11 Historic Ruins to Add to Your Travel Bucket List

Exploring ancient ruins helps us connect with past civilizations. These sites, spread across the globe, offer fascinating glimpses into history. Here are 11 must-visit ruins that every history lover should consider.

1. Petra, Jordan

Petra, known as the “Rose City,” was carved into pink sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans. The city is famous for Al Khazneh, or the Treasury, with its Greek-style facade. Petra was once a major trading hub, and exploring its tombs, temples, and paths reveals much about its rich history.

2. Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii was buried by volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. The city’s ruins are well-preserved, allowing visitors to walk ancient streets and see homes, baths, and public spaces as they were nearly 2,000 years ago. The site offers a unique look at Roman life and the sudden disaster that struck the city.

3. Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza, a key city of the Maya civilization, is famous for the Pyramid of Kukulcan. This structure shows the Maya’s advanced knowledge of astronomy and architecture. The site also has temples, a ball court, and a cenote where rituals were held. The pyramid’s design aligns with the equinox, creating the illusion of a serpent descending its steps.

4. Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, built between the 11th and 15th centuries. The site is known for its large stone walls, built without mortar. The Great Enclosure, with its impressive walls and towers, shows the region’s architectural skills and offers insights into its history.

5. The Temples of Angkor, Cambodia

The Temples of Angkor were the center of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries. Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, was originally a Hindu temple and later became a Buddhist site. The complex is known for its detailed carvings and towering spires, symbolizing Mount Meru, the home of the gods in Hindu mythology.

6. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is an Incan city high in the Andes, nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. This hidden site is thought to have been a royal estate or religious retreat. Its well-built stone structures, aligned with the stars, show the Inca’s engineering skill. Visitors can hike to the site via the famous Inca Trail.

7. Ajanta and Ellora Caves, India

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra are among the most important ancient sites in India. Ajanta’s Buddhist caves are decorated with murals showing the life of Buddha. Ellora’s caves, carved later, are dedicated to Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions, with the Kailasa temple standing out as a masterpiece carved from a single rock.

8. Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is famous for its nearly 900 moai statues. These giant stone figures, some weighing up to 82 tons, were created between the 13th and 16th centuries. The statues are believed to represent ancestors with spiritual power. The island’s isolation adds to the mystery surrounding these impressive monuments.

9. Montezuma Castle, USA

Montezuma Castle in Arizona was built by the Sinagua people over 800 years ago. This cliff dwelling, carved into limestone, has 20 rooms spread across five stories. The site offers a look at the resourcefulness of its builders in the harsh desert environment and is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America.

10. Appian Way, Italy

The Appian Way was one of ancient Rome’s most important roads, connecting the city to Brindisi. Walking along this cobblestone path, lined with ruins and tombs, gives a sense of the grandeur of Roman history. Visitors can explore the well-preserved sections within the Appian Way Regional Park, which also includes catacombs and ancient churches.

11. Skara Brae, Scotland

Skara Brae is a Neolithic village on Scotland’s Orkney Islands, older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. The stone houses, complete with furniture, offer a rare glimpse into life 5,000 years ago. The village was suddenly abandoned, and its preservation under sand dunes adds to its mystery.