Colosseum
The Colosseum is the perfect symbol of the power of the Roman Empire at its height. Dating back to 72 AD,
it
was designed to hold 50,000 spectators and was, at the time, the biggest amphitheater ever built. Here,
all
manner of public spectacles were shown – from animal hunts and executions to gory gladiator battles; it
was
even filled with water for mock sea battles.
Although practically a ruin, the Colosseum is still very much an icon of Rome. Step inside the arches and
take
a tour of the structure. Sit and imagine yourself as a spectator in Roman times, and the grand displays
and
spectacles that went on inside the ring.
Eiffel Tower
Named after Gustave Eiffel, the unmistakable symbol of Paris is a sight that must be witnessed when
visiting
the French capital. Constructed between 1887 and 1889, the tower was originally built to be the impressive
entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair. The tower stands at 324 meters tall and was amazingly the world’s
tallest
man-made structure until the Empire State Building took the title in 1930.
Take the lift all the way to the observation deck of the tower and marvel at the views of the Parisian
boulevard and pattern of parks below. Or simply sit on the Champ de Mars and marvel at the lattice
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The world-famous leaning tower is known around the globe for its incredible four-degree tilt that makes it
seem as if the tower is about to topple over. The amazing slanted belltower sits behind Pisa Cathedral and
was
built in the Romanesque style.
Dating back to the 12th century, the tower took a whopping 199 years to complete, but began to slant
during
its construction due to soft ground on one side. Today, the tower – which stands at a wonky 55.86 meters
tall
– attracts tourists from far and wide who want to catch sight of the tower and snap pictures of themselves
in
front of it.
Acropolis
The Acropolis in Athens is a simply stunning sight. This monumental hill is the location of a number of
ancient sites that date back to the 5th century BC. Some of the attractions that crown the Acropolis
include
the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and, of course, the Parthenon.
Constructed at the peak of the Athenian Empire in 447 BC, the Parthenon is a symbol of Greece and
impresses
with
its innumerable columns. Dedicated to Athena, it became a Christian church in the 6th century AD and a
mosque
in
the 1460s after the Ottoman invasion. After nightfall, the Acropolis is lit up with a glow that can be
seen
around Athens.
Alhambra
Built on the ruins of Roman fortifications in 889 AD, Alhambra is a combination palace and fortress
situated
in Granada, Spain. For almost 1,000 years, much of the Iberian peninsula was ruled by the Islamic Moors,
with
Andalusia (the area where Alhambra is located) being their longest-held territory.
Today, you can explore its citadel, the oldest part of the fortress, climb up its watchtower, explore the
amazing Moorish gardens and courtyards, and be amazed at the delicate geometric patterns throughout the
complex. The setting on the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada makes Alhambra that much more mystical.