10 Must-Visit Places Around the World for History Buffs

The world is moving forward in almost all walks of life. While this is happening, it would be interesting to learn about the history that shaped our planet today. What could be more enriching than visiting historical sites and landmarks yourself, experiencing firsthand the secrets and stories of our shared human heritage? The places we list below are portals to what life used to be like several decades, even centuries ago. We picked up historic spots from all around the globe that deserve a place on every history buff’s bucket list.

This is by far one of the most striking and unique religious sites in the world. Located in central Greece, this historic gem is famous for its monasteries perched atop towering rock formations. Given the seemingly inaccessible locations of these ancient monasteries, the site was given the name “Meteora,” which actually means “suspended in air.”

It all began in the 11th century with the rise of monastic life at Meteora. This is when hermit monks sought solitude in the caves of these dramatic cliffs. By the 14th century, the monasteries served as a refuge from Turkish invasions and various conflicts. While at some point in history, the site had 24 monasteries, only six remain active today. It goes without saying that the architectural achievement and natural beauty of this ancient site made Meteora a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The largest and most important monastery is the 14th-century Monastery of Great Meteoron, which houses an impressive collection of relics, manuscripts, and frescoes. The 16th-century Monastery of Varlaam will offer you breathtaking views. As for the Monastery of Rousanou, this one is known for its easy access and is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ.

You will also enjoy exploring the Monastery of Holy Trinity, which was featured in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. This one is perched on a remote rock pinnacle and is one of the most visually striking of the Meteora monasteries.

2. Ayutthaya, Thailand

This was the Siamese Kingdom’s second capital and was founded in 1350. The city connected the East and West, with it being a major trading hub for over 400 years. However, the Burmese Army tragically destroyed Ayutthaya in 1767. Still, its historic ruins are here to stay, and the city was designated in 1991 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to see the image of a Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots, then this is possible at Ayutthaya’s famous Wat Mahathat temple. You can also visit the spiritual center of the city as well as an important part of the royal palace complex by heading to the Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple. The latter has three large stupas housing the ashes of kings.

Another historical landmark worth exploring when visiting Ayutthaya is the 15th-century  Wat Ratchaburana temple, which is known for its towering prang. This unique temple was built by King Borommarachathirat II in memory of his two brothers, who died in a battle for the throne.

You will also enjoy visiting the Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple, Ayutthaya Historical Study Centre, and Wat Phanan Choeng temple when spending a vacation in this historic Thai city.

This former Greco-Roman city is today an iconic archaeological site located in Turkey. Greek colonists founded Ephesus in the 10th century BC, and it later became a major city of the Roman Empire. It was famous for its grand architecture and mostly for being the site of the Temple of Artemis. This is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Also, Ephesus has a significant Christian history. It’s the city where St. Paul lived and later wrote the “Epistle to the Ephesians.” Unfortunately, Ephesus became abandoned in the 15th century following invasions and the buildup of silt in its harbor.

One of the most impressive and well-preserved structures in Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. You need to visit this historic landmark first thing on your trip to the city. This site was built in the 2nd century AD, and it will give you a glimpse into the grandeur of Roman architecture.

Ephesus is also home to a massive 25,000-seat amphitheater known as the Great Theatre. On top of being used for performances, gladiatorial contests, and political meetings, it also had religious significance as St. Paul preached in this theatre.

Other key historical landmarks worth visiting when you’re in Ephesus include the Temple of Artemis despite its little remains, the Terrace Houses, which are homes of wealthy Ephesians filled with intricate mosaics and frescoes, the Basilica of St. John, the Temple of Hadrian, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.

This iconic historical site is located off the French coast of Normandy, and its impressive history is rooted in military and religious significance. Per legend, the Archangel Michael appeared to Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, and told him to build a church atop the rocky island. This happened in the 8th century.

Over the centuries, Mont Saint-Michel became an important Christian pilgrimage site and then served as a strategic fortress during the Hundred Years’ War. During the French Revolution and Napoleonic era, the site was used as a prison. The unique location and dramatic tides surrounding the now UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site made it nearly impossible for invaders to conquer.

If you’re a lover of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, then head first to the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. You can also enjoy some panoramic views of the bay by heading to the Abbey Church.

Make sure to also see the Ramparts that circle the island. These medieval walls were built to defend the site from invaders. The island’s main street, La Grande Rue, is where you will see medieval houses, quaint shops, and unique restaurants. And don’t forget to explore the 11th-century Parish Church of Saint-Pierre. This is still active today, and it’s where local islanders worship.

5. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

King Ludwig II of Bavaria, or the “Fairy Tale King” as they used to call him, commissioned this iconic castle in 1869. While it was intended to be the king’s personal retreat and serve as a tribute to the medieval legends Ludwig adored, mainly his admiration for composer Richard Wagner, it didn’t go as planned. The king died mysteriously in 1886, even before the castle was fully completed. It wasn’t too late until the architectural marvel was opened to the public.

Today, this historic structure that is nestled in the Bavarian Alps of Germany is one of the world’s most famous castles. It even served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle is a must if you’re a history buff. Start by exploring the majestic Throne Hall with its Byzantine-style grandeur, then head to the Singer’s Hall, inspired by Wagner’s operas. You can learn about King Ludwig’s lavish tastes and witness the intricate Gothic style at the King’s Apartments. One impressive feature of the castle is the Grotto, an artificial cave and waterfall designed as a private retreat for the king.

This is one of the most mysterious ancient cities in Mesoamerica. Teotihuacan’s builders remain unknown. However, we know that the Aztecs have given it its current name, which means “the place where gods were created.” They also obviously revered it as a sacred site. The ancient city was established around 100 BCE and later became a powerful economic, political, and religious center between 100 and 600 CE.

Today, Teotihuacan is one of the largest and most impressive pre-Columbian archaeological sites in the Americas. It’s also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most iconic landmark and largest structure of the historic city is the Pyramid of the Sun. Make sure to climb to the top of it to soak up the breathtaking views of Teotihuacan. Equally impressive is the Pyramid of the Moon, located at the northern end of the Avenue of the Dead.

Other iconic landmarks that you should visit when in Teotihuacan include the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl) and the Palace of the Quetzalpapálotl where high-ranking priests or nobles likely resided.

7. Capitol Building, Washington DC, USA

The symbol of American democracy, home of the US Congress since 1793, the year its construction began, is the US Capitol Building. Numerous expansions and renovations have changed this iconic place over the years. This includes, for example, the addition of the unique dome in the 1850s. During the War of 1812, the Capitol was partially burned by the British forces. However, it was quickly restored.

With its Neoclassical and Romanesque Revival architectural styles, it’s definitely a sight to behold for art and history lovers. Key landmarks within the Capitol include the Rotunda, with its historic sculptures and frescoes, as well as the National Statuary Hall, home to statues of notable Americans.

You can learn about the United States legislative process by exploring the Crypt or watching a session at the Senate and House Chambers. Also, in 2008, the underground Capitol Visitor Center came to be. Visit for exhibits about the history of the Capitol, government workings, and the legislative process.

Visiting the world’s largest Buddhist temple during your lifetime can be a meaningful goal, and you can achieve that by heading to Central Java in Indonesia.  This is where you will witness one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of ancient Southeast Asia, the Borobudur.

This structure was built by the Shailendra Dynasty in the 8th and 9th centuries and is designed as a massive Stupa. The temple is made up of nine stacked platforms. Six are square and three circular, topped by a central dome. When you’re in the complex, you will have the chance to see 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 relief panels.

Due to the region converting to Islam and because of the site’s volcanic eruptions, the Borobudur was abandoned. This happened around the 14th century. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the temple was rediscovered. It later underwent major restorations and made it to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1991.

9. The Forbidden City, China

The Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty built this architectural landmark between 1406 and 1420, where it served as the imperial palace for around 500 years. It actually housed 24 emperors from both the Ming and the Qing Dynasties.

The Forbidden City remained the political and ceremonial center of Chinese governance until 1912, the year of the fall of the Qing Dynasty. This was when China became a republic.

Located in the heart of Beijing, it is today the world’s largest palace and spans 180 acres surrounded by a 26-foot-high impressive wall and a wide moat. One thing to note is that the public was banned from visiting the historical landmark for centuries, hence it was named the “Forbidden City.” However, today, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in China and definitely a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first thing you’ll see when visiting the Forbidden City is the Meridian Gate, the grand entrance to the palace, after which you’ll witness the Hall of Supreme Harmony or Taihe Dian. The latter is basically the site’s largest and most important building, as this is where emperors were enthroned.

You will also explore the Imperial Garden which offered a serene retreat for the royal family, as well as the Palace Museum, housing an impressive collection of artifacts from China’s imperial history.

This dramatic mountain range is located within an hour’s drive from Barcelona and is famous for the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. Although the monastery was formally founded in the 11th century, the abbey’s origins date back to the 9th century.

The revered statue of La Moreneta, or the Black Madonna, is housed in the monastery. It’s a Romanesque carving of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of Catalonia. For centuries, the region has been a place of pilgrimage. While the monastery was destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars, it was later rebuilt. Today, Montserrat remains a vibrant religious community.

Apart from visiting the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey and witnessing the famous Black Madonna statue, you will also enjoy exploring the Montserrat Basilica, which is attached to the monastery. Here, you can hear the famous boys’ choir, Escolania de Montserrat.

Make sure to also visit the Montserrat Museum for some artwork by Picasso, El Greco, and others. It’s also a good idea to take the Sant Joan Funicular to higher parts of the mountain and enjoy the hiking trails and breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and surrounding valleys.