The world is full of ancient sites, buildings and ruins. While we like appreciating the sites or falling in love with those old monuments, whereas very few fall for those ruins which once were mega parts of history, standing still upholding the memoirs of the past. You can literally spend more than expected time gazing at those ruins, imagining stories about what those wounds might have hidden inside them gazing back at you.
Here are 6 most beautiful ruins of the world you must once visit to realize for yourself wounds too could be beautiful-
- The Colosseum, Italy
One of the most popular and well recognized ruins of the world, the Colosseum is in Italy. The monument is an elliptical amphitheater situated at the heart of the city of Rome. This majestic monument is built of concrete and sand and is estimated that it could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 audiences with an average capacity of 65,000. This iconic monument was built during the rule of emperor Vespasian in AD 72. The building served the purpose for entertainment, workshop and in later phase as a religious quarters, a fortress and Christian shrine. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, the iconic monument was damaged by earthquakes and stone robbers.
- Ajanta Caves, India
An eye catching example of one of the most pure form of rock cut architectural ruins in the world, the Ajanta Caves are located in the Maharashtra state of India. These caves are actually group of Buddhist temples dating back to 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 CE. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and include rock cut sculptures and paintings are one of the most ancient examples of Indian art. The paintings inside the caves features the past lives and rebirth of Buddha. The sculptures engraved in the caves were most likely hand chiseled which are epitome of the skills and craftsmanship of the then artisans who are believed to be a bunch of monks.
- Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
Located near the Lake Mutirikwe, Great Zimbabwe is a ruined city in the south eastern hills of Zimbabwe. The place was once the capital of Queen of Sheba which is sometime in the later period of iron age of the country. The spot dates back to around 300 BCE. It is a magnificent city with 1,800 total acres. Great Zimbabwe is believed to have served as a royal palace for local kings. The city served as an important trading center and is related to the Bantu civilization. The soapstone birds which is known as symbols of Zimbabwe, eight of which were found carved in soapstone and were found in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe.
- Babylon, Iraq
The ruins of Babylon are located some kilometers far from south of Baghdad. Babylon is worldly recognized as one of the famous cities full of histories and antiques. Full of mysteries, magnificence and beauty, the name ‘Babylon’ is derived from its original name ‘bab-ili’ meaning “the Gate of the Gods”. You must have heard about the ‘Hanging Gardens’, which happens to be here in Babylon and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The history of Babylon dates back to sometime between 1792 to 1750 BCE when the city was ruled by the most famous king Hammurabi. The ruins include Nebuchadnezzer’s palace and the Tower of Babel, were made of mud bricks. This beautiful city lost its luster and declined around 538 B.C, when Cyrus the Great and his army conquered the place. Currently the spot is one of the most desired tourist attractions.
- Skellig Michael, Ireland
One of the most beautiful monasteries in the world, the Skellig Michael is located in County Kerry in Ireland. Dating back to 6th century, the Skellig Michaels was constructed on a mountainous islet off the coast of Ireland. These monasteries were actually Gaelic Christian monastery and it constantly remained occupied until 12th century when the place was completely abandoned. The igloo like monasteries is really picturesque and splendidly built. A sense of purity pervades.
- Knossos, Greece
Located in Heraklion Crete in Greece, the Knossos is considered as one of the oldest settlement dating back to somewhere around 7000 BC. The place was built during the Bronze Age, that is somewhere even before the Greeks. This was where exactly Olympics started. Knossos is considered as the oldest city in Europe. Actually the place was a labyrinth including living spaces, workrooms and storerooms, constructed by king Minos to contain the Minotaur, who was his son. The labyrinth doesn’t exist anymore but the ruins do. The palace of Knossos served as a ceremonial and political center of the Minoan civilization and culture.
So that was the list of some of the most fascinating and beautiful ruins of the world. So which do you think of visiting next?
