5 Disappointing Historical Sites around the World
You’ve traveled miles to stand before a historical site but now that it’s before you, all you can muster is a sinking feeling of disappointment. Sadly, some sites do not live up to our expectations, whether our hopes are too high or the surroundings dim the amazement.
Here are 5 of the most disappointing historical sites in the world:
1) Stonehenge, UK
Nestled in the depths of England’s countryside is a circle of standing stones that dates back (according to some) to 2400-2000 B.C.
Thought to have been built by the Neolithic people, Stonehenge still baffles historians as to how these stones came to stand there and what is their purpose-theories include an astronomical observatory or burial ground.
Why it’s disappointing
Common complaints include that the stones are smaller than expected, the site is expensive, there are too many tourists, there is a noisy road running next to the site, but most annoyingly, the stones are roped off.
A distant view of Stonehenge for the non-paying visitors. Photo by The-E.
2) The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only remaining site of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and as such features highly on many people’s lists of sites to visit.
Situated just beyond Cairo, the Great Pyramid is thought to have been built as far back as 2500 B.C. as a burial chamber for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu.
Why it’s disappointing
Surprise at the location is perhaps the reason most visitors are left feeling disappointed. Within clear view of a gargantuan highway and developed to within meters of the ancient site, the desert stretches in one direction only while the rest of the area comprises shops and fast-food joints galore.
The Great Pyramid within a short distance of fast-food joints. Photo by noaman.
3) Chichen Itza, Mexico
When El Castillo, the main pyramid at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, expectations were no doubt doubled overnight.
Located in the Yucatán state, El Castillo towers over 70 feet, is thought to have been built sometime between the 9th and 12th centuries and attracts over 1 million visitors each year.
Why it’s disappointing
There are two main complaints. First, you can no longer climb the temple, a common practice at other Mayan sites. Secondly, the abundant souvenir sellers and cleared landscape have removed any sense of the site’s ancient past.
Tourist route to El Castillo. Photo by ezragildesgame.
4) The Forbidden City, Beijing
Work started on the Forbidden City in 1406 and for over 500 years it was the imperial palace from the Ming through the Qing Dynasty. For many years the complex was off limits to the public (hence the name), which is perhaps one reason why today it is one of China’s most visited attractions.
Why it’s disappointing
For many, the first red-roofed temple is stunning, the second almost equally so, but by the time you have seen over a dozen of the same type of structures (there are nearly 1,000 buildings in total) it can be difficult to muster up a sense of amazement.
Also, add crowds that only China can produce and guided tours that are too detailed for most visitors and it isn’t surprising that most sightseers leave feeling flat.
Temple after temple at the Forbidden City. Photo by tenshots.
5) Pompeii, Italy
Infamously destroyed at the hands of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., Pompeii was a Roman city partially buried under volcanic lava. Lost to the world for over 1,700 years, Pompeii was rediscovered in 1748 and has since been an archaeological wonder.
Over two million tourists flock to the city’s remains each year, but many are left feeling deflated.
Why it’s disappointing
Roped-off rooms of stone and other ruins are all that remain from the tragedy that is Pompeii, and while no one wants to the see the true reality of such destruction, there is more left to the imagination than there is to see. The lack of decent signage at the site doesn’t help either.
Bear in mind though but as with any tourist attraction, every experience will be different, and with the right attitude and well-managed expectations, you can be wowed where others find only disappointment!
What is this, again? At Pompeii. Photo by luzer.
What did you think of these famous historical sites? Are there others that you found disappointing? Let me know in the comments below.
If you liked this article, you might also like: 9 Most Mathematically Interesting Buildings in the World.
Main photo: The sites we expect aren’t always what we get by archer10 (Dennis).
Note: The views expressed in this article are not those of Tripbase’ but are those of the author’s and of the various visitors to these historical sites who were left feeling disappointed!