The Best Ancient Landmarks You’ve Never

Heard AboutKenny Slaught

Thanks to the Internet, lesser-known ancient sites have gained more interest in recent years. Still, these landmarks are often overlooked in favor of the more famous ancient ruins that have become popular tourist attractions. To escape the crowds, book a flight and explore some of the world’s lesser-known architectural masterpieces on following list.

Stari Most - Mostar, BosniaDating back to 1566, the Stari Most (translation: “Old Bridge”) is one of Bosnia’s most revered landmarks. Commissioned by the Ottoman emperor Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by architectural student Mimar Hajruddin, the Stari Most had design elements rarely seen in those times. The massive arch of the stone bridge spanned a stretch over the Neretva River in the city of Mostar, and it was flanked by stone towers on each side. It has been documented that the construction of the bridge was so sturdy that tanks were able to use it as a passageway during World War II. The Stari Most managed to survive centuries of neglect and harsh weather before it was destroyed in 1993 by the Croatian military during widespread civil war in the region.

In 2004, the bridge was reopened after years of painstaking construction. Great care was taken to make sure the new structure looked as similar as possible to the original bridge. The Stari Most is now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its new construction plan was the result of special funding from the group. As a protected historical site, hopefully it will never see the ravages of war again.

Stari Most - Image courtesy Clark & Kim Kays on Flickr

Ciudad Perdida, ColumbiaOften overlooked by tourists in favor of Machu Picchu in Peru, Ciudad Perdida is an ancient site that rests in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Over 1,000 years old, Ciudad Perdida is one of Colombia's national treasures, but it was virtually unheard of until the late 1970s. Known as ‘The Lost City’, Ciudad Perdida was once inhabited by thousands of people, until it was abandoned after the Spanish invaded the area during the 15th century and the local population was decimated by the introduction of European diseases. When a group of treasure hunters rediscovered the site centuries later in the 1970s, others came looking for gold and ancient artifacts. Now a nonprofit is working in the area to preserve the lost city.

Remnants of the original Ciudad Perdida can be seen in various rock carvings and in the large stone terraces, pathways, and plazas that blend in with the surrounding mountains. The site has become extremely popular in the past five years, particularly with hiking enthusiasts, who book tours to explore the area.

Ciudad Perdida, Columbia - Image courtesy William Neuheisel on Flickr

Monte Albán – Oaxaca, MexicoMexico is known for some of the world’s most famous ancient landmarks and archaeological sites. From Chichen Itza to Teotihuacan, the country is home to a host of pre-Columbian monuments and settlements. One of Mexico’s lesser-known architectural wonders is Monte Albán (translated to “white mountain”), which originally dates back to the B.C. era. Located in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, Monte Albán sits atop a mountainous range, overlooking the valleys below. The site includes the ruins of temples, pyramids, residential structures, and plazas, most of which were built by the Zapotec empire. It is thought that the city functioned as a ceremonial center for the surrounding area. Monte Albán was designated as a UNESCO historical site in 1987 and is one of the region’s most beloved pre-Columbian historical sites.

Monte Albán - Image courtesy user tinyfroglet on Flickr

Derawar Fort – Bahawalpur, PakistanSituated deep in the heart of the Cholistan Desert in central Pakistan is Derawar Fort, an enormous ancient fort and burial ground whose exact origin is unknown. Though its original date of construction is uncertain, Derawar Fort was rebuilt to the specifications set forth by Sadeq Mohammad Khan I after it was seized in 1733. This was the first of many transfers of ownership, as official control of the fort has changed hands several times throughout history.

The weathered structure stands out with its cylindrical towers and high walls of heavy stone. The interior of the fort has been defaced by graffiti and the elements, but its original beauty can still be seen throughout the building in ornate wall art, stone brick flooring, and heavy metal doors. A massive structure, Derawar Fort has walls up to 100 feet high and measures nearly 5,000 feet around.

A far cry from being a tourist attraction, Derawar Fort is not an easy place to visit. To access the remote fort, four-wheel-drive Jeeps must be used to navigate the rough terrain, and the trek takes nearly 4 hours to complete. Visitors must also obtain special permission from the local authorities before being allowed inside the premises.

Derawar Fort - Image courtesy user Haseeb Ansar on Flickr