Traces of invisible cities: in search of lost civilizations

Some of them are shrouded in legends and myths, others have left behind real archaeological traces. We invite you on a unique journey to places where, perhaps, the springs of life of civilizations that disappeared thousands of years ago once flowed.

Among the cloud forests of Peru, at an altitude of more than 2400 meters above sea level, hides Machu Picchu - the mysterious Incan city built in the 15th century. This city was an impregnable fortress, a religious center and a refuge for the Inca rulers.

History and Discovery

For centuries, Machu Picchu remained forgotten until American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered it to the outside world in 1911. The city is believed to have been built by Emperor Pachacutec and served as a sanctuary or summer residence for Incan nobility.

What to See

Visitors to explore Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana ("sundial" or "raise where the sun is tied"), the main square and residential areas. Climbing Huayna Picchu offers breathtaking views of the entire complex.

Petra, one of the new wonders of the world, is located in the south of Jordan. This ancient city, carved into red rocks, was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom, which flourished around the 4th century BC.

History and Significance

Petra is famous for its architectural landmarks and plumbing, making it an outstanding example of ancient engineering and cultural exchange. The city served as an important trade hub, connecting East and West.

What to See

Al-Khazneh (Treasury) is the most famous building in Petra, carved directly into the rock, is often associated with the city. Other important sites include Ad Deir Monastery, the Roman Theater and the Street of Facades.

Angkor, located in modern-day Cambodia, was the center of the Khmer Empire, which reached its apogee between the 9th and 15th centuries. Angkor Wat is the most famous and impressive temple in the complex, one of the largest religious buildings in the world.

History and Cultural Significance

Angkor Wat was built as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, but over time became a Buddhist sanctuary. The complex serves as a symbol of Cambodian national pride and is a significant achievement in the field of architecture and art.

What to See

Besides Angkor Wat, be sure to visit Bayon with its unique stone faces, the ancient city of Angkor Thom and the Ta Prohm temple, shrouded in tree roots. Each of these places immerses you in the atmosphere of the power and grandeur of the Khmer civilization.

Located in the Valley of Mexico, Teotihuacan is one of the largest and most significant archaeological sites in the Americas. Founded around the 1st century AD, it reached its peak between the 3rd and 7th centuries AD, becoming one of the largest cities in the world at that time.

History and Significance

Teotihuacan is an amazing example of a metropolis with a developed urban structure, including many pyramids, palaces and temples. The most famous structures - the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon - dominate the landscape of the city and serve as evidence of the high level of knowledge of the ancient builders.

What to See

The Avenue of the Dead, connecting the main pyramids and temples, offers travelers the opportunity to walk along the central axis of the ancient city, experiencing its scale and cultural significance. Teotihuacan is not only a place of pilgrimage for tourists, but also an active archaeological zone, where excavations and research are still ongoing.

Gobekli Tepe in Turkey is one of the most mysterious archaeological sites in the world, dating back to the 10th millennium BC. This makes it one of the oldest religious buildings known to mankind.

History and Significance

The discovery of Gobekli Tepe changed scientists' ideas about the Neolithic era, proving that even in the Stone Age people could create complex structures. Consisting of round and oval structures decorated with richly carved steles, Gobekli Tepe is thought to have served as a place of worship or ritual.

What to See

Visitors can see columns and steles decorated with images of animals and abstract symbols, which are still the subject of scientific debate and interpretation. The riddle of Gobekli Tepe is an invitation to reflect on the spiritual and cultural aspects of the lives of ancient people who sought to express their beliefs through monumental construction.

In the very heart of Sri Lanka rises Sigiriya, a huge rock massif on top of which are the ruins of an ancient fortress built in the 5th century AD by King Kasyapa. This unique archaeological complex serves as a shining example of the urban planning and art of ancient Sri Lanka.

History and Significance

Sigiriya is famous not only for its impressive rock-cut murals, but also for its advanced water supply system, including gardens and reservoirs located at the top and base of the cliff. It is considered one of the best examples of ancient town planning and garden art.

What to Watch

In addition to the famous frescoes and the majestic lion's entrance, tourists will find Sigiriya's water gardens, which demonstrate unique engineering solutions of their time. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views of the jungle around, making a visit to Sigiriya an unforgettable experience.

Derinkuyu is one of the largest and deepest underground cities in Cappadocia, Türkiye. This underground complex, which could house up to 20,000 people along with their livestock and supplies, served as a refuge for local residents in times of danger for centuries.

History and Significance

The underground cities of Cappadocia, including Derinkuyu, were dug into soft volcanic tuff from Hittite times and expanded during the early Christian period as a refuge from Roman and Muslim invaders. These cities contain all the amenities necessary for life, including ventilation shafts, churches, wine cellars and schools.

What to See

Visit Derinkuyu provides a unique opportunity to see how people were able to organize their lives underground over many months. The complex network of tunnels, rooms and public spaces is a testament to engineering prowess and the ability to survive in difficult times.

Travel in the footsteps of the invisible cities is not only an expedition to ancient ruins, but also an immersion in the deep history of humanity, which has always strived to create, understand and unite through architecture, religion and art. From Machu Picchu to Derinkuyu, these places remind us of the mystery and greatness of ancient civilizations, their achievements and tragedies, as well as man's constant desire to understand the world.

Every lost city, every stone and a relic is a clue to how our ancestors lived, what they valued and what they believed. These places serve as a bridge between the past and the present, offering us a unique opportunity to connect with the history of humanity and take with us some of its spirit and wisdom.