The best destinations for history buffs


People travel for different reasons. And those who travel for their vacations do so with their personal interests in mind. Different things excite different people. Some go on vacation to relax and have fun, while others use up their vacations to feed their adventurous spirits. For history buffs, it’s all about getting a feel of the past by retracing the world’s steps. Setting foot on let’s say, the ruins of an ancient city is so much more fulfilling than reading about it on the net or in history books. The good thing is that marks of the past exist all over the world. For a feel of the past, here are some destinations that can satiate any history enthusiast’s thirst.

1. Giza Plateau, Egypt

It’s plenty much impossible to mention history and sightseeing without the great pyramids of Egypt coming into mind. Testimony to one of the earliest civilizations on earth, the Giza plateau holds some of the most impressive ancient structures that still stand tall today. Central among the wonders to find here is the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient world. Pyramids in Egypt were tombs built to bury the Pharaohs and some of their possessions, and this one was for Pharaoh Khufu of the 4th dynasty. 3000 years on, it still stands intact. There’s also other large pyramids to find on this desert plateau, plus the Great Sphinx and ancient temples.

Best destinations for history buffs

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

This probably tops the list when it comes to mysterious ancient cities that any history lover should have on there must-see list. Built some 8,000 feet above sea level, these ruins are found in the heart of the jungle on the slopes of the Andes. The city was built in the fifteenth century during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472). It was to be abandoned barely a century later when Spaniards conquered modern day Peru. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s rich both architecturally and archaeologically. For the ultimate experience, you can hike up the mountains on a 4-day trail before eventually stepping into the ruins.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin was a city that was central to the two World Wars and the succeeding Cold War, and it still bears the marks. The Berlin Wall is a particular reminder of the conflict that rocked the world in the wake of the second World War, with countries dividing into either capitalist or communist blocks. Berlin as a city was divided along these lines, prompting the erection of a wall that kept the two sides, the capitalist West and the communist East apart. The wall was however taken down in the late twentieth century when the Cold War ended and Berlin became united. A visit to this site and its wide history provides a clearer insight on the impacts of the wars.

Best destinations for history buffs

4. Athens, Greece

Talking of early civilizations, Athens takes its place as a city that has existed for centuries and contributed widely to world history. Its rich ancient culture makes it an age-less city with marks of the past found all over. Places to see in Athens include the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon Temple and the Theatre of Dionysus.

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