Khajuraho Temple in India

Khajuraho Temple, Madhya Pradesh, India

One of the most popular attractions in India and presumably among India’s “Seven Wonders”, the Khajuraho Temples are the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples. The temples, known for the erotic sculptures within, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Khajuraho Temples were built between 950 and 1050 AD, during the Chandela Dynasty of Central India. After the fall of the dynasty, the temples were abandoned and forgotten and only 22 of the original 85 temples survived when they were rediscovered by a British army engineer, Captain T.S. Burt.

The temples are grouped into western, eastern, and southern sections. Inside the temples are detailed carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from life, such as war, marriage, symbols of spirituality, every day life, and all kinds of life forms. Various temples are dedicated to gods like Shiva, Surya, and Lord Vishnu.

Aachen Cathedral, Germany

Aachen Cathedral, Germany – Also known as ‘Imperial Cathedral’ or Kaiserdom is Oldest Roman Catholic Church in Northern Europe.

Aachen Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church, known as the Imperial Cathedral or the Royal Church of St. Mary at Aachen . Built in the Middle Ages, it is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe. Constructed by Charles the Great, known also as Charlemagne, the cathedral was built beginning around 792, and was later was consecrated by Pope Leo III. The cathedral was renovated and expanded at a few points during the Middle Ages to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. The remains of Charlemagne rest inside a vault within the cathedral.

 The cathedral is noted for its ornate mosaic ceilings and décor, stained glass windows, and architecturally complex exterior with various architectural styles from different periods. The palatine chapel has an octagonal basilica, a cupola, and vaulted ceilings, inspired by the style of the eastern Holy Roman Empire.

 Inside the cathedral is the golden shrine of the Virgin Mary, which contains the relics of Mary’s cloak, baby Jesus’ swaddling clothes, St. John the Baptists beheading cloth, and Christ’s loincloth. Every seven years, these relics are displayed during the Great Aachen Pilgrimage.

 The massive door to the Aachen Cathedral is called Wolf’s Door. Legend has it that the people of Aachen tricked the devil by giving the soul of a wolf instead of a human as repayment for the funds to build the cathedral. The angered devil then slammed the door so hard that his thumb got caught and ripped off.

Castel del Monte (Castle on the Mount)

Castel Del Monte, a medieval castle in Andria at Apulia region, Italy

Castel del Monte, a 13th century medieval castle or citadel, features a blend of architectural styles from classical antiquity, the Muslim world, and the Gothic style from Northern Europe. Located in the region of Apulia in Italy, the castle was constructed in the 1240s, and was likely founded by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. The castle was built on land owned by Emperor Frederick’s mother, Constance of Sicily.

Perched atop a hill, its name meaning “Castle on the Mount,” Castel del Monte, has been steeped in mystery for many years. Its original purpose is not known for certain, though it is generally believed that it may have been constructed as a “curtain wall,” and served as a citadel. The fortress was never finished, and it has no moat or drawbridge. The architecture is noted for its unique geometric design – an octagon with octagonal towers in each of the eight corners, vaulted ceilings, and an octagonal courtyard in the center. There are two entrances to the citadel, a simple one for servants, and one ornate. The main entrance features architecture influenced by classical and Graeco-Roman styles.

Though once filled with artwork that included paintings, mosaics, and sculptures, the interior of Castel del Monte was looted in the 18th century by the House of Bourbon, who reused some pieces in their own palace. Today, the exterior architecture is the main draw to the site, but one of the few works of art remaining is a slab carving depicting a parade of knights.

Restoration began on the castle in 1928, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Castel del Monte is also featured on an Italian Euro coin.

Eastern Qing Tombs in China

Eastern Qing Tombs – Sacred burial ground of Qing Dynasty in China

The Eastern Qing Tombs make up an imperial mausoleum complex from the last feudal empire in China, the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). This sacred burial ground is located near Beijing in Zunhua, Hebei Province. Most of the tombs at Eastern Qing are open to the public.

The Eastern Qing Tombs are the final resting place of 5 emperors: Shunzhi, Kangxi, Qianlong, Xianfeng, and Tongzhi. In addition, there are also empresses, imperial concubines, princes, and princesses, all from the Qing Dynasty buried in the tombs. Their positioning within the tombs shows their relationships and the hierarchy of rulers and heirs, laid out in a branch-like system.

The largest and most elaborate tomb, and the focal point of the whole site is called Xiaoling, which houses the remains of the Emperor Shunzhi. He was the first Qing ruler, and his position in the mausoleum shows his exalted status. The Emperor Qianlong has a tomb that covers half a square kilometer, and is decorated with Tibetan and Sanskrit sutras, and bas-relief art.

The Empress Dowager Cixi has a tomb called Dingdongling, which was completed long before her death. The tomb features a depiction of a phoenix above a dragon – symbols representing the Empress and Emperor respectively.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island – Famous Ancient Federal Prison in California, United States

Best known for its infamous federal prison and for its ancient lighthouse and fort – one of the earliest built on the West Coast of the US – Alcatraz Island has always captivated the imagination of its visitors. 1.25 miles across the water from San Francisco, The Rock stands tall – a typifying one of the harshest and most notorious pens of the world.

Alcatraz Island is spread over 22 acres and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Guided tours of the prison are favorites. Nighttime tours heighten the mystique of the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary which had earned the reputation of being the ‘escape-proof prison.’
Before Alcatraz Island was turned into the site of the military and federal prisons, it was occupied for over a year and half by the Aboriginal Indians participating in a wave of Native protests starting in 1969. The Alcatraz Island is currently a national recreation area and a National Historic Landmark managed by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Some of the main landmarks on Alcatraz Island include the Main Cell house, Lighthouse, the Parade Grounds, Building 64, and New Industries and Model Industries Buildings.

Alcatraz Island is not all creepy horror stories. Those who give their imaginations a break will find interesting natural formations such as rock pools and some beautiful birds such as the black-crowned night herons and western gulls, and reptiles such as the California slender salamanders in their natural habitats.

The Pillars of the Weathering in Russia

The Pillars of Weathering at Komi Republic, Russia

The Pillars of the Weathering are a breathtaking natural attraction located in the Komi Republic region of Russia. The seven towering pillars approximately 98 feet to 137 feet (30 – 42 meters) in height are some of the most spectacular geographic formations known to mankind. Though, designated one of the Seven Wonders of Russia, the Pillars of Weathering are relatively little known outside the country and hence largely untainted by teeming tourists. The Manpupuner rock formations pose one of the toughest challenges to rock climbers across the world due to their massive height and unique shapes.

According to an ancient Russian legend, the Pillars of Weathering were once a group of Samoyeds giants heading towards Siberia with the intent of calling to war the Vogulsky people. The sight of the holy Vogulsky Mountains made their leader drop his drum and turned them into these giant monoliths exuding massive power and a stern deportment.

It is often suspected that the Pillars of Weathering were built by the Mansi community which inhabited the Troitsko-Pechersk district of Russia, north of the Ural mountains, but it seems more likely that they are the result of frost and weathering on what may have been huge boulders or mounds.

The existence of many legends among the Mansi, the Kopi, and the Russians is proof enough that these stone giants have captured the imaginations of people since ancient times. The Pillars of Weathering have come a long way from being a sacred place of worship to become a great tourist destination.