Karahunj (Zorats Karer)

One side of Karahunj stone circle, with the central stone cyst seen in the left side, Armenia

Megalithic necropolis from the 3rd – 2nd millenia BC (?). Contains a ring of upright stones. Some 223 stone tombs are here, from the Middle Bronze Age to Iron Age. Many stones have holes in them and there is a hypothesis that these holes were used in ancient astronomy.

Christiansted

General view of Christiansted, US Virgin Islands

An unusual town built by Danish and black people and showing both influences of Danish and African art and architecture. Contains many buildings that were built in the 18th – 19th century.

Jacmel

General view of Jacmel, Haiti

City with well preserved French colonial architecture, little changed since the 19th century. Suffered major damage in earthquake in 2010.

El Mirador – ancient Maya metropolis

La Danta pyramid in El Mirador - one of the largest pyramids in the world. El Tigre pyramid is seen in the background, to the left

Ruins of Maya city that flourished around the 9th century AD. At times here were living more than 100 000 people – thus it was one of the largest cities in the world then. The central part of the city takes some 26 km². The tallest pyramids are more than 70 m tall (La Danta) and belong to the largest constructions in the ancient world. There are other enormous pyramids: El Tigre is 55 m tall, Los Monos – 48 m tall.

Joya de Cerén (Joya de Ceren)

Joya de Cerén. Structure 12 in the forefront, with lattice detail - possible workplace of female shaman. Traces of mural reainin on its walls

Maya settlement, buried under 4 – 8 m thick layer of volcanic ash that was erupted by Loma crater sometimes around 610 – 670 AD. Buildings and home utensils have been preserved in exceptionally good condition and provide valuable information about the daily lives of people in this community. Even cultivated fields of maize, agave, and other herbs have been preserved.

Cusco historic center

Cusco, Plaza des Armas

The historical capital of the Inca Empire, inhabited since 900 AD. During Inca time (the 13th century – 1532) the city was developed according to a strict plan. After the Spanish conquest, the city has maintained much of its original planning and part of building stones, but there has been built a new, magnificent city, blending local and European traditions.

Colonia del Sacramento Old Town

Colonia del Sacramento, view from the lighthouse, Uruguay

The oldest city in Uruguay, established in 1680. There have been preserved many old buildings and cobblestoned streets of this Portuguese-built city and this seaside city looks very romantic.

Persepolis

Ruins of palace in Persepolis, Iran

The ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire. Its development started in 521 BC on an enormous, partly artificially made terrace. Contains ruins of numerous architecturally impressive buildings such as Apadana Palace, Throne Hall, and numerous others. Contains also numerous valuable sculptures and reliefs. Destroyed by troops of Alexander the Great in 330 BC.

Valparaiso historic centre

Valparaíso, Las Brujas restaurant at Ascensor Artilleria

A picturesque, once prosperous port city with countless historical buildings on steep hillsides. In the city still are operating 4 – 10 historical funiculars.