The post Discovering the Most Beautiful Temples in the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>In the jungles of Cambodia, Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the ancient Khmer empire’s grandeur. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest religious monument in the world and a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Its towering spires, intricate bas-reliefs, and reflection in the surrounding moat give it an otherworldly appearance that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal in India is an architectural jewel that many regard as a symbol of eternal love. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, its symmetrical design and intricate ivory marble inlays make the Taj Mahal a glowing masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Today, it attracts about 8 million visitors annually.
The Parthenon in Athens serves as an enduring example of ancient Greece’s architectural brilliance. Built in the 5th century BC, this Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Athena is a wonder of classical architecture most notably recognized for its iconic columns. Despite enduring centuries of war, earthquakes, and pillaging, it continues to stand proudly, offering visitors a place to take in panoramic views of Athens from its hilltop location.
The post Discovering the Most Beautiful Temples in the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Day Trips Worth Taking from Rome, Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>45 minutes east of Rome lies Tivoli, a small town and comune known for its magnificent gardens and historic villas. Most famous among them are Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, both of which date back hundreds of years and are now designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beyond its villas, Tivoli has a lovely historical center filled with cobblestone streets and authentic local cuisine.
Ostia Antica is an ancient port city located about an hour from Rome by train. Today, the area is a large archaeological site and home to several remarkably well preserved ruins including an amphitheater and the Baths of Neptune. The neighborhood of Ostia also has several free beaches and plenty of bars and restaurants for those looking to relax after exploring the site.
Orvieto is a hilltop town located about halfway between Rome and Florence. It takes about an hour to reach Orvieto by train, but the journey is incredibly scenic and makes for a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Once there, be sure to visit the impressive Orvieto Cathedral and explore the underground city, a maze of caves and tunnels that hold secrets dating back centuries.
The post 3 Day Trips Worth Taking from Rome, Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Must-See Cultural Sites in Turkey appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>If you’re a history buff, then one of your goals in Turkey is probably to learn about the Ottoman Empire. Bursa is known as the first capital of the Ottoman state, serving as such from 1335 to 1363. You can here view a wide range of classic Ottoman architecture, including the Ulu Camii Mosque and the Orhan Gazi Tomb.
Another great site for history buffs is Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire from the Bronze Age. The viewing options in this spot include rock art, a very well-preserved ancient temple, ancient gates, and more.
Ani, now an archaeological site, was once the capital of the kingdom of Bagratid Armenia, at Turkey’s present-day border with Armenia. Ani was a successful trade location along the Silk Road and several Anatolian trade routes and was the spiritual center of the Armenian church. You can there see the remains of many palaces, churches, and citadels from ancient times.
The post 3 Must-See Cultural Sites in Turkey appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post The Newest and Coolest UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Defined by UNESCO as a “dynamic nature of fire and ice”, this Icelandic national park occupies nearly 15% of the land area of the country! Glaciers are part of the draw here, as are volcanic landscapes that you truly must see to believe. It’s the best of Iceland all in one spot.
The former capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to the 13th century, Bagan was once one of the most opulent cities on Earth and has maintained much of its patrimony. Over 2,200 centuries-old temples and pagodas remain and can be seen on tours.
Discover the First Nation’s culture and history at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park in Alberta, Canada. Here, you will find an impressive collection of preserved rock art, including carvings and paintings dating back to Canada’s original residents thousands of years ago.
The post The Newest and Coolest UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post These Countries are the Kings of UNESCO World Heritage Sites appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The most populous country in the world is also the one with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With an incredibly rich cultural and natural heritage, you will find world-famous sites like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City of Beijing are two of the best-known.
A center of culture and the former home of the Roman Empire, the modern-day country of Italy equals China’s 55 World Heritage sites. The heritage of the Roman Empire is heavily featured within the ranks of Italy’s sites, as are natural areas like the Amalfi Coast.
Another southern European country comes in at third on the list, as Spain has a whopping total of 48 World Heritage sites. You’ll find plenty of places related to Spain’s rich history in which Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences can still be found to this day to be a large driver of the number of sites you’ll find.
The post These Countries are the Kings of UNESCO World Heritage Sites appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post Discovering the Most Beautiful Temples in the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>In the jungles of Cambodia, Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the ancient Khmer empire’s grandeur. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest religious monument in the world and a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Its towering spires, intricate bas-reliefs, and reflection in the surrounding moat give it an otherworldly appearance that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal in India is an architectural jewel that many regard as a symbol of eternal love. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, its symmetrical design and intricate ivory marble inlays make the Taj Mahal a glowing masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Today, it attracts about 8 million visitors annually.
The Parthenon in Athens serves as an enduring example of ancient Greece’s architectural brilliance. Built in the 5th century BC, this Doric temple dedicated to the goddess Athena is a wonder of classical architecture most notably recognized for its iconic columns. Despite enduring centuries of war, earthquakes, and pillaging, it continues to stand proudly, offering visitors a place to take in panoramic views of Athens from its hilltop location.
The post Discovering the Most Beautiful Temples in the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Day Trips Worth Taking from Rome, Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>45 minutes east of Rome lies Tivoli, a small town and comune known for its magnificent gardens and historic villas. Most famous among them are Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, both of which date back hundreds of years and are now designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beyond its villas, Tivoli has a lovely historical center filled with cobblestone streets and authentic local cuisine.
Ostia Antica is an ancient port city located about an hour from Rome by train. Today, the area is a large archaeological site and home to several remarkably well preserved ruins including an amphitheater and the Baths of Neptune. The neighborhood of Ostia also has several free beaches and plenty of bars and restaurants for those looking to relax after exploring the site.
Orvieto is a hilltop town located about halfway between Rome and Florence. It takes about an hour to reach Orvieto by train, but the journey is incredibly scenic and makes for a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Once there, be sure to visit the impressive Orvieto Cathedral and explore the underground city, a maze of caves and tunnels that hold secrets dating back centuries.
The post 3 Day Trips Worth Taking from Rome, Italy appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post 3 Must-See Cultural Sites in Turkey appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>If you’re a history buff, then one of your goals in Turkey is probably to learn about the Ottoman Empire. Bursa is known as the first capital of the Ottoman state, serving as such from 1335 to 1363. You can here view a wide range of classic Ottoman architecture, including the Ulu Camii Mosque and the Orhan Gazi Tomb.
Another great site for history buffs is Hattusa, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire from the Bronze Age. The viewing options in this spot include rock art, a very well-preserved ancient temple, ancient gates, and more.
Ani, now an archaeological site, was once the capital of the kingdom of Bagratid Armenia, at Turkey’s present-day border with Armenia. Ani was a successful trade location along the Silk Road and several Anatolian trade routes and was the spiritual center of the Armenian church. You can there see the remains of many palaces, churches, and citadels from ancient times.
The post 3 Must-See Cultural Sites in Turkey appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post The Newest and Coolest UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Defined by UNESCO as a “dynamic nature of fire and ice”, this Icelandic national park occupies nearly 15% of the land area of the country! Glaciers are part of the draw here, as are volcanic landscapes that you truly must see to believe. It’s the best of Iceland all in one spot.
The former capital of the Pagan Kingdom from the 9th to the 13th century, Bagan was once one of the most opulent cities on Earth and has maintained much of its patrimony. Over 2,200 centuries-old temples and pagodas remain and can be seen on tours.
Discover the First Nation’s culture and history at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park in Alberta, Canada. Here, you will find an impressive collection of preserved rock art, including carvings and paintings dating back to Canada’s original residents thousands of years ago.
The post The Newest and Coolest UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The post These Countries are the Kings of UNESCO World Heritage Sites appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The most populous country in the world is also the one with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With an incredibly rich cultural and natural heritage, you will find world-famous sites like the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City of Beijing are two of the best-known.
A center of culture and the former home of the Roman Empire, the modern-day country of Italy equals China’s 55 World Heritage sites. The heritage of the Roman Empire is heavily featured within the ranks of Italy’s sites, as are natural areas like the Amalfi Coast.
Another southern European country comes in at third on the list, as Spain has a whopping total of 48 World Heritage sites. You’ll find plenty of places related to Spain’s rich history in which Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences can still be found to this day to be a large driver of the number of sites you’ll find.
The post These Countries are the Kings of UNESCO World Heritage Sites appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>