When planning a trip to a country, a person familiarizes himself with the list of its attractions in advance in order to have time to explore all of them, or at least most of them, during his vacation. Every state has unusual places that attract millions of tourists every year. Some are made by people, while others are made by nature. The article presents the most interesting and popular attractions in the world that everyone should see.
Machu Picchu is an ancient city located on the mountain slopes in Peru. According to information received from archaeologists, it was founded in the 15th century and is one of the wonders of the world of our time. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built by order of the king of the Inca Empire and for a long time was a shelter for people who suffered from the Spanish invasion. In 1532, all its inhabitants disappeared without a trace in an instant.
A beautiful and large Catholic cathedral located in the heart of Milan (Italy) and dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The building is made in the Gothic style, and the main material used in construction is marble. The Milan Cathedral is crowned by a four-meter bronze statue of the Madonna. It rises above the city on a 106-meter spire. In Spain there is a decree that no building should cover the statue. The exception is the Pirelli skyscraper.
Hotel de Glace is the most unusual hotel in the world and the main attraction of Quebec (Canada). Every year, between January and March, the owners of a plot of land near the Montmorency Falls build a building from ice blocks. Inside there are beds made of pieces of ice, on which visitors sleep, wrapped in sleeping bags. Food and drinks are served to vacationers in ice containers. Hotel de Glace is open only three months a year and during this time it welcomes thousands of guests.
The Great Wall of China is considered a symbol of China and the place where all excursion programs begin. It was built during the Warring States era to protect the country from nomadic tribes and Xiongnu troops. More than a million builders took part in the construction of the Chinese Wall, and its final length was 2 thousand km. Thanks to this, it was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest structure ever created by man.
The most famous suspension bridge located in California. It connects the shores of the San Francisco Peninsula and Marin County. Between 1937 and 1964, the Golden Gate was considered the longest suspended structure in the world. Its length is 2.7 km. It is intended for the passage of cars, cyclists and pedestrians. Each category has a separate lane. 
Interesting!
The Eiffel Tower is the main attraction of France. It provides jobs for 600 Parisians.
The largest natural object on the planet, in the formation of which living organisms took part. Its structure consists entirely of billions of dead microscopic creatures, called coral polyps by scientists. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Earth, and the Australian state of Queensland calls the Great Barrier Reef its calling card.
The most famous landmark of Brazil, which is located in Rio de Janeiro. It was erected on Mount Corcovado at the request of the Catholic clergyman Pedra Maria Bossa. In the fall of 2006, on the 75th anniversary of the opening of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, it was consecrated by the Archbishop of Rio de Janeiro, which made it possible for Catholic couples to hold wedding ceremonies and baptize children near it. A year later, the statue received the title of one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Poseidon Undersea is the world's first underwater hotel and is the pride of the Fiji Islands. Each room, which is a sealed capsule, has a large panoramic window overlooking the coral reef and the amazing underwater world. Poseidon Undersea has inspired many architects around the world and today similar structures are built in Sweden, the Maldives, Dubai, and off the coast of Florida.
The monastery, located among the mountain slopes in southwestern Bulgaria, is the largest in the country and is recognized as a national architectural monument of the 10th century. The monastery was built with the assistance of St. John of Rila. Its main shrine was the relics of John of Rila and the iconostasis-reliquary, inside of which there are fragments of the remains of saints. Nearby there is the Rilets Resort hotel complex, which offers guests an excursion to the monastery.
The pyramids on the Giza plateau are the most famous landmark in the world. They are located east of Cairo. The largest of them is the tomb of Pharaoh Cheops. The rest are dedicated to Khafre and Mikerin - the most ancient and influential rulers of Ancient Egypt. Next to them are several more famous attractions of the country - the Sphinx and the Temple of the Dead. Every evening on the Giza plateau a colorful light and music show is held, during which everyone present can hear stories about Ancient Egypt.
An unusual beach on the California coast has become one of America's most visited attractions. It is strewn with pieces of ground glass and is part of the MacKerriher National Park. Glasses of all colors of the rainbow appeared due to the fact that in the last century local residents massively threw household waste into the water, including bottles. They fought, and the pieces ground off on the sand and waves. Today the beach is cleared of garbage, but the glass has not been removed.
The Colosseum is the main attraction of Rome. For a long time it was called the temple of death, since many people, gladiators and slaves, died in the arena of the amphitheater. Despite the fact that the Colosseum is huge, it took only 9 years to build it. Over 100 thousand Jewish captives took part in the construction work. On the opening day, massive battles took place in the amphitheater, during which about 2,000 soldiers and 5,000 wild animals were killed. 
Interesting!
You need to visit Rome not only to see the Colosseum. The city has many museums, ancient monuments and the smallest country in the world - the Vatican.
The Dead Sea is the pride and calling card of Israel, as well as the largest body of water with standing water of medium salinity. Due to the high mineral content of the Dead Sea, it is considered medicinal. Anyone who has bathed in jelly-like water 3-4 times feels full of energy and is less likely to suffer from colds. A special feature of the Dead Sea is that you can sunbathe on its shores all year round without fear of getting a skin burn. Evaporation from the reservoir creates a kind of dome that reduces the harmfulness of sunlight.
The Walk of Fame is a popular place in Hollywood. It is a chain of sidewalks paved with stone slabs, in the center of which is a five-pointed star made of brass alloy. Each of the plates is dedicated to some achievement in the field of music, television or film industry. The Walk of Fame was laid out in 1958, and is still considered a major Hollywood attraction.
The name of the palace is translated from French as “my pleasure.” This incredibly beautiful building is located in the Peterhof palace and park complex and is an architectural monument of the 18th century. It was built by order of the ruler Peter I in accordance with the monarch’s ideas about the comfortable life of a secular person. Today Monplaisir has the status of a museum. There are paintings, rare kitchen utensils and other valuables collected by Peter I from all over the world.
The Louvre is the world's most famous museum and the pride of the capital of France. Over 10 million tourists visit it annually. The territory of the Louvre is the size of 22 football fields and it is all filled with rare paintings, sculptures, jewelry, examples of decorative and applied arts, etc. People come to the Louvre not only to look at the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo. The museum has 8 zones, each of which contains exhibits dedicated to different eras and cultures. A full tour of the Louvre will take several days.
Pripyat is a dark and mysterious place with a sad history that attracts people from all over the world. The most famous attraction of the exclusion zone is the amusement park. Its main object is the Ferris wheel, which has become a symbol of Pripyat. It never worked, since the opening of the attraction was scheduled for May 1 (5 days before the Chernobyl explosion).
The reservoir is located on the border between the Irkutsk region and Buryatia. It is considered a unique natural landmark of Russia and the cleanest lake of the 21st century. It contains over 23 thousand cubic kilometers of water, which is equal to 22% of the total world supply of drinking water. On the shores of Lake Baikal there are 8 large cities and more than a dozen small settlements. There are also recreation centers and tourist and recreational areas there. The maximum depth of the lake is 1.6 km.
There is probably no person in the world who has not heard of Fort Boyard. This fortress is located on a sandbank in the Antioch Strait, near the coast of France. The filming of the TV show of the same name took place there, which was shown on many TV channels around the world. Fort Boyard is a fortification structure 68 m long and 31 m wide. The height of its walls is more than 21 m. The fortress was intended to protect France from attacks, but was never used for its intended purpose. 
Interesting!
Due to a lack of money to restore Fort Boyard, which was built in 1859, the country's authorities put it up for sale. The fortress was bought by the creator of television shows, Jacques Antoine.
Niagara Falls is located on the border of two countries - the USA and Canada. It is considered a popular tourist destination and the most powerful in terms of the volume of water passing through its rapids. In 1911, an event happened that made Niagara Falls famous throughout the world - it froze and turned into a huge piece of ice. Crowds of tourists came to see this miracle of nature. Among them were professional climbers who tried to climb the frozen stream, but only a few of them succeeded.
Stonehenge is an ancient megalith built in the southern region of England. It is a complex of three dozen rough-hewn stones. On top of the pillars lie stone slabs, and together they form a circular sanctuary, in the center of which is the altar. No one knows why Stonehenge was built. It is believed that the Hyperboreans and the mythical magician Merlin performed rituals there.
In Santorini (Greece), near the small village of Pyrgos, there is a beautiful ancient monastery of Elijah the Prophet, built in the early 18th century. On its territory there is a church, inside of which many religious artifacts are hidden. The monastery was built on the top of a mountain. There is an observation deck on one of its walls. In sunny weather, it offers views of the expanse of the Aegean Sea and the island of Crete.
On the island of Oahu there is an important strategic point for the US Navy - the port of Pearl Harbor. Warships and submarines are based near it. The port itself has storage facilities where ammunition, fuel, weapons and other logistical property of the United States of America are stored. Tourists will not be able to enter the territory of Pearl Harbor, but it can be viewed from the outside.
Parus is the most expensive and famous hotel in the UAE. It is located in Dubai and in 1999 became a symbol of the capital of the state. A special feature of the building is its unusual shape. It is made in the form of a sail that develops against the backdrop of the Persian Gulf. The real name of the hotel is Burj Al Arab, which means “Arab Tower” in Arabic. The complex has swimming pools, SPA salons and underground parking. There is a fountain inside the building, and on its roof there is a helicopter landing site.
Uyuni is the largest salt marsh on Earth, which is located in the vicinity of Bolivia. Its area is over 12,000 km2. 25 thousand years ago there was a huge Lake Minchin on its territory. It dried up and now there is a large white desert, where instead of sand there are crushed salt crystals. When the rainy season begins in Bolivia, Uyuni is covered with a thin layer of water, which reflects the sky. Millions of tourists come to see this miracle of nature.
The lake is owned by Banff National Park in the middle of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. During the melting of glaciers, the reservoir increases in size and acquires a bright blue color. This is explained by the fact that when pieces of glacier fall into the lake, they reflect the sun's rays of the blue spectrum. Surrounded by tall pine trees and mountain peaks, it looks mesmerizing. Moraine Lake was discovered by explorer Walter Wilcox in 1899 and has since been considered one of the popular tourist destinations in Canada. 
Holland is known throughout the world for its huge fields of tulips, which people from different countries come to see. Flower trades called FloraHolland are held annually in the country. You can buy rare varieties of tulips and other plants there. The fields themselves are always open to tourists. For a certain amount, the guest will be shown how breeders work and where the most expensive types of tulips are grown. You can also buy souvenirs at the farms - magnets, keychains and toys.
As dusk falls, blue lights light up on the coast of the Maldives archipelago. This is not lighting technology, but microscopic microorganisms - bioluminescent plankton. In the period from February to July, it swims to the shore, and then is thrown onto the beach by waves, which is why it begins to glow blue. A massive accumulation of bioluminescent plankton is observed on Vadhu Island. There are many people walking there every evening, blue lights flashing under their feet.
The Great or Grand Canyon was formed in Arizona three million years ago. It is considered a major North American attraction and a popular tourist destination. In summer it is very hot there. The air temperature rises to +40 °C, and frosts occur in winter. However, the Grand Canyon is crowded throughout the year. Some are simply exploring the scenery, while others are mountaineering.
The Bellagio Fountains are the main attraction of Las Vegas. This is the best free entertainment in the city. Every evening people strolling along the embankment can watch a unique water show. As dusk sets in, the fountains begin to light up and music plays from speakers on the shore. Bellagio's jets “dance” to the singing of Andrea Bocelli, Frank Sinatra and other famous performers.
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How many attractions do you think are located on the territory of the largest country on the planet? We think no one will name the exact number, because there are so many amazingly beautiful and unique places in Russia!
This country is rich in both natural and man-made attractions and will surprise you with historical buildings and cultural traditions. In Russia you can find both incredibly beautiful wooden churches and picturesque corners created by nature just for a pleasant holiday.
Of course, most tourists begin their acquaintance with Russia precisely from and, where the tourist infrastructure is especially well developed. However, today tours, for example, to the lakes of Karelia, Baikal and Altai, are becoming increasingly popular.
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What to see in Russia?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.
1. St. Basil's Cathedral
Probably the most famous Russian temple, bright and unusual, a real calling card not only of Moscow, but of the whole country. St. Basil's Cathedral is notable not only for its location right on Red Square, but also for its history, architecture, original decoration and collection of icons and church valuables.
2. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square
The Kremlin is not just an amazing historical building, but also a symbol of Russian power. You can talk about everything that can be seen in the expanses of Red Square and the Kremlin for a very long time; this object still remains the subject of study by scientists and creates more and more legends. Of course, visiting Russia and not visiting its heart would be a huge miss!
3. Lake Baikal
Every schoolchild knows that Baikal has the greatest depth on the planet. But to say that this is simply the deepest lake means not to note the amazing atmosphere and beauty of this place. Be sure to appreciate the purity of the blue ice of Lake Baikal, its amazingly delicious fish and simply relax from the bustle of the city alone with nature.
4. Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka
This valley looks as if it was transported from another planet. This is the most extensive area with geysers in the world and the only one in all of Eurasia! If you want to see one of the Seven Wonders of Russia, take a helicopter tour, which follows strict rules and is only supervised by a guide.
5. Architectural ensemble of Kizhi
This amazing creation is located on an island on Lake Onega and is unique of its kind. The openwork church, built, just imagine, without a single nail, exclusively with an axe, the bell tower, the beautiful fence and the unique flavor of the Kizhi ensemble do not leave anyone indifferent.
6. Kazan Kremlin
This is not just a historical object of cultural heritage, but a museum-reserve, the only center of Tatar culture and traditions on the planet. The Kazan Kremlin has been perfectly preserved, retaining its unique features and appearance. This Tatar fortress is located in the very center, so you definitely won’t pass by.
7. Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin
Built back in the 16th century, the Kremlin in Novgorod surprises with its impregnable walls with narrow loopholes, blind towers stretching over several levels, and fortifications. Michael the Archangel Cathedral is also located here. To this day, the Kremlin remains the cultural and administrative center of the city; there are two museums and a Center for Contemporary Art.
8. Golden Ring of Russia
Of course, the ring is symbolic, uniting eight ancient Russian cities. Routes along the Golden Circle have become very popular weekend tours, during which you can see the most interesting places, and so on. Monasteries, churches, original souvenirs and simply beautiful nature will make a trip along the Golden Ring memorable and interesting.
9. Church of the Intercession on the Nerl
A masterpiece of world architecture, an elegant building that stands in a meadow, in the place where the Nerl River connects with the Klyazma. This architectural monument is confidently called the most lyrical, unusual and beautiful. The temple, standing secluded on the river bank, harmoniously fits into the surrounding nature and seems to be an integral part of it.
10. State Tretyakov Gallery
The largest Russian museum, which has collected a lot of masterpieces by Russian artists and others. Having started with a private collection, today the Tretyakov Gallery is known throughout the world and is a museum of federal significance. You can wander through the halls of this gallery for hours, and many of the paintings deserve a separate story, they are so important for world culture.
11. Hermitage
This St. Petersburg museum magnificently celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2014 and is one of the most extensive collections of artistic masterpieces on the planet. The Hermitage collection contains more than 3 million exhibits, including not only paintings, but also sculptures, numismatics, archaeological artifacts, as well as objects of applied art.
12. Bolshoi Theater
One of the most important, significant opera and ballet theaters on the planet. The Bolshoi Theater, which recently “survived” a large-scale reconstruction, is located in the center of Moscow and attracts not only theatergoers, but also those who would just like to get to know its features and luxurious decoration. We warn you that tickets for the premiere at the Bolshoi Theater will not be easy to get, and their price may unpleasantly surprise provincials.
13. Peterhof
A luxurious, truly royal residence near St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great, famous for its parks and fountains, the magnificent decoration of the Grand Palace and pavilions. The system of cascades and fountains of Peterhof is the largest in the world! Moreover, all the fountains are decorated in the same style, with numerous sculptures.
14. Old Arbat Street
The most famous street in Moscow, glorified by poets, writers and artists. Now Arbat is the most tourist street in the capital, closed to cars and famous for its souvenir shops, shops, street musicians and artists. It’s nice to sit in a cafe here, or just stroll along the street, which has retained its historical charm.
15. Mamayev Kurgan and the sculpture “The Motherland Calls”
During the Great Patriotic War, Mamayev Kurgan played a very important strategic role and became the site of bloody battles. Now there is a memorial complex, the most noticeable part of which is the statue “The Motherland Calls.” The complex has become the most visited in Russia; thanks to its location, it is clearly visible from a distance of tens of kilometers.
16. Cable-stayed bridges in Vladivostok
The need to build bridges to connect the different parts scattered along the banks of the Golden Horn has been talked about for more than a hundred years. However, it was possible to implement this large-scale project, which changed the appearance of the city, only in 2012. Now Vladivostok is decorated with two of the largest cable-stayed bridges in the country, and the bridge to Russky Island with the longest span on the planet is included in the Guinness Book of Records.
17. Weathering pillars – Manpupuner
The Manpupuner plateau is located in the northern part of the Urals and is famous for its weathering pillars - massive stone sculptures created by nature. Now it is a nature reserve that can only be visited with a special permit. The height of individual pillars reaches 42 meters; this place was important in the religious views of the Mansi.
18. Kungur Cave
This is the pearl of the Urals - an ice cave, which is considered the most beautiful of all the gypsum caves on the planet. Today, the Kungur Cave, located in the ancient city of the same name, is the only one in the country specially equipped for excursions. You can walk between frozen “sculptures” made of ice and stone, visit the restaurant at the entrance and stay right at the local hotel.
19. Volcanoes of Kamchatka
It is noteworthy that the residents of Kamchatka are not afraid of their volcanoes. They are not very active, decorating the landscape with their dark silhouettes. Which of the Kamchatka volcanoes is the most beautiful? We can argue about this for a very long time! The Kronotsky, Koryaksky and Klyuchevsky volcanoes, which have become real symbols of the region, are usually called the highest.
20. Lena Pillars
This natural park is located in Yakutia, on the Lena River. Tours by boat along the majestic pillars, simply amazing in their size and unusual appearance, created by nature, are very popular. In general, the complex consists of two separate sections, occupying a total area of about 81 thousand hectares.
21. Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP
This is already a landmark, if you can call it that, the country’s largest hydroelectric power station created by man. It took a very long time to build the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station, encountering difficulties such as cracks in the dam. In 2009, a major accident occurred at the station; it was restored only in the fall of 2014.
22. Kul Sharif Mosque
According to legend, after Russian troops took Kazan in the 16th century, the mosque was burned to the ground, and Kul Sharif himself, the warrior and prophet of Muhammad, was killed. However, the outlines of that mosque remained, which simply amazed the conquerors. As a result, Ivan the Terrible repeated them in St. Basil's Cathedral. The mosque in Kazan was rebuilt and opened in 2005 and has now become a decoration of the entire city.
23. Shihans in Bashkiria
This is the highest rock mass of the entire Upper Urals, three mountains that are represented by warriors defending this region - Kush-Tau, Tra-Tau and Yurak-Tau, the three brothers of Shikhan. The fourth mountain was almost completely used in the extraction of raw materials for the plant in Sterlitamak. The Shikhans in Bashkiria are known for their wonderful nature and amazing geology - they are made of coral reefs, because the Ural Sea once raged here.
24. Elbrus
The highest mountain in Russia. And if we take into account the fact that there is still no clear border between Europe and Asia, then the same applies to the entire European territory. Of course, not everyone can climb its 5642 meters, but the surroundings of Elbrus still enjoy the glory of one of the most beautiful regions of Russia, with its ancient history and special atmosphere.
25. Trans-Siberian Railway
Transsib is the longest railway line on the planet. This highway stretches for 9298 kilometers! Almost across the entire country. The Trans-Siberian Railway connects the European part of Russia with Siberia and the Far Eastern regions and plays a huge role in the history and economy of the country. Construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began back in 1891, so now the authorities intend to reconstruct the highway.
26. Golden Mountains of Altai
This section of the vast expanses of Russia combines steppes and tundra, semi-deserts and mountains, clear lakes and amazing caves, fast rivers and alpine meadows. In the Golden Mountains of Altai, cedar forests have been preserved; it is here that the highest mountain of Siberia - Belukha - is located, the Altai pearl - Lake Teletskoye and a lot of other interesting things.
27. Krasnoyarsk Stolby Nature Reserve
Just a few kilometers from the outskirts is the Stolby Nature Reserve, which was founded back in 1925. The main feature of the reserve is the rocky cliffs that rise above the taiga, surprising with their variety of shapes and colors, as well as their sizes - up to 100 meters. The nature of the Stolby Nature Reserve is very beautiful and diverse, which attracts tourists.
28. Wrangel Island
One of the most inaccessible reserves not only in Russia, but throughout the whole world, is located in the Arctic and is primarily known as a favorite place for polar bears, whose females raise their cubs here. In winter, Wrangel Island is very deserted, but in summer, on a polar day, you can come to admire the untouched nature of the Arctic.
29. Cruiser Aurora
There is no point in describing the most famous Russian ship. Everyone who studied in a Soviet school knows perfectly well the song dedicated to him, his history, and his participation in the 1917 revolution. Now it is a museum cruiser, which has now left its “eternal mooring” and went to the shipyard for major repairs. The Aurora should return to the pier of the Northern capital in 2016.
30. Pole of Cold Oymyakon
Yakutia is the coldest of all inhabited regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It was the settlement of Oymyakon that was recognized as the coldest place - the temperature here dropped to minus 71.2 degrees! In honor of this, a memorial sign was erected, the so-called “Pole of Cold”. At the same time, even at minus 50 degrees, local residents hear the “whisper of stars,” a noise that is more like wind or falling grains. In fact, it freezes a person's breath.
Experts from the world's largest travel site TripAdvisor have compiled a ranking of 25 cultural sites that were most highly rated by tourists from around the globe.
Overall, if you're still undecided about your next vacation plans, this roundup has some great ideas. For the next 25 holidays.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the New Wonders of the World, is located on the territory of modern, on the top of a mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. It is called the “city in the sky” or “city among the clouds”, and sometimes the “lost city of the Incas”. Some archaeologists believe that the city was created as a sacred mountain retreat by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec around 1440 and functioned until 1532, when the Spanish invaded the Inca Empire. In 1532, all its inhabitants mysteriously disappeared.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the six largest mosques in the world. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Arab Emirates. Unlike many other Muslim temples, everyone is allowed into it, regardless of faith.
Taj Mahal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal Mausoleum is one of the most recognizable landmarks not only in India but throughout the world. The structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and also a symbol of eternal love.
Mezquita, Cordoba, Spain
Walls decorated with intricate patterns, mosaic ornaments, hundreds of thin openwork columns - this is how the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba appears today. Many centuries ago, there was an ancient Roman temple on this site, then it was replaced by a Visigothic church, and in 785 the Mezquita appeared. It became the second most important mosque on the planet, and the pilgrimage to Cordoba was even equated to the obligatory hajj to Mecca for every Muslim. But then the Catholics replaced the Moors, and Mezquita was turned into a Christian temple.
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Italy
The heart of the Vatican and the entire Catholic world, the Saint's Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Rome. Here you can take a bird's eye view of the ancient cathedral, admire the interior of the cathedral from the top of the dome, celebrate Mass and even receive the blessing of the pontiff.
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Cambodian temple complex of Angkor Wat is the largest religious building ever created, the history of which goes back almost 9 centuries. Even its name speaks about the monumentality of the temple complex, because Angkor Wat literally translates as Temple City. It covers an area of 200 hectares and is surrounded by a moat 190 meters wide. This colossal structure is dedicated to the god Vishnu, revered in this area.
Bayon Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Bayon is one of the most amazing temples located on the territory of Tom and was its religious center. The “highlight” of Bayon are considered to be towers with many faces carved from stone, silently looking from above over the vast territory of Thoma, and during the heyday of the state, over the entire Khmer Empire. Initially, there were 54 towers, which symbolized the 54 provinces under the rule of the king. Today, only about 37 towers have survived.
Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ on the Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, better known as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, has become the only Russian attraction on TripAdvisor's list. The Savior on Spilled Blood attracts tourists from all over the world not only with the splendor of its domes and interiors, but also with its unusual history, which has given rise to many legends and speculations. Many of them are related to the fact that the temple was erected on the spot where on March 1, 1881, the Narodnaya Volya member I. Grinevitsky mortally wounded Alexander II, who was popularly called the Tsar Liberator for the abolition of serfdom.
Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg National Military Park is not a park in the traditional sense. Here you will not find shady alleys and flowering flower beds. This is where an important battle of the United States Civil War took place in 1863.
Walls of the old city, Dubrovnik, Croatia
In 1979, UNESCO listed Dubrovnik's Old Town as a World Heritage Site, including a significant portion of the city's ancient walls. They surround the city on all four sides and contain a venerable collection of historical monuments, including towers, fortresses, churches, monasteries, squares and streets, schools, museums and galleries. Built for defensive purposes, these stone walls have protected citizens since the founding of Dubrovnik in the 6th century.
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar
The Shwedagon Pagoda is the tallest spiritual building in Myanmar, or as it is also called, the Land of Pagodas. The entire complex of the giant pagoda occupies more than five hectares of land, on which, in addition to the main structure, there are many smaller spiers and an innumerable number of sculptural images of mythical and real animals: golden griffins and elephants, dragons and lions. The Shwedagon Pagoda became what it is today in the 15th century, during the reign of Queen Shinsobu. It was then that the gigantic temple was finally given the shape of an inverted begging bowl and sheathed in gold from top to bottom.
Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Washington, DC
The Lincoln Memorial is a majestic temple made in the ancient Greek style and somewhat reminiscent of the Parthenon. It is supported by 36 white marble columns, corresponding to the number of states that belonged to the time of President Lincoln's death. In the center of the temple is a statue of the world's most respected American president sitting in a chair. Its height is 5.79 meters.
Ancient City of Petra, Petra/Wadi Musa, Jordan
In the very heart of Jordan, in the Wadi Musa valley, deep in the sandy mountains, there is the most amazing ancient city of Petra. Petra was originally a temporary refuge for the nomadic Nabatean tribes. From several fortified rock caves, it gradually grew into a large fortress city. There is only one way to get to the city - through the narrow Siq gorge, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Petra still belongs to the Bedouins, who warmly welcome guests to their land.
Section of the Great Wall of China Mutianyu, Beijing, China
On no other section of the Great Wall of China were restoration work carried out as well as on the Mutianyu section. This site, with 22 watchtowers that have retained their original appearance, is a true architectural masterpiece. The phrase Mutianyu from Chinese is translated as “a valley in which you can admire the views of the fields.” Among all sections of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu is the longest fully restored section open to tourists.
Ancient city of Ephesus, Selcuk, Türkiye
The largest and best-preserved ancient city on the Aegean Sea and the second most important after Pompeii in the Mediterranean, ancient Ephesus is the most visited attraction in Turkey. Legends connect the appearance of the city with the name of Androcles, the son of the ruler of Athens, Codra, who, on the advice of an oracle, arrived in these places to found the temple of Artemis. The city got its name from the Amazon Ephesia, Androcles' lover.
Alhambra, Spain
The Alhambra (Arabic Al Hamra - literally "Red Castle") is an ancient palace and fortress of the Moorish rulers of the province in southern Spain. The castle occupies the top of a rocky plateau on the southeastern border of Granada. The name Alhambra probably comes from the color of the sun-dried clay or bricks from which the castle walls are made. However, some historians suggest that the name came from the “red flame of torches” that illuminated the many years of construction of the castle, which went on around the clock.
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia
This is the main memorial dedicated to the memory of soldiers killed during the First and Second World Wars. Today it is considered one of the most significant monuments of its kind in the world. The memorial is located near the Parliament building, from the balcony of which a 360-degree panorama of the monument opens.
Siena Cathedral, Siena, Italy
According to the chronicles, at the beginning of the 13th century, the inhabitants of the city-state, which acted as the main competitor and adversary of Florence, “called upon their leaders to build a temple more magnificent than that of their neighbors.” So, between 1215 and 1263, on the site of the old temple, the Duomo of Siena was founded according to the plan of the Gothic master Niccolò Pisano. Today this majestic temple is the main attraction of the city.
Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy
The most important place in Milan is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente (Duomo), a pearl of Italian Gothic architecture, which was built from 1386 to the beginning of the 19th century. The third largest Catholic church on the planet can easily be considered one of the wonders of the world. Its hundred-meter spiers tower over the center of Milan, and the golden statue of the Madonna on the longest spire (four meters high) is visible from many parts of the city.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world: its construction began almost 150 years ago and continues to this day. Although Antonio Gaudi initially had nothing to do with the construction of this temple, a year after the start of work he headed this project. Gaudi built the temple for 30 years until he died. The reason for such a long construction period is that the Sagrada Familia is built solely on donations from parishioners.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
If you look at a Google map, you can understand why the bridge (not golden, but red) is called a gate. The main local attraction “let” the Pacific Ocean into the San Francisco Bay, connecting the city with Marin County. This grandiose structure was built from 1933 to 1937. At the time of its opening, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world.
Christ the Redeemer Statue, Rio de Janeiro
The statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the most famous and popular monuments in the world. Every year, millions of tourists rise to its foot, from where a stunning panorama of the city and bay opens with the picturesque Sugar Loaf Mountain, the famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, and the huge bowl of the Maracana Stadium.
Teotihuacan, San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico
The name of the ancient settlement of Teotihucan is translated from the Aztec language as “the city where people become gods.” According to legend, after the Great Flood, the gods returned to Teotihuacan to re-create the world. Modern researchers believe that the area of this ancient settlement was 26-28 square kilometers, and the population was about 200 thousand people. It is one of the oldest and largest cities in the Western Hemisphere, the exact age of which is still unknown.
Golden Temple - Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, India
Harmandir Sahib is one of the oldest and most revered temples in India and is the Mecca of the Sikhs. Its upper tiers are covered with gold, which is why it is also known as the “Golden Temple”. The road to the entrance to the temple goes along a narrow marble bridge over a pond, the water of which is considered healing. Pilgrims believe that it consists of the elixir of immortality and holy water. The road over the bridge symbolizes the path from the sinner to the righteous.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Its architect was the Dane Jorn Utzon. Having designed the original roofs, somewhat reminiscent of shells, he gave Sydney a magnificent gift - a symbol of the city. Today, every tourist planning to visit Australia definitely includes an excursion to the majestic opera house in his travel itinerary.
If you are still thinking about where to spend your next vacation so that it is interesting, educational and “relaxing”, we offer you a list of the most beautiful world attractions. Here is the solution to the problem, at least for the next 15 vacations.
A brief overview of the world's attractions with names and photos
In the last article we talked about and now we want to talk about the attractions. This diverse list intertwines cultural, historical and natural monuments known throughout the world. New wonders of the world to replace ancient monuments that have untimely sunk into oblivion are worth paying due attention to each of them.
Machu Picchu, Peru
“The Vanished City of the Incas” at an unreal altitude of 2500 meters is a truly mysterious and awe-inspiring place. The city was founded by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec in 1440. History claims that this was a sacred place of the Inca civilization, and after a hundred years all the inhabitants mysteriously disappeared. No one knows the reasons why the residents abandoned their homes, and where they themselves went. The only reliable fact is the invasion of the Spaniards into the territory of the Incas in 1532. But in Machu Picchu, the colonists did not find a single person, despite the thriving infrastructure and residential buildings.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE
Among the best sights in the world, the photo of which does not convey the grandeur of the buildings, includes the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the capital of the Emirates. The incredible snow-white structure occupies a huge area, abounds in wealth and welcomes everyone into its mansions, regardless of faith or unbelief. The floor of the mosque is covered with white patterned marble, the walls are inlaid with gold, and the minarets pierce the sky with needle-sharp golden spiers. The design of the mosque illustratively illustrates the untold wealth of the Emirates themselves and the state’s love for luxury.
Bayon Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia
What is of interest is not so much the temple itself, but its unique stone towers, silently looking down from their height onto the entire city and surrounding area. Moreover, they are watching - in the most literal sense. The stone sculptures are carved with faces that would be the envy of modern sculptors. Being surrounded by omnipresent faces, you involuntarily experience both admiration and awe. Initially, there were 54 columns here, but only 37 have survived to this day.
Ancient city of Petra, Jordan
Lost among the endless sandy mountains in the Wadi Musa valley is the majestic city of Petra, whose architecture amazes with its monumentality and eternity. It is enough to visit a unique city to understand that these very sights of the world deserve the venerable right to be on the list of the best. The fortress grew out of several shallow caves in the rocks, which were used by ancient nomadic tribes as a temporary habitat. Petra is well preserved because there was and is only one entrance to the city - through a deep narrow gorge, where it is impossible to pass unnoticed. However, today guests are greeted not by the arrows and stones of the enemy, but by the hospitality of the Bedouins living on the territory of Petra.
Great Wall of China, China
The grandiose landmark of China is traditionally one of the world's famous landmarks and is the longest defensive structure. Its length is about 8 thousand kilometers, and according to some sources - all 10 thousand. It continuously crosses the entire territory of China and falls into the ocean. Why and how such a huge wall was erected still remains a mystery. The most interesting place to admire its grandeur is at the Mu Tian Yu site, which is the most well restored and open to the public.
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal temple complex is one of the modern wonders of the world. Its fascinating history is covered in myriads of romantic legends and tales, and the beauty of the structure defies verbal description. The world's most magnificent sights (photos with titles) pale in comparison to the breathtaking grandeur of the Taj Mahal. The complex is personified with eternal boundless love; it was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically passed away during a difficult childbirth.
Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Literally translated, Alhambra means “Red Castle”. The muted red color of the sun-dried clay from which the castle walls are built fully justifies this name. According to another version, the castle was called red during its construction, which was carried out around the clock. At night, the site was illuminated by the lights of thousands of “red torches,” the reflections of which gave the structure a mystical red hue. - the most majestic Moorish building in Spain, telling about the times of invaders and colonialists more clearly than any historical manual.
Milan Duomo, Italy
Dozens of sharp Gothic spiers pierce the endless Milanese sky in the main city square. The Duomo Cathedral is the best example of Gothic architecture in Italy, the construction of which took place over 4 centuries, starting from the end of the 14th century. The cathedral's spiers are not only the most beautiful landmarks in the world, but also some of the largest on the planet. Their height is more than 100 meters, and the tallest is crowned with a golden statue of the Madonna, which is clearly visible from many areas of Milan. Like a guardian angel, she protects the townspeople from evil and misfortune.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Another greatest example of Gothic architecture is in Barcelona by the great creator Antonio Gaudi. Construction of the temple is still underway, although the author himself has long been dead. There is a belief that when the Sagrada Familia is built, the end of the world will come. This may be why the workers are actually in no hurry to complete the project. And the official version of the long-term construction is that construction is being carried out exclusively at the expense of parishioners.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
At the time of completion in 1937, Golden Gate was the largest suspension bridge on earth, which automatically places it among the world's top attractions. Why is the bridge called a gate? The answer can be obtained by looking at the Golden Gate from above (or from an interactive map). The bridge is the gateway for the Pacific Ocean to the calm waters of San Francisco Bay. By the way, “golden” is also not just a beautiful epithet. When the sun's rays fall on the red structure of the bridge at a certain angle, it really shimmers with gold - a truly stunning sight, especially in the shroud of clouds or fog that quite often covers San Francisco.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
The remains of the former greatness of the powerful Mayan civilization are best revealed to us in the form of the pyramids and temples of Chichen Itza - an ancient settlement with a rich history and an immense amount of secrets. The reasons for the oblivion of such a powerful colossus still concern the minds of world historians, which is why Chichen Itza is very popular and takes a well-deserved place in the TOP attractions of the world. The main monument of the Mayan era is the Temple of Kukulcan, which is a stepped pyramid 24 meters high. Judging by this and other settlement structures, the Mayans were excellent mathematicians, engineers and astronomers.
Christ the Redeemer Statue, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The majestic Christ Monument blesses the Brazilian capital with open arms from a height of 800 meters. This grandiose structure is ahead in popularity and gives a head start to many attractions around the world. Several million tourists from all over the world come to the foot of the statue every year to admire the breathtaking view of the city and the picturesque bay.
Angel Falls, Venezuela
The stream of water falling from a height of more than 800 meters can already be felt from afar as splashes on the skin. And its noise can be heard from a great distance. Angel Falls, hidden from prying eyes in the jungles of Venezuela, was discovered quite recently, in 1935, the road to it is so inaccessible and difficult. The waters of the Angel fall from the heights of Mount Tepuy, which translated from the local dialect means Devil's Mountain. A very appropriate name for a sheer rock formation in the heart of the hot South American tropics.
Opera House, Sydney, Australia
Snow-white lotus petals or shells in panoramic photographs of Sydney cannot be confused with anything else. The most popular attractions in the world, including takes pride of place, attract attention with just their appearance. Travelers planning to visit Australia should definitely include this building in their trip itinerary, because it is a symbol not only of Sydney, but of the entire country, although it appeared relatively recently.
Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
The luxurious inverted begging bowl, every inch of which is lined with gold, is the largest pagoda in the country. Its territory occupies about 5 hectares, shining with luxury, wealth and Buddhist wisdom. Here you can meet griffins and lions, dragons and elephants decorating and protecting Shwedagon. Just the sight of the spiritual abode of Myanmar brings about enlightenment and harmony in the soul and body.
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There are quite a large number of famous places on our planet that fascinate with their beauty. What are the most famous places in the world? The list of these places will be discussed in detail below.
Eiffel Tower in France
The first to be mentioned is the famous Eiffel Tower. It justifiably takes first place in the list of the most popular places in the world. The Eiffel Tower is an outstanding architectural part of Paris, one of the most famous symbols of the city. It is impossible to imagine Paris without this attraction.
Its height is 300 m. The Eiffel Tower has already attracted more than 200 million guests and is the most visited attraction in the world. It is the most frequently photographed subject in France. This structure is a subject of curiosity and admiration for millions of people.
To climb this beautiful structure, you can use the elevator or stairs. From the height of the tower you can see a wonderful panorama of Paris.
She is a symbol of China. The Great Wall of China is a great ancient Chinese military structure, a true miracle in the history of world architecture. She looks like a giant dragon. This landmark is more than 2000 years old. Some parts of it have disappeared, others remain in the form of ruins. Part of the wall has passed the test over the years; great dynasties ruled the country under it.
This famous structure remains the most fascinating historical monument in the world. This is all due to the grandeur of the architecture and historical significance. The Great Wall of China is considered the greatest miracle that was achieved by the people of China. Every year more than 10 million travelers from all over the world come to see this attraction.
There are different ways to look at the Great Wall of China. Some people want to look at famous objects, enjoy the panorama, take a beautiful photo, walk along a wall, or take a cable car. Others want to study parts of the wall that have disappeared, unreconstructed or abandoned. But this route is not very safe.
The Great Wall of China is the greatest phenomenon in the field of engineering, one of the most famous monuments of human civilization. In 1987, this attraction was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest defensive structure.
Indian Taj Mahal
This is a very significant monument to India, which was erected in the name of love and devotion to a woman of extraordinary beauty. This famous landmark has no parallel in grandeur. The Taj Mahal is a reflection of the wealth of the era. This structure, made of white marble, was the last gift of the Mongol Emperor Shah Jahan to his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The emperor was ordered to find the best craftsmen. The Taj Mahal is included in the list of the 7 most majestic monuments on the planet. It is decorated with gold and semi-precious stones. It is one of the favorite subjects for photography. The Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim culture in India. He was an inspiration for many poets and artists.
There is a beautiful garden around the Taj Mahal. The garden is considered the personification of heaven on Earth.
Famous Pyramids of Giza
This is an ancient tourist attraction. It is also considered a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization.
The largest of the pyramids is the Great Pyramid. There are 2.3 million stone blocks in it. The Great Pyramid is considered the only surviving wonder of the Ancient World. In our time, this is the most massive building erected in the entire history of mankind 4500 years ago. The largest of the pyramids is considered to be Khufu. It contains 2.3 million stone blocks. The average weight is 2.5 tons, the maximum is 15 tons. They adjoin each other so tightly that no mortar was used during construction.
This pyramid took about 20 years to build. Based on this, a new block was installed every 5 minutes. The Great Sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a man. It is considered the largest monolithic statue in the world. Its length is 73.5 m, width - 6 m, height of the statue - 20.2 m.
The Sphinx is the most interesting monument of Ancient Egypt. The reason for the construction of such a large sculpture is unknown. There is a version that the Sphinx protected 2 great pyramids (Cheops and Khafre).
The pyramids are the most recognizable symbols of Egypt, as well as the center of the country's tourism. Every day from 6 to 10 thousand travelers come to see these attractions.
Roman Coliseum
It is the legendary amphitheater of Rome. In the Colosseum, people doomed to death fought and died in order to entertain the free citizens of Rome. 80 inputs and outputs were read in the structure. The capacity of the Colosseum is about 50,000 spectators. Modern sports buildings don't even have that much capacity. This testifies to its greatness 2000 years after its construction. This is a famous and at the same time mournful monument to the Roman power of the emperors and its cruelty. Inside, behind close-knit rows of arches and columns, the Romans for centuries coolly watched the murder of tens of thousands of condemned criminals, captured warriors, slaves, animals. Almost 2000 years later, it still attracts great interest from visitors.
After the reconstruction carried out 5 years ago, the underground tunnels in which in ancient times the chained gladiators waited to enter the arena were opened for viewing for the first time.