Interesting sights of the countries of the world. The most famous landmarks in the world

Compiling a list of the main attractions in Russia is not an easy task. After all, how can you choose 25, 50 or even a hundred of the most worthwhile from the stunning variety of natural, architectural and cultural monuments of the country? But we will still try to make such a list.

In this article you will find information about the main sights of Russia, with photos, names and descriptions. See how amazing and versatile the largest country on the planet is by area!

The most important sights of Russia: the problem of choice

Russia, due to its colossal area, has a huge excursion and tourist potential. And this potential has not yet been fully explored by the Russians themselves. There is absolutely everything here: deepest lakes, the highest Mountain peaks, arctic deserts, geysers, volcanoes, waterfalls, caves ... In addition, Russia is a state with an incredible architectural and cultural heritage.

The lists of the main sights of Russia are very different from each other. And this is not at all surprising, given the enormous amount of monuments, places and objects from which you have to choose! Each author has his own vision of which sights of Russia are the most important and most interesting.

26 sites on the territory of the Russian Federation are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: including 16 names - according to cultural criteria, and 10 - according to natural ones. Moreover, four objects are recognized by the organization as "natural phenomena of exceptional beauty and value."

Thus, the main natural attractions of Russia (according to UNESCO) are the volcanoes of Kamchatka, the virgin forests of Komi, Lake Baikal, as well as the Putorana plateau with a full set of pristine arctic and subarctic landscapes. Overall, the country ranks ninth in the world in terms of the total number of World Heritage sites.

The main sights of Russia: photos with names (TOP-25)

How many unique and beautiful places are there within the most large country the world? It is almost impossible to answer this question. It is very difficult to count all the most important sights of Russia. It is even more difficult to rank them according to their importance and value.

Below we have compiled a list of 25 main attractions in Russia. Photos with descriptions of all these objects can be found further in our article. We will also try to explain why exactly they made it to our list.

Foreign tourists, as a rule, begin their acquaintance with Russia by visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg. But many of them forget to "look" into no less interesting and original cities - Suzdal, Vladimir, Vologda or Kostroma. Even fewer tourists go to Altai, Kamchatka, Karelia ... Compiling the list of the main attractions of Russia, we tried to maximize the geography of the country, including objects from different regions.

So, our list includes the following objects:

1. The Moscow Kremlin.
2. Lake Baikal.
3. Trans-Siberian Railway.
4. Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka.
5. Mountain Elbrus.
6. Hermitage.
7. Peterhof.
8. Kizhi churchyard.
9. Memorial "Motherland" on the Mamayev Kurgan.
10. Gerhardt's mill in Volgograd.
11. Lena Pillars.
12. Man-Pupu-Ner plateau.
13. Fortress "Nut".
14. Palace Bridge in St. Petersburg.
15. Curonian Spit.
16. Derbent fortress.
17. Diamond quarry "Mir".
18. Ruskeala marble canyon.
19. Amber Museum in Kaliningrad.
20. Mosque "Heart of Chechnya".
21. The village of Oymyakon.
22. Leaning Tower of Nevyansk.
23. Lace Museum in Vologda.
24. Trinity-Sergius Lavra.
25. Moscow subway.

And now we invite you to take a closer look at the main sights of Russia!

the Moscow Kremlin

The Kremlin, perhaps, can be called the main attraction of Russia. This grand fortress, covering an area of ​​27 hectares in the very center of Moscow, is a kind of symbol of Russian power. It was built at the end of the 15th century. In the immediate vicinity of the Kremlin there is a stunning in its beauty and originality Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, as well as the mausoleum in which the body of the fiery revolutionary Vladimir Ilyich Lenin rests.

Lake Baikal

The deepest and cleanest body of water on the planet is located in Russia. This is Lake Baikal. Its maximum depth is 1642 meters. The lake contains about 20% of the world's fresh water reserves! But Baikal is famous not only for impressive statistical records. The "Pearl of Siberia" boasts incredibly picturesque shores. In addition, only here (and nowhere else on the planet) can you taste delicious fish - Baikal omul.

Trans-Siberian Railway

The best way to enjoy the views of Lake Baikal is from the windows of a train that goes around the reservoir along the famous Trans-Siberian Railway. This is the longest Railway in the world (9288 km) and one of the main attractions of Russia. In a word, a unique object and priceless engineering and technical monument! Today, a fast train No. 002M Moscow - Vladivostok runs along the Trans-Siberian Railway. It covers this impressive distance in 6 days, 7 hours and 10 minutes. Due to the huge duration of the route, the train cars are equipped with refrigerators, electric stoves, showers and other necessary things.

Valley of Geysers

The Far East of Russia is an amazing region, within which a huge number of beautiful and unusual natural monuments are concentrated. One of these is the Valley of Geysers, located in Kamchatka. The largest geyser field in Eurasia has two dozen springs, which from time to time push out jets of boiling water along with clubs of hot steam. Fantastic sight! You can get here only by helicopter and with a guide. Independent "wild" hikes of tourists in the valley are strictly prohibited.

Mountain Elbrus

If we are already talking about natural monuments, then we cannot fail to mention this object as well. Mount Elbrus is undoubtedly considered one of the main attractions of Russia. Photo highest peak the country amazes with its grandeur and severity. But this does not stop thousands of daredevils who want to conquer her. Among them, there are both beginners and very experienced climbers. The absolute height of Elbrus is 5642 meters. Up to the 3800 m mark can be reached by cable car, which greatly simplifies the task.

Hermitage

The Hermitage is one of the most famous museums in the world, which just recently celebrated its 250th anniversary. In its collections there are over three million exhibits - paintings, sculptures, fragments of ceramics, jewelry ... Why not! Few people know that the Hermitage began as a private collection of paintings by Catherine II, and access to it was closed to "ordinary mortals" until 1852.

Peterhof

Having examined the expositions of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, it is foolish not to stop by at Peterhof, located only 30 kilometers from the Northern capital. The magnificent royal residence of Peter the Great with a park, magnificent fountains and sculptures has been preserved here. It was built in the middle of the 18th century by the famous architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

Kizhi churchyard

Architectural ensemble on the island of Kizhi, on Lake Onega, from afar it resembles a skillful craft made of matches. A rough bell tower, a massive fence and an openwork 22-domed church, built with only one ax - all of this is now under the protection of UNESCO.

Mamaev Kurgan and Motherland

The Battle of Stalingrad is a key page in the history of World War II. A large-scale memorial complex dedicated to this event was opened in Volgograd in 1967. The main object of the memorial is a huge statue of the Motherland Calls, made of 5.5 thousand tons of concrete and 2.4 thousand tons of metal. The total height of the monument is 86 meters. And the sword, which "Motherland-Mother" belligerently holds in his hand, weighs 14 tons.

Gerhardt's mill

In our list of the main attractions of Russia, there are two objects that are directly related to the Great Patriotic War... And both of them are located in the same city - Volgograd. The dilapidated Gerhardt Mill is an old blood-red brick building. During the Battle of Stalingrad, it was disfigured by numerous shelling and bombing. But it survived. They did not restore the mill - they left it as it is, as a reminder of that terrible and merciless war.

Lena Pillars

The Lena Pillars in Yakutia are a unique geological phenomenon, a series of bizarre vertically located rocks stretching for many kilometers along the Lena River. The height of individual "pillars" reaches one hundred meters. The natural monument is located far from civilization, but there are two camp sites where travelers can stay overnight.

Man-Pupu-Ner plateau

A plateau with a rather exotic name is located within the Komi Republic. It can be translated from the Mansi language as follows: “ small mountain idols ". Idols are really present here. But they were not created by man at all, but by nature. These are five pillars of weathering 30-40 meters high. According to legend, these are petrified giants, according to science - the remains of ancient rocky mountains that existed on this place about 400 million years ago.

Fortress "Nut"

Unique and impregnable fortress located on a tiny island on the Neva. It was founded back in 1323 by the Moscow prince Yuri Danilovich. The stronghold is in the shape of an irregular triangle and consists of five towers connected by walls. Fortress "Oreshek" was badly damaged during the Second World War. For 500 days, a handful of Soviet fighters defended it from the Nazi troops, preventing the latter from crossing to the right bank of the Neva and cutting off the so-called road of life.

Palace bridge

Drawbridges and white nights - these are, perhaps, the main associations that arise in a tourist's head when mentioning St. Petersburg. The most popular and most photographed in the Northern capital is the Palace Bridge. Against the background of the spire Peter and Paul Fortress it looks great millet! During the summer navigation period, the Palace Bridge is raised twice a day: at 1:25 am and 3:10 am.

Curonian Spit

A sandy spit, almost a hundred kilometers long, connects two cities - the Russian Zelenogradsk and the Lithuanian Klaipeda. This is a real museum natural areas under open air! Having driven along the spit, you can see various landscapes: meadows, swamps, birch groves, pine forests and even deserts. Coming to the Curonian Spit, all tourists will certainly visit two sites - the famous Efa dune and the so-called Dancing Forest.

Derbent fortress

Derbent is one of the oldest settlements in the world. The first mention of it dates back to the sixth century BC. In 2003, the historic part of the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Derbent fortress is just a fragment of a grandiose defensive system that in ancient times protected the peoples of the Transcaucasus from northern nomads.

Diamond quarry "Mir"

Right on the outskirts of the city of Mirny (Yakutia), there is a giant funnel with perfectly round outlines. This is the type of a spent quarry for the extraction of diamonds. The deposit of the most valuable stone was discovered here in 1955. The city of Mirny itself soon grew up next to the quarry. The dimensions of the funnel are impressive: the diameter of the "hole" is 1200 meters, and its depth is 525 meters.

Ruskeala marble canyon

Another fantastic man-made object is located in natural park Ruskeala in Karelia. Once upon a time, marble was actively mined here: the valley of the Tohmayoka River was densely dotted with a system of quarries and adits. When the extraction of stone stopped, the quarries very quickly filled with water, turning into incredibly picturesque lakes with marble shores. An interesting fact: many historical buildings and churches of St. Petersburg are faced with local marble.

Amber Museum

About 90% of the world's amber production is in Russia, in particular in the Kaliningrad region. Therefore, it is not surprising that there is a museum of the "sun stone" in Kaliningrad. It is located in the city center, in a circular fortress tower from the 19th century. The total area of ​​the museum halls is impressive - 1000 square meters. Here you can see various samples of amber, interesting inclusions, paintings, boxes, dishes, watches and other products made from this stone.

"Heart of Chechnya"

One of the most beautiful and largest mosques in the world is located in the city of Grozny. It is located on the banks of the Sunzha River, surrounded by colorful fountains. It becomes incredibly beautiful here in the dark, when the night lights are turned on. The Heart of Chechnya Mosque was built in 2008. The highlight of the mosque is 36 magnificent chandeliers. The largest of them repeats in shape the main Islamic shrine of the Kaaba from Mecca. All these chandeliers took about three kilograms of gold and over a million Swarovski crystals to create.

Oymyakon village

Do you complain about winter cold and severe frosts? Say thank you that you do not live in Oymyakon! This small village in Yakutia is called the "pole of cold". In the winter months, the air temperature here is kept within 40-50 degrees. With a minus sign, of course. Although in summer the air can warm up to +30 Celsius. Severity local climate due to several factors: location in the polar latitudes, considerable distance from the ocean and rather high absolute altitude (740 meters above sea level). The officially registered minimum air temperature in Oymyakon is -69.6 degrees.

Nevyansk tower

Russia also has its own Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is located in the city of Nevyansk, Sverdlovsk region. The Nevyansk tower was built in 1732. Its height is 57 meters, and the deviation from the vertical is almost two meters. It is not known exactly why and when exactly the tower tilted.

Lace Museum

The expositions of the museum tell about the history of the development of the traditional art craft of Vologda - lace making. Here you will find items dating back to the 17th century. In 2015, the Lace Museum in Vologda entered the top ten best museums in Russia.

Trinity-Sergius Lavra

The largest Orthodox monastery in Russia is located in Sergiev Posad. The year of its foundation is 1337th. For a long time the monastery was a stronghold of the Moscow rulers in the struggle against the Tatar-Mongols. The architectural ensemble of the Lavra took shape over four centuries. The best architects of the country took part in its creation.

Moscow subway

The final attraction on our list is the Moscow Metro, one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Tours on the metro are very popular among foreign tourists. The Moscow Metro is a real museum of art! Many stations amaze with splendor and richness of interior decoration.

Finally…

In this article, we have listed all the main sights of Russia. Of course, our list does not claim to be completely objective and accurate. Each of the readers, undoubtedly, will be able to add to this list and several of their objects. And he will be absolutely right!

When a tourist is going to travel to any country, it is useful for him to think over the plan of his movements in advance and choose those sights that should be visited first. Just remember, there are so many of these sights that your whole life may not be enough to see them!

Machu Picchu (Peru)

The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu was dubbed the new wonder of the world. It was built in the saddle of a mountain range with an elevation of 2450 meters, for which it received the figurative name "city among the clouds" or "city in the sky." A number of archaeologists believe that this "sacred" mountain shelter was built around 1440 by the ruler of the Incas Pachacutec. The city flourished until 1532, when the Spanish conquerors came here, after which all the inhabitants of the city mysteriously disappeared.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abu Dhabi, UAE)

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the six largest mosques in the world. It is dedicated to the founder of the UAE and the first president of this country, Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan al Nahyan. The uniqueness of this mosque is that any visitors, regardless of their faith, are allowed into it. The mosque impresses with its grandiose size, magnificent architecture, white marble and magnificent green gardens.

Taj Mahal (Agra, India)

One of the wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal mausoleum is perhaps the most recognizable world, and not only Indian, landmark. It was built by the emperor of the Mughal dynasty Shah Jahan for the repose of his beloved third wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world has become the personification of eternal love. The mausoleum has 5 domes, the highest of which rises to 74 meters, as well as 4 minarets at the corners of the complex. Near the mosque there is a huge pool with fountains and a magnificent garden. The walls of the mausoleum are covered with perfectly polished, seemingly translucent marble slabs, decorated with incredibly beautiful floral and plant ornaments.

Tourists annually: 9-10 million

The Great Wall of China sounds simple and powerful at the same time. The 8,851.9 km long structure stretches across China, and its most impressive stretch, Badaling, is located 75 km from Beijing. Most of the wall has survived to this day, although it was built during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), and the beginning of the construction of individual sections dates back to 770 BC. Such a large-scale construction was possible thanks to the labor of millions of slaves and prisoners of war, on whose backs granite blocks, stones and bricks were delivered to the tops of the highest rocks.

2. Colosseum, Rome

Tourists annually: 6.9 million

After completion in 80 AD, the arena of the Colosseum accommodated 50 thousand spectators, who gathered to watch various theatrical performances (mythological dramas), reconstructions of land and sea battles, as well as executions and gladiator fights. In 2010, underground floors were opened for tourists, where gladiators awaited their exit to a deadly duel. The upper floors of the Colosseum offer a picturesque panorama of the Eternal City.

3. Roman Forum, Rome

Tourists annually: 5.1 million

The Roman Forum remained the civic center of the city for 1200 years, from the 5th century BC. This square was home to commercial buildings and the main government offices of Rome. The ruins of temples, columns and ancient frescoes take us back two thousand years ago and remind us of the former greatness of the city.

4. Terracotta Army, Xi'an, China

Tourists annually: 3.6-4.5 million

The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974. This sculptural composition consists of more than 8 thousand statues of warriors made of clay in full size: generals, infantry, cavalry, archers, chariots, more than 400 horses. Each with unique facial features, hairstyles, and clothing elements, which makes the sculptures even more convincing. The statues were buried together with Emperor Qin Shi Huang, becoming part of the majestic acropolis. It is believed that some of the warriors have not yet been excavated, since the excavation was stopped until a method was invented to protect the paints with which the statues were painted from fading in the open air.

5. Pyramids at Giza, Egypt

Tourists annually: 4 million

Created 4.5 thousand years ago, the pyramids are still considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a symbol of Egypt. We still don't know exactly how the ancient Egyptians were able to build them, which adds intrigue and even more attractiveness for tourists. Three huge sarcophagi for the pharaohs are located 25 kilometers from the center of Cairo - a city with 11 million inhabitants.

6. Pompeii, Italy

Tourists annually: 2.5 million

Visiting Pompeii, walking along its ancient stone streets, one can imagine how people lived in the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD. Coastal city in 79 AD was completely covered with ash and pumice during the sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Under a layer of ash, people, animals, houses were imprinted, creating a kind of frozen cast of the life of the ancient city.

7. Acropolis, Athens

Tourists annually: 2 million

The Acropolis is located on one of the hills of Athens and is crowned at the top by the Parthenon - a temple to the goddess Athena, a kind of symbol of classical Greece and the origins of democracy. Built in the 5th century BC, the Parthenon lost most of its decoration, and the marble sculptures that adorned it appeared “mysteriously” in European museums (there are still unsuccessful negotiations on their return to Greece).

8. Ephesus, Turkey

Tourists annually: 2 million

Literally 30 years ago, Ephesus was almost completely abandoned Roman ruins in a sparsely populated region of Turkey. But now, thanks to this attraction, the local economy has begun to develop rapidly. The ancient library and other buildings were restored to recreate the atmosphere big city since the beginning of our era, and in the amphitheater, with a capacity of 25 thousand seats, theatrical performances based on ancient dramas are held.

9. Teotihuacan, Mexico

Tourists annually: 1.9 million

Pyramidal terraces dedicated to the Sun and the Moon towered over the ancient square of the sacred city, built in the period from the first to the seventh century AD. With base sides of more than 200 meters and a height of 64.5 meters, the Pyramid of the Sun is considered the third largest pyramid in the world. At the same time, the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl) has a brighter decorative finish: with unique sculptures and a bas-relief.

10. Hieropolis, Turkey

Tourists annually: 1.6 million

The dazzling white terraces of the Pamukkale hot spring pools have drawn people's attention to the area for more than two thousand years. Therefore, it is not surprising that the ancient Greco-Roman city - Hieropolis was built here. Displaced from travertine in 190 BC, it is “ resort town”Has the ruins of temples, a well-preserved amphitheater and a sacred pool, where you can swim among the ancient Roman columns.

11. Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico

Tourists annually: 1.4 million

The stepped terraces of the pyramid of Kukulcan, called by the Spaniards El Castillo or the Castle, rise above the ancient city surrounded by tropical jungle. The Maya began building the city in the seventh century AD, and then, three centuries later, it was invaded by the Toltec tribes. A huge balustrade with the feathered head of a serpent, the deity of Kukulkan, flanks the stairs leading to the top of the pyramid.

12. Ellora, India

Tourists annually: 1.2 million

34 temples, monasteries honoring Buddha and Hindu gods, and numerous caves were carved into the basalt rock between 600 and 1000 AD. The solid stone buildings and the passageways between them are adorned with thousands of different intricate bas-reliefs and sculptures.

13.Hadrian's Val, England

Tourists annually: 1.2 million

When the Roman army failed to defeat the "barbarians" in northern Britain, Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD. ordered to build a stone wall a little south of the modern border between England and Scotland, which has survived to this day. Today, Hadrian's Val among the "barbaric" Scots has become a source of pride, praising their invincible spirit. Along the 117 km long defensive fortification passes the popular walking route Path National Trail.

14. Roman Baths, Bath, England

Tourists annually: 1.1 million

The Celts were the first to declare these springs sacred and dedicated them to their goddess Sulis. Then, in 43 AD, the Romans came and renamed Sulis as their goddess Minerva and built a spa town with the Latin name Aquae Sulis, with baths and the temple of Sulis-Minerva. Later the city was renamed Bath (from the English Bath - bath), and in the 18th century, public buildings were built in the neoclassical style.

15. Longmen, China

Tourists annually: 1.1 million

The complex of Buddhist cave temples of the 5-9 centuries, with many statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva, carved in 1,350 caves and 750 niches, is located along the limestone bank of the Ihe River. Some of the statues, of which there are more than 110 thousand, are over 7 meters high. One of the caves even displays numerous medical prescriptions.

16. Stonehenge, England

Tourists annually: 1.1 million

The meaning of the mysterious megaliths, exhibited in a circle more than 6 thousand years ago, people interpret as they wish. Perhaps they had some astronomical significance or were part of Druidic rituals. It is now a place of pilgrimage for neo-pagans, feminists (linking Stonehenge to the days of matriarchy), aliens and science fiction fans. Especially many people visit this attraction, located 100 kilometers from London, on the summer solstice.

17. Tulum, Yucatan, Mexico

Tourists annually: 1.1 million

This famous Mayan city, surrounded on the north, west and south side wall, and in the eastern part overlooking the banks Caribbean, reached its power in the 1200s A.D. Temples, walls, frescoes and carvings of Tulum (originally Zama, meaning "sunrise") have withstood salty sea winds, hurricanes and lost much of the features of other Mayan ruins for centuries. However, Tulum is popular with tourists due to its affordable and convenient location.

18. Machu Picchu, Peru

Tourists annually: 1 million

To get to Machu Picchu, you can take train tickets or go on foot, as the ancient Incas did, along the trail leading to the 2,450-meter mountain range that rises above the Urubamba River. Many people dream of visiting Machu Picchu, because this city looks older than it really is; its construction began relatively recently - around 1400 AD. So many people come here that the issue of limiting the number of visitors to 2,500 people per day or 912,500 per year is being considered.

19. Canyon des Shay, Arizona

Tourists annually: 828.1 thousand

Native Americans lived around Red Rock Canyon for more than 5,000 years, and 800 years ago they built their homes on the bottom of the rocks. The protected area of ​​the Canyon des Shey is located within the reservation of the Navajo Indian people, so you can only visit the monument with a guide from this tribe. An exception is the White House Ruins tourist trail. The name of the canyon comes from its Indian name Tséyi ', which means “canyon”; they pronounced the word “say-ee,” and it was heard as “de-shey”.

20. Angkor Wat, Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

Tourists annually: 804.7 thousand

Originally the Angkor Wat temple, erected between the 9th and 15th century AD. during the formation of the Khmer Empire, it was dedicated to various Hindu gods. Despite the fact that Angkor Wat eventually became a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, the architecture of the temple still reflects the significant Indian heritage of those times.

21. Masada, Masada National Park, Israel

Tourists annually: 786 thousand

At the end of the first century BC. King Herod I the Great of Judea built a luxurious three-level palace on the top of a mountain plateau stretching over the desert at an altitude of 400 meters. Roman mosaics, wall paintings, reservoirs for collecting water, baths and military barracks, thanks to the dry climate and the sufficient remoteness of the fortress, have been well preserved. The story is known that this fortress remained the last stronghold for survivors after the Great Jewish Revolt that took place in 66 AD, and only five years later the Roman legionnaires managed to capture the defenders.

22. Mogao Grottoes (Cave of a Thousand Buddhas), Dunhuang, China

Tourists annually: 750 thousand

At the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Buddhist monks carved 492 caves and more than 2,000 sculptures decorated with clay and paint from stone. For millennia (from 6 to 16 centuries ago), monks created frescoes on 45 thousand square meters of the walls of these caves, striking both in their scale and beauty. The frescoes reflect paintings about Buddhism, local history and the daily life of the inhabitants of the region.

23. Knossos, Crete, Greece

Tourists annually: 705.3 thousand

There is an opinion that the ruins of this Minoan city, built during the Bronze Age, are the lost Atlantis, information about which came down to us from the descriptions of Plato. Knossos is believed to have been destroyed by a volcanic eruption on the island of Santorini around 1500 BC. The only thing that has survived to this day and managed to be restored: the so-called Palace of Minos, where frescoes with images of dolphins, fish, griffins and people of that era have been preserved.

24. Petra, Jordan

Tourists annually: 629.8 thousand

The ancient city was created by the Arabian people of the Nabataeans. Temples and monuments skillfully carved from stone, the majestic Temple-Mausoleum of Al-Khazneh and more than 500 tombs have been created along the narrow gorge. A thousand years ago, this once prosperous city was located at the crossroads of trade routes that carried incense, spices and silk; due to this, the cultural influence of other ancient civilizations is noticeable here: Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Egyptians and Phoenicians.

25. Montezuma Castle, Arizona

Tourists annually: 573.7 thousand

The name of this place can be misleading: after all, this building is not at all a castle and has nothing to do with the Aztecs and their ruler. The building, consisting of 20 cave rooms in a sheer cliff at a height of 20 meters, was created by the Pueblo Indians (Anasazi culture) 800 years ago. Small T-shaped entrances kept warm in the dwelling and protected from the wind. It is one of the best-preserved ancient rock settlements of the American Indians.

26. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Tourists annually: 572.3 thousand

The cliff dwellings of the Anasazi Indians (ancestors of the modern Pueblos) were built of sandstone bonded with mud between the 6th and 12th centuries AD, becoming one of the largest and best-preserved ancient settlements in North America. Plastered in red, brown and white, the walls retained images of people, animals, handprints and various geometric patterns. Perhaps the colors had some kind of generic meaning.

27. Mira (Church of St. Nicholas), Antalya, Turkey

Tourists annually: 544.8 thousand

Lycian tombs with square columns that look like houses were carved into limestone rocks in the 4th century BC. They rise above a well-preserved Roman amphitheater with a double vaulted corridor. However, this ancient city now better known for the restored 9-11th century church, named after a local saint who did good to people - St. Nicholas (now better known as Santa Claus).

28. Pergamum (Bergama), Izmir, Turkey

Tourists annually: 536 thousand

Izmir is now the closest major city to Pergamum, the ancient Hellenic cultural center with an acropolis towering 250 meters above the valley, the temples of Athena and Troyanu made of marble, a Greek amphitheater and a library with 200 thousand manuscripts found in it. In the 2nd century A.D. in this valley, Galen, one of the most famous doctors of antiquity, opened the largest medical center, based at the temple of Asklepion.

29. Troy, Canakkale, Turkey

Tourists annually: 515.9 thousand

Troy was immortalized in Homer's Iliad, which recounts the misfortune that happened to the city in about 1183 BC. Until the 19th century, the location of Troy was unknown. Now tourists come here to see the 10-meter Trojan horse with windows and the preserved sections of the city walls, reminiscent of the heroic fate of Troy.

30. Delphi, Greece

Tourists annually: 500 thousand

The site of the erection of majestic temples, created among the mountains in the Neolithic period 6 thousand years ago, was considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center or "navel" of the whole world. Here were erected a temple to Apollo, Athena and other gods, as well as stone terraces and houses for the rest of the parishioners. The famous Oracle reached its greatest influence between the 6th and 4th centuries BC.

31. Gaochang, Xinjiang, China

Tourists annually: 500 thousand

An oasis city located on the Silk Road between the Fire Mountains and the Taklamakan Desert, from the 1st century BC. until the 14th century was the western Chinese cultural, economic and political center. Reconstruction works in Gaochang, modeled after the city of Xi'an, once the largest city in the world, are still ongoing.

32. Ajanta, India

Tourists annually: 416 thousand

Using only hammers and chisels, it took Buddhist monks 15 to 21 centuries to create 30 caves - each with separate indoor areas and ice-holes, from which a view of the gorge and the river opened up. The monasteries are decorated with paintings and stone statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas. Samples of magnificent works of art reveal about the way of life of Indians in those distant times.

33. Coba, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Tourists annually: 400.6 thousand

This 2,000-year-old Mayan city with the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula was the center for 46 sakbe or “white roads” connecting different parts of the meso-state, built of rubble, pebbles and limestone. Koba is surrounded by five sinkholes filled with water (cenotes) and impenetrable tropical jungle.

34. Perge (Perga), Antalya, Turkey

Tourists annually: 399.8 thousand

The ruins of Perge nowadays surround the fields and countryside near Antalya, but two thousand years ago there was a thriving Roman city here. Alexander the Great passed through these places with his army, then the Romans came and built baths, fountains, a 60-meter agora (a market square in ancient policies), an amphitheater for 12 thousand spectators and a boulevard with a colonnade. This place is also known for its unusual stone gate towers, built with a combination of Greek and Roman styles, and what the Apostle Paul preached here.

35. Herculaneum, Italy

Tourists annually: 320.5 thousand

Buried in ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, this town is even better preserved than nearby Pompeii. Here a dramatic picture of the last minutes of the life of the ancient Roman city opens, with its public baths, storage and living quarters, luxurious villas, hidden for many years under a 20-meter layer of volcanic rock.

The sights of the world are a huge number of popular and little-known ancient and modern, man-made and natural objects of history, culture, architecture, archeology, scattered in various centers of dead and now existing civilizations on planet Earth.

We have selected the 30 best, which every tourist should definitely see.

Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ on Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia

The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, better known as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, has become the only Russian attraction on the Trip Advisor list. Savior on Spilled Blood attracts tourists from all over the world not only with the splendor of its domes and interiors, but also with an unusual history that has given rise to many legends and speculations. Many of them are connected with the fact that the temple was erected on the place where on March 1, 1881, a citizen of the People's Republic I. Grinevitsky mortally wounded Alexander II, who was popularly called the Tsar-Liberator for the abolition of serfdom.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

If you look at the Google map, you can understand why the bridge (not gold at all, but red) is called a gate. The main local attraction "lets" the Pacific Ocean into the San Francisco Bay, connecting the city with Marin County. This grandiose structure was built from 1933 to 1937. At the time of its opening, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world.

Christ the Redeemer statue, Rio de Janeiro

The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is one of the most famous and popular monuments in the world. Every year, millions of tourists climb to its foot, from where a dizzying panorama of the city and the bay from picturesque mountain Sugar Loaf, the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the huge bowl of the Maracanã stadium.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the New Wonders of the World, is located in the territory of modern Peru, on the top of a mountain range at an altitude of 2,450 meters above sea level. It is called "the city in the sky" or "the city in the clouds", sometimes called the "lost city of the Incas". Some archaeologists believe that this city was created as a sacred mountain refuge by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec around 1440, and functioned until 1532 when the Spanish invaded the territory of the Inca empire. In 1532, all of its inhabitants mysteriously disappeared.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The pyramids of Giza are the oldest and largest pyramids in the world, but most importantly, the pyramid of Cheops, the only one of the Seven Wonders the ancient world surviving to this day. And without a doubt, the pyramids in Giza deservedly rank first in the Top 10 attractions in the world. These pyramids were built as tombs for the ancient Egyptian kings, these royal tombs reflect strength and wealth ancient civilization Egypt.
More popular than any other landmarks in the world, the Great Pyramids of Giza are located west of the Nile, near the capital of Egypt, Cairo. The Great Pyramid of Cheops is the oldest and largest, it was built as a tomb for the ancient Egyptian king Khufu (Cheops). It has a height of 137 meters, which means the Cheops pyramid was the tallest structure on Earth for several millennia, until the towers of the Cologne Cathedral were completed in 1880, and consists of 2,300,000 blocks, some weighing up to 200 tons.
The second pyramid at Giza was built for Khafre, the son of King Khufu. It was erected in 2592 BC, the third pyramid at Giza was built for Menkaur, the son of King Khafre.

Section of the Great Wall of China Mutianyu, Beijing, China

In no other area of ​​the Great wall of china the restoration work was not done as well as on the Mutianyu site. This site, with 22 watchtowers that have retained their original appearance, is a true architectural masterpiece. Collocation Mutianyu with Chinese translates as "a valley in which you can admire the views of the fields." Of all the sections of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu is the longest fully restored section open to tourist access.

Siena Cathedral, Siena, Italy

According to chronicles, at the beginning of the 13th century, the inhabitants of the city-state of Siena, which was the main competitor and adversary of Florence, "called on their leaders to build a temple more magnificent than that of their neighbors." So between 1215 and 1263 on the site of the old temple, the Duomo of Siena was founded according to the plan of the Gothic master Niccolò Pisano. Today this magnificent temple is the main attraction of Siena.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the six largest mosques in the world. Named after Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan al-Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United United Arab Emirates... Unlike many other Muslim temples, everyone is allowed into it, regardless of faith.

Old town Dubrovnik, Croatia

In 1979, UNESCO inscribed the old city of Dubrovnik on the World Heritage List, including a significant part of the ancient city walls. They surround the city on four sides and contain a venerable collection of historical monuments, including towers, fortresses, churches, monasteries, squares and streets, schools, museums and galleries. Built for defense purposes, these stone walls have protected their citizens since the founding of Dubrovnik in the 6th century.

Bayon Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bayon is one of the most amazing temples located on the territory of Angkor Thom and was its religious center. The "highlight" of Bayon are the towers with many faces, carved out of stone, silently gazing from a height at the vast territory of Angkor Thom, and during the heyday of the state - and the entire Khmer Empire. Initially, there were 54 towers, which symbolized the 54 provinces under the rule of the king. Today, only about 37 towers have survived.

Alhambra, Spain

Alhambra is ancient palace and the fortress of the Mauritanian rulers of the province of Granada in southern Spain. The castle occupies the top of a rocky plateau on the southeastern border of Granada. The name Alhambra probably comes from the color of the sun-dried clay or bricks that make up the castle walls. However, some historians suggest that the name comes from the "red flame of torches" that illuminated the long-term construction of the castle, which went on around the clock.

Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy

The most important place in Milan is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nachente (Duomo), a gem of Italian Gothic, which was built from 1386 until the beginning of the 19th century. The third largest Catholic church on the planet can be safely ranked as one of the wonders of the world. Its 100-meter spiers rise above the center of Milan, and the golden statue of the Madonna on the longest spire (four meters high) is visible from many parts of the city.

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the tallest spiritual structure in Myanmar, or, as it is also called, the Country of Pagodas. The entire complex of the giant pagoda occupies more than five hectares of land, on which, in addition to the main structure, there are many smaller spiers and innumerable sculptural images of mythical and real animals: golden griffins and elephants, dragons and lions. As it is today, Shwedagon Pagoda became in the 15th century, during the reign of Queen Shinsobu. It was then that the giant temple was finally given the shape of an inverted begging bowl and sheathed with gold from top to bottom.

Colosseum, Rome

It is the largest amphitheater in the world during the Roman Empire. It is also the most popular tourist and iconic symbol in Rome. The Colosseum was built in 70 AD. Emperor Vespasian. It was used for gladiatorial fights and social events. Gladiator fights took place at the Colosseum until AD 435. It can accommodate up to 50,000 spectators and has 80 entrances.

Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Washington DC

The Lincoln Memorial is a magnificent temple, made in the ancient Greek style and somewhat reminiscent of the Parthenon. It is supported by 36 columns of white marble, the number of states that belonged to the United States at the time of President Lincoln's death. In the center of the temple is a statue of the world's most respected American president, seated in a chair. Its height is 5.79 meters.

Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg National Military Park is not a park in the traditional sense. Here you will not find shady alleys and flowering flower beds. It is the site of an important battle in the United States Civil War in 1863.

Teotihuacan, San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico

Name ancient settlement Teotiukan is translated from the Aztec language as "the city where people become gods." According to legend, after the Flood, the gods returned to Teotihuacan to re-create the world. Modern researchers believe that the area of ​​this ancient settlement was 26-28 square kilometers, and the population was about 200 thousand people. This is one of the oldest and major cities the western hemisphere, the exact age of which is still unknown.

Mesquita, Cordoba, Spain

Walls decorated with intricate patterns, mosaic ornaments, hundreds of thin openwork columns - this is how the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba appears today. Many centuries ago there was an ancient Roman temple on this place, then it was replaced by a Visigothic church, and in 785 Mesquita appeared. It became the second most important mosque on the planet, and the pilgrimage to Cordoba was even equated with the Hajj to Mecca, obligatory for every Muslim. But then the Catholics changed the Moors, and Mesquita was turned into christian temple.

Ancient city of Petra, Petra / Wadi Musa, Jordan

In the very heart of Jordan, in the Wadi Musa Valley, deep in the sandy mountains is the most amazing ancient city of Petra. Petra was originally a temporary refuge for the nomadic Nabatean tribes. From several fortified rocky caves, it gradually grew into a large fortified city. You can get to the city in one way - through the narrow Siq gorge, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Petra still belongs to the Bedouins, who warmly welcome guests on their land.

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Italy

The heart of the Vatican and the entire Catholic world, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the main attractions in Rome. Here you can see Ancient Rome from a bird's eye view, admire the interior of the cathedral from the top of the dome, defend Mass and even receive the blessing of the pontiff.

Ancient city of Ephesus, Selcuk, Turkey

The largest and best-preserved ancient city on the coast Aegean and second in importance after Pompeii in the Mediterranean, ancient Ephesus is the most visited attraction in Turkey. Legends associate the appearance of the city with the name of Androcles, the son of the ruler of Athens, Codrus, who, on the advice of the oracle, arrived in these places to lay the temple of Artemis. The city got its name from the Amazon, Ephesia, the beloved of Androcles.

Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia

The Australian War Memorial is the main memorial to the soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars. Today it is considered one of the most significant monuments of its kind in the world. The memorial is located not far from the Parliament building, from the balcony of which a circular panorama of the monument opens.

Golden Temple - Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, India

Harmandir Sahib - one of the most ancient and revered temples in India, is the Mecca of the Sikhs. Its upper tiers are covered with gilding, which is why it is also known as the "Golden Temple". The road to the entrance to the temple goes along a narrow marble bridge over a pond, the water in which is considered curative. Pilgrims believe that it consists of the elixir of immortality and holy water. The road across the bridge symbolizes the path from the sinner to the righteous.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, ​​Spain

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most famous long-term buildings in the world: its construction began almost 150 years ago and continues to this day. Although initially Antonio Gaudi had nothing to do with the construction of this temple, a year after the start of work, he headed this project. Gaudí built the temple for 30 years until he died. The reason for such a long construction is that the Sagrada Familia is being built exclusively on donations from the parishioners.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is one of the most recognizable landmarks not only in India but around the world. The structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and also a symbol of eternal love.

Sydney Opera House, Australia

Sydney Opera theatre is the most recognizable landmark and symbol of Australia, located on the shores of Sydney Harbor. With over 1,500 performances every year, this theater is considered one of the liveliest art centers in the world. It is estimated that over 7 million people visit this amazing Sydney tourist attraction.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Cambodian temple of Angkor Wat is the largest religious building ever created, with a history of almost 9 centuries. About monumentality temple complex even its name speaks, because Angkor Wat literally translates as the City-Temple. It covers an area of ​​200 hectares and is surrounded by a moat 190 meters wide. This colossal structure is dedicated to the god Vishnu, who is revered in this area.

Big Ben, England

The vast majority of tourists associate Big Ben with England and is rightfully considered the main tourist attraction of the country. Few people know that in fact Big Ben is not a separate attraction, but a part Palace of Westminster in London. Big Ben is home to the world's largest chimes and is the third tallest clock tower in the world. It is named after Benjamin Hall, one of the architects of this clock tower, which was built between 1848 and 1853.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

This is one of the most recognizable structures in the world, located in the capital of France, Paris. It was named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer in charge of design and construction. The tower is over 300 meters high and weighs over 10,000 tons; construction was completed in 1889. for him; s construction. The 324-meter tower weighs 10,100 tons and was opened in 1889. For the next 41 years it remained the tallest building in the world.

Statue of Liberty, New York, USA

The Statue of Liberty is recognized as the main attraction of the United States, it is a symbol of Freedom, then why did millions of migrants from Europe strive to a country of great opportunities. Colossal sculpture located 3 kilometers from Manhattan in New York. The statue actually represents the Roman goddess of Liberty and is a gift from the people of France to the United States.
It was designed by the French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and is a gift from the United States for the world exhibition on October 28, 1876. About 4 million tourists visit the Statue of Liberty every year. The height of this amazing sculpture is 93 meters, from the ground to the tips of the torch.

The most Beautiful places the world has always attracted millions of tourists. Whether high mountains or endless valleys, huge seas or historic buildings. The landmarks of the planet Earth are an endless and exciting journey. We have prepared the Top 20 most beautiful places in the world. Watch, discuss and share the entry in in social networks with your friends!

20th place - Kungur ice cave, Russia

8th place - Faroe islands, Iceland-Norway

Located between Iceland and Norway. More than 50 thousand people live on the archipelago. The total area of ​​the archipelago is 1400 sq. Km, and includes 18 small islands, 17 of which have life. Even in the coldest month, the temperature does not drop below 0 degrees. The attention of all tourists who came to this stunning place are offered: a unique landscape, green meadows, clouds, rocks and, of course, Atlantic Ocean... You will not find such beauties anywhere else!

7th place - Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve, Russia

It is located 12 kilometers from the city of Serpukhov on the left bank of the Oka River. The territory of the Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve with an area of ​​4945 hectares is forested, it is located near northern border subzones of mixed forests. Here visitors can see a unique phenomenon - broadleaf forests meet conifers. Vacationers who come to this place will be able to see more than 960 higher species plants. Visit the most beautiful places in Russia and this place should definitely be among them.

6th place - Yellowstone Volcano, USA

One of the most popular tourist attraction in the United States of America. Yellowstone National Park is skillfully located on the territory of three states at the same time: Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. The park is famous for its waterfalls, hot springs, rich flora and fauna. This reserve has become the object World Heritage UNESCO back in March 1872. Those who have seen the most unusual places on Earth always single out Yellowstone in a special category.

5th place - Iguazu Falls, Brazil-Argentina

A real wonder of the world, which is located 20 km from the town of Puerto Iguazu. The legendary national park invites everyone to plunge into wonderful world Amazonian forests with incredible beauty of landscapes. A classic tour of the park is a little walk walk to the waterfalls. A boat trip along a turbulent river - and you are already at the foot of the world-famous waterfalls, which you saw from above just half an hour ago.

4th place - National park Yosemite, USA

The first American nature reserve, which is famous all over the world for its unique virgin nature. The reserve with the highest waterfall is located in the state of California. In the territory national park Yosemite has shot most of the films about Indians.

3rd place - Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

This is a majestic structure, which is located near the town of Füssen in Bavaria. The amazing beauty of the mysterious castle literally at first glance enchants tourists with its magnetism. The castle was built in 1869 by Ludwig II, who wanted to recreate the era of chivalry. A record amount of money was spent on the construction of this architectural masterpiece - more than 6 million gold marks. After the death of the monarch, the castle was opened for visits, this was done in order to recoup at least part of the Money spent on construction.

2nd place - Niagara Falls, USA-Canada

The most famous waterfall in the USA and Canada. He was included in the list of the most visited attractions North America... It got its name from the Indians who lived here, and is translated as "thundering water". The width of the waterfall is 670 meters, the depth in its middle is about three meters, and the height is 51 meters. Every year 20 million tourists from all over the world come to admire the beauty of the waterfall. For maximum enjoyment of the beauty, tourists are offered observation decks, cable car, galleries and paths for pedestrians, and even an excursion to hot-air balloon and helicopters.

1st place - Grand Canyon, USA

(Grand Canyon) is one of the oldest national parks United States of America. The Scenic Area is one of the finest natural creations on earth. It is located in the state of Arizona. Until the mid-16th century, the Grand Canyon was inhabited by the Pueblo tribe, who lived in small cavernous dwellings. The Grand Canyon is a huge tourist complex with numerous parking lots, slopes and accommodation. Many people think that this is the most beautiful place on earth!

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