It's hard to believe that some of the world's most extraordinary archaeological sites remained buried beneath the earth for centuries or even millennia, hidden from the public's view. People's daily routines and rumors of long-lost cities have led to incredible discoveries now open to the public.

All of these world heritage sites are truly amazing. Each monument or landmark was built by an ancient civilization and contains a significant piece of its past. They captivate the world's attention not only because of their aesthetic appeal but also because of their history. Like to get a taste of the past? Here are some of the historical places that people should visit worldwide.

10 Angkor Wat In Cambodia

The world's largest religious monument, Angkor Wat is part of a complex of temples spanning hundreds of acres in northwestern Cambodia that include 12 major temples and many smaller ones. Here in this historic site, visitors will see the intricate carvings of devatas decorate stone temples that once served as the Khmer capital's center of gravity in the sprawling Angkor Archaeological Park. There are many Khmer relics to see at this UNESCO-protected site, so this is a must-visit place for everyone!

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9 Taj Mahal In India

Inlaid with ivory-white marble, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum constructed in the 1600s. Beautiful formal gardens, raised pathways, sunken flower beds, and an iconic reflecting pool are all part of the Taj Mahal complex, dubbed a monument to everlasting love. This is a must-see for lovers and anyone who loves to see an incredible architectural masterpiece.

8 Machu Picchu In Peru

The Incan city of Machu Picchu sits thousands of meters above sea level in the Andes between two imposing peaks. Despite its 15th-century Inca rulers' intricate stone ruins, Machu Picchu's natural setting is what makes it so enticing. With the famous Huayna Picchu backdrop, lush greenery, and the Andean mountains surrounding the place, visitors will surely feel like they have stumbled upon a secret place in Peru. Located atop a mountain's flattened summit, this prehistoric marvel is thought to have been erected to study the elements of astronomy. In addition to its breathtaking views, this historic site is known for its sparkling granite walls erected without any mortar.

7 Pyramids Of Giza In Egypt

A list of the best historical sites around the world would not be complete without mentioning the Giza pyramids. There are six major pyramids at Giza, several cemeteries, a worker's settlement, and a palace complex that includes the Great Sphinx of Giza. The pharaohs held the belief that they would ascend to godhood in the afterlife. So they stocked the pyramids with all the necessities for their ensuing abodes. However, even though these pyramids have lost their treasures, they are still a beautiful sight to see.

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6 Chichén Itzá In Mexico

In 400 CE, Chichén Itzá was one of the most important Maya cities in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula and thrived until the 1400s. Because of the wide variety of Mesoamerican architectural styles found on the site, it's assumed to have had the most diverse population in the Maya world. The Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and El Castillo (a step pyramid that towers over one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites) are some of Chichén Itzá's most recognizable structures.

5 Moai Statues Of Easter Island In Chile

Located thousands of miles off the coast of Chile, this volcanic island has rolling hills and a lush carpet of palm trees. It is known for its hundreds of monolithic statues. Dutch explorers gave the island, now a part of Chilean territory, its name. The Rapa Nui civilization of Eastern Polynesia chiseled these massive statues around hundreds of years ago as a tribute to their ancestors. Since these ceremonial structures were built with blocks of stone 13 feet tall and weighing 14 tons, no one knows how they were moved to the island. So, it's time to visit this place and be mystified by these statues.

4 Stonehenge In United Kingdom

This 30-foot-tall ring of standing stones was erected for an unknown reason. It is located in the heart of England's densest collection of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, including dozens of ossuaries. This site is thought to have been used to study the movement of the sun and moon by archaeologists. Stonehenge is one of the most enigmatic historical sites in the world, as archaeologists are still trying to figure out what it was originally intended for. However, others believe that it was used for religious purposes. Visitors can't enter the circle anymore because the structure has been fenced off. But, they can still take a tour of this historic site while listening to an excellent audio recording.

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3 The Colosseum In Italy

This magnificent structure has been unused for gladiatorial matches, executions, battle reenactments, and other public spectacles. Flavian Amphitheatre is one of the world's largest amphitheaters, with a capacity of over fifty thousand people. Tourists from all over the world come to see what remains of a civilization that once ruled the world. Almost two-thirds of the Colosseum, one of the world's most famous Roman landmarks, has been destroyed by the elements, neglect, and vandalism, but still a must-visit site because of its history.

2 The Great Wall Of China

Building the Great Wall, which stretches nearly thousands of miles through China's forested hills, took over five hundred years to build! Its primary purpose was to serve as a formidable defense against Mongol invasion during the time. The Great Wall of China is the world's most extended artificial structure and a triumph of engineering and human ingenuity. Walls, watchtowers, horse tracks, fortresses, and passes make up the bulk of this system. A must-visit for people who go to China.

1 Old Bagan City In Myanmar

Those visiting Bagan in the early morning or late afternoon will surely be treated to a magical sight: silhouetted against the sky are thousands of ancient temples and stupas. Many of the area's Buddhist temples were built a thousand years ago when it was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, making it a popular tourist destination. One can see the ruins in some of these and the restored ones in others. A wide range of architectural styles can be found at the site, making it more attractive for visitors to keep exploring.

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