In anticipation of the summer vacation season, it is important to choose a vacation spot in advance. You can rush to the bosom of nature "in the village, to your aunt, in the wilderness", or go to conquer the mountain peaks and underwater spaces. Or you can combine business with pleasure: relax and admire the famous cultural attractions. Their rating was compiled by the travel portal TripAdvisor.
The winners were determined using an algorithm that takes into account the number and quality of reviews and attraction ratings around the world... We present to you the top ten cultural sites on Earth.
10. Milan Cathedral, Italy
One of the most beautiful Gothic churches in the world. The main attraction is the statue of Milan's patroness made of gold. It also contains one of the nails with which, according to the Bible, they nailed Jesus Christ to the cross.
9. Lincoln Memorial and Sparkling Pool, Washington, USA
The memorial is simple and fundamental. In the evening, it is illuminated and reflected in the pool water. It is a place of national importance that honors the memory of one of America's greatest presidents.
8. Alhambra, Granada, Spain
There is a lot of light and water in this architectural and park ensemble. She murmurs in fountains, runs along canals and sparkles with splashes in ponds and reservoirs. And cypress alleys, flower beds with beautiful flowers and orange trees are conducive to a leisurely walk.
7. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood Saint Petersburg, Russia
The golden domes of the church are literally dazzling when you look at them on a sunny day. Savior on Spilled Blood was erected on the site of the assassination of Emperor Alexander II in March 1881, at the expense of funds donated by the royal family and thousands of Russians
6. Mesquita, Cordoba, Spain
Originally called the Great Mosque of Cordoba, it was converted into a Christian cathedral after the Spanish Reconquista.
Today many tourists come to wander among the forest of pillars of jasper, onyx, marble and granite. They are made from parts of a Roman temple previously built on this site. In the center of the Mesquita, there is a dome covered with blue star-shaped tiles.
5. Taj Mahal Agra, India
This white marble mausoleum is a symbol of Shah Jahan's love and sorrow for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who, before her death, asked her husband to build a tomb equal to their love. According to legend, Shah began to build a mausoleum of black marble for himself. However, his son Aurangzeb usurped power and the construction of the second tomb was not completed.
4. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Italy
The largest historic Christian church on the planet. Located in Piazza San Pietro, it boasts a stunning, rich interior with many tombstones, statues and altars.
3. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
This temple complex contains the remains of the capital of the Khmer Empire. Like other places of worship in Cambodia, it is built in the "temple-mountain" style.However, unlike other Khmer temples, which served only as a dwelling place for the gods, Angkor Wat was also intended for the burial of rulers.
2. Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
82 beautiful domes decorated with white marble proudly rise above the mosque. The interior decor is also decorated with the same material.
This is the largest mosque in the UAE. Its design was inspired by the idea of "uniting the world" - and travelers from different countries are truly united by their admiration for this snow-white, huge architectural masterpiece. Fortunately, everyone is allowed into the mosque for free, except for adherents of Islam.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
The Inca Citadel, located on the eastern slope of the Andes, ranked at the top 10 tourist attractions in 2016. What is it about it that attracts travelers? Perhaps the majestic ancient structures, built of carefully crafted stones. Or maybe a mystery: why this city was abandoned, because the Spanish conquistadors did not reach it. Or the magnificent panoramas with a predominance of green, blue and white, opening up to the eyes of those who got to Machu Picchu. Let the readers decide for themselves.