For thousands of years people have lived and they have died. Civilizations have been born and have faded away. Today, remnants of this history still remain although, time and progress continue to take their toll on this aspect of our society.
There was a time in history when families lived together, shared their traditions and in many cases their buildings and land. Today, as the world becomes smaller, families and their heritage have also begun to fade. A plea and an answer to preserve this past has begun in earnest as programs such as the National Register of Historic Places and UNESCO World Heritage Sites are being named and finding protection around the world. As thousands of people and thousands of organizations around the world do their part to preserve and protect these destinations, millions of travelers have found themselves inspired to explore their roots in the form of historic tourism. Today, ancient structures, marketplaces and ruins can be found around the world and are being inundated with travelers from everywhere.
William Murtagh, first keeper of the National Register of Historic Places once said “It has been said that, at it’s best, preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a a mutual concern for the future.”
At its worst, it still represents a part of our heritage, our past and who we once were. Understanding this and our desire to reconnect, Island Trader Vacations invites you to explore 3 of the most historic cities to see before you die.
St Augustine Florida – A popular U.S. Destination for travel each year, St. Augustine also happens to be the oldest European occupied city in the United States. Dedicated to history and the protection of the city’s landmarks, sites including the Bridge of Lions, the Castillo de San Marcos and over 30 other properties are on the National Register of Historic Places. A top destination for cultural heritage tourism, many of the almost 5 million annual visitors choose to spend much of their time exploring these sites and the stories behind them.
Kyoto Japan – A truly ancient city, Kyoto dates back thousands of years. Japanese people tend to embrace their roots more than many other countries and for this reason, finding a historic site in Japan is far from difficult. The entire city of Kyoto, for example, is considered a Meaco (historic) designated city. Within the prefecture of Kyoto, the UNESCO committee has named its own list of sites which should be protected including temples, shrines and castles. In fact, 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in Kyoto many of which date back well over a thousand years.
Paris France – There is more to Paris than just its wine. A major metropolitan area, Paris is one of the oldest established cities which still remains a major influence on the world today. Dating back over 2000 years, Paris itself was first settled by Celts in the early 7th century BC. The site of modern and ancient marvels, numerous historic events and much more, Paris stands today, a marvel of technology and longevity. Cemeteries, historic sites, ancient remains of once major sites as well as well preserved architecture dating back over 500 years are found throughout this historic treasure.
The past is part of our future and with well preserved cities and historic sites similar to those above, we can educate our children and look forward to a brighter future.
Do you enjoy historical and cultural tourism? What are some of your favorite historic sites?
Island Trader Vacations reviews top destinations for travel and explores topics to help you be inspired.
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