9 Truly Ancient Sites in Major Cities
Kyoto
Some cities are old and some cities are REALLY old. Here are some of the great ancient sites in cities around the world.
Colosseum
Archeological Zone
Photo: Google
An iconic symbol of Ancient Rome, it attracts history enthusiasts and general tourists who explore its ancient architecture.
Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fukakusa Yabunouchicho
Photo: Google
Famous Shinto shrine with thousands of vibrant red torii gates, popular with tourists for hikes and photography.
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto 612-0882, Japan
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Cheongun hyoja
Photo: Google
The largest of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty, popular with both tourists and locals for its changing of the guard ceremony and traditional architecture.
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Cankurtaran
Photo: Google
An iconic former Greek Orthodox Christian basilica and mosque, now a museum, attracting both tourists and locals for its historical architecture and art.
Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Kiyomizu-dera
NA
Photo: Google
Featured in "Lost in Translation (2003)" during scenes emphasizing Kyoto's traditional spiritual sites and city views.
1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Parthenon
Plaka
Photo: Google
The Parthenon is the most famous monument on the Acropolis and a must-see for any traveller in Athens. Even in partial restoration, it remains an awe-inspiring symbol of classical Greece and an essential part of the Anafiotika skyline.
Athens 105 58, Greece
Sensō-ji
Asakusa
Photo: Google
Tokyo's oldest temple, renowned for its iconic Thunder Gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street. Popular with both tourists and locals.
2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Temple d'August
Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera
Photo: Google
Roman temple remains dedicated to Emperor Augustus, archaeological site at 10 Carrer del Parads.
Carrer del Paradís, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Templo Mayor Museum
Centro Histórico
Photo: Google
Templo Mayor is the main temple ruin of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, offering a fascinating glimpse into pre-Hispanic civilization. It attracts archaeologists, historians, tourists, and locals interested in Mexico's indigenous past. The site includes a museum and guided tours explaining Aztec culture and architecture.
Seminario 8, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06060 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico