More Than Just Stones: 5 Ruins Worth Visiting

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If you’re anything like us, your bucket list is overflowing with places you want to visit. And we’re about to add five more destinations to it #sorrynotsorry. These beautiful ruins are not only spectacular, they have some seriously epic history behind them too.

via Instagram @doyoutravel

Machu Picchu, Peru
Even though this Incan citadel was built in the 15th century, it was so expertly hidden that it wasn’t rediscovered until 1911. And although, historians still aren’t sure why it was built in the first place, it’s thought that this beautiful and relatively inaccessible township was actually a summer retreat for Cusco’s royalty and elite – sweet deal, eh?

via Instagram @nereabados

Angkor Wat, Cambodia
This incredible architectural feat is actually said to be the biggest religious complex in the world. It was built during the 1100s as a capital city for the Khmer empire, but was considered a Buddhist site by the end of the same century. It’s still an impressive ruin despite sustaining damage during the Khmer Rouge years in the '70s.

via Instagram @icanteachyou

Terracotta Warriors, China
A ruin with a difference; this huge set of life-size terracotta warriors was actually a tribute to China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di, to protect him in the afterlife. There are horses, chariots and an estimated 8,000 warriors, each carrying full armoury and with individual facial expressions, which is just insane.

via Instagram @jordhammond

Petra, Jordan
Made famous in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, a visit to this incredible ruined city in Jordan is unforgettable. Accessed via a narrow canyon path on foot, the ‘Rose City’ was originally built as the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom in around 300 BC. The hand-crafted buildings, temples and huge amphitheatre are really well preserved and very instagrammable.

via Instagram @ilsignorfranz

Colosseum and The Forum, Rome
Smack bang in the middle of one of the world’s most hectic and historic cities, the Colosseum needs no introduction. Amazingly, this huge sporting arena was opened to business in 80AD, and has amazed the crowds ever since. Nearby, the sprawling Forum dates back to the 7th century BC, and is an amazing place to wander around for the day, pretending to be a corrupt Roman politician.