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Architectural marvels of the world!
Some of the only remaining evidence of bygone civilisations is their architecture. When rulers of yesteryear sought to preserve their legacy, they constructed incredible edifices, palaces, temples or even gigantic heads with the intention of immortalising their piece of the epochal pie for posterity.
Each and every structure contains unique DNA: it echoes a story hinting insights into the culture, religious beliefs, technology and time period of its inception, oftentimes inspiring imitation or awe. The architecture of today stands on the shoulders of giants – since every great artist steals, the skyscrapers of modernity glisten with the lessons of the past.
Let’s take a brief but intriguing dive into some of the most culturally and architecturally significant constructions ever formed; unveiling the ingenious craftsmanship and visionary brilliance behind structures that transcend eras and steal the breath of tourists to this very day…
Angkor Wat
Constructed in the 12th century during the Khmer Empire and stretching over some 400 km2, this remarkable series of structures holds the distinction of being the largest religious monument in the world! This UNESCO World Heritage site is not merely a temple; it’s an expansive and elaborate city of temples.
Built by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat is the reified representation of Mount Meru, the Mount Olympus of the Hindu faith, and the house of ancient gods. The ancient kings of Cambodia all sought to better their ancestors’ structures in both size, scale and beauty, leading to the construction of such a gargantuan temple.
Almost every inch of this immense complex is covered with intricate carvings and motifs and its distinctive silhouette, featuring a series of intricately designed towers and galleries, is an iconic symbol of Cambodian culture and history.
To find out more about this fascinating piece of history, our Africa specialist, Madri, recently enjoyed an exhilarating excursion to Cambodia which opened her eyes to all the country had to offer – click here to read it! Alternatively, check out our Cambodian destination page to plan your own trip!
Petra
Described romantically by the poet John William Burgon as the “rose-red city half as old as Time”, Petra is an ancient city with some of the most unique architecture in the world. Half built and half carved into the cliffs, it was established by the Nabataeans around 2,000 years ago and served as a vital trading hub, strategically located at the crossroads of major caravan routes.
The most iconic and picturesque site in the city is The Treasury, as featured above. While its original function remains somewhat nebulous, it is believed to be the mausoleum of the Nabatean King Aretas IV. Standing over 130 feet high, it serves as a prime example of the architectural artisanship of the Nabataean civilization.
Interestingly, its (re)discovery was fairly recent: Petra remained unknown to the Western world until it was rediscovered by the Swiss traveller Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. In order to travel safely, he disguised himself as a learned Muslim from India and upon stumbling upon the ancient city, had to stifle his excitement lest he be discovered. Petra is now deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of five in Jordan, and undoubtedly draws visitors from all over the globe to admire its majesty.
Earlier this month our Managing Director, Felicia Severns, and Destination Specialist, Caroline ventured out on a whirlwind trip to Jordan to enjoy all of its character, including the incomparable Petra – click here to read it! Or click here to visit our destination page for Jordan, with many itineraries promising Petra adventures!
Machu Picchu
Known as the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu is a marvel of the ancient Inca civilisation built in the 15th century during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti. The site sits at a staggering height of around 8,000 feet, providing jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The site is renowned for its remarkable dry-stone construction, with precisely cut stones fitting together without the use of mortar, a technique instantiated by its incredible longevity – having survived for millennia due to being almost invulnerable to natural disasters.
Like many of the marvels on this list, its discovery is fairly recent in historical terms: most people on Earth weren’t aware of its existence until 1911 when a Yale graduate named Hiram Bingham rediscovered it! Having heard rumours of a hidden city of Inca origins, he led a restoration project funded by the National Geographic Society.
If you would like to learn more about Machu Picchu and the broader history of the Inca Empire, check out our blog series detailing the history of ancient empires – click here to read it! Or you can check out our Peruvian destination page here!
Borobudur
One of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites, Borobudur was constructed as early as AD 780 to 840 during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty. It is made of grey andesite stone and is designed in the form of a mandala, representing Buddhist cosmology. It consists of nine stacked platforms, topped by a central dome.
Adorned with intricate carvings and featuring over 500 Buddha statues, visitors can ascend through the three levels of the temple, symbolising the stages of enlightenment – Kamadhatu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of form), and Arupadhatu (the formless world).
Its existence remained largely unknown until 1814, when Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British ruler of Java, was informed of its location by native Indonesians. The temple was covered in volcanic ash and had faced almost ten centuries of neglect before efforts were taken to restore it.
The country of Indonesia itself is abounding with treasures, to find out more about the unique experiences one can enjoy, click here to read our related blog! Or click here to view our Indonesian destination page, with a range of itineraries covering these ancient wonders!
Easter Island
Constituting one of the greatest mysteries of the world, the Easter Island heads are monolithic statues carved from compressed volcanic ash and rock between 1250 and 1500 AD by the original (presumably Polynesian) inhabitants of what is known as the island of Rapa Nui.
These gargantuan statues vary in size, with some reaching up to 33 feet in height and weighing several tons. One unfinished sculpture, if completed, would tower at approximately 70 feet, with a weight of about 145–165 tonnes, thus drawing intrigue in regards to the construction and transportation of these statues, which remains a mystery.
There are no (or at least very few) definitive answers touching upon what their purpose was, but a range of theories exist: many believe the heads represent dead ancestors, with human bones being found near many of them, indicating burial zones. Some of the statues have a red stone hat or topknot, these may resemble chieftains or clan accoutrements; members with additional status believed to possess supernatural significance.
The statues primarily gazed towards the land, supposedly standing guard over the populace. However, seven of them are looking seaward. Easter Island has low rainfall and many of the sculptures are close to freshwater springs, possibly as guardians of water. The statues could serve to protect natural resources on the island.
If the puzzle continues to pique your interest, feel free to read on and find out more by checking out our related blog – click here to read it! Or here to check out our Chile Central & Northern Desert itinerary, containing a whole three days exploring Easter Island!
If any of the aforementioned architectural sites pique your curiosity, feel free to visit the destination page of the associated location linked to the bottom of every description – here you will find a range of diverse and exciting itineraries, many containing trips to the ancient wonders themselves. Alternatively, you can curate your own bespoke adventure by contacting us directly, either via emailing us at enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or giving us a call (+44 117 313 7070)!
