4 Historically Interesting Places to Visit

We all keep various motivations for traveling to a certain locations. Some people are interested in the nice weather alone, while others may be motivated by feelings of adventure and novelty. Some people might enjoy a food tour filling themselves to the brim with excellent and heavenly cuisine. Some consider historical insight to be the most important thing, as it helps us understand our place in the world, and the forces that conspired to create the common societies we consider normal today.

Visiting historically fascinating locations can be a true tour de force in improving your view of the world. After all, travel broadens the mind. It’s hard to assume that people visiting party destinations abroad are generally culturally enriching themselves, and that’s not intended to criticism them. Everyone has their own way of traveling that suits their own interests and needs. 

4 Historically Interesting Places to Visit

1. Versailles, France

Versailles is one of the most beautiful locations in Europe. Situated just outside of Paris, and home to the famous Palace of Versailles, this location has some true historical significance permeating its halls. There are many Versailles tours from Paris worth checking out. Built by Louis XIII in the early 1600’s, and originally intended as a place to house hunting participants and their equipment, the opulent palace is a tourist hot spot to this day.

If you’re looking to become fascinated and familiar with the historical insight of the French royalty, the line and history is preserved here in a personal manner. Not only that, but the nearby museum does plenty to chart the bloodline that later crumbled under its own weight. The palace itself is truly a French creation, as all of the materials used for its construction were made inside the borders of the country.

Those interested in more recent history will know that the Treaty of Versailles, the document that forged the end of World War I, was one of the most important peace treaties to exist, at least for another decade or so. This document allowed Germany and the Allied Powers to at least agree to a ceasefire. However, the document took six months of negotiation to become drafted, even after the end of the mutual attack. All of this is well preserved in this historic location, where the fate of all Europe hung in the balance and had the history of royal decree and sanctioning atmospherically behind it.

2. The Pyramids, Egypt.

If you’re interested in learning more about ancient history, why not start in one of the most impressive and continually visited locations on Earth – the Pyramids of Giza? It’s not hard to see that in this stead and in full view of the Sphinx, the full interesting weight of history will likely be yours to experience.

While it’s never been made completely clear how such an object of tremendous value was crafted, and there is a certain tragedy in the slave labor that was likely used, the overall majesty and historical relevance of the Pyramids drops our jaw time and time again. I would recommend watching John Anthony West’s ‘Magical Egypt’ series before heading over, to infuse yourself with insight about the many different conspiracy theories and strange ideas around how they were made, and then experience them for yourself.

The Pyramids are also a great place for you to start, because then the beautiful landscape of Giza is open for you to explore. Great cuisine, great people and great food are yours to enjoy, and the overall utility of a vacation here will be one that lends you cultural insight in spades.

3. Pompeii, Italy.

The ruin of Pompeii is one of the most bewitching and fascinating places to see. Many people are aware of the tragedy that took place when the volcano froze many in their tracks, but seeing it yourself is something that truly can give you pause for breath. Luckily, the Italian government has preserved this as a heritage site, meaning that tourists are welcomed and funneled through a pre-approved walk. This means that you can experience this beautiful historical area without worrying about interrupting its sincere historical value.

While this is perhaps one of the most visceral and interesting places to see in Italy, you’d be wrong to think this is all you should do with your time here. Seeing the ruins of The Pantheon in Rome and the Colosseum will put you in touch with that once great culture again, and the preservation efforts by local museums and interest groups really allows this environment to flourish and help you spectate the wonder that occurred there.

4. Stonehenge, England.

England is known for its history, but more for its castles and heritage buildings, not really for its ancient landmarks. However, Stonehenge, the iconic rock slab arrangement, is a megalithic structure thousands of years old. Considering the location of Salisbury, it’s amazing to understand that these rock slabs were transported with great effort from Wales. The utility, ability of creation and general purpose of Stonehenge is often debated by academics, and it seems that no firm conclusions have been reached. Once, the circle was open for visitors, but now you are simply able to view from the perimeter to protect the stones. This is fair, as those who climbed on the rocks were likely to reduce their historical impact over time.

The local authority of Salisbury have gone to great lengths to develop this location as a historical landmark, and offers a true visual and audio experience in the offering of logs that allow you a little more insight to the culture that seems so interesting.

 

Traveling to the most beautiful locations in the world is one thing, but why not back that up with a solid interest in the landmark history of the area? This way you become an informed and worthwhile tourist, one heading to learn and not to indulge in shallow matters. You’ll also enjoy yourself to a much higher degree, I’m sure!

What’s your favorite historical destination or landmark?

-Haley

 

 

*This is a collaborative post