Guess Who’s Paying for Your Historical Vacation Spots? Americans!

American donors have helped save some of the world’s most famous historical sites. From the Great Wall of China to the Colosseum in Rome, their generosity has protected these landmarks from decay and neglect. Here are 20 incredible places around the globe that have been preserved thanks to American contributions.

1. The Great Wall of China

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / aphotostory

This iconic symbol of China’s historical and architectural achievement has received funding from various American organizations to aid in its preservation, tackling the immense task of maintaining its vast length.

2. Pompeii, Italy

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tunatura

The ancient city of Pompeii was preserved under layers of volcanic ash for centuries. American donations have supported various projects to maintain and restore this invaluable archaeological site.

3. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / AlexAnton

American contributions have supported the preservation of these world-famous structures, helping to maintain the integrity and safety of the site for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

4. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / posztos

This massive temple complex has benefited from American funding to help preserve its intricate carvings and structures, protecting it from natural decay and the impact of increasing tourism.

5. Machu Picchu, Peru

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Image Credit: Pexels / Anton_Ivanov

This ancient Incan city high in the Andes is preserved with the help of funding from around the world, including significant contributions from American donors, to help manage access and protect its fragile ruins.

6. Petra, Jordan

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / tenkl

This archaeological site, famous for its rock-cut architecture and water conduit system, has received aid from American sources to help with its preservation efforts and to stabilize structures at risk.

7. The Taj Mahal, India

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / AlexAnton

Funding from American philanthropists has contributed to the ongoing efforts to clean and restore this iconic symbol of love, addressing environmental threats to its gleaming marble facade.

8. Hagia Sophia, Turkey

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Boris Stroujko

As a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia has seen American-backed initiatives aimed at preserving its unique historical and religious significance.

9. Easter Island Statues, Chile

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Amy Nichole Harris

The mysterious Moai statues have been stabilized and preserved in part with American funding, which has helped to address the erosion and other environmental challenges they face.

10. Venice, Italy

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / effective stock photos

American donors have been instrumental in efforts to preserve Venice’s historic architecture and art, particularly in combating the effects of flooding and water damage.

11. Acropolis, Greece

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Viacheslav Lopatin

The preservation of Athens’ Acropolis, including the Parthenon, has benefited from American contributions, which help in the meticulous restoration and preservation of its ancient buildings.

12. Chichén Itzá, Mexico

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Richie Chan

This Mayan city on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico has seen preservation efforts supported by American philanthropy, safeguarding its famous pyramid and other structures.

13. Notre Dame Cathedral, France

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Viacheslav Lopatin

After the devastating fire in 2019, American donors were quick to contribute to the restoration fund, ensuring that this iconic Parisian landmark could be restored for future visitors.

14. Imperial Cities, Morocco

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / milosk50

American funding has assisted in the restoration and preservation of Morocco’s historic imperial cities, protecting their unique cultural heritage and architecture.

15. The Alhambra, Spain

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Macronatura.es

This fortress complex is a testament to medieval Moorish culture and has received support from American donors to help preserve its detailed Islamic art and architecture.

16. Kraków Historic Center, Poland

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / RomanSlavik.com

This area, rich with history and cultural significance, has benefited from American donations which have supported the restoration of several of its key historical buildings and artworks.

17. The Colosseum, Italy

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / prochasson frederic

Efforts to stabilize and restore Rome’s ancient amphitheater have been bolstered by contributions from American patrons, helping to preserve it as a symbol of Roman ingenuity and culture.

18. Mount Athos, Greece

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / vlas2000

This Orthodox spiritual center has seen American contributions help maintain its monasteries and libraries, preserving a vast collection of Christian artefacts and manuscripts.

19. Temple of Heaven, China

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / V_E

Preservation efforts for this complex of religious buildings in Beijing have been supported by American donations, ensuring that its symbolic architecture and park remain a place for visitors to enjoy.

20. Stonehenge, United Kingdom

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / aslysun

American funding has helped support conservation efforts at this prehistoric monument, ensuring that it continues to be a site for archaeological study and public admiration.

Preserving Our Global Heritage

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Elle Aon

The generosity of American donors in supporting the preservation of these historic sites shows a commitment to safeguarding our shared cultural heritage. By contributing to these efforts, Americans help ensure that these wonders of the world remain as legacies for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio

Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

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Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell

American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

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Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen

Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / MarinaTP.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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