In the late 19th century, a radical architectural shift permanently altered our city skylines. As cities were rapidly outgrowing their horizontal boundaries, architects began to look up. Facilitated by the invention of the safety elevator and structural steel, a generation of visionary engineers began constructing “buildings that scraped the sky.” More than just a necessity, these buildings were a statement of progress. The first skyscrapers were bold, intricate, and unapologetically grand.

While many of these pioneering high-rises fell victim to the wrecking ball over the last century, a select few historic structures remain standing. Here are 12 of the oldest skyscrapers that redefined city skylines.

1. Temple Court Building, New York (1883)

The Temple Court Building, located at 5 Beekman Street in Manhattan’s Financial District, was originally completed in 1883. Designed by Benjamin Silliman Jr. and James M. Farnsworth, it displays a blend of Queen Anne, neo-Grec, and Renaissance Revival styles. Its distinctive red-brick façade, adorned with tan stone and terracotta accents, is complemented by two pyramidal towers at the corners.

In 1889, a Romanesque Revival style annex was added to the building. Its limestone façade seamlessly integrates with the original structure. The structure has a nine-story atrium, crowned by a pyramidal skylight, which floods the interior with natural light and highlights the intricate iron railings and detailed ornamentation. The atrium was designated as an interior landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2024.

After a period of vacancy starting in 2001, the building underwent significant restoration and redevelopment. In 2016, it reopened as part of The Beekman Hotel and Residences complex. This project included the addition of a 51-story condominium tower, known as the Beekman Residences, designed by Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel Architects.

2. Hotel Chelsea, New York (1884) 

The Hotel Chelsea, or Chelsea Hotel, is a historic landmark located at 222 West 23rd Street in Manhattan, New York City. Constructed between 1883 and 1884, it was initially designed as one of the city’s first cooperative apartment complexes. Designed by architect Philip Hubert, its style is described as Queen Anne Revival and Victorian Gothic. The 12-story red brick building, adorned with wrought-iron balconies, was, for a time, the tallest structure in New York City.

In 1905, the building transitioned into a hotel, quickly becoming a haven for artists, writers, musicians, and actors. Its bohemian atmosphere attracted a plethora of notable residents, including literary figures such as Mark Twain, Arthur C. Clarke, and Jack Kerouac, who penned “On the Road” during his stay. The hotel also hosted musical legends like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Patti Smith. Andy Warhol filmed his iconic movie “Chelsea Girls” at the hotel in 1966.

Throughout its history, the Chelsea Hotel has been a backdrop for both artistic creation and tumultuous events. The poet Dylan Thomas fell ill at the hotel before his death in 1953, and in 1978, punk rock musician Sid Vicious was implicated in the death of his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, in one of its rooms.

3. Osborne Apartments, New York (1885) 

The Osborne Apartments, located at 205 West 57th Street in Manhattan, New York City, was constructed between 1883 and 1885. Designed by architect James Edward Ware, the luxury apartment building uses a Romanesque Revival style with a façade clad in rusticated brownstone. The building’s southern section facing 57th Street rises 11 stories, while the northern section extends to 15 stories. The interior is notable for its elaborate lobby, adorned with stuccoed and mosaic-tiled walls, reflecting the opulence of the Gilded Age.

Commissioned by stone contractor Thomas Osborne as a speculative investment, building costs soon spun out of control, resulting in its acquisition by the Taylor family in 1889. Situated directly across from Carnegie Hall and in close proximity to Central Park, it sits within Manhattan’s “Billionaires’ Row,” a stretch known for its luxury real estate and cultural institutions.

Today, the Osborne operates as a cooperative residential building, maintaining its historic charm while offering modern amenities. In 1991, it was designated a New York City landmark, and in 1993, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

4. Sun Building, Washington, DC (1887)

Nestled at 1317 F Street NW in Washington, DC, the Sun Building stands as a testament to architectural innovation. Designed by Alfred B. Mullett and constructed between 1885 and 1887, it originally served as the Washington bureau for The Baltimore Sun. When it was completed, the nine-story edifice was among the city’s earliest skyscrapers. The pioneering iron-and-masonry structure has a façade adorned with sun motifs and sunflowers, an early example of corporate branding through architecture.

The building was equipped with steam-powered elevators, later upgraded to hydraulic systems in 1909 and electric elevators in 1922. In 1904, architect B. Stanley Simmons oversaw modifications for the American Bank, including the addition of a ninth floor in 1907 to accommodate the Interstate Commerce Commission’s hearing room. Other notable tenants have included Woodrow Wilson’s law firm and the early offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under J. Edgar Hoover.

Recognized for its architectural and historical value, the Sun Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 27, 1985.

5. Rookery Building, Chicago (1888)

Nestled at the corner of LaSalle and Adams Streets in Chicago, the Rookery Building was completed in 1888 by the renowned partnership of Daniel Burnham and John Wellborn Root. This iconic structure seamlessly blends masonry and skeletal frame construction. Root devised a “grillage foundation,” a network of iron rails encased in concrete. This results in an underground floating platform that distributed the building’s enormous weight evenly across the soft earth, a technique that changed how skyscrapers were anchored around the world

The building’s name, “The Rookery,” harks back to a time when the site housed a temporary city hall teeming with crows and pigeons, as well as politicians, leading locals to dub it a “rookery.” Embracing this moniker, Root incorporated bird motifs into the building’s ornamental design, adding a whimsical touch to its grandeur.

One of the Rookery’s most captivating features is its central light court. Originally designed to flood the interior with natural light, this two-story atrium was reimagined in 1905 by the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. He introduced white Carrara marble, intricate Persian-inspired patterns, and elegant bronze chandeliers, transforming the space into a luminous blend of form and function.

6. Wilder Building, Rochester (1888) 

Constructed between 1887 and 1888, this eleven-story structure is considered Rochester’s first modern skyscraper. Designed by the prominent Rochester architectural firm Warner & Brockett, the building showcases a modified Romanesque style. Its original design featured spires at each corner of the roof, which have since been removed.

A notable feature of the Wilder Building is its association with the invention of the mail chute. James Goold Cutler, who received U.S. Patent 284,951 on September 11, 1883, for the mail chute, installed a perfected version in the Wilder Building during its construction. With the demolition of the Elwood Building in 1965, the Wilder Building’s mail chute is currently the oldest surviving example of this innovation.

Today, the Wilder Building continues to serve as a functional office space, housing various businesses and organizations. Its prime location at the Four Corners in downtown Rochester makes it a central and accessible hub for commerce.

7. APA Building, Melbourne, Australia (1889)

Completed in 1889 at the corner of Elizabeth Street and Flinders Lane in Melbourne, Australia, this structure was an absolute monolith for its time. It wasn’t just the Southern Hemisphere’s first skyscraper. For a brief period, the 12-story, 173-foot structure was one of the tallest commercial buildings in the entire world.

Fueled by the Victorian gold rush, the city was one of the wealthiest in the British Empire, earning the nickname “Marvelous Melbourne.” The building was commissioned by the Australian Property and Investment Company and designed by the architectural firm Oakden, Addison & Kemp in association with John Beswicke. It was designed in Queen Anne Revival style with a highly decorative exterior made of contrasting red brick and cream-colored freestone bandings. The top of the building was a chaotic, beautiful masterpiece of picturesque gables, dormer windows, steep roofs, and a soaring, corner turret spire that made it look like a medieval castle stacked on top of a modern office block. The building was “scalped” of these features in the 1950s.

Unfortunately, by the mid-20th century, the Victorian Queen Anne style had fallen heavily out of architectural favor and lacked modern fire isolation standards. In 1980, despite fierce protests, the building was demolished.

8. New York Times Building (41 Park Row), New York (1889) 

The New York Times was founded in 1851 and initially operated from 113 Nassau Street. As the newspaper’s influence grew, it relocated to a newly constructed building at 41 Park Row in 1858, making it the first structure in New York City designed specifically for a newspaper. By the late 1880s, to accommodate its expanding operations, the Times commissioned architect George B. Post to design a larger Romanesque Revival-style building on the same site. This new 13-story structure was completed in 1889, showcasing advanced construction techniques of the period.

The 1889 building featured a façade adorned with intricate stonework and large arched windows, reflecting the Romanesque Revival style. Its construction was notable for being executed around the existing operations of the newspaper, allowing The New York Times to continue publishing without interruption. This engineering feat demonstrated innovative building practices of the time.

In 1905, The New York Times relocated to a new building at One Times Square, and 41 Park Row underwent modifications, including the addition of four stories. Pace University acquired the building in 1951, repurposing it for academic use. The structure has since been designated a New York City landmark and contributes to the Fulton–Nassau Historic District.

9. Old Chronicle Building, San Francisco (1889) 

The Old Chronicle Building, also known as the de Young Building, is a historic landmark located at 690 Market Street in San Francisco, California. Completed in 1889, it was designed by the renowned Chicago architectural firm Burnham and Root in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. At the time of its completion, the ten-story building, featuring a clock tower reaching 218 feet, was the tallest structure on the West Coast and is considered San Francisco’s first skyscraper.

Commissioned by M. H. de Young, owner of the San Francisco Chronicle, the building served as the newspaper’s headquarters and was a prominent feature of the city’s “Newspaper Row,” sharing the area with other major publications. In 1905, during a mayoral victory celebration, fireworks ignited the wooden clock tower, leading to its removal. Despite suffering significant damage during the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fires, the building was rebuilt under the supervision of architect Willis Polk, preserving its historical significance.

Over the years, the Old Chronicle Building underwent several transformations. In 1962, an attempt to modernize its appearance led to the original masonry façade being covered with a contemporary exterior. However, in 2004, efforts were made to restore its historic character, and the building was converted into the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences.

10. Manhattan Building, Chicago (1891) 

Located at 431 South Dearborn Street in Chicago, Illinois, the Manhattan Building was designed by architect William Le Baron Jenney and constructed between 1889 and 1891. Upon its completion, the 16-story structure was the tallest building globally and is recognized as the oldest surviving skyscraper with a purely skeletal steel frame.

The building’s distinctive design features bow windows that enhance natural light within its interior spaces. The façade combines a granite base for the lower floors with brick on the upper stories, reducing the load on the internal steel framework. This innovative approach addressed concerns about wind-induced sway, with Jenney incorporating structural elements to ensure stability. The Manhattan Building was also constructed wedged between two existing seven-to-eight-story buildings. Traditional foundations would have destabilized their walls, so Jenney used cantilevered foundation beams. He placed the building’s massive structural columns 15 feet inside the property line, and then balanced the exterior walls out over the edges like a see-saw.

Today, the Manhattan Building continues to serve as a commercial office space, retaining its historical significance and architectural charm. Visitors and architecture enthusiasts can admire its exterior, which showcases the early adoption of steel-frame construction; a pivotal development in skyscraper design. Situated in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, the building is part of the historic Printing House Row District, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich architectural heritage.

11. Ames Building, Boston (1893) 

Nestled at 1 Court Street in Boston, Massachusetts, the Ames Building stands as a testament to the city’s architectural evolution. Completed in 1893, it was designed by the esteemed firm Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidge in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. At 14 stories, it was Boston’s tallest building upon completion and is considered Beantown’s first skyscraper.

Commissioned by industrialist Frederick Lothrop Ames, the building showcases a façade adorned with granite and sandstone, featuring grand arches and intricate carvings. Its construction marked a significant achievement as the second-tallest masonry load-bearing wall structure globally at the time, surpassed only by Chicago’s Monadnock Building.

Over the years, the Ames Building has undergone several transformations. Initially serving as office space, it was converted into a luxury boutique hotel in 2009. In 2020, Suffolk University acquired the building, repurposing it as a student residence hall.

12. The Witte Huis, Rotterdam, Netherlands (1898) 

This 11-story, 141-foot-tall building was Europe’s first skyscraper. In the late 1890s, Rotterdam was rapidly expanding into a world-class port city. Two wealthy brothers, Gerrit and Jan-Hendrik van der Schuyt, traveled to the United States and were spellbound by the soaring skyscrapers of New York and Chicago. They returned to the Netherlands determined to bring that vertical ambition to Europe.

Locals believed that their soft, marshy ground could not support a skyscraper. To prove them wrong, architect Willem Molenbroek engineered a massive underground foundation, driving 1,000 thick pine piles deep into the soft swampy soil to anchor the structure securely.

Different from its American cousins, the building used Art Nouveau and Jugendstil styles. The exterior was clad in brilliant white glazed bricks, which gave the building its name, and the facade is decorated with ornamental mosaics and stone statues. It has a steep mansard roof featuring a magnificent rooftop viewing platform, which became an instant tourist attraction in 1898.

Perched high above Los Angeles, the Getty Museum is where art, architecture, and sunlight all vie for attention. The tram ride up feels like a highlight all its own, gifting city views that stretch forever. Inside are centuries of European masterpieces, Renaissance swagger, and Impressionist glow, framed by gardens and fountains that nearly steal the show. Whether you’re here for art or just excellent selfie credentials, here are eight highlights you absolutely shouldn’t skip.

1. Irises, by Vincent van Gogh

Let’s get this one out of the way first. Visiting the Getty and not seeing Irises is like going to Rome and skipping the Colosseum. Sure, its fame is overdone nowadays, printed on mugs, magnets, tote bags, and even raincoats, but this 1889 painting is still worth all the hype. Van Gogh painted it while at the asylum in Saint-Rémy, just before Starry Night.

The sweeping brushwork and deep blues feel alive, even slightly manic, as if the irises themselves were caught mid-twitch. Recent analysis revealed that the pigments have faded over time; the flowers were originally more violet than blue.

2. The Abduction of Europa, by Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt had already made a name for himself as a master of mood by the time he painted this mythical masterpiece. Gone were the stiff portraits of his Leiden years; now his canvases were all about drama, light, and oodles of human emotion.

His Abduction of Europa (1632) captures the exact moment Zeus, disguised as a bull, whisks away the unsuspecting princess, Europa; a myth of divine seduction turned into a storm of light and motion, scandal disguised as scholarship. Incidentally, it is from this myth that the continent of Europe takes its name.

There is a lot of drama to unpack here: a blur of movement, startled figures, and a chiaroscuro that would have even elicited envy from Caravaggio. What makes this painting fascinating, though, is its Dutch twist. Rembrandt took a southern Mediterranean myth, added muddy water and dark skies, and turned it into a northern seascape worthy of a Viking saga. Set aside the mythic backstory, and the painting still plays like a Baroque blockbuster, Rembrandt doing with brush and paint what directors now do with CGI.

3. Portrait of a Halberdier, by Jacopo Pontormo

Pontormo was one of the most distinctive painters of the Italian Renaissance, known for his unusual compositions and the raw emotion in his figures. His Portrait of a Halberdier, painted around 1528, feels surprisingly modern, and it is sometimes hard to believe it was painted over half a millennium ago.

Pontormo’s young soldier stands with one hand on his weapon, chin tilted just enough to suggest either confidence or, more probably, youthful arrogance. Historians still debate the subject painted, perhaps a Florentine noble, and it’s fair to say that certainty will always remain elusive.

4. Modern Rome – Campo Vaccino, by J.M.W. Turner

Painted in 1839, this glowing view of Rome shows the city, larger than life, slowly melting into light. Turner painted it from memory long after his travels in Italy, which might be why it feels more like a dream than an actual record of what Rome looked like at the time. He used layer upon layer of thin color to get that signature golden haze, the kind that makes you squint just a little.

Look closely and you’ll spot tiny figures wandering among the ruins, as if ordinary life and ancient history had decided to share the same space. This is Rome, after all, where life has been imitating art for a thousand years.

5. The Fountain of Love, by Jean-Honoré Fragonard

Decadent, sugary, and ultra theatrical, The Fountain was painted in the 1780s, after Fragonard had spent years creating playful and often flirtatious scenes for France’s elite, many considered risqué in their day. Here, he toned down the mischief but kept the sensual energy.

What’s interesting is that Fragonard painted The Fountain of Love near the end of his career, just as the Rococo style was going out of fashion. While France was preparing for that revolution, he was still painting about love, perhaps a sign he knew which side of history he preferred.

6. Bust of Pope Paul V, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini

Bernini was only in his 20s when he sculpted this marble bust of Pope Paul V around 1621, yet his talent (which would go on to transform Rome) was already clear. People of his time said he could make marble breathe, and standing in front of this piece, you can see why. The slight smirk and creased brow look startlingly real.

The Vatican’s golden child got his start carving for popes because that is where the money and power were. Pope Urban VIII adored him and gave him free rein to shape Baroque Rome, from St. Peter’s Baldachin to the grand piazza outside. The Church wanted awe, and Bernini delivered it with theatrical flair. At one point, he even staged a play for the Pope, complete with a flood so realistic that the audience panicked and ran for the exits.

7. La Promenade, by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

If Van Gogh was all about intensity, Renoir was undoubtedly about warmth. La Promenade, painted around 1870, shows a young couple walking through the woods, with just a hint of dappled sunlight. It beautifully captures the early days of Impressionism, when artists were far more interested in chasing plays of light than perfect outlines. Renoir finished it just before the Franco-Prussian War pulled him into the army, which might explain its gentleness.

Many see no symbolism here, just a brief, beautiful pause before the brutality of war took over.

8. Robert Irwin’s Central Garden

After so much art, you will no doubt wish to step outside and let your eyes rest. The Getty’s Central Garden, designed by artist Robert Irwin in the 1990s, is a masterpiece of living art, so your eyes won’t rest all that much.

Irwin famously said the garden should be “always changing, never twice the same,” and it’s true. Plants change dramatically with the seasons, colors evolve, and the garden never looks the same, no matter how many times you visit. The garden contains over 500 plant varieties, and the floating azalea maze at its center is pure poetry.

Bonus Stop: The Cactus Garden

Don’t miss the smaller Cactus Garden just south of the South Pavilion. It is an L.A. take on sculpture: spiky, sculptural, and incredibly photogenic. Set against the Pacific haze, these desert gems form one of the most underrated viewpoints in the city.

Since You’re in the Getty Mood…

If you’ve made it this far and still have energy, head west to the Getty Villa in Malibu. It is where J. Paul Getty’s collection first lived, modeled on an ancient Roman villa, complete with sumptuous gardens overlooking the sea.

You’ll find mosaics, marble, and a few statues that wouldn’t have looked out of place in Pompeii. It is the older, more classical sibling to the Getty Center’s modern cool, and together, they’re a pretty convincing reason to call it a day very well spent.

If you’re a history buff who appreciates beautiful scenery, then New York State’s old towns should be next on your bucket list. Discover stunning views of rolling hills, color-changing mountains, and charming blue lakes, dotted with well-preserved historic towns that tell the nation’s early history. Here are ten of the best historic towns to visit while traveling in New York.

1. Seneca Falls

Seneca Falls is located on the Seneca River in the Finger Lakes region and is famous for its Victorian architecture. The town became a hub for America’s women’s rights movement after it was first settled in 1787. It was home to key figures in the movement, from Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Amelia Jenks Bloomer. Seneca Falls is also where the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention for Women’s Rights took place.

Today, you can visit Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s House and the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Many people believe that Seneca Falls has inspired the fictional Bedford Falls in It’s a Wonderful Life. This is because of the similarities between the town’s architecture, steel bridge, and community setting. Today, it hosts an annual It’s a Wonderful Life festival.

2. Southold

In 1640, 13 Puritan families from New Haven founded Southold in the North Fork of Long Island. The New York town was the first ever English settlement in the state. Southold is surrounded by water on three sides and covers 60 square miles of land. It has farmland, vineyards, and beautiful beaches.

The Horton Point Lighthouse should be on your Southold bucket list. This is one of eight historic lighthouses in town, and it’s listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The U.S. Lighthouse Service built Horton Point Lighthouse in 1857. It stands at 58 feet tall. The lighthouse was restored, relit, and reopened in 1990.

3. Skaneateles

Pronounced “Skinny-atlas,” this Central New York town sits on Skaneateles Lake. This is one of the clearest lakes in the Finger Lakes region, formed millions of years ago by glaciers. It was named after the Iroquois word for “Long Lake.” Stunning hills also surround it.

The town itself has a rich Revolutionary War history. Land grants were given to soldiers after the war, allowing Skaneateles to grow exponentially. Historical landmarks include the John D. Barrow Art Gallery and the historic Sherwood Inn, established in 1807. Skaneateles was famous for boat craftsmanship, particularly between the years 1876 and 1945. The town was a leader in producing sailboats, motor launches, and canoes.

4. Cold Spring

This once-small trading post was founded in 1730 by Thomas Davenport. Here, you can witness well-preserved 19th-century buildings along the Hudson River. During the Civil War, Cold Spring used to supply munitions to the Union Army, which allowed it to turn into an industrial hub. Historical landmarks include Constitution Island, West Point Foundry Preserve, West Point Military Academy (across the Hudson River), and Boscobel House and Gardens.

The Historic District of Cold Spring has more than 200 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Favorite spots include Saint Mary’s in the Highlands and Our Lady of Loretto. Popular writers and artists have been inspired by the town. For example, Don McLean lived in Cold Spring when he wrote American Pie.

5. New Paltz

New Paltz, located on the Shawangunk Ridge, combines history with stunning natural beauty. In the early 18th century, it was settled by the French Huguenots beside the Wallkill River. The National Historic Landmark District has a reconstructed 1717 church on top of seven original stone houses.

Head to the western side for 70 miles of trails at the Mohonk Preserve, where you can enjoy horseback riding, biking, hiking, and many other fun activities. Also, visit the world-famous Victorian-era Mohonk Mountain House on the edge of Mohonk Lake with 40,000 acres of enchanting landscapes, luxury accommodations, and a unique spa.

6. Huntington

Home to various historic sites managed by the Huntington Historical Society, this town was founded in 1653. Located on the northern shore of Long Island, Huntington is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Top sites include the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building and the Kissam House Museum. Both reflect the town’s role in the Revolutionary War.

If you fancy some good live music or an artistic performance, head to the Paramount Theater, located in a restored historic venue. For art lovers, the Heckscher Museum is a must. Here, you can see a wide collection of European and American art.

7. Lewiston

Lewiston is located around a 30-minute drive from Buffalo. It’s home to just 16,000 and was a crucial early European settlement between 1615 and 1720. This small town covers 64 square miles of land along the Niagara River. At Center Street, you can see historic buildings that are more than 200 years old. Do not miss the Frontier House there, built in 1824, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Lewiston played a big role as one of the final stops along the Underground Railroad. Several people had to break the law in Lewiston to help fugitive slaves make their way to Canada safely. Their story is celebrated by the Freedom Crossing Monument. Other historic monuments include the Tuscarora Heroes Monument and the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant.

8. Lake George

Founded in 1810, this beautiful town is located in the Adirondacks. Back then, it was known as the “Town of Caldwell.” It wasn’t until 1962 that it was renamed Lake George. It is home to a historic retreat center dating back to 1903. Wiawaka was established for female textile workers from Troy. Today, the center operates as a nonprofit.

National Historic Landmarks in Lake George include the Owl’s Nest and the Land Tortoise (radeau) Shipwreck Site. There is also the Wiawaka Bateaux Site, Royal C. Peabody Estate, and Wiawaka Holiday House. These are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Head to Fort William Henry Museum to learn about the military history of this former British outpost.

9. Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay was first mentioned by Dutch Captain David Pietersz de Vries in his journal in 1639, after he was enchanted by the town’s beautiful harbor. In the same year, the Long Island hamlet was purchased by the Dutch from Native Americans. After that, it came under British rule. In 1667, Oyster Bay got its charter to become a township.

The town became home to President Theodore Roosevelt during the summer of 1885 and up to 1919, when he died. His home was located on Sagamore Hill, and it now belongs to the National Park Service. Lovers of art should head to Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park for some horticultural showings. There is also the Raynham Hall Museum, where you can learn a lot about the region’s history during the American Revolutionary War.

10. Cooperstown

19th-century architecture and waterfront views await in this Central New York small village. More than 300,000 people flock every year to Cooperstown to visit the historic National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum. It was built here to boost tourism based on the myth that Abner Doubleday invented baseball there in 1839.

William Cooper founded Cooperstown in 1786. He was the father of James Fenimore Cooper, a famous American novelist. During the Revolutionary War, General James Clinton’s forces used Otsego Lake as a staging ground during the 1779 Sullivan-Clinton Expedition. Popular sites include the Farmer’s Museum, the Fenimore Art Museum, and Hyde Hall, a neoclassical country mansion with over 50 rooms and stunning architecture. Have a picnic on the lawn and marvel at the serene Otsego Lake during the afternoon for some chill time in Cooperstown.

Australia’s story stretches back over 60,000 years, beginning with its First Nations peoples and evolving through waves of colonial exploration, gold rushes, wars, and modern nation-building. While major cities reflect this layered past, Queensland’s rural towns hold a distinct place in that narrative. From early pastoral settlements and gold discoveries to pivotal infrastructure and immigration landmarks, Queensland captures Australia’s broader history. Discover ten historic towns in Queensland with unique architecture, museums, and living traditions.

1. Cooktown

Cooktown, perched at the mouth of the Endeavour River in Far North Queensland, is a town steeped in history and natural beauty. In 1770, Captain James Cook beached the HMS Endeavour here for repairs for 48 days. This marked the first extended European stay on Australia’s east coast. A century later, the Palmer River Gold Rush transformed Cooktown into a bustling port, swelling its population to around 30,000 and making it Queensland’s second-largest town at the time.

Today, visitors can explore the James Cook Museum, housed in a former 1889 convent, which showcases artifacts from Cook’s voyage and the town’s gold rush era. The Cooktown History Centre offers interactive displays detailing the region’s rich past. For panoramic views, Grassy Hill Lookout provides a vantage point over the town and coastline. Nature enthusiasts can wander through the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, established in 1878, featuring both native and exotic plant species.

2. Charters Towers

Charters Towers is located 135 kilometers southwest of Townsville and played a major role in Queensland’s gold rush. Gold was discovered there in 1871 by a 12-year-old Aboriginal boy named Jupiter Mosman, and the town quickly developed into one of Australia’s richest goldfields. By the 1890s, Charters Towers was the second-largest town in Queensland, with its own stock exchange and a strong mining economy.

Today, the town retains much of its 19th-century architecture and historic sites. Visitors can tour the Venus Gold Battery, the largest surviving gold processing plant of its kind in Australia. The Stock Exchange Arcade, built in 1888, is another significant site and now houses shops within its restored structure. Towers Hill Lookout offers views over the region, along with displays on mining history and World War II bunkers. The Miner’s Cottage provides a hands-on look at life during the gold rush.

3. Maryborough

Situated on the Mary River, Maryborough is one of Queensland’s oldest cities, established in 1847. It gained prominence as a major immigration port between 1859 and 1901, welcoming over 22,000 new settlers to Australia.

The city boasts a well-preserved heritage precinct featuring 19th-century architecture, including the Maryborough Court House and Customs House. The Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum houses over 10,000 artifacts, offering insights into Australia’s military history. Queens Park, established in the 1860s, features the Gallipoli to Armistice memorial and the Butchulla Warriors’ Memorial, honoring Indigenous history. The Maryborough Mural Trail showcases over 30 murals depicting the city’s rich history.

4. Ravenswood

Located approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Townsville, Ravenswood is a heritage-listed town that offers a vivid glimpse into Queensland’s gold rush era. Established in 1868 following the discovery of gold, the town rapidly expanded, boasting a population of nearly 5,000 and over 48 hotels at its peak. Today, Ravenswood stands as a well-preserved testament to its rich mining history.

Visitors can explore significant historical sites such as the London North Mine, featuring one of the few remaining timber headframes in North Queensland, and the Ravenswood Court House and Police Station, both dating back to the 1880s. The town also showcases remnants of its mining past, including mullock heaps, old chimneys, and rusting machinery scattered across the landscape. For those interested in natural history, the White Blow Environmental Park offers a striking 300-million-year-old white quartz outcrop.

5. Ipswich

Ipswich, just west of the state capital Brisbane, is one of Queensland’s oldest cities, with roots tracing back to the early 1800s. Originally a limestone mining settlement, it grew into a vital industrial center and became the birthplace of Queensland’s railway network.

The city’s historic value is most evident in its architecture. With over 6,000 heritage-listed sites, Ipswich is home to colonial-era churches, classic Queenslanders, and public buildings like the old Town Hall and the 1860s courthouse.

One of its standout attractions is The Workshops Rail Museum, located on the original North Ipswich Railway Workshops site. It offers hands-on exhibitions inside preserved rail buildings. Queens Park, designed in the 1860s, remains a key landmark, with heritage gardens, animal enclosures, and the Bush Chapel. Nearby, the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall stands as a tribute to Ipswich’s wartime contributions.

6. Gympie

Originally known as Nashville, Gympie was established following the discovery of gold by James Nash in 1867, a find that played a pivotal role in rescuing Queensland from financial hardship. The name was later changed to Gympie, derived from the Aboriginal word “gimpi-gimpi,” referring to the stinging tree native to the area.

Gympie honors its rich heritage through various attractions. The Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum offers insights into the city’s gold rush era, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that depict the life and times of early settlers. Another notable attraction is the Mary Valley Rattler, a heritage steam train that provides scenic journeys through the picturesque Mary Valley, reflecting the region’s historical connection to rail transport.

Visitors can also explore the city’s architectural legacy along Mary Street, where restored buildings from the 19th century house modern cafes and shops, blending the old with the new. Additionally, the Gympie Regional Gallery, situated in the historic School of Arts building, showcases local art and cultural exhibitions, further enriching the city’s vibrant community.

7. Warwick

Warwick Town Hall, Queensland, Australia. Source: Wikimedia Commons[/caption]

Established in the mid-19th century, Warwick became a prominent center for sheep breeding and agriculture in the Darling Downs region. The city’s heritage is evident in its well-preserved sandstone buildings, such as the Warwick Town Hall and St Mary’s Catholic Church, reflecting its colonial past.

Warwick is renowned as the “Rose and Rodeo City,” hosting the annual Warwick Rodeo and Campdraft, one of Australia’s most famous rodeo events. The city also celebrates the “Jumpers and Jazz in July” festival, blending art, music, and community spirit.

Visitors can explore the Pringle Cottage Museum, showcasing local history, or enjoy outdoor activities at Leslie Dam, a popular spot for fishing and water sports.

8. Herberton

Herberton, nestled in Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands, stands as a testament to Australia’s tin mining heritage. Established in 1880 following the discovery of tin by prospectors Jack and Newell, the town rapidly evolved into a bustling mining hub, attracting a diverse population seeking fortune.

Herberton offers visitors a unique glimpse into its rich past. The Historic Village Herberton spans 16 acres and features over 50 restored period buildings, including a school, bank, and chemist, all furnished with authentic artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Adjacent to the village, the Herberton Mining Museum provides insights into the town’s mining legacy, showcasing equipment and stories from its tin-rich days. Rail enthusiasts can experience the Atherton Herberton Historic Railway, where restored steam locomotives traverse the scenic landscapes, echoing the journeys of yesteryears.

9. Kilkivan

Originally inhabited by the Wakka Wakka people, European settlers arrived here in the 1840s. In 1852, Kilkivan became the site of Queensland’s first gold discovery, sparking a rush that shaped the region’s development.

Kilkivan honors its heritage through several attractions. The Kilkivan Shire Museum offers insights into the town’s past, featuring exhibits on mining, agriculture, and local life. Nearby, the Mount Clara smelter stands as a testament to the area’s copper mining history. Built in 1873, it’s one of Queensland’s oldest surviving mining industry chimneys.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Kilkivan to Kingaroy Rail Trail provides an 88-kilometer path for walking, cycling, and horse riding, following the old railway line through scenic landscapes. Additionally, the annual Great Kilkivan Horse Ride celebrates the town’s equestrian culture, drawing riders from across the country.

10. Gayndah

Nestled along the Burnett River in Queensland, Gayndah holds the distinction of being the state’s oldest gazetted town, officially established in 1852. Initially a pastoral hub, it evolved into a center for citrus production, earning the title “Citrus Capital of Queensland.”

The town’s heritage is showcased in its well-preserved architecture. The Gayndah Shire Hall, built in 1935, exemplifies Art Deco design and serves as a reminder of the town’s civic history. Mellors Drapery Store, operating since 1922, still uses a rare “flying fox” cash system, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century retail practices.

Gayndah’s cultural events reflect its community spirit. The biennial Orange Festival celebrates the citrus harvest with parades and local produce. For panoramic views of the town and surrounding orchards, visitors can ascend McConnell Lookout.

Discover Queensland’s 20 Largest Towns and Cities

Paintings in Japan are often different from what many Western visitors expect. Although they are nowadays considered decorative almost to a fault, they were not always made to hang permanently on walls, to be simply admired. Keeping that difference in mind makes the works below easier to appreciate on their own terms.

What Makes Japanese Paintings Unique?

To understand how different approaches to painting developed in Japan, it helps to start with what paintings were expected to do.

Buddhist images, for example, were created to function inside temples, where they needed to be legible from a distance. They also had to follow a few clearly established visual rules. Christian paintings in Japan, on the other hand, followed a very different path. They circulated openly only briefly before Christianity was banned, after which they were pushed into private hands and survived only through secrecy and discretion.

Hand-painted folding screens, those stunning artworks for which Japan is most loved abroad, belonged in private homes instead. Yet even here, they were never meant to be permanent fixtures, but rather moved into place, repositioned when needed, then stored away again until next time.

Oil paintings didn’t arrive in Japan until much later, introduced through government-backed art schools in the late 19th century, at a time when the country was on a mission to modernize. They entered a traditional painting world that was already well-established, so rather than replace established techniques, they simply existed alongside them.

That separation matters a lot when admiring paintings in Japan, as it is understanding that every piece speaks volumes about the time it was created, why it was created, and even how it was meant to be admired.

Here are eight gems you ought to know about.

1. Wind God and Thunder God Screens, Kyoto National Museum

These paired folding screens were made for the homes of Japan’s elite, where paintings helped organize expansive rooms rather than fill them. The Wind God and Thunder God would face one another across an open floor space, their exaggerated poses suspended against gold leaf with no landscape to ground them. From a distance, the figures read instantly, yet up close, the brushwork remains spare and controlled.

Screens were meant to move and be moved, so one could manage what could be seen from different points in the room.

2. Red Fuji, Sumida Hokusai Museum

This image by Hokusai captures Mount Fuji at a specific moment, when early morning light briefly turns its slopes a deep red before the color drains away. The composition is pared back almost to bluntness; Fuji dominates the frame, while the sky does very little.

The print was produced as part of a series, and the museum leans into that by showing multiple impressions side by side. The red comes from iron oxide pigment, chosen even though imported Prussian blue was already circulating widely. Slight variations between prints were expected and accepted, and many are shown in museums all over the world.

3. Self-Portrait Series, Fujita Tsuguharu, Modern Art Museum, Tokyo

Fujita was born in Tokyo in 1886 and trained initially in Japan before leaving for Paris in 1913. He arrived at a moment when European artists were actively seeking non-Western influences, and his understanding of how to tap into that curiosity and make it work in his favor was almost instantaneous.

Fujita presents himself with his signature bowl-cut hair, wide eyes, round, thin-rimmed glasses, and a pale surface that reads almost like translucent skin. He became associated with this distinctive style built around pale, chalky white surfaces, achieved by mixing oil paint with unusual binders. The technique became his signature and was widely read by European critics as something uniquely “Japanese.” Ironically, he had actually developed the style specifically for his new, Western audience. The paint is applied thinly, letting the canvas texture show through, while the background offers no setting or context. Western oil technique is present, but deliberately stripped of gloss and illusion.

4. Portrait of a Woman, Adachi Art Museum

Yamashita Shunkyo was born in 1871 and, as a painter, became closely associated with nihonga, a modern painting movement that set out to preserve Japanese materials and formats while selectively incorporating Western realism.

On Portrait of a Woman (translations of the title vary), you see the face created from fine ink lines and soft mineral pigments, set against a pretty, muted background. There is no setting to read into and no gesture to latch onto, and that restraint was not simply a personal quirk but an inherent trait of the nihonga tradition. State exhibitions and art schools heavily regulated how nihonga paintings were made, even down to dictating the choice of materials.

5. Naban-Era Christian Paintings, Kobe City Museum

Christian paintings are rare in Japan, not because few were made, but because most simply did not survive. Marian images circulated in Japan during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, often adapted from European devotional models but with a distinct Japanese convention.

After the Tokugawa ban (sakoku), images like this could no longer be shown openly, so many were folded, remounted, or hidden inside homes to avoid destruction. The worn edges and surface marks here are not signs of neglect but, alas, come from repeated handling and concealment. The Kobe City Museum famously holds several related Nanban-period Christian works, and that is your best bet for seeing paintings related to the one pictured above.

6. Seasonal Floral Screens From the Edo Period, Okada Art Museum

Trained within the Kanō school’s court painting tradition, Mitsunobu created these folding screens to be viewed slowly, and gradually, one section at a time. Seasonal plants move across the panels without horizon lines or set scenes. Some areas are thick with pigment, others thin and open, encouraging the eye to keep moving. The effect is beautifully cumulative, and moving from screen to screen can feel similar to passing through a garden, where attention shifts from one plant to the next rather than settling in one place.

Interestingly, that kind of slow progression mattered a lot in paintings in Japan, as even the act of showing the screens in the wrong season would have been frowned upon. It would not have been seen as a scandal or an offense in a moral sense, but it would have definitely registered as a social misstep, especially in elite circles. The Okada Museum in Japan boasts a large permanent collection of decorative screens on long-term display.

7. Seated Buddha Amida, Tokyo National Museum

Buddhist paintings in Japan were designed to be installed in a busy temple setting, admired by a long and continuous line of people. Amida appears elevated above two attendants, his gestures clearly visible from a relative distance. Well… at least they were when the painting was freshly made, around the 11th-12th century.

During the Heian Period, Buddhist images were increasingly standardized so teachings could reach large groups at once. For many worshipers, paintings like this were the primary way Buddhist teachings were encountered, standing in for texts and teaching, especially for those who could not read. Incense was burned in front of the image during daily rituals, and over time, the smoke settled onto the surface.

8. ANY Painting by Tarō Okamoto, Okamoto Memorial Museum

Bold, confronting, and a breaker of molds, Tarō Okamoto worked across several media, including painting, sculpture, writing, and public art. He used bold colors, fractured forms, and blunt imagery that deliberately pushed against what many people associate with traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Some of his work can be unsettling, or at least dark and mysterious. All of it was quite deliberate, as Okamoto fought back against the idea that art should soothe or oblige.

Critics believe this urge to disrupt the arts scene likely emerged from Okamoto’s own personal trauma. He had spent several years imprisoned in China during World War II, and he returned deeply distrustful of beauty used as shallow comfort. In his writing, he argued that beautiful art had helped make violence easier to accept. So consider this unique artwork a rebellion, of sorts.

Oxford University’s Pitt Rivers Museum was founded in 1884 when Augustus Pitt Rivers donated his private collection to the university as the basis for a new ethnography program. Since then, the Pitt Rivers has become known as a “museum of museums,” as curators have worked hard to preserve the original Victorian displays while balancing the needs of a modern museum and audience. This article explores the museum’s history, unique displays, and some of the most fascinating objects on display.

Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers

Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers was a British Army officer from 1845 to 1882. However, in 1854, he was found unfit for service after seeing action at the Battle of Alma in the Crimean War. From that time, he was mainly involved in assessing the effectiveness of muskets and instructing other officers in their use. This sparked an interest in the invention and evolution of weapons and understanding human invention. This put him on the path to becoming an ethnologist and archaeologist.

In 1867, Pitt Rivers went on half-pay with the military so that he could study archaeology and visit excavations. This kicked off a career during which he traveled extensively, collecting objects that demonstrated human invention. However, most of his collection seems to have been acquired through dealers and auction houses, leading many to call him an “armchair collector.” It was around 20,000 of these artifacts that he donated to the University of Oxford, with the stipulation that a permanent museum be built to house the collection.

It is fitting that this museum was built adjoining the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, which holds an incredibly rare dodo specimen and was the setting for Charles Darwin’s Great Debate on evolution. Darwin’s theories on evolution influenced Pitt Rivers, who applied similar theories to human invention. Therefore, rather than organizing his collection by geographical or cultural area, he organized objects based on use: musical instruments, weapons, textiles, etc.

A Museum of Museums

While Pitt Rivers may have harbored ideas about cultural hierarchies and the inventions of some cultures being more “advanced” than others, the modern museum retains the same “by use” display but has flipped the context. Displays focus on how different cultures have responded to the same universal challenges. The museum now holds more than 500,000 artifacts.

In many ways, the modern museum has retained the original Victorian displays while upgrading for better preservation. This is why the museum feels like a 19th-century “cabinet of curiosities,” with displays crowded with objects, and less emphasis on large text displays explaining every artifact.

The objects on display even retain their original labels, often handwritten and difficult to read, and sometimes containing references that are considered derogatory or hurtful today. To balance this, the museum has introduced careful interventions that highlight the problematic parts of the label and the museum’s history. Rather than covering up a complicated past, this opens the conversation about the history and ethics of collecting.

Today, the museum actively works with source communities to better understand their culture and communicate the meaning and purpose of the objects on display. The museum has also been heavily involved in decolonization work and returned culturally significant objects. Importantly, the museum has also taken all human remains off display. That means that certain objects, such as the museum’s famous shrunken heads, are no longer on display.

1. Shoes from Roman Egypt

In 1899, Flinders Petrie discovered these shoes from the Roman occupation of Egypt. They have thick leather soles and use weaker leather for the uppers and straps. The shoes have evidence of red staining, suggesting they were dyed using red kermes dye made from insects from European oak trees. This expensive import reflects trade across the Roman Empire, and that these shoes belonged to a high-status individual.

In the museum, they sit alongside a woman’s bridal shoe from Sweden from the early 19th century. Made from reindeer skin with some hair still visible, the shoe also has a small heel, indicating their use. Rather than leather, the sole was made of birch bark, a common practice until about 1820.

2. Haida Totem Pole

Inside the Pitt Rivers Museum, you can discover an 11.36-meter-high Haida Totem Pole from a Masset village on the Queen Charlotte Islands, Canada. The largest object on display, it is carved from Canadian Red Cedar and originally stood outside the Star House of the chief Anetlas around 1882 to mark his adoption of a young girl.

The pole is carved with crest figures, much like a European coat of arms, so the term “totem” is applied inaccurately. It shows three seated figures, a bear with a frog in its mouth, a bear holding a human with two bear cubs at its feet, and a raven with a human between its wings. It was purchased in 1901 for £36.

Alongside this imposing piece, the museum also holds a moai maea, which is a smaller version of the Rapa Nui moai sculptures found on Easter Island. Like its larger counterparts, the half-a-meter-high statue was made from rock created by condensed volcanic ash, making it soft and easy to work.

3. Samurai Armor

Pitt Rivers holds a particularly fine example of samurai armor dating from around 1750 that is remarkably complete with gloves, shoes, and undergarments. It sits alongside miniature sets of samurai armor that were probably made by the armorer’s apprentices as part of their training.

Study of the samurai’s sword shows that the blade, hilt, scabbard, and other fittings were all made by different specialist artists, reflecting the time and energy that went into making these sacred weapons. The owner also carried alternative blade fittings, so that he could change his fittings for the occasion while still using his prized blade.

The samurai is part of the museum’s extensive arms and armor collection. It includes an impressive array of weapons from blowpipes and darts to modern firearms. Like the samurai’s blade, it includes other sacred weapons, such as a decorated war shield from the Trobriand Islands in Oceania and a native North American Comanche medicine shield decorated with eagle feathers.

4. Noh Theater Masks

The museum has an extensive collection of masks, including 52 Noh masks from Kyoto, Japan, purchased on behalf of Augustus Pitt Rivers in the 19th century, but dating from the 16th century to 1840. The collection represents most of the major character types used in Noh theater, from demons and spirits to gods and women. While initially appearing neutral in expression, the masks are designed to change expression based on head angle. Tilting up suggests joy, while tilting down expresses anger.

These masks share similarities with carved dance masks from Mexico, also displayed in the museum. These are used to represent foreigners as caricatures during dance performances. While the characteristics are hard for outsiders to recognize, they would have been immediately identifiable to their audience.

The museum also displays a Nigerian mask of a character called Abam, who is a predatory fish. It was used in Igbo culture masquerades, known as Mmanwu, which celebrate the spirits of ancestors, deities, and nature. The performers can act as mediators between the living and spirit worlds.

5. Many Shots Robe

The Blackfoot men of the northwestern plains of North America painted images of their great deeds on shirts and robes that were worn as status symbols. Mainly buffalo-hunting people, they were also encouraged to engage in warfare with neighboring tribes to develop their status.

The Blackfoot people moved onto reservations in the 19th century, and as bison herds were exterminated, they became cattle ranchers. As a reflection of this changing lifestyle, this robe, from 1894, is made from cowhide. We also see European weapons, namely guns, introduced into the scene. Many Shots Robe also shows a woman killing a grizzly bear with an axe.

6. Witch in a Bottle

One of the museum’s most curious objects is a silvered glass bottle from Sussex, England, said to contain a witch. It was acquired by folklorist and archaeologist Margaret Murray in 1915 from an “old lady” who said to keep it closed so as not to release the witch and “a peck o’ trouble.”

This artifact seems to contrast with other witch bottles associated with the European witch paranoia, which are usually said to protect from witches. The museum has not opened the bottle.

It sits in a display alongside other objects associated with magic. These include English rowan tree crosses that were hung on doors or above fireplaces as protective charms against malignant witchcraft, and an Agu’-nsi figure from Nigeria used in ritual divination.

7. Borneo Hair Comb

The Pitt Rivers Museum has an impressive collection of combs from around the world on display, used to untangle hair or produce elaborate fixed hairstyles. This large, elaborate comb from Borneo is made from turtle shell mounted in silver and is from the late 19th century.

It sits alongside a wooden ornamental comb from the Solomon Islands, decorated with red and yellow grass work, another place where elaborate hair decorations were common. Combs like this were worn by young men on their first fishing expedition and were decorated with red streamers.

8. Italian Cimaruta Charm

The museum contains a collection of charms and amulets believed to ward off the Evil Eye. One of the most impressive is a Cimaruta from Italy, which means “sprigs of rue,” referring to the magical and protective properties associated with the herb. The charm looks like a rue branch and is also decorated with an image of the crescent moon, associated with the goddess Diana, who offered protection during childbirth.

It sits alongside a hand amulet from Syria made from silver and covered in Hebrew writing, and a hy-o-tan amulet from Japan consisting of a small blown glass bottle with water and tinsel-leaf connected to a perforated shell.

Southwest France is full of hidden gems where history and charm come alive. From cobblestone streets to centuries-old architecture, these 10 historic towns invite you to slow down, soak in local culture, and experience true French joie de vivre.

1. Sarlat-la-Canéda

This captivating medieval town is located in the heart of the Dordogne region in southwest France. Sarlat’s narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with impeccably restored stone buildings that’ll take you back to 14th-century France.

A must-see is the Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. This cathedral reflects centuries of architectural evolution. Nearby, the Lanterne des Morts (Lantern of the Dead) is a unique 12th-century monument with distinctive shell-shaped architecture.

Traditional 16th- and 17th-century houses surround Place de la Liberté, the town’s central square. Vibrant markets and local specialties, such as foie gras and truffles, are also available there.

Sarlat’s commitment to preserving its heritage has earned it a place on France’s Tentative List for future UNESCO World Heritage nomination. This makes the town an ideal destination for both history enthusiasts and cultural travelers.

2. Saint-Émilion

You can find this town in the Bordeaux wine region of France. Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history and exceptional wines. Its origins date back to the 8th century when a Breton monk named Émilion established a monastic community.

You can explore the remarkable Monolithic Church, Europe’s largest underground church, hewn entirely from limestone. The town’s medieval architecture is evident in its narrow, cobblestone streets and historic buildings, including the King’s Tower and the Collegiate Church.

Surrounded by rolling vineyards, Saint-Émilion is renowned for its prestigious wineries and wine cellars, where you can taste world-class wines.

3. Cahors

Established during the Roman era, Cahors is situated in the Lot Valley of southwest France. The Pont Valentré, a 14th-century fortified bridge, stands as a testament to medieval engineering and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You also have the Saint-Étienne Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century. This iconic site showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with impressive domes and intricate carvings.

Strolling through the old town reveals narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses and hidden courtyards. The Maison Henri IV, a 15th-century building, exemplifies the Renaissance influence in the region.

Cahors is also renowned for its Malbec wines, with numerous vineyards and cellars where visitors can enjoy tastings. Its vibrant markets, particularly the Marché de Cahors, provide a sensory experience with local produce, cheeses, and truffles.

4. Rocamadour

Perched atop a limestone cliff in southwest France, Rocamadour is a medieval village renowned for its historical significance and breathtaking vistas.

One of the most interesting things you’ll enjoy doing in Rocamadour is ascending the Grand Escalier, a staircase of 216 steps traditionally climbed by pilgrims on their knees, leading to the sacred complex of chapels and the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You’ll see stone houses, artisan shops, and quaint cafés lining the narrow and winding streets of the village.

5. Lourdes

Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, this famous town in southwestern France boasts the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, which encompasses the revered grotto, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary. The sanctuary attracts millions annually. It’s a place for prayer, reflection, and participation in the nightly candlelit processions.

Beyond the religious landmarks, Lourdes offers attractions such as the Château Fort, a medieval fortress housing the Pyrenean Museum, and the Pic du Jer, accessible by funicular. The latter offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains.

6. Auch

As the ancient capital of the Celtic tribe of the Ausci, Auch evolved into a significant center in Roman Gaul, known then as Elimberris. The town is located in the heart of Gascony, and one of its most notable historic sites includes the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture found in the town center. Its intricate stained-glass windows and meticulously carved choir stalls are particularly noteworthy.

Adjacent to the cathedral, the Monumental Staircase descends to the lower town. It features a statue of D’Artagnan, the famed Musketeer born in the region. Wandering through Auch’s narrow streets will allow you to witness half-timbered houses and hidden courtyards that showcase the medieval heritage of the town.

The rich history of this unique French area is further showcased in the Musée des Amériques – Auch, which houses France’s second-largest collection of pre-Columbian art outside Paris. Auch’s lively markets, offering local specialties like foie gras and Armagnac, provide a taste of Gascon gastronomy.

7. Brossac

Brossac’s history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human presence from the Neolithic era, including dolmens and megaliths. Nestled in the Charente department of southwest France, this picturesque village offers a tranquil retreat, surrounded by rolling hills and lush landscapes.

A notable historical site near Brossac is the Villa Gallo-Romaine de la Coue d’Auzenat, a must-visit ancient Roman villa. The village features traditional stone houses, narrow lanes, and a serene atmosphere that reflects its rich heritage.

For visitors, Brossac offers a range of activities. The Étang Vallier Resort features a leisure lake ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and lakeside relaxation.

Local markets and eateries offer a taste of Charente’s culinary delights, including regional wines and cheeses. If you’re looking for an authentic French countryside experience, Brossac is a great destination, combining historical significance with natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

8. Jonzac

Also located in the Charente-Maritime department of southwest France, this town dates back to the medieval period, with the Château de Jonzac standing as a testament to its rich history. This 15th-century castle, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Seugne River, has withstood numerous historical events, including the Hundred Years’ War.

You’ll get the chance to explore the castle’s impressive architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The town center features narrow streets lined with traditional stone houses leading to the Église Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais, a Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century.

The town hosts vibrant markets where visitors can sample local specialties, including cognac and regional cheeses.

9. Aubeterre-Sur-Dronne

Aubeterre is celebrated as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France). The village’s history dates back to Roman times, and its name, “Alba Terra,” meaning “white land,” references the local limestone cliffs.

Aubeterre is renowned for its Église Saint-Jean, a monolithic church carved directly into the cliffside during the 12th century. This subterranean church features a 20-meter-high nave and is among the largest of its kind in Europe.

The streets are lined with white-stone houses with wooden balconies and vibrant flowers. The central square, Place Ludovic Trarieux, is a lively hub with cafés and artisan shops, where you can learn about the local culture.

Explore the Église Saint-Jacques, noted for its intricate Romanesque façade, and enjoy recreational activities along the Dronne River, such as canoeing and swimming.

10. Guizengeard

This tranquil commune, again in southwest France’s Charente department, is renowned for its striking Lac Bleu de Guizengeard. This artificial lake is known for its vibrant turquoise waters, a result of its mineral composition and the absence of aquatic life.

The village offers a peaceful retreat, with rural charm and proximity to natural landscapes. While Guizengeard may not have a bustling town center, its allure lies in the serene environment and the captivating beauty of the Lac Bleu, making it a noteworthy destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.

Quick Guide to the Best Historic Towns in Southwest France

Compared with countries in the Eastern Hemisphere, the United States is relatively young. Founded in 1776, it is a mere babe by international standards. Yet much of what the United States is predates the Declaration of Independence. Many of the original colonial towns and cities still exist today and are testaments to the birth of a nation. Discover ten of the oldest towns in the United States that you can still visit today, and what they reveal about American history.

A Disclaimer on Definition 

The designation of the “Oldest Towns” in the United States is highly problematic. There is an unspoken definitional bias that excludes Native American settlements, which has a legal and historical precedent. Native American communities are considered part of sovereign nations and are treated as domestic dependent nations. As such, they are not considered “incorporated” towns or cities of the U.S.

Many Native American settlements are far older than the European towns on this list. Among the oldest is Old Oraibi in Arizona, which has been continuously occupied since at least AD 1100. The multi-tiered pueblo homes were built by the Hopi, or “peaceful people,” from local stone to suit the arid desert environment. Acoma Pueblo and Taos Pueblo in New Mexico are almost as old. The first is a sky fortress built atop a 367-foot-high sandstone mesa. The second comprises stone “apartment blocks” in a fertile valley in the shadow of the sacred Taos Mountains.

1. San Juan, Puerto Rico, the Island Bastion of the Caribbean

While not a state, but rather an unincorporated territory of the United States, Puerto Rico holds the distinction of having the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States. Its capital, San Juan, was established by Spanish colonists in 1521 as Ciudad de Puerto Rico de San Juan Bautista, in an area inhabited by the native Taíno people.

While San Juan is the oldest surviving settlement, it was not the first. The original settlement of Caparra, founded in 1508, was abandoned and moved to San Juan. Throughout the colonial era, San Juan was a highly valuable strategic target and consequently was targeted by both English and Dutch military forces. Nevertheless, it remained, for the most part, under Spanish control until the Spanish-American War in 1898, after which Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States.

Today, San Juan is a vibrant city with beautiful beaches and parks, as well as historic Spanish-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. It serves as the industrial and commercial heart of Puerto Rico and is home to around 340,000 people.

2. St. Augustine, Florida, the Foothold of the Spanish Empire

On the northeast coast of Florida, St. Augustine is the oldest mainland city. Located 40 miles south of Jacksonville, St. Augustine was founded by the Spanish in 1565. Established 11 days after the Feast Day of Saint Augustin, the city was originally named San Agustin by its founder, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, who served as Florida’s first governor.

St. Augustin served as the capital of Spanish Florida for 200 years before it was taken over by the British in 1763, when it was ceded in the First Treaty of Paris, which ended the Seven Years’ War. Florida was returned to Spain in 1783 after the Peace of Paris, and later ceded to the United States in 1819. The city alternated as the capital of Florida with Pensacola until 1824, when Tallahassee was designated the permanent capital.

Today, St. Augustine is a popular tourist destination that combines historical attractions with idyllic beaches. It is home to the oldest masonry fort in the United States, Castillo de San Marcos, built in 1672. Inside the town, St. George Street and its surrounds retain charming cobblestone streets lined with cafés, shops, restaurants, and significant landmarks. Popular attractions also include Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

3. Jamestown, Virginia, the Turbulent Birth of English America

One of America’s most famous colonial towns, Jamestown was founded in 1607 and is recognized as the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. The early years of the town were marked by hardships, including disease and famine, as well as conflict with the Indigenous population. During “the Starving Time” of 1609 and 1610, only 60 of the colony’s original 214 settlers survived. The survivors abandoned the colony but returned after receiving supplies.

John Rolfe was credited with helping the town survive by introducing his tobacco crop, which became Virginia’s most prominent export. He married Pocahontas in 1614, and two years later the couple traveled to England to promote the Jamestown colony. Sadly, Pocahontas did not survive to make the return journey.

In 1676, the settlement was burned down during Bacon’s Rebellion, but was rebuilt soon after. It then served as the colonial capital until 1699, when the capital was moved to Middle Plantation, later named Williamsburg.

In the 18th century, Jamestown was permanently abandoned, but its physical remains live on as an archaeological and historic site that serves as a national park that is open to visitors. The site is home to a replica of the original fort that was built there, as well as Powhatan Town, a recreation of a Native American settlement that exhibits the dealings the Native Americans had with the European colonizers.

4. Santa Fe, New Mexico, the Oldest Capital City in the Nation 

Led by Don Pedro de Peralta, Spanish colonists founded the city of Santa Fe in 1610 as the capital of Nuevo México, which was a province of New Spain. The Pueblo drove the Spanish out of Santa Fe in 1680, but the Spanish regained control 12 years later.

Santa Fe was part of the Mexican Empire after 1821, when Mexico won its independence from Spain, but was ceded to the United States after the Mexican–American War in 1848. In 1851, Santa Fe became the capital of the US Territory of New Mexico, and later retained its status as the capital of the newly established state.

Today, Santa Fe is a hub of culture that fuses Mexican, Spanish, American, and Indigenous cultural influences. Despite having a population of around 90,000 people, the city boasts an impressive 250 art galleries and three annual art events. Santa Fe also has one of the largest art markets in the United States. So prevalent are arts and culture in Santa Fe that around 10 percent of the local population is involved in these industries!

5. Hampton & Kecoughtan, Virginia, the Strategic Gateway of the Chesapeake

Before the arrival of English colonists, the area that became Hampton, Virginia, was populated by Powhatan peoples and was known as Tsenacommacah. The arrival of the English changed this dynamic, and Hampton was established in 1610.

The nearby Powhatan settlement of Kecoughtan was originally on friendly terms with the colonists, but hostility soon broke out after 17 English mutineers were killed there in 1609. In the summer of the following year, Kecoughtan was captured and became Elizabeth City Parish, later incorporated into the young town of Hampton. The survivors fled to other groups within the Powhatan Paramount Chiefdom.

Because of its location, Hampton bore witness to the beginning and end of slavery in America. The first enslaved Africans arrived through Hampton in 1619. A century and a half later, Hampton’s Fort Monroe was the site of one of the most important steps in the collapse of slavery. Here, slaves petitioned the Union commanding officer and asked to be classified as “contraband of war,” thus ensuring that they would not be returned to their “legal owners.” Thousands of slaves followed suit, making their way to “Freedom Fortress” to take advantage of this precedent.

Today, the population of Hampton is largely made up of descendants of the original colonists and the African-American slaves who flocked to Fort Monroe, as well as southerners with local roots, and families connected to Fort Monroe and Langley Air Force Base.

6. Albany, New York, the Dutch Trading Empire on the Hudson

Albany, the capital of New York State, was formally chartered as a city in 1686. However, it was established by Dutch settlers who built Fort Nassau on Castle Island (now the Port of Albany) in the early 17th century. This was primarily a fur-trading post, which drew hostility from the French and the Indigenous people who wanted to control the trade. Fort Nassau was damaged by flooding in 1618, but was replaced by Fort Orange, built on the mainland in 1624.

The fort and the surrounding areas became known as the town of Beverwijck or “Beaverwick” in English. It was taken by the English in 1664 and renamed Albany, but recaptured by the Dutch in 1673 and renamed Willemstadt. The following year, the English took permanent possession of the city.

Over the centuries that followed, Albany has become a significant hub for culture and the arts, many of which are reflected in the city’s architecture. Of note are the Albany Institute of History and Art and Ten Broeck Mansion, as well as the New York State Museum. Today, Albany is a thriving city of 100,000 people in the State Capital area, and over 1 million people in the greater metro area.

7. Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Mythos of the Pilgrim Fathers

One of the most famous historical sites in the United States, Plymouth Rock is where the Pilgrims landed on December 21, 1620, when they arrived in the New World on board the Mayflower.

Unprepared for the challenges that lay ahead, the settlers were beset by the harsh winter and famine. Almost half the original 102 settlers died. Their fortunes were changed, however, thanks to the compassion shown by a local Indigenous tribe, the Wampanoag, who shared their food with the struggling Pilgrims and taught them how to fish, hunt, and cultivate crops in their new home.

Armed with this knowledge, the Pilgrims were able to turn Plymouth into a prosperous town. Today, the town is home to more than 60,000 people as well as the oldest continually operating museum in the country, the Pilgrim Hall Museum.

8. Gloucester, Massachusetts, the Oldest Fishing Port in America

Located just an hour north of Boston, Gloucester holds the official title of America’s oldest seaport. It was founded in 1623, three years before Salem and seven years before Boston. It started with just 14 English fishermen who set up a permanent outpost. While living conditions were harsh, the abundance of cod kept drawing fishermen back, and Gloucester was officially incorporated as a town in 1642.

The sea in the area is deadly, and it is estimated that more than 10,000 fishermen have lost their lives in the area since the town was founded. On a single night on February 14, 1862, a storm sank 15 ships and killed 120 men. Nevertheless, the settlement thrived as new immigrants arrived, especially from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and also from Portugal and Sicily.

Today, the city’s historic harbor is still home to active fishing boats, as well as world-class whale-watching vessels. A popular attraction is Hammon Castle, a medieval-style castle built in the late 1920s.

9. New York, New York, the Global Legacy of New Amsterdam

While the English were arriving in New England for religious freedom, the Dutch came to the mouth of the Hudson River to make money. In 1624, the Dutch West India Company established a permanent fur-trading post on Governor’s Island, which quickly expanded to the southern tip of Manhattan, which they named New Amsterdam. In 1626, they traded goods with the local Lenape people for Manhattan Island. However, scholars note that the Lenape likely interpreted this as an alliance or land-use treaty rather than an outright sale.

The Dutch settlers struggled to encourage affluent Dutch settlers to come to America, so they opened their doors to anyone. By 1643, the 500 residents reportedly spoke 18 different languages. The colony quickly became a thriving commercial hub.

The English were jealous of this Dutch settlement on the finest natural harbor in the region. English warships sailed into the harbor in 1664, but the Dutch surrendered as they did not want to let their profitable town be destroyed. King Charles II gave the colony to his brother, James, Duke of York, and New York was born. The rest, as they say, is history.

10. Salem, Massachusetts, the Epicenter of Puritan Witch Hysteria

A few years older than Boston, Salem was originally a Native American fishing village called Naumkeag, but it was abandoned when a group of English settlers arrived in 1626, and the English moved in. Two years later, a new wave of well-funded Puritan settlers arrived and joined the settlement, which was renamed Salem, derived from Shalom, the Hebrew word for peace.

Salem soon became famous as the epicenter of a wave of mass hysteria that resulted in the Salem Witch Trials starting in 1692. The hysteria actually began in Salem Village, called Danvers today, roughly five miles inland. But the executions took place in Salem Town, modern Salem.

Salem Town had already played a pivotal role in American History. In 1636, decades before the Revolutionary War, the Massachusetts General Court ordered the scattered volunteer militia units of the colony to organize into formal regiments. The First Muster took place on Salem Common, and it is officially recognized as the birthplace of the US National Guard.

When the war broke out, Salem-based privateers played an essential role, capturing and destroying hundreds of British merchant ships. Consequently, after the war, Salem ships were banned from British ports. Instead, they sailed around the Cape of Good Hope and chartered new direct trade routes between America and China, India, Russia, and Japan.

Walking into a great history museum is the closest we can get to true time travel. From London and Berlin to Cairo and Mexico City, these 15 institutions rank among the best history museums in the world. Each museum holds culture-defining artifacts including the Rosetta Stone, the treasures of Tutankhamun, the Terracotta Warriors, the Parthenon sculptures, and much more.

1. British Museum (London, UK)

Welcoming over six million visitors annually, the British Museum has long been regarded as one of the best history museums in the world. Founded in 1753 as the world’s first national public museum, it now houses more than eight million objects spanning every continent and all of human history. It is considered a “universal museum” and remains free to enter.

From ancient Egypt to Anglo-Saxon England, its collection redefined how we understand global civilizations. Some of the collections are controversial, as there are questions around how they were obtained and if they should be returned, such as the Benin bronzes from West Africa and Greece’s Parthenon marbles.

2. Pergamon Museum (Berlin, Germany)

The Pergamon Museum is Berlin’s crown jewel, attracting millions with its full-scale reconstructions of ancient monuments. Located on Berlin’s famous Museum Island, it was conceived in the 1880s when Carl Humann discovered the remains of the Pergamon Altar in western Turkey and shipped it back to Berlin for reconstruction. However, construction difficulties meant that the museum did not open until 1930.

The museum is also home to the Ishtar Gate, a reconstructed Babylonian gateway made from shimmering turquoise-glazed bricks dating to the 6th century BC. There is also the Market Gate of Miletus, an example of Roman monumental architecture from the 2nd century AD.

The main Pergamon Museum is currently closed for renovations, with galleries scheduled to reopen individually between 2027 and 2037. Meanwhile, visitors can see many of its treasures at the nearby Pergamon Museum: The Panorama.

3. Grand Egyptian Museum (Giza, Egypt)

Situated in the shadows of the pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum is the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. Recently opened to the public after decades of planning, it is a state-of-the-art mega-museum that celebrates Egypt’s fascinating history. The museum’s glass facades are structurally aligned to provide panoramic views of the pyramids.

The museum’s most popular exhibition is the Tutankhamun galleries, as the museum houses all 5,398 artifacts together. It also has a colossal 3,200-year-old, 83-ton statue of Ramesses II and King Khufu’s solar boats, alongside plenty of Egyptian gold, pharaonic mummies, magic amulets, and more.

4. Topkapi Palace Museum (Istanbul, Turkey)

For nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace was the seat of Ottoman sultans. It now serves as one of Istanbul’s most important museums. Opened in 1924, it reveals the opulence of imperial court life through jeweled treasures, sacred relics, and private chambers.

The Harem, once a political and family center, is a highlight for most visitors, though only a fraction of its 300 rooms are open to the public. Important objects include the Topkapi Dagger, an emerald-encrusted ceremonial weapon; the pear-shaped, 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond, one of the largest diamonds on public display; and 2,500 original garments from the imperial wardrobe.

5. Vatican Museums (Vatican City)

The Vatican Museums are a group of palaces, galleries, and courtyards that hold collections amassed by the popes over the last five centuries. The museums were born when the statue of Laocoön and His Sons was discovered. Pope Julius II bought the stunning piece and put it on public display, and the museums grew up around it.

The museums have Renaissance masterpieces, many commissioned by the popes, such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. The Vatican also has one of the world’s finest collections of classical antiquity, mostly housed in the Pio-Clementino Museum, including the Belvedere Marbles.

6. National Museum of Anthropology (Mexico City, Mexico)

Mexico’s most visited museum, the National Museum of Anthropology, attracts millions with its iconic modernist design and collection of Mesoamerican treasures. Opened in 1964, the museum’s vast galleries showcase Mexico’s pre-Columbian cultures, from the Aztecs to the Maya.

Full-scale reconstructions bring ceremonial spaces to life. Among the most stunning is the full-scale reconstruction of the burial chamber of the great Mayan ruler K’inich Janaab Pakal with his actual green jade funerary mask.

7. Acropolis Museum (Athens, Greece)

Opened in 2009, the Acropolis Museum was built to display the masterpieces of the Acropolis of Athens in direct view of the Parthenon above. Its glass floors reveal ancient ruins beneath, while the Parthenon Gallery mirrors the temple’s original layout, offering unmatched context for the sculptures inside.

Beyond the Parthenon, the museum also displays the original five Caryatids from the Erechtheion temple, the archaic Moschophoros (calf-bearer) sculpture, and a statue of Nike adjusting her sandals from the Temple of Athena Nike.

8. Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses (Xi’an, China)

Discovered in 1974, the ancient underground Terracotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses preserves thousands of life-sized warriors and horses, originally created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. Each figure has a unique face, believed to reflect those of real soldiers from the Qin dynasty.

While today the warriors appear in uniform clay-gray, they were originally painted in bright colors, including red, blue, green, and purple. The museum is using cutting-edge chemical stabilization to preserve these colors as new warriors are excavated.

9. National Museum of Korea (Seoul, South Korea)

The National Museum of Korea is South Korea’s largest and most prestigious cultural institution, attracting millions of visitors annually. Since 1945, it has preserved Korea’s heritage, from prehistoric artifacts and Buddhist art to modern works, all within a museum surrounded by tranquil gardens and reflecting pools.

The first floor provides a chronological journey through Korea’s history. The second floor is dedicated to calligraphy and painting, and the third floor showcases Asian Arts. The museum also boasts a reconstructed ten-story Pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa Temple from the 14th century.

10. National Archaeological Museum (Naples, Italy)

The National Archaeological Museum in Naples is a favorite with Roman history lovers because it is the repository of finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, tragically frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The collection includes frescoes, mosaics, jewelry, and more.

The museum also holds the Farnese Collection of sculptures, including the famous Hercules leaning on club sculpture that became a blueprint for Renaissance representations of male athleticism. The museum also holds the third-largest collection of Egyptian antiquities in Italy.

11. Apartheid Museum (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Opened in 2001, the Apartheid Museum is the only museum in the world devoted solely to South Africa’s apartheid era. Its exhibits trace the rise and fall of racial segregation while honoring the struggle for democracy.

Visitors to the Apartheid Museum begin their journey with tickets randomly classifying them as “White” or “Non-White,” a poignant reminder of apartheid’s daily reality. Due to its unique focus, it is recognized as one of the world’s best 20th-century history museums.

12. Imperial War Museums (London, UK)

The Imperial War Museums are one of the world’s foremost institutions dedicated to the study of modern conflict. Founded in 1917, it documents the impact of war on people and society through vast collections that span the World Wars, the Cold War, and beyond. The Holocaust Galleries and dramatic displays of tanks, planes, and rockets remain deeply moving.

Beyond the central London galleries, IWM Duxford is Europe’s premier aviation museum. The Churchill War Rooms are a secret underground bunker beneath Westminster that has been preserved. The MHS Belfast is a massive Royal Navy light cruiser permanently moored on the River Thames.

13. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (Washington, D.C., USA)

Opened in 2016, this Smithsonian institution is the first national museum devoted solely to African American history and culture. Its architecture, inspired by Yoruban art, makes it one of the most striking buildings on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Inside, exhibits span slavery, civil rights, and contemporary culture, creating both a memorial and a celebration of African American life.

The Slavery and Freedom Gallery has artifacts like an original weathered timber slave cabin from Edisto Island, South Carolina, and iron shackles used for captured children. The Era of Segregation gallery includes a massive 1940s segregated Southern Railway passenger cart.

14. National Museum of India (New Delhi, India)

One of Asia’s largest museums, the National Museum of India, preserves over 200,000 works spanning 5,000 years. Founded in 1949, it houses Harappan relics, Mughal masterpieces, and more. Its Central Asian antiquities and relics associated with the Buddha make it not only a museum but also a destination for cultural pilgrimage.

Collection highlights include a 4,000-year-old bronze statuette of a dancing girl and a 5th-century standing Buddha made from pink sandstone. The museum also holds manuscripts, paintings, and silks that reflect trade along the Silk Road between India, China, and the West.

15. Ashmolean Museum (Oxford, England) 

The Ashmolean Museum is the world’s first university museum and the oldest public museum in the English-speaking world. Originally a cabinet of curiosities built around objects collected by John Tradescant, it became the blueprint for modern museums.

It is more manageable than some of the mega museums, but still holds internationally important collections. These include the Alfred Jewel, a rare Anglo-Saxon treasure, the Jericho Skull, a plaster-faced human skull from around 7000 BC, and the Messiah Stradivarius, considered the most valuable violin on Earth.

Quick Facts: Must-Visit History Museums

Ottoman architecture continues to define landscapes across Europe and Asia; from Budapest’s hamams to Bosnia’s bridge at Mostar, this article will recommend key Ottoman sites, including mosques, markets, and palaces, offering both historical and travel-related knowledge.

1. Budapest’s Turkish Spas

The capital city of Hungary is known for its lush thermal spas, visited by locals and tourists alike for their medicinal properties. Several of these baths, such as Rudas Bath, Kiraly Bath, and Veli Bej Bath, date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when the Ottomans ruled over the city.

Although these spas reflect the traditional layout of Ottoman hamams (bathhouses), they contain pools of thermal spring water. They are a fascinating combination of Turkish cultural heritage and a local Hungarian geological wonder.

The most popular of the Turkish baths, Rudas Bath, was built in 1566 and contains a circuit of pools ranging from 28 °C (82°F) to 42°C (107.6°F). It is important for visitors to note, however, the bath’s strange rules of visitation: the bath is open to men every weekday except Tuesday, which is a day reserved for women bathers. Mixed-gender bathing is permissible only on weekends, however.

The Kiraly Baths, on the other hand, always allow mixed-gender bathing. Like the Rudas Bath, the Kiraly bathhouse was built in the 1560s by Sokullu Mustafa Pasha, the Bosnian governor-general of the province of Budin. Unassuming from the outside, the Kiraly Baths is full of medieval charm, offering a dimly lit bathing experience. It has, however, been closed for restoration since 2020.

2. The Sarena Dzamija Mosque

The “Decorated Mosque” in Tetovo, North Macedonia, is a charming structure reminiscent of Anatolian mosque architecture from before the Byzantine dome style became the preferred Ottoman style.

Built in 1438, the mosque was commissioned by two sisters, Hurshida and Mensure, from Tetovo. Outside of the mosque rests the mausoleum of these two sisters, who allegedly financed the construction of these structures with their dowries.

After a fire (or by some accounts, an earthquake) destroyed part of the building in the 19th century, it was reconstructed in 1823 by Abdurrahman Pasha, leader of Tetovo. The building’s façade and inner paintings reveal a unique blend of Italian and Ottoman Baroque designs.

Vivid colors, floral and foliage motifs, and miniature paintings of buildings grace the inner walls and ceiling of the mosque. Visitors can see popular baroque features, such as scrolls, acanthus leaves, and pillars, alongside traditional geometrical Islamic motifs. Going against Ottoman tradition, paintings, rather than intricately designed tiles, cover the walls of the mosque.

Although it is a site of historical and artistic significance, the Sarena Dzamija remains a place of worship used by the local community. Visitors should thus be aware of appropriate times of visitation and religious dress codes.

3. The Iconic Mostar Bridge

For centuries, the “Stari Most” or Mostar Bridge has connected the two sides of the historic city of Mostar in Bosnia. It has also been a bridge between cultures and tradition, history, and modernity. Built in 1566 by Ottoman architect Hayruddin, the bridge was destroyed by the Croatian Defence Council during the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s.

Efforts to rebuild the bridge began soon after, culminating in its reopening in 2004. Despite being a mostly modern construction, the Mostar Bridge retains some of its Ottoman-era structure and historical charm.

The bridge spans 30 meters (99 feet) across the Neretva River and, at 24 meters (79 feet) high, offers a view of the lush greenery and quaint town below. Retaining its old architectural style, cobblestones line the walkway, which is guarded at either end by watchtowers.

4. The Former Ottoman Bank of Thessaloniki

Established in 1903, the Ottoman Bank of Thessaloniki served as a major financial institution for one of the empire’s most important port cities. The stunning neo-Baroque building that housed the bank was designed by the Italian architect Vitaliano Poselli in 1903, although the Ottoman Bank itself had been established in the 1860s.

Over the years, the bank has seen its fair share of dramas. Aiming to attract attention to their nationalist efforts, Bulgarian nationalists attacked the building on April 29, 1903. As a result of the bombing, much of the building was damaged and caught on fire.

The building, a mix of Ottoman, French, and Italian classical design, now houses the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki. In addition to providing musical education, the institution enjoys membership in the European Union of Conservatories and holds free events and seminars.

5. Cairo’s Hosh al Basha Mausoleum

Located in the heart of Cairo’s historic City of the Dead is the Hosh al Basha, a funerary complex and burial site of the family of Muhammad Ali Pasha, Ottoman governor and founder of Modern Egypt. Sent to Egypt as a commander of forces deployed to repel the French Occupation of Egypt in 1801, Ali Pasha gained public support and asserted his own right to rule over the country.

Muhammad Ali Pasha, like many elite families of the 19th century, commissioned the construction of elaborate mausoleums, preferably near sites that were considered holy. In 1816, the site was chosen, possibly because of its proximity to the purported shrine of the prominent Islamic scholar Imam al-Shaf’i (d. 820).

Ottoman influence is noticeable in the mausoleum’s architectural style: six outer domes recall Ottoman mosques, and the inner courtyards are decorated with marble, Islamic motifs, and colorful Turkish rococo foliage.

Within the walls of the mausoleum, naturalistic depictions of fruit bowls have been compared to those in the Privy Chamber of Ahmed III in Istanbul. The Turkish inscriptions on cenotaphs around the mausoleum also reveal the lasting impact of Ottoman culture on Egyptian architecture.

6. The Landmark Clock Tower of Jaffa

The Jaffa Clock Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Jaffa, located in present-day Tel Aviv/Jaffa, Israel. The ancient port city, under Ottoman rule in the early 20th century, underwent rapid urbanization from the late 19th century onwards. Several clock towers built during this time served as community hubs and navigational aids.

A prominent Jewish businessman, Joseph Bey Moyal, had the tower constructed for the jubilee of Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1900. Architecturally, the building is a mix of European design with local elements. Every side of the limestone tower has a clock, along with an engraving of the Sultan’s signature.

Throughout its existence, the clock tower has seen many renovations. In 1965, colorful stained-glass windows were added to represent the city’s heritage, and in 2001, glass replica seals were made to replace the deteriorated seals of Abdul Hamid.

Today, visitors can find help at the Tourist Information Centre housed in the tower. Nearby are several cultural and historical attractions. Starting from the entrance of the Old City, tourists can see the bustling Flea Market, Mahmudiya Mosque, and St. Peter’s Church.

7. UNESCO Heritage Safranbolu Houses

The traditional houses of Safranbolu, Türkiye, are outstanding examples of Ottoman residential architecture and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in a key Black Sea city on the ancient Silk Road, the wooden houses are part of a wider town that has perfectly preserved historic baths, inns, and mosques.

The konaks, or traditional houses, known for their distinctive white facades and wooden windows, date mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries. While they appear modest from the outside, the insides often house intricate carvings, wall niches, and traditional furniture.

In line with Ottoman civil design principles, the houses have cumba, traditional upper-floor bay or oriel windows that project outwards and overhang the street. These structures increased the natural lighting and ventilation of the upper floor, keeping it cool during warm summers.

More than 2,000 konaks line the cobblestone streets of Safranbolu. Tourists can do more than simply visit the historic structures; many of the houses have been turned into small hotels and cafes, integrating history with modern-day life.

8. The Ever-Standing Fortress of Niš

Located on the banks of the Nišava River in the city of Niš, Serbia, is a centuries-old fortification that highlights Serbia’s role as a crossroads for several empires. The fortress, standing on the ruins of Roman and later Medieval structures, was built by the Ottomans between 1719 and 1723 as a defense against Austrian forces.

The walls of the fortress are made of thick stone, both imported from the region and from the ruins of the earlier structures. Tens of thousands of local laborers, along with hundreds of masons and tradesmen from Istanbul, were employed to construct the 8-meter-tall (26 ft) walls.

Several imposing gates, such as the Stambol Gate, are examples of Ottoman military defensive architecture. Inside the fortress, visitors can roam the former Ottoman bathhouse, prison, Bali Bey Mosque, and weapons arsenal, along with the ruins of a Roman aqueduct and palace.

In addition to its archaeological value, the fortress serves a cultural purpose. Its wide spaces and greenery make it a preferred site for public events and festivals, such as the annual Nišville Jazz Festival.