12 Ancient Cities You Can Visit Right Now
I can answer your questions if you have ever wondered how ancient civilizations shaped our world today. Out of the countless remnants of historic cities dotting the globe, the concrete jungle of skyscrapers next to historical ruins evokes and continues to attract millions of visitors yearly.
Cultural tourism makes up 40 percent of all international travel, the United Nations World Tourism Organization reports, and ancient sites are a significant part of that statistic.
These cities have always been beautiful and had incredible stories. They blend education and inspiration for the traveler. If you’re awed by archeological marvels or intrigued by the mysteries of antiquity, this list will take you through some of the most amazing ancient cities visible today.
Athens, Greece
It is an excellent city with 3,000 years of history. It is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, art, and more. Its glorious past is best hinted at by visiting places like the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and the Ancient Agora. At the same time, the everyday life of classical Greece was apparent in places such as the Acropolis.
Visitors can explore thousands of years-old artifacts at the Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum. The Acropolis is best visited first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, and catch the best golden light for stunning photos.
Rome, Italy
Rome was once founded in 753 BCE and was home to the heart of the ancient Roman Empire. Learn a little about ancient life by wandering landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Vatican City is home to historic treasures like the Sistine Chapel; don’t miss it.
All these architectural masterpieces are also tributes to a civilization that influenced and, in many ways, helped shape how much of the Western world has been governed, built, and created. At its peak, the Roman Empire extended about 2.5 million square miles, one of the largest in history.
Jerash, Jordan
In antiquity, it was known as Gerasa, and Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Hadrian’s Arch, the Oval Plaza, and a visible chariot track are all part of its remarkable ruins. At the 3,000-seat South Theater, which has excellent acoustics even now, visitors can also see reenactments.
If you visit in July, plan your trip during the Jerash Festival, where you can see Jordanian music, dance, and art amid ancient ruins.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, built at the top of the Andes, impresses with its bartizans when rising on the stone surface among the most beautiful hills of nature.
In addition to churches built in the 15th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers the Primordial Face, Temple of the Sun, and Intihuatana. Tickets sell out quickly, and daily visitors are capped to protect the site.
Ephesus, Turkey
The land straddles the provinces of Esmirna and Uskuf. It comprises landmarks, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Visitors can walk through the city’s marble streets and imagine life in one of the ancient world’s most significant commercial hubs. In its grand amphitheater, the city could hold 50,000 spectators.
Petra, Jordan
Nabataea’s thriving capital, Petra, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is unparalleled for its rock-cut architecture (the famous Treasury), and the ingenuity of its creators is reflected in its advanced water systems.
Experience Petra by night when thousands of candles light the Treasury.
Angkor, Cambodia
The jewel of this ancient country is Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. The Khmer Empire built it in the 12th century, and its complicated carvings and dominant spires are still visible today.
Moreover, Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple offer a fascinating glimpse of Cambodian culture and art. For the most wonderful moment, you can catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat.
Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii’s preservation under the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius, which erupted in 79 CE, offers a rare, hauntingly detailed insight into Roman life.
Wander through its homes, baths, and even graffiti-lined walls to uncover a city frozen at the height of its civilization. If you want something quieter and a fascinating experience, try combining your trip with Herculaneum.
Luxor, Egypt
Formerly Thebes, Luxor is home to huge sites, including the Karnak Temple Complex, the Valley of the Kings, and the Luxor Temple. These are testaments to ancient Egypt’s eye for and dedication to architecture and spirituality.
Do not miss the myth and history live at Karnak temple when the sound and light show comes alive.
Tiwanaku, Bolivia
Near Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku reveals parts of one of South America’s most ancient civilizations before the Incas. Of the ingenuity of this strange city are some of the structures, such as the Gateway of the Sun and the Akapana Pyramid.
Bolivia is at a high elevation, so you’ll need to acclimatize, preferably two days minimum in advance.
Taxila, Pakistan
Taxila, modern-day Pakistan, was another melting pot of Buddhist, Persian, and Greek influences. Its monasteries, stupas, and ruins on the site tell the story of its importance on the ancient Silk Road.
To really understand the artifacts of the UNESCO World Heritage site Taxila, visit the Taxila Museum.
Leptis Magna, Libya
In Leptis Magna, home to the ‘Septimius Severus Arch,’ ‘Basilica Severiana,’ and an amphitheater, you can see the beauty of Roman architecture at its best, with the former city located near the Mediterranean.
Before visiting, check the geopolitical scenery and hire a guide for a good experience.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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