{"id":7589,"date":"2020-04-06T07:55:42","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T07:55:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tiqets-blog-staging.local\/historical-monuments\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T10:57:21","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T10:57:21","slug":"historical-monuments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tiqets.com\/blog\/historical-monuments\/","title":{"rendered":"Historical Monuments That Will Outlive the Coronavirus","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u2013<\/em>\u00a0This post was written by\u00a0Fauve de Ruiter<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0\u2013<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019ve lasted this long, and they will still be here to enjoy when the current coronavirus crisis has passed (and long after\u2026). Find comfort in this homage to a few of the oldest historical monuments across the globe, age-old facts of human persistence \u2013 and some bloody sound architecture<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are exceptional times as we\u2019re all stuck at home honouring the new regulations of governments around the world, in order to battle the coronavirus. Maybe you had big plans to finally go visit the Statue Of Liberty<\/a> this year, or you were \u2013 ever so reluctantly \u2013  just forced to cancel that long-awaited trip to Paris to climb the Eiffel Tower.<\/a> 

But, even though this novel virus is one of the more major threats society has seen in recent times, it certainly has not been the first crisis in the history of mankind. Many of today\u2019s historical monuments have withstood countless disasters and ordeals over the years… and, they\u2019ll be awaiting your visit after we collectively get through this crisis too! 

So keep your chin up, and enjoy this escape from your perpetual fortress of solitude. Here\u2019s a tour of the most resilient and historical monuments around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First we go waaaaay back to Stonehenge (3100BC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the oldest and most famous historical monuments in the world is Stonehenge<\/a> in England. Scientists have been baffled for years by this mysterious collection of circular placed stones. Reportedly, some can singularly weigh up to 22 tonnes! Even though the wheel wasn\u2019t invented yet, some \u201csmaller\u201d bluestones \u2013 which can still weigh up to 4 tonnes \u2013 have been traced some 200 miles away. 

As for the reason it was built, discussions have been in full swing for years. Was it a druid temple? An ‘ancient computer’ used to predict eclipses? A meeting place for the local chiefs of that age? Scientists cannot seem to settle the discussion. Two things they do<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>agree on: it is very<\/em> impressive and very<\/em> old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stonehenge
Photo by <\/em>Josh Johnson<\/em><\/a> on <\/em>Unsplash<\/em><\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Due to these obvious reasons, countless people flock towards the rural landscape of Salisbury on a yearly basis. When you see it, the first thing that comes to mind is that it must\u2019ve been a huge collective effort \u2013 solely using simple tools and technologies \u2013 to realise what we can witness nowadays. Well, maybe not physically <\/em>right now, but luckily, Stonehenge also offers a free virtual tour<\/a> for everyone currently self-quarantining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Humanity was busy that year\u2026 The Pyramids of Giza (3000BC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another oldie-but-a-goldie \u2013 and just as mysterious of a construction \u2013 are the pyramids of Giza. They are located just south of Cairo, the capital of modern-day Egypt. These man-made architectural marvels have astounded many people across the globe for centuries. 

Whereas it is known that the pyramids are a necropolis \u2013 a collection of tombs for the almighty pharaohs of that age \u2013 many other questions still remain. How in the name of the sun god Ra were they able to make such huge constructions? To give you a more concrete (which also wasn\u2019t invented yet, *badum tss*) idea, some sources report that over 2,500,000 lime stones were used to build the biggest pyramid, each weighing 2300kg. That means that each block was the equivalent of roughly 4.5 grizzly bears! 

Discussion is still out on the pyramids\u2019 exact age and how long it took to build them. Usually they are claimed to be from roughly around the same time as Stonehenge, approximately 2500-3000BC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/
Photo by Pradeep Gopal<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It all started with a sewer: Forum Romanum (800BC)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Roman Forum<\/a> is generally considered to be the birthplace of the Ancient Roman Empire. Its conception dates back to roughly 800BC, when the originally swampy burial plot was drained by the \u201cCloaca Maxima\u201d (Latin for: \u201cgreat sewer\u201d). The Cloaca Maxima was one of the first sewer systems in the world. After draining the plot, making it very attractive for further development, it quickly evolved into the “Forum Romanum\u201d. 

Forums, Latin for market or square, were a common concept across cities in the empire. At said forums, people gathered to trade, talk politics and religion, or even hold elections. But many more and other processes of society took place in and around the forum. Consequently, important buildings were built all around the forum, including places of worship and politics and other architectural treasures. Over centuries, multiple emperors (including Caesar), built and developed the area further. 

The Forum Romanum soon became the beating heart of the Great Roman Empire. Over time, other forums were added in the area to support the Forum Romanum in coping with the large scale of people and activities. But as all good things come to an end, so did the Roman Empire, and therefore the Forum Romanum in all of its splendour and beauty. 

For a long time the Forum Romanum was forgotten, until interest sparked again in the 1800s, and excavations of the historical site started. This history of long-term neglect is noticeable walking through the ruins today. But with a little bit of imagination, you can easily imagine how buzzing, impressive and stunning it must have been.

And, to kill two birds with one stone: the well-known (and beautiful) Colosseum<\/a> is only a stone’s throw away!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When goddesses were still gifted buildings: The Parthenon (447BC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Acropolis<\/a> (or \u201chigh city\u201d in Greek) is the famous central hill in Athens and a beautiful place where many historical monuments are located, including the Parthenon. The Parthenon was initially built as a place of worship for the goddess Athena, the patron of Athens. But, the Parthenon has been a jack of multiple trades throughout its lifetime; it has been a temple, a church and a mosque. 

Around the end of the 1600s, disaster struck. Massive damage was inflicted on the Parthenon when the Venetians and Turks were fighting over the city. The Acropolis was \u2013 of course \u2013 a very strategic military station, due to its high vantage point. That means explosives were stored within the Parthenon that \u2013 you can feel it coming already \u2013 went off and blew away half the structure. It left huge damage to this ancient gem. 

But, let\u2019s look on the bright side – much of it is still remaining! Which is admirable, since there\u2019s been a lot more the monuments of the Acropolis have had to withstand: fires, earthquakes and many other (natural) disasters. 

This day and age, bits and pieces of the Parthenon are scattered all over the world. For example at the Great British Museum<\/a> in London and at the Louvre<\/a>, in Paris. And both of these museums have a big array of online content<\/a> or even virtual reality tours<\/a> to give you a little taste of what to expect. Should you want to stick with the real deal, you can have a look around the Acropolis<\/a> online as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Girl
Photo by Arthur Yeti<\/a> on Unspla<\/a>s<\/a>h<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How could I forget? It was already forgotten once\u2026 Petra (100BC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The historic \u201clost city\u201d of Petra<\/a>, Jordan is another relic of human civilization. Petra, often referred to as the 8th<\/sup> wonder of the ancient world, once was a beautiful ancient city carved into the red rock face. This was done by the Nabatean people, an Arab civilization who created this now-historical monument upon settlement. 

Coincidentally, Petra\u2019s favorable location became an important junction for many different trade routes. This quickly made the Nabatean kingdom flourish for centuries. It was known for its culture, architecture and other human ingenuities. Unfortunately, Petra became a victim to the Roman empire. From the 14th<\/sup> century onwards, Petra was completely forgotten by the Western world (hence \u201cthe Lost City\u201d), and remained so for roughly 300 years.  Until, in 1812, Swiss traveller Johann Ludwig Burckhardt \u2013 who had heard about legends \u2013 tricked a local to take him to the city. His \u201cre-discovery\u201d reinstated the original admiration for the splendour and the beauty of Petra within the international community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Historical
Photo by Brian Kairuz<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A youngster compared to the other historical monuments: Mont Saint-Michel (1100-1600\u2019s)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Much younger than the other historical monuments, but too quirky (and stunning\u2026) not to mention: Mont Saint-Michel was built on a quaint tidal island overlooking gorgeous landscapes off the coast of France. The gorgeous abbey<\/a> (dedicated to the archangel Saint Michael)  is towering over everything and impossible to miss.

The surroundings of the island are very much subject to the tides. Reportedly, the island experiences the highest tidal contrasts in all of Europe. It supposedly can change 15 meters in only 6 hours! 

Whereas Mont Saint-Michel has mainly become a place of pilgrimage, countless tourists flock there on a yearly basis to witness the spectacular nature, tidal changes and stunning architecture. Should the direct vicinity of the Mont Saint-Michel be fully submerged, you can access the commune by the permanent pathway. The summer allows you to explore the amazing surroundings of Mont Saint-Michel further. Then, only at low tide, you can walk around on the mudflats and see the amazing flora and fauna up close. Should you wish to do this on a visit, it is safest and most educational to do it through a guided tour. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Illuminated<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Not only is the architecture stunning, but Mont Saint-Michel is also further proof of human ingenuity surviving countless challenges. <\/em>For example, the surroundings of Mont Saint-Michel have been subject to silting for years now. The entire area has undergone massive development to turn the island back into a visual phenomenon. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
Photo by Norbu Gyachung<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, consider this a love-letter to these beautiful historical monuments which all resemble true feats of human persistence and the reluctance to give up. Let\u2019s bundle our powers together again, listen to the experts and collectively counter this devastating virus. If the Parthenon can survive a bombing, Egyptians can build the pyramids of Giza without any modern machinery and if Johann Ludwig Burckhardt can trick his way back into a city that was forgotten for centuries\u2026 we can do this too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Should you feel like even <\/strong>more<\/strong><\/em> culture<\/strong>, why not tour a couple museums from your couch? <\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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