Introduction
According to Handy, visiting old-world cities can be a sensational experience for people who love art and respect different cultures. Ancient cities have a rich history to them and can take you on a journey to the past. The stark contrast of old-world cities to modern towns can help you to find a new appreciation for the modern age as well
The Places
Here is a list of old-world cities that you must visit –
- Machu Picchu, Peru – If you are physically fit and up for a challenge, you should visit Machu Picchu at least once in your life. The ‘lost city’ built by the Incas is truly a sight to behold because it stands 2,430 meters above the sea level. The city is located in a valley on the eastern slopes of the Andes and contains giant walls and terraces.
It has a rich diversity of flora and fauna that covers the upper Amazon basin. To experience the full glory of the city, you should stay for at least 2 days or more. Hiking on the Inca trail (24 miles) will allow you to immerse yourself in the stunning views of snowy mountain peaks, majestic ruins, winding rivers, and local villages.
It is easy to reach the city if you fly to Cusco or Lima and then take the PeruRail (train) to Aguas Calientes, which is a town located at the base of the city.
- Venice, Italy – If you have a romantic soul, Venice is the place to visit. This legendary location offers an old charm that surrounds the many bridges, silent waters, monuments, piazzas, and canals. History lovers will also appreciate this place as you can discover a story at every corner of the place.
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia – The ancient city was built by the king of the Khmer Empire, Suryavarman in the 12th century when he sought to recreate a miniature version of the universe. It was dedicated to the God Vishnu.
The meticulously designed moats and towers will impress you and the details covering the walls will astonish you. Angkor Wat is also known as the ‘Capital of Temples’ and is the largest religious monument in the world. Though it was constructed as a Hindu temple, by the end of the 12 century it was transformed into a Buddhist temple.
- Thebes, Egypt – Ancient Thebes was classified as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. It was known as Waset during the ancient Egyptian era and is located along the Nile river. It was the main city of the fourth Upper Egyptian nome. Thebes houses the two great temples, the ‘Luxor Temple’, and the ‘Karnak Temple’. The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens also lie here.
If you can afford to take a cruise on the river Nile, you can get a lovely view of the city. Otherwise, you can fly into Luxor and then take a train from Cairo.
Conclusion
According to Handy, visiting old-world cities can help you to realize just how incredible our ancestors were and how outstanding most of the historic civilizations were. It can leave a mark on your soul and force you to question our way of life.
