Buzz
When rock-carved landmarks come up in conversation, most people immediately think of Petra in Jordan. Its beauty certainly earns the recognition it receives. However, many are unaware that it is just one of numerous similar rock-hewn sites—some of which might even rival Petra's beauty. In this list, we explore ten lesser-known, awe-inspiring rock-carved places.
10. Gila Cliffs
The Gila Cliff Dwellings, located in Southwestern New Mexico, are akin to the Mesa Verde in that they utilize existing caves, expanding them for human habitation. The Mogollon people resided here around 1275 to 1300 AD. The reason for their sudden abandonment remains a mystery. The site contains 46 rooms believed to have housed about fifteen families.
9. Bandelier National Monument
Bandelier National Monument is a historical site that preserves the homes of the Ancient Pueblo peoples, skillfully carved into rock and caves. These indigenous people not only created this remarkable monument but also contributed to the creation of several other incredible sites across the Americas. The monument offers a glimpse into their way of life with homes, ceremonial buildings, and fascinating rock paintings still visible today.
8. Mesa Verde
Located in Montezuma County, Colorado, Mesa Verde is a vast archaeological site featuring homes and villages of the Pueblo peoples, who began constructing their iconic cliff dwellings in the late 1190s. Among the most notable and largest of these cliff dwellings is Cliff Palace. The structures were built by expanding natural caves to accommodate living spaces, creating a unique and striking architectural legacy.
7. Lycian Tombs
The Lycian tombs, nestled near Dalyan in Turkey, are impressive monuments carved into the cliffs by the Lycian people. This ancient civilization, once allies of the Trojans, endured numerous changes in rulers over time until most of them were relocated to Greece after the Greco-Turkish War through a population exchange. Nearby, you can explore the ruins of the ancient trading city Kaunos, which makes for an enriching visit.
6. Lalibela
Lalibela, a town located in Northeast Ethiopia, is renowned for its remarkable rock-hewn churches. Regarded as one of Ethiopia's most sacred sites, the town's layout is designed to reflect Jerusalem, a feature that helps to date the churches back to the 12th century AD. There are a total of thirteen churches at the site, and another intriguing aspect is the way it utilizes an artesian geological system to supply wells located near each church.
5. Abu Simbel
In the 13th century BC, Pharaoh Ramesses II had the Abu Simbel temples intricately carved into rock to honor both himself and his wife. In 1968, the construction of the Aswan Dam posed a risk of flooding to the site, prompting the entire structure to be relocated to an artificial hill to preserve it for future generations. It remains one of Egypt's most popular tourist destinations.
4. Petra
Petra, established around 312 BC by the Nabataean people, is a city ingeniously carved into rock. Beyond its stunningly detailed carvings, the Nabataeans also developed a system of cisterns, also carved into the rock, which enabled them to thrive in an otherwise dry and arid region. One of the most impressive structures is Al Khazneh, the temple, whose design shows clear influences from Ancient Greek architecture.
3. Ellora
Ellora, located in India, is a world heritage site home to some of the grandest rock-carved structures ever created, rivaling even Petra in their beauty. The carvings represent temples from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, dating back to between the 5th and 10th centuries. Each cave reflects the distinct artistry of its religion, with Jain temples initially adorned with intricate paintings, some of which can still be admired today.
2. Ajanta Caves
Located in Maharashtra, India, the Ajanta Caves contain around 30 beautifully carved Buddha statues. What truly sets these caves apart, however, are the numerous exquisite paintings, representing some of the finest examples of Indian art. These caves date back to the 2nd century BC. An added bonus for visitors is that the Ajanta Caves are not far from the remarkable Ellora caves (item 1).
1. Longmen Caves
The Longmen Caves house tens of thousands of Buddha statues and depictions of his disciples, with some estimates reaching as many as 100,000. These statues are meticulously carved into the cliffs and caves of the Xiangshan and Longmenshan mountains in China. The carving process began between 400 and 1100 AD, funded by contributions from affluent families, royals, and religious organizations. The site is nothing short of remarkable, and UNESCO has described it as 'an outstanding manifestation of human artistic creativity.'
