for the perfect places to stay, where there will be no reason to get bored.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Machu Picchu is one of modern wonders light, is located in Peru at an altitude of 2.45 km above sea level. This is an incredibly original and picturesque "city in the sky." It is he who is the main attraction that tourists come to see. Since the "city among the clouds" (another name for Machu Picchu) is located between two mountain peaks, some decide to climb at least one of them and enjoy the view of the Inca mountain shelter to a greater extent. The most desperate climb both.
It is believed that the Inca ruler Pachacutec created this settlement for priests, astrologers, nobles and cultural figures around 1440. And when the Spaniards, almost 100 years later, invaded the territory of the empire, the inhabitants abruptly disappeared somewhere. The city was built from processed stone slabs. It has many winding stairs and streets, which often lead to a dead end or to a terrace located directly above the abyss.
- Where is: in the Andes, 1320 km southeast of Lima, 240 km from Cusco airport, 6 km from the nearest city (Aguas Calientes).
- Opening hours: daily from 5:30 to 20:30.
- Cost of visiting: for adult foreigners - from $50. If you want to climb one of the mountains, you need to pay about $15. Discounts are provided for students and children: a visit to Machu Picchu alone will cost $23 for children aged 7 to 17 and $26 for youth aged 18–25.
Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
The largest religious building of all time (about 200 hectares) in honor of the god Vishnu. The literal translation of the name is Temple City. This symbol of Khmer culture was built in the 12th century. Tourists say in reviews about it: "Majestic antiquity and ancient grandeur."
Since the territory of the temple is surrounded by a 190-meter moat, you can reach the structure through a bridge, which is 250 m wide. This attraction is a 3-step pyramid-shaped platform with towers in the form of lotus flowers. As you approach the main object, it seems to grow out of the ground. The architects created this effect by using terraces of different heights.
Taj Mahal (India)
The Taj Mahal is a monument to the love of the Mughal ruler Shah Jahan for the charming poor girl Mumtaz Mahal. When the beloved died, the ruler was heartbroken and decided to build the best mausoleum on the planet in her honor. The project was completed after 22 years.
As a result, an incredibly beautiful palace was created, in which there are 11 domes and 2 side towers. This is the most visited place in India and one of the favorites of tourists from all over the world.
The ancient city of Petra (Jordan)
In Jordan, it is worth visiting the ancient city of Petra, which has surprisingly survived to this day. In translation, the name means "stone", "rock". The meaning of the name is that houses, temples and crypts are built exclusively from this material. The city even now belongs to the Bedouins, and they are always happy to have guests.
You can get into the city only through the narrow gorge of the Siq, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Main objects: a huge temple, a triumphal arch, a treasury. It is recommended to pay close attention to all types of stone structures.
Mesquita (Spain)
This cathedral mosque is unique in that it combines different styles of architecture. It is also quite ancient - built in the 8th century. Initially, this temple was Muslim, but later the Christians converted it into a cathedral. Pay attention to the Orange Court, which was created over hundreds of years, as well as 5 fountains for ablution.
Multicolored mosaics, marble panels, as well as columns made of multi-colored precious materials: jasper, granite and marble will surely attract your attention.
- Where is: Spain, Calle Cardenal Herrero, 1, Córdoba.
- Opening hours: Monday-Saturday - from 10:00 to 18:00. From March to October inclusive, admission is open until 19:00. From 13:30 to 16:00 the entrance to the bell tower is closed.
- Cost of visiting: standard - 10 EURO, children from 5 to 14 years old pay 2 times less. For the entrance to the bell tower - surcharge 2 EURO.
St. Peter's Basilica (Italy)
If you got out of something, then you probably want to take a look at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The building dates back to the 16th-17th centuries, and the main feature of this religious building is its impressive size and grandiose interior decoration.
What you can see: statues of Michelangelo and Bernini, chapels, a large canopy in the center (the Pope sits there during mass), relics and various relics.
- Where located: Piazza san pietro, 00120 citta del vaticano.
- Opening hours: from 7:00 to 19:00 daily, from October 1 to March 31 - reception ends at 18:30. On Wednesdays, it is not uncommon for the reception to begin only at 13:00, this is due to the audience of the Pope.
- Cost of visiting: 8–10 €.
Great Wall of China, Mutianyu section (China)
This is the most carefully restored section of the Great Wall of China. The 22 watchtowers that are located here have retained their original appearance and are an architectural masterpiece. The name means "valley where you can admire the views of the fields." This is the longest restored section and is fully open to tourists.
- Where is: The nearest Beijing subway station is Dongzhimen.
- Opening hours: daily from 7:30. On weekdays - until 17:00, on weekends (Saturday, Sunday) - until 18:00.
- Cost of visiting: 45 yuan for adults (a person over 1.5 m tall), 25 yuan for children (height 1.2-1.5 m), free for small (up to 1.2 m) children.
Old Town (Croatia)
The Croatian town of Dubrovnik is one of the most amazing European monuments of antiquity. The walls of the old city were erected in the 12th-14th centuries. Of interest are the houses inside the old city, as well as places of worship. Tiled roofs and cobbled streets look very charming.
What you can see: not only masterpieces of architecture, but also the Big Onufry Fountain. Previously, he served as a water supply. At the time of its creation, in the 15th century, clean water flowed through the aqueduct, and it flowed from a mountain spring.
Kremlin (Russia)
This attraction is probably the closest, but not all Russians manage to get out even to it. However, it is important to do this at least once in your life, because the Kremlin is an amazing architectural monument of the 15th-19th centuries. Many still plan trips to Moscow (for example, you need to fly from there to a remote point in the world) - so why not plan a visit to the Kremlin and Red Square?
The towers of the Kremlin are made in different styles of architecture, and they are located on a brick wall of impressive height. You can go inside through the Spassky Gate, which serves as the main entrance. During the tour try to learn more interesting facts about the famous big clock of the Kremlin.
- Where is: Moscow Red Square.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (except Thursday).
- Cost of visiting: a regular ticket for adults - 500 rubles, for preferential categories (children, students, pensioners) - 250 rubles.
Eiffel Tower (France)
At the end of the 19th century, the engineer Gustave Eiffel made a breakthrough in architecture. He decided to use steel and glass to build the tower. When you visit this 324-meter landmark, pay attention to its grace and awe-inspiring size.
The tower is divided into 3 levels at a height of 57, 115 and 274 m. Each has its own notable features, venues and restaurants. For example, on the first platform, you can watch a film about the history of the Eiffel Tower or visit a museum.
- Where is: Western part of Paris, Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France.
- Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 19:30.
- Cost of visiting: depends on the height of the ascent (level), the age of the tourist and the method of ascent; the standard for an adult is from 7 to 25 euros, there are discounts for children and youth.
Great Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)
The pyramids of Menkaure, Khafre, Cheops are the only wonder of the world that has survived to this day. Their edges are amazingly smooth, and their shapes (isosceles triangles) are incredibly precise. The pyramid of Cheops is considered the greatest. The blocks are held together by their gravity. Even modern scientific achievements do not allow stone blocks to be processed so accurately.
- Where is: on the outskirts of Cairo, west coast of the Nile.
- Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 17:00. However, the Pyramid Zone closes earlier in winter (4:30 pm) and during Ramadan (3:00 pm).
- Cost of visiting: on average - from 50 $.
Bridge "Golden Gate" (USA)
This huge bridge is called the "gateway" because it seems to let the Pacific Ocean into San Francisco Bay. Strictly speaking, it is red in color, not gold.
When the object was created (this is the 1930s), it became the largest suspension bridge in the world for several decades. And it's not just about the size. The Golden Gate impresses primarily with its beauty.
- Where is: between northern San Francisco Peninsula and southern Marin County.
- Opening hours: around the clock; the time of passage and travel on the western and eastern sides is limited; tourist pavilion - from 9:00 to 18:00
- Cost of visiting: fare - $ 5–7.5 if you are coming from the north to San Francisco; travel from south to north and passage for pedestrians are free.
Grand Canal in Venice (Italy)
It is not surprising that many lovers around the world consider it their duty to look. The main attention of tourists is directed to the Grand Canal - the main "street" with a specific "transport system". The city on the water is filled with impressive palaces and buildings made in various architectural styles.
- Where is: starts at the railway station and runs through all of Venice to the customs building, where it merges with other canals.
- Movement cost: boat rental - 50–80 euros; gondola - 80-100 euros for a 40-minute walk (if there are several passengers, the amount is divided among all).
Shwedagon Pagoda (Myanmar)
A pagoda is a religious building of Buddhism, Hinduism or Taoism. The Shwedagon Pagoda (Myanmar) is striking in its height and beauty. And the area occupied by the object is rather big: more than 5 hectares.
When visiting, look out for sculptures of real or mythical animals. The giant temple acquired its current form in the 15th century under Queen Shinsobu. The Shwedagon Pagoda resembles an inverted bowl and is lined from top to bottom with gold.
Ancient city of Ephesus (Turkey)
Ephesus is very popular among tourists because it is well preserved. The ancient city is still saturated with legends and the spirit of antiquity. It is comparable in importance to Pompeii.
Alhambra (Spain)
This is an ancient palace (in literal translation - the Red Castle). Perhaps this refers to the color of clay or bricks. Another version says that the name connects the palace with the red flames of the torches. Construction went on around the clock, so lighting was required. What to look for: a lot of symmetrically arranged arches, a lion's courtyard, a fountain.
Australian War Memorial (Canberra)
This is the main memorial honoring the soldiers who died during both world wars. Today it is considered the most significant monument of this kind on Earth.
Duomo Cathedral (Italy)
Back in the 13th century, Siena was a city-state and competed with Florence. Its inhabitants wanted to build a temple better than their neighbors had. The idea was a success and still amazes with its beauty.
- Where is Location: Piazza del Duomo, 8, 53100 Siena.
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 19:00 in the main season and until 17:30 in winter.
- Cost of visiting: depends on the season and on which parts of the cathedral to visit: 4-15 € - individual rooms, 20-25 € - combined ticket.
Teotihuacan (Mexico)
The Aztecs once lived here. Researchers are inclined to think that this is one of the most ancient and largest cities in the Western Hemisphere, but they cannot determine the exact age.
Sydney Opera House (Australia)
The building is one of the most recognizable in the world. Architect Jorn Utzon came up with an original move - to make roofs resembling shells. Now this opera house is a symbol of Sydney and all of Australia.
Summing up
Visit - good idea, if there is time, opportunity and desire. Each of them has a recognizable style and its own charm. Not without difficulties: travel often complicates the remoteness from the road and the benefits of civilization. Visiting some attractions requires stamina, as it involves overcoming long distances or adverse weather conditions.
Nevertheless, the extraordinary beauty of these places is obvious even from the above photographs. The vast majority of reviews about them are positive. It is unlikely that any tourist sites are "best", but popularity ratings really help to make a choice. Find the most suitable attractions and go on vacation, taking with you everything you need.