Move over Disney and Netflix! There are some gorgeously opulent, fantastical worlds that exist in real life and can actually be visited! We have listed 7 of our favorite.
The Parthenon
This is a temple that rests on the Acropolis of Athens, which has tons of Greek mythology behind it. For thousands of years, this has been a place for religious events, gatherings, and even political protests.
Alepotrypa Cave, Mani Greece
Known to be home to Neolithic communities more than 5,000 years ago, this cave has the remains of an old village and burials. Discovered in 1958, full of human bones, this cave holds a lake where Jacques Cousteau once scuba-dived, hoping to film the discovery of yet more bones. You can actually go on tours here now. Epic, right?!
Valley of the Kings, Luxor Egypt
While we know this was the burial place for a lot of pharaohs, it still has that mythical element to it for that added spice. The recent discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun definitely spurred rumors of the curse of the pharaohs.
Xibalba Reserve Park, Yucatán
The crazy thing is this underground spot has been around since 750-850 BCE. The area is filled with caverns, natural pools, and underground rivers. It’s said that caves are gateways to where all the gods and predators lived.
Mount Olympus, Greece
Of course, this is known as the home of the 12 greek gods and goddesses, but mortals will also enjoy this place. This is a relaxing retreat from the regular tourist spots.
Winchester Castle, England
While the stories of King Arthur certainly inspired a lot of folklore, he was a real one. This area is like a real-life Camelot. In fact, you can go inside and see a glimpse of a round table hanging on the wall with inscriptions of the name of King Arthur’s knights carved along the edge.
Bran Castle, Romania
This spot on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia is the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” Visitors can check out this museum and get a taste of that cool eerie tale.
