15 Ancient Walls Around the World That Are Still Standing—and Worth Visiting
Throughout history, walls have been built for protection, power, and prestige. These remarkable structures have stood the test of time, with many still standing today, offering a window into the past.
Whether they were once part of vast empires or served as the backdrop to key battles, visiting these ancient walls provides a powerful sense of history and culture. Here are 15 of the most iconic and enduring walls worth exploring on your travels.
The Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall of China is perhaps the most famous wall in the world. Stretching over 13,000 miles, it was built to protect the Chinese Empire from invasions.
The wall offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Its watchtowers, formidable in their age, remind visitors of the history and ambition behind this monumental structure.
The Berlin Wall, Germany
The Berlin Wall once divided East and West Germany during the Cold War, but today it stands as a symbol of unity and freedom. Though most of the wall was dismantled, parts of it have been preserved in the East Side Gallery in Berlin.
Here, artists have painted colorful murals reflecting political change and personal freedom.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Hadrian’s Wall, United Kingdom
Built by the Romans in the 2nd century, Hadrian’s Wall once marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain. Today, the wall offers a glimpse into ancient military life and the Roman occupation of Britain.
The well-preserved sections and forts along the wall make it a fascinating spot for history enthusiasts.
The Walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are famously known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” These impressive fortifications date back to the 10th century and encircle the entire Old Town.
Visitors can walk along the walls, taking in panoramic views of the sparkling sea and the terracotta rooftops below.
The Walls of Avila, Spain
The walls of Avila, with their 9,000-meter length, are one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Europe. Built in the 11th century, they are punctuated by over 80 towers and 9 gates.
These stone walls offer a journey back in time to the medieval era and a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Western Wall, Jerusalem
The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is one of the holiest sites in Judaism. It is all that remains of the Second Temple, which was destroyed in 70 CE.
This ancient wall holds immense spiritual significance, and its cracks are filled with written prayers left by visitors from around the world.
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Zimbabwe
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins are the remains of the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe, once the heart of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. The stone walls here, particularly the Great Enclosure wall, were built without mortar.
These imposing structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated civilization that once thrived in southern Africa.
The Athenian Walls, Greece
Dating back to the 5th century BCE, the Athenian Walls once protected the ancient city of Athens. The walls’ most famous feature is the Long Walls, which connected the city to its port of Piraeus.
Visiting the remnants of these walls provides an insight into the strategic importance of Athens during its golden age.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Kumbhalgarh Fort Walls, India
The Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan is surrounded by one of the longest walls in the world, stretching over 36 kilometers. This massive wall, built in the 15th century, is second only to the Great Wall of China in length.
It was designed to protect the fort from invaders and is an impressive feat of ancient engineering.
The City Walls of Carcassonne, France
Carcassonne’s medieval walls are among the best-preserved in Europe, offering a rare glimpse of medieval fortifications at their finest. The walls, which date back to Roman times, encircle a fairytale-like town filled with towers and drawbridges.
Walking through these walls feels like stepping into a medieval fantasy.
The Walls of Jericho, West Bank
The ancient walls of Jericho are believed to be the oldest known city walls in the world, dating back to 8000 BCE. The walls are famously mentioned in the Bible, with the story of their miraculous collapse.
Today, the archaeological site offers a deep dive into the history of human civilization and the beginnings of urban life.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Castle Walls of Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle is protected by ancient walls that have stood the test of time. The castle itself has been a royal residence for centuries, and its walls have witnessed many battles and sieges.
The views from the top of the walls are as impressive as the history embedded within them.
The Walls of Lucca, Italy
Unlike many medieval towns, Lucca’s walls have been preserved not only as a historical landmark but also as a public park. Visitors can walk or cycle along the tree-lined top of the walls, enjoying a unique perspective of this charming Tuscan city.
The walls, built in the 16th century, have protected Lucca for hundreds of years.
The Moat and Walls of the Forbidden City, Beijing, China
The Forbidden City, home to Chinese emperors for over 500 years, is surrounded by a deep moat and imposing walls. The structure’s vastness and grandeur reflect the power and prestige of the imperial dynasty.
The walls and moat remain largely intact, giving visitors an insight into ancient Chinese architecture and imperial life.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
The Walls of Constantinople, Turkey
The ancient walls of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) are some of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine military architecture. Built in the 5th century, these walls protected the city for over 1,000 years.
Visitors can explore the well-preserved sections of the walls, which offer incredible views of the Bosphorus and the city below.
More from The Modern Day Adventurer
- 14 Things You Should Never Do on a Long-Haul Flight
- Avoid These 16 Areas in Mexico for Your Own Safety
- 17 Most Dangerous Destinations No Solo Traveler Should Venture To
- 17 Countries Where English Speaking Retirees Can Find Luxury Living at a Fraction of the Cost
- Think Twice About Visiting These 15 Caribbean Islands With Travel Alerts
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
