Buzz
With much of the world still in lockdown, many destinations remain off-limits. However, just because the real world is out of reach doesn’t mean you can’t embark on a unique getaway—if you're ready to get a little inventive. Or simply dive into the creative mode of Minecraft.
Minecraft may seem like a basic game with straightforward rules, yet its blocky world has inspired players to craft remarkably detailed versions of both real-world and imaginary places. Below are ten of the coolest destinations you can explore—all from the comfort of your laptop.
10. Denmark
While many Minecraft players settle for constructing modest homes to fend off Creepers, the Danish government had far grander ambitions. Using detailed maps, they created a virtual replica of the entire country. This digital version offered a fun and accessible way for people to explore Denmark, even its most remote corners. However, due to the virtual model’s creation process, the buildings ended up flat-roofed and unfinished. The solution? Danish citizens were invited to pitch in and build a more accurate simulation of their homeland. One restriction? The TNT tool that adds chaos to the game was off-limits. Yet, as the saying goes, something was rotten in the state of Denmark.
Sadly, Denmark didn't hold out for long before being overrun by the forces of the United States. Players smuggled in TNT and began destroying the capital, Copenhagen. Huge US flags began to appear across the virtual landscape. Fortunately for Denmark, it was easy to revert to an earlier, pre-invasion version of the game.
9. The Acropolis
The majestic buildings, temples, and treasuries of the Acropolis in Athens stand as one of the greatest achievements of ancient Greek civilization. The Parthenon, in particular, has become a symbol of the entire era. The Greeks spent vast amounts of time, gold, and effort building and rebuilding the Acropolis. After the Persian invasion and the destruction of Athens, it took around 50 years to complete the iconic structures that still stand today. In Minecraft, however, it only took about three months.
In the real world, the Acropolis was located at the heart of Athens, but in Minecraft, it stands amidst the golden fields of Elysium. Another key difference is that the Minecraft version of the Parthenon retains its current white appearance, while in reality, the buildings were once painted in vibrant and, to modern eyes, almost garish colors.
8. Cathedrals
Cathedrals were not only architectural wonders but also symbolic representations of spiritual ambition across European cities. These grand structures, with their soaring ceilings and vast spaces, were designed to inspire awe and contemplation of the divine. Constructing such monumental buildings, often out of stone and wood, was a complex task that took centuries to complete. For instance, the Cologne Cathedral's construction started in 1248 but wasn’t finished until 1880. The Minecraft rendition of this cathedral, however, was completed much faster, though it still faithfully replicates the intricate spires and flying buttresses of the original, with richly adorned interiors, including hanging chandeliers.
If you’re not a fan of the Cologne Cathedral, why not explore Notre Dame in Paris? Sadly, due to a devastating fire, the original may be inaccessible for some time, but Minecraft offers an excellent alternative to experience its grandeur in a virtual world.
7. Babylon
Among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only the Great Pyramid still stands in a recognizable form. Many, such as the Colossus of Rhodes, vanished shortly after their creation. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, constructed around 600 BC by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his wife, were among the extraordinary feats accomplished in Babylon’s capital.
In Minecraft, the recreation of Babylon includes not only the majestic Hanging Gardens but also the legendary Tower of Babel, which once sought to reach the heavens, though in Minecraft, its height is limited by the game’s 256-block maximum. The Ishtar Gate, flanked by imposing winged bulls, serves as a grand entrance to the city, echoing a common motif of ancient Babylonian art and architecture.
6. Minas Tirith
“Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Ecthelion, shining like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners fluttering high in the morning wind.” Minas Tirith, the capital city of Gondor in J.R.R. Tolkien’s *Lord of the Rings*, is a breathtaking city built across seven levels, perched on the mountainside and overlooking a vast plain. In the world of Minecraft, fans of both the books and films have painstakingly recreated this magnificent city, capturing every detail, including the iconic banners that wave in the breeze.
While some locations on this list may be inaccessible due to their dangerous settings or destruction, Minas Tirith has the unfortunate limitation of being fictional. So, if you wish to visit this legendary city, Minecraft is your only gateway.
5. Hogwarts
For years, many young people dreamed of being swept away to a magical realm, and the *Harry Potter* series offered the perfect escape. The Floo Network dedicated years to creating a detailed version of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Minecraft. Every element of J.K. Rowling’s universe, from the eerie Shrieking Shack to the iconic Whomping Willow, along with her signature use of alliteration, is brought to life. Fans can even experience the magical floating candles in the Hogwarts dining hall, just as in the books and films.
In their quest to complete the world, the creators took the extra step of recreating parts of the real-life city of London. This is where one of the entrances to the magical realm is depicted in the books. However, it's worth noting that the Minecraft version of London is somewhat neater compared to its real-life counterpart…
4. Festivals
This year, hundreds of events, both large and small, across the globe have been cancelled. Many of the major music festivals are on hold for the foreseeable future due to the risk of spreading the Coronavirus. But a perk of being alone in your room on Minecraft is the minimal chance of catching a real-life illness. As a result, some musicians are turning to Minecraft to stay connected with their fans.
When Minecrafters gather on servers, chaos often ensues, with plenty of destruction and a fair amount of TNT being used. Yet, despite the mayhem, many gigs have been hosted on Minecraft. Other games, like Fortnite, have also held musical events, but Minecraft’s vast open worlds and servers provide more opportunities for musicians and bands to craft their performances. Admittedly, it’s not quite the same as jumping around in real life—after all, you're just bouncing a rectangular avatar up and down.
3. Westeros
The final season of Game of Thrones sparked intense debate. If by divisive, you mean universally criticized. So, why not create your own journey in an exquisitely detailed version of Westeros?
Spanning 22,000 by 59,000 blocks, this Minecraft rendition of Westeros may not match the scale of the real Game of Thrones, but it captures every key location from the books and show. Building something like the Wall is relatively simple, given it’s essentially giant blocks of ice. But the capital city, King’s Landing, is where the real magic happens. With the Red Keep palace and Iron Throne included, the city itself is truly remarkable. It houses exactly 4,788 distinct homes, each unique. The city took four months to construct, only for the creators to tear it down and rebuild it, making use of newly available materials and textures.
The team behind WesterosCraft has strict guidelines for what can be built and how interiors should be designed. One builder expressed frustration, saying, 'Westeros has a literacy rate of 0.1%, limiting it to the upper classes. When I see books in a low/middle-class home, I want to gouge my eyes out.' For those eagerly awaiting George R. R. Martin’s next novel, that sentiment may sound all too familiar…
2. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the world’s most popular destinations, drawing people with its lively atmosphere. Now, imagine experiencing it all by yourself. Well, sort of, in Los Angelcraft. While it's not an exact replica of Los Angeles, it captures the city’s essence in style. From towering skyscrapers that nearly touch the sky to cozy suburban homes, it’s a place where anyone with a dream of owning property in the City of Angels might find their best opportunity.
Every building is meticulously furnished, both inside and out, with great attention to detail. This project was a true labor of love for the creator, a person who has never actually visited Los Angeles.
1. The Earth
At the moment, your travel options are limited to Earth or, for the fortunate few who are both lucky and extraordinarily wealthy, low Earth orbit. But why not explore another version of Earth? This alternative version might even bring comfort to those who subscribe to the flat Earth theory.
Minecraft offers several variations of Earth. One version is slightly smaller than the real planet, but still spans 16,200 by 32,400 blocks, making it a 1:1500 scale model. Every part of the world is represented within one of the biomes that Minecraft offers. However, for some, this model still feels too distant from reality.
The 'Built the World' project aims to create a 1:1 scale model of Earth within Minecraft. More than 100,000 Minecraft players have shown interest in contributing to this massive endeavor. Due to the sheer scale of the project, different teams will be responsible for constructing various regions, which will later be merged into a complete world.
