There’s something intriguing about ancient ruins. Whether it’s the Great Wall of China or the Colosseum in Rome, ancient ruins are flocked by millions of tourists yearly because of their history and grandeur.
Anthropologists say that ancient ruins appeal to tourists because it connects them to the past. These structures have stood the test of time and will surely outlast all of us. Aside from the historical significance, these ruins continue to inspire us.
So what are the most visited ancient ruins in the world? Here is a run-down:
1. Great Wall of China
This is the most visited site ancient ruins on the planet, with around 10 million visitors annually. The fact that it is the longest man-made structure partly explains its popularity. Obviously, the history of the Great Wall intrigues its visitors considering that it took thousands of years to complete this engineering marvel.
The Great Wall is very long, spanning more than 8,000 kilometres in length. Because of its sheer dimensions, it is almost close to impossible to visit it in its entirety. The most frequently visited part of the Great Wall is the one in Badaling. It has been visited by more than 300 heads of state.
2. The Colosseum in Rome
It’s impossible to talk about ancient ruins without talking about the Colosseum in Rome. Completed in the year 80 A.D., the arena was the site of countless dramas based on mythology. It was also where gladiators fought to the death, and where criminals and wild animals were slaughtered in full view of the public.
3. The Forum in Rome
Like the Colosseum, the Forum remains an important link of modern Italy to its chequered past. It served as the social centre of Rome for more than a 1,000 starting in 5 B.C. This was where the ancient Romans gathered for their religious activities, and where they went for business endeavours.
Although the Forum is no longer as beautiful as it once was, there are still a lot of attractions to see. There’s the Arch of Constantine that is found outside the ancient amphitheatre. This was dedicated to Constantine in 315 A.D.
4. The Egyptian Pyramids in Giza
One of the original Seven Wonders of the World, it cannot be denied that pyramids have become synonymous to Egypt for many people around the worlds. These are old structures built more than five thousand years ago.
Like many other ancient ruins, the pyramids are considered an engineering marvel. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is estimated that four million people visit this tourist attraction.
5. Acropolis in Athens
The Acropolis is an old citadel that sits in a rocky outcrop in the city of Athens. Tourists are in awe of the Parthenon, a temple that was dedicated to the Greek goddess, Athena.
Travelling to these ancient ruins is fun and exciting, but you should not forget to have reliable travel insurance before you head to these destinations. This could spare you from the headaches and inconveniences brought about by missed flights, lost baggage and anything else that could happen.