We’ve been around on this planet for a while now, and over time we’ve made our mark on the planet in many ways – leaving countless structures and sites that serve as a testament to our creativity, ambition and resourcefulness. Of them all, some are of course more fascinating and more iconic than others, so following are a list of the top 10 historical landmarks that you should see before you die. While certainly there are some others that could easily have been included, and there are those that some readers might feel are unworthy, this list of the top 10 historical landmarks should hopefully offer a balanced selection of areas that are each incredible in their own right and that provide you with some of the interesting and thought provoking sites the world has to offer.
10. The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower might not be that old compared to some of the entries on this list, but it is still one of the top 10 historical landmarks, if only for its iconic status and for being recognised the world. Visiting it is certainly on the to do list of any serious hunter of historical sites.
9. The Vatican City
The Vatican City is not really one of the top 10 historical landmarks but actually several as you could count St Peter’s Square, the obelisk or the Basilica as three separate amazing sites. However between them they are certainly one of the most compelling historical sites, and you should definitely visit the Vatican Museum if you are going and you’re a fan of history.
8. Petra
As seen in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Petra is a rocky fortress built carved into a canyon in Jordan. One of the lesser known top 10 Historical Landmarks, it has nevertheless been recently added to the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. What makes it all the more interesting and elusive is that its founding is not fully known, only that it was likely built under Roman rule.
7. Stonehenge
Stonehenge is the first pre-historic entry to this list of the top 10 historical landmarks, and even more so than Petra it is a site shrouded in mystery. Who erected these stone columns and how? And what was their purpose?
6. Karnak Temple:
It’s not one of the better known historical sites in the world – and if most people are travelling to Egypt they think of the pyramids or the valley of the kinds. However anyone who has been there is likely to understand it’s position as one of the top 10 historical landmarks, and the huge scale and highly detailed pillars again beggar belief that these were constructed without today’s machinery.
5. The Parthenon:
The Parthenon is another highly recognisable one of the top 10 historical landmarks and is a symbol of power and importance that bears a lasting testament to the influence of ancient Greece on our culture and geography.
4. Easter Island:
Easter Island is another one of the top 10 historical landmarks that is highly mysterious, adding to its allure. Of course it’s the statues that make it worthy of the top 10 historical landmarks, and their uncertain origin. The fact that they don’t quite look human has lead to much speculation that they may even be examples of alien contact with ancient man.
3. Taj Mahal:
The Taj Mahal alone is reason enough to travel to India (though there are of course many other great reasons to go) and is a fantastic looking lavish temple that is a perfect photo opportunity and a fascinating guided tour.
2. Auschwitz:
Auschwitz is an example of a more modern entry to this list of the top ten historical landmarks, and is lasting evidence of one of the most significant (and terrible) events in the last century.
1. The Pyramids of Giza:
However it has to be the pyramids of Giza that top this list of the top ten historical landmarks, if only because they are the only remaining wonders of the ancient world and so spectacularly huge. What makes them even more worthy of this lofty position at the top of the list is the way that they stand out for miles surrounded by perfectly flat desert (apart from the equally iconic sphinx) and the amazing architecture they display. There are many theories of about how these pyramids were built, but however they came into being they are certainly one of the most impressive sites in the world, a mystery and a great testament to human will and ingenuity.
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You made me think with this post. Now, that I have this top 10 historical landmarks in front of my eyes, I plan a long trip next year. I should see these top 10 historical landmarks. If not possible to see all of them in 2011, at least 7 of 10. These are places that everyone needs to see. People should keep in mind that the eiffel tower is not the only remarkable landmark in the universe.
Wasn’t really hoping for the Auschwitz to be mention in top 10 historical landmarks. But I guess bad things need to be mentioned in tops too. Why not, after all?
I am such a huge fan of Taj Mahal. If I were to make this top 10 historical landmarks, I would have chosen it as the winner.
Actually, compared to the other 9 landmarks in this top 10 historical landmarks… eiffel is quite modern.
Anyway, I think the most fascinating landmarks are the ones on the 1st place. The Pyramids of Giza can impress anyone.
I would have put Taj Mahal on the 2nd place, in this top 10 historical landmarks list.
These are all great historical places to visit and I can see why each one made the list. I have never visited any of them, but was at Dacheau once, which is sort of like Auschwitz. I would love to see the Eiffel tower as I think it would be so romantic. And the pyramids of Giza look so tempting.
I would love to visit Easter Island one day. I am a huge fan of aliens so this is right up my alley.
I think that visiting any of these sites would be a great way to learn some history. I do not think I would change it.
I wish I’ll get to see some of these places. At least 5 of top 10 historical landmarks. As I don’t think I can see all of them. But you never know… maybe I’ll get rich and see the whole world some day, woo.
I am very glad that The Pyramids of Giza made the number one spot. I think that anything to do with pyramids is great. I am a big fan of Egypt so I was thrilled to see it alone on the top ten list. They are just very impressive to me.
I have my heart set one day to see the Eiffel tower. I think that traveling to France would be so romantic. I can see why it made the top ten list, but at the same time do not compare it to the others that made the list. I would have put the Eiffel tower in the middle of the list though.
I think it would be a neat opportunity to visit the Vatican City. I have heard many great things about it from being so beautiful. I think seeing the Basilica would be great.
I would have personally moved this to number 2, and put the number one as the Eiffel tower. This looks like a nice vacation spot for lovers and I think it seems pretty romantic.
Petra is interesting. A tour to see top 10 historical landmarks would be nice. A travel company should proceed to implement this plan. There is no one to dislike any of the places mentioned in top 10 historical landmarks. It would be interesting and smart.
I think that the Eiffel Tower is an amazing site. I have been there once and it was beautiful. I do not know if you can compare it to some of the other sites on this list. Like the pyramids or Stonehedge.
The Vatican city should be number one in my book since it is more than just one place. It is amazing to visit there. I have been there and it is so gorgeous. I say move it to number one there is no reason for it to be number nine.
Pretty good list of top ten landmarks but I will tweek it to fit me. Move the list around so it looks like this.
1.the Pyramids of Giza
2. the Eiffel Tower
3. Stonehenge
4. The Parthenon
5. The Vatican City
6. Karnak Temple
7. Taj Mahal
8. Petra
9. Easter Island
10.Auschwitz
That is how it should be done.
I cannot believe that you will put the Eiffel Tower second. All the rest are made thousand years back. The Parthenon was build before 2.500 years. Just imagine that and then reconsider your list that you so proudly post.
The list is fine how it is. I think that the writer did a great job at putting the places in an order. I would love to visit any one of these places and hope some day to. I think that the Vatican City would be a great place to go and the Eiffel tower is so romantic.
The only place I have been is the Eiffel Tower. I think it is a great place to visit. It is very beautiful and so romantic. It definetly deserves a spot in the top ten!
What a great list of top tens. I would love to visit all of them one day. I have never been to any of them. I was so close to getting to go to Paris a few years back but my parents would not let me. Oh well there are many great years ahead of me to travel.