Visiting ancient sites and ruins is a great way to explore history firsthand.
From sites like Olympia to the Great Wall of China, you get to see the remnants of civilizations that existed thousands of years ago.
If you wish to stand where Kings, emperors, and great thinkers did centuries before, here is a list of the top 10 ancient sites and ruins around the world.
1. Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan is one of the most famous and photogenic ancient sites in the world.
Located in a dramatic canyon between two mountains, it was once an important trading hub for merchants traveling along the Silk Road.
Sculpted by hand into colorful sandstone cliffs dating back to 300 BC, Petra’s intricate facades are impressive with their towering columns and elaborate carvings.
The site contains several buildings including:
- the Khazneh (Treasury)
- the Royal Tombs
- Roman-style theaters
- and temples dedicated to gods like Dushara and Al-Uzza
Visitors can still explore these majestic ruins today as well as hike through surrounding canyons and passageways leading to hidden treasures such as caves and waterfalls.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most amazing archaeological sites.
Located in Peru, it was built by the Incas in the 15th century and remained unknown to the outside world until it was discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.
Today, Machu Picchu is an iconic symbol of Peru and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Because the ruins are incredibly well-preserved, they offer a unique insight into Incan culture.
The terraces, buildings, temples, and other structures all contribute to what many consider as one of mankind’s greatest architectural accomplishments.
A visit to Machu Picchu offers visitors a chance to explore ancient history while getting bewitched by the beautiful Peruvian landscape.
3. Rapa Nui National Park, Chile
Rapa Nui National Park in Chile is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore ancient sites and ruins.
The park is located on Easter Island, which is the most remote inhabited island in the world.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was home to an advanced civilization that left behind mysterious and iconic statues known as Moai.
It’s believed that thousands of these monolithic sculptures lined the coast of the island until they were toppled by rival tribes centuries ago.
Today, Rapa Nui National Park offers visitors a chance to explore ancient caves, petroglyphs, ceremonial platforms, villages, and shrines that have remained relatively intact since pre-colonial times.
Visitors can also view some of the partially reconstructed Moai that have been returned to their original positions.
4. Stonehenge, UK
Stonehenge is an iconic ancient site in the United Kingdom.
It is a mysterious megalithic monument located near the town of Amesbury, Wiltshire, England.
An incredible fact is that the stones of Stonehenge have been standing for thousands of years and have become an important part of British culture and history.
The exact purpose of Stonehenge has long been debated by scholars and archaeologists alike.
Some theories suggest that it was used as a religious temple or burial ground while others suggest that it may have served some astronomical purpose.
Weighing close to 50 tons each, the stones at Stonehenge are made up of sarsen (sandstone) blocks measuring up to 30 feet in height.
These were transported from Wales around 2500 BC, although the exact process of how they were moved over that distance remains a mystery.
What is even more incredible is the fact that the smaller bluestones inside the circle are believed to have come from Preseli Hills in Wales, approximately 140 miles away.
5. Heart of Neolithic Orkney, Scotland
The Heart of Neolithic Orkney is a group of Neolithic monuments found in the Orkney Islands, Scotland.
It includes the well-preserved villages and stone circles of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and Maeshowe structures.
Believed to have been built between 3200BC and 2200BC, these remarkable sites draw thousands of tourists each year to explore the area’s vivid history.
Skara Brae is a settlement made up of eight circular houses linked by low passageways with carefully constructed stone furniture within them.
The two standing stones known as ‘Watch Stones’ guard the entrance to this 5000-year-old village on Mainland Orkney.
Also on Mainland is the Ring of Brodgar and Maeshowe.
The Ring of Brodgar is a large stone circle 30 meters in diameter, thought to have been used for ritual gatherings or ceremonies.
Maeshowe is a chambered tomb made up of an outer mound surrounded by twelve passages leading to a central chamber.
6. The Great Wall, China
The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic and recognizable monuments in the world.
It was commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty in 220–206 BCE, to protect his empire from invading nomadic tribesmen.
The wall stretched over 13,171 miles long, making it the longest man-made structure ever made.
Today, much of the original wall has been destroyed or eroded away due to weathering and time.
However, some sections still remain standing as a testament to their former glory.
Visiting these ancient ruins is an amazing experience that allows visitors to marvel at their size and imagine what life was like when it was built.
Along with exploring the wall itself, tourists can visit many other sites related to the Great Wall.
These include:
- the Badaling Fortress, which was constructed in 1505 CE and is one of the best-preserved sections of the wall
- Jinshanling, a section of wall with 37 watchtowers and two beacon towers
- and Shanhaiguan Pass, or “First Pass Under Heaven,” which was built in 1381 CE and is the start of the wall.
7. Olympia, Greece
Olympia, Greece is one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.
The ruins of this ancient city are a site of immense historical and cultural importance for all Greeks, representing their country’s origins and history.
Olympia was known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games and was home to many great athletes who competed in them.
It was also where some of the greatest statues from classical times were found, including those depicting Zeus and his wife Hera.
As such, Olympia is an invaluable part of Greek culture that has been preserved to this day.
The ruins at Olympia span several centuries with artifacts dating back to the 10th century BC.
Here, visitors can explore its awe-inspiring temples like the Temple of Zeus or the Temple of Hera, which were once the center of religious activity in Ancient Greece.
As well, visitors can explore other ancient sites like the Stadium, where Olympic athletic events were held, and the Tholos Dining Room with its impressive sculptures.
8. Chichen Itza, Mexico
Located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, Chichen Itza was once a great Mayan city.
Built around 400 AD, it was one of the most powerful cities of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization and served as a regional political and economic center.
The ruins of Chichen Itza are among the most renowned archaeological sites in Latin America, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
The central area consists of several large structures, including:
- El Castillo (the pyramid)
- the Temple of Warriors
- and the Temple of Jaguars
These buildings were constructed using advanced mathematical and architectural skills; many still stand today despite their age.
Surrounding these main structures are smaller ceremonial platforms, ball courts for playing Mesoamerican games such as Pok-ta-tok, and plazas for public ceremonies.
The city was abandoned by the Maya sometime around 1400 AD.
The cause is unknown; some believe that prolonged drought or disease drove out the population, while others think it may have been an invasion from a rival Maya city.
Chichen Itza has since become a popular tourist destination, and many of the original sculptures and carvings have been restored.
9. Derinkuyu Underground City, Turkey
Derinkuyu Underground City, located in the Nevsehir Province of Central Anatolia, Turkey, is an ancient multi-level underground city that dates back to the 8th–7th centuries BCE.
The city was constructed by a mysterious race called the Hittites, who built it as a refuge from invaders.
It was later used by early Christians as a hideout during periods of persecution.
This underground city stretches over five levels and includes:
- ventilation systems
- living quarters
- stables for livestock
- and even a winery
It is estimated that up to 20,000 people could have lived in Derinkuyu at one time.
Today, many of its chambers are open to visitors and it is considered to be one of the most impressive and well-preserved underground sites in the world.
It is also part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list. Visitors can explore the ancient stone passageways, chamber halls, and airshafts as they make their way through the 8-level deep city.
Even today, it still remains a mystery why this city was built and what purpose it served for the Hittites who constructed it so many centuries ago.
10. Giza Pyramids, Egypt
The Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are perhaps the most iconic ancient ruins, and they remain a popular tourist attraction today.
Built around 2560 BC, these three massive pyramids were built as tombs for King Khufu and his successors.
The largest pyramid, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, is believed to have been constructed using over 2 million stone blocks weighing an average of 2.5 tons each!
The Great Pyramid is also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one left standing.
Aside from its immense size, what’s truly remarkable about this structure is its near-perfect alignment with true north – a feat that modern engineers still find hard to explain.
Adjacent to the Great Pyramid, you’ll find smaller pyramids belonging to King Khufu’s successors.
The second pyramid, belonging to King Khafra, is one of the best preserved and appears almost as large as its neighbor.
Nearby you can also visit a series of ancient tombs known as mastabas.
Final Words
Learn more about the previous civilizations and experience how they used to live by visiting these ancient sites and ruins.
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