This summer, people will be checking out new hotels, new amusement park rides, new museum exhbits and more never-before seen attractions, but others may be looking to go on first time trips to places that have been around for centuries.
Nothing depicts a city's culture and history better than remnants of places that have been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. There are several must-see ruins that some may even consider to be one of the wonders of the world. Travel & Leisure compiled a list of most-visited ancient ruins. Join the many travelers who have seen these ancient sights, or lands before our time.
1. Great Wall of China in Badaling
Annual Visitors: 9-10 million
This 5,500 stretch of a wall is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Most of the wall was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), but some sections date back to 770 B.C.. This historical landmark shows years of work by millions of slaves and war prisoners who carried heavy materials on their backs such as blocks of granite, stones, bricks and dirt, to piece together this amazing sight. The most beautiful section of the wall is easily accessible to tourists as it crosses 70 miles of Beijing.
2. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
Annual Visitors: 6.9 million
This ancient sports center featured fights to the death among gladiators, slaughters of wild animals, executions, and reenactments of mythological dramas and famous battles. Upon completion in A.D. 80, it held a whopping 50,000 spectators who gathered around for entertainment. This large theater is partially destroyed due to devastating earthquakes and stone-robber, but it still remains as impressive piece of early architecture. Visitors can climb to the top of 110-foot-high upper seats, where they can see and take pictures of panoramic views of Rome. In 2010, underground pits where gladiators would wait to fight were opened to the public. This place is also considered to be a Wonder of the World.
3. Roman Forum in Rome, Italy
Annual Visitors: 5.1 million.
After stopping by the Colosseum, millions of visitors check out this ancient social center. Beginning in the fifth century B.C., this 700-yard-long land served as a marketplace and government center for 1,200 years. This center features ruins of government buildings, columns from sacred temples, arches, and friezes dedicated to ancient gods, showing the magnificent detail and extent of ancient architecture.
4. Terracotta Army in Xi'an China
Annual Visitors: 3.6-4.5 million
This Chinese land consists of 700 life-size terracotta generals, infantrymen, archers, chariot drivers, and 400 horses and 100 chariots. Each unique statue has detailed facial fetures, hairstyles, and clothing. These compelling clay artworks were arranged in rows in covered pits as part of an ancient cemetery for the Emperor Qin Shi Huang. There is belief that there are even more statues buried, but excavation and restoration is on halt until someone discovers a way to remove them without damaging the paint on the sculptures.
5. Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
Annual Visitors: 4 million
The famous ancient ruins are considered to be one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. These undated structures serve as symbols of Egypt. Historians are not sure when the Pyramids were built, but there is some evidence dating back 4,500 years. These enormous ancient buildings were built as tombs for pharaohs, some of which are open to the public. They are surrounded by the heavily populated city of Cairo.
6. Pompeii, Italy.
Annual Visitors: 2.5 million
This site is a partially buried Roman now near modern Naples. Visitors walk along these excavated streets to take in the history of first century Roman life. During the eruption of Mount Vesuvis in A.D 79, this town disappeared under ash and pumice. Plaster molds were made from the voids in the ash that depicted remnants of decomposed human and animal bodies, showing that this ruined area was once lively.
7. The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
Annual Visitors: 2 million
The Acropolis contains ancient temples and buildings on top of a hill that overlooks Athens. The largest monument at the top is Parthenon, which was a temple for the goddess Athena dating back to 447 B.C.. Although part of the building was destroyed, several of its impressive columns still remain and this hill offers beautiful views of the city.
8. Ephesus in Turkey
Annual Visitors: 2 million
This Turkish village is home to almost forgotten Greek and Roman ruins. It serves as a large tourist attraction and supports the local economy. Some highlights include remnants of the destroyed Temple of Artemis, the Gate of Augustus, the Library of Celsus, and a 25,000-seat theater where concerts are still held. The House of the Virgin Mary also brings many Christians to this area.
9. Teotihuancán in Mexico
Annual Visitors: 1.9 million
This ancient plaza is dominated by the terraced Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. This sacred city was build between the first and seventh centuries. The 200 foot tall Pyramid of the Sun is the third largest pyramid in the world. Tourists also enjoy viewing the decorated Temple of Quetzalcoatl, dedicated to the plumed serpent god that figures prominently in its sculptures and reliefs.
10. Hierapolis in Turkey
Annual Visitors: 1.6 million
The white, terraced pools of the Pamukkale hot springs here have been used as a spa since the 2nd century BCE. This ancient spa town is filled with sarcophagi and also has ruins of temples, a well-preserved theater, and a Sacred Pool where visitors float above broken Roman columns.
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