The 10 Sights We Cannot Get Enough Of
Some things never go out of style. These 10 sights are breathtaking, beautiful, and uniquely special.
February 22, 2023
World Heritage Site Petra
Petra/Wadi Musa, Jordan
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This place is unlike any other! The world cultural heritage site of Petra in Jordan attracts travelers with its magic. The rock city, built around 300 BC, is considered a must-visit spot and Jordan's most popular attraction. For over a millennium, the site remained a well-guarded secret of the Bedouins. Now it enchants travelers from all over the world. It is a true monument. It used to be the capital and an indispensable trading city of the Nabataean Empire. The crowds of curious travelers are both a blessing and a curse, and keeping in mind how special this place is when visiting and treating it accordingly is the way to go.
the Colosseum in Rome
Rome, Italy
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The Colosseum is arguably Italy's second round shaped landmark. It is considered a classic among international sights and attracts millions of visitors to Italy's capital every year. Yet, it is anything but trite. The largest amphitheater of its time, it was built to function as Rome's epicenter for entertainment in 70 AD. It is a very special part of history, a unique architectural experience, and belongs on every bucket list.
Empire State Building
New York City, USA
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The skyscraper, 443 meter in height, is an integral part of New York City's skyline and breathtaking aerial views. The Empire State Building is one of the most famous landmarks in the US. Until 1972, the Empire State Building was considered the tallest building in the entire world, and now it is still considered the second tallest in the Big Apple. It is located in the center of one of the most vibrant cities in the world, more precisely: along the famous 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. It is a real tourist magnet, and also the venue for the Empire State Building Run-Up. Since 1978, sports enthusiasts have gathered in the lobby to storm the stairs of the skyscraper. The goal: the observation deck on the 86th floor.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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The magnificent Sheikh Zayid Mosque is absolutely stunning. The majestic building with its gleaming white domes, walls of Italian marble, and golden details looks like it was the inspiration for 1001 Nights. The mosque is considered the shining flagship of Abu Dhabi. It is the epitome of luxury and takes every visitor on a journey straight out of a fairytale. It was named after founder and first president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayid Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose tomb is located on the grounds. Women are given capes at the entrance to cover shoulders and any exposed body parts. Men are advised to make sure they are dressed appropriately, and to cover their knees.
Angkor Wat
Siem Reap, Cambodia
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The city of temples is the landmark of Cambodia. The nearly 1,000-year-old temple complex Angkor Wat is one of the largest of its kind. It is thoroughly impressive with its details and playful figures. The structure is located about 240 km outside the capital Phnom Penh. The amazing architecture makes Angkor Wat special, as well as the long and significant history. The World Heritage Site was the center for the Khmer Kingdom. Despite its chequered history, the temple site serves more and more as a Buddhist temple and as a pilgrimage site for monks.
Jardin Majorelle
Marrakech, Morocco
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The garden, restored by Yves Saint Laurent in the midst of the bustling metropolis of Marrakech, is arguably one of the most famous gardens in the world. The colorful, playful, and plant-strewn retreat is often referred to as Morocco's Garden of Eden. It is a centering safe haven with a unique approach on design. The garden is most famous for its cobalt blue - a color development attributed to French painter Jacques Majorelle. In 1923, before the restoration by Yves Saint Laurent, he created this little paradise. The garden is one of the most photographed sights in the country, the piercing green of the botanicals between the uniquely brilliant blue contrasting with the dusty red of the earth makes for a spectacular image, whether live or on camera.
Roman Baths Museum
Bath, United Kingdom
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It is the historic Roman baths that gave Bath its name. The focus here is on the steaming hot waters of Britain's only thermal spring. The Romans turned swampy waters into a refined bath. Aside from the water reservoirs, a temple, and complexes of baths with changing areas were built. By walking through the gates of this World Heritage Site, visitors are immersed in this captivating part of Roman history.
Garden of Gods
Colorado Springs, USA
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At the base of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, visitors get to experience a landscape that is unique and beautiful. Million-year-old red sandstone formations - towers, arches, rock spires, and slabs make this place so special that it was given the name 'the Garden of the Gods'. In 1909, the the home of these bizarre rocks was placed under nature protection. The US park has always attracted visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at the extraordinary beauty of nature. Archaeological findings prove that Native Americans settled in this place. Several of them reported they felt a special spiritual connection to this unique spot on earth.
Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba
Cordoba, Spain
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The Great Mosque of Cordoba is home to a unique enchanted forest of colorful columns, long rows of red and white arches, and a unique grace. One of the world's greatest works of Islamic architecture, the Mezquita, with all its architectural sophistication, houses a history in which Muslims, Jews and Christians lived side by side. At that time, the Moorish rulers of Cordoba began the construction of the mosque on the site where they had previously bought a basilica from the Christians. Since then, the Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba underwent constant expansion works that shaped the image we see today. Probably the biggest change was made in the 16th century, when a Christian cathedral was inserted into the mosque. Since then, it has been the Mezquita-Catedral we know - the must-visit spot of Cordoba.
Hagia Sophia Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
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The Hagia Sophia: a breathtaking architectural beauty and venue of exciting historical developments. It is a must-see for every Istanbul tourist! Once the most powerful church of early Christianity, now a mosque. Particularly the refined architecture attracts travelers from all over the world. The highlight of the mosque: the first hanging dome of its size, which was unique for nearly 1,000 years. The opulence is what makes the design so special. Once the visitors walk through the bronze entrance gate, or "Beautiful Gate," the interior of the mosque with detailed 10th century mosaics as well as geometric patterns on the domes is a sight to behold.
