Random Real Mythological Places (16 items)

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  (#8) Winchester Castle, a Real-Life Camelot

  Despite his debated historical existence, legendary British leader King Arthur has inspired many folklore and modern-day tales. King Arthur was a mighty warrior who defended the land and people of Britain from enemies, both human and supernatural.

  King Arthur is thought to have resided at Camelot, a kingdom regarded as the capital of his realm. The Winchester Castle in Hampshire, England is a medieval building that's been dubbed the real-world Camelot. Inside, visitors can glimpse a round table hanging on the wall inscribed with the names of King Arthur’s knights carved around the edge.
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  (#6) Xibalba, Mayan 'Place of Fear'

  This secret site of the Mayan underworld dates back to 750-850 BCE. It's located in on the Yucatan Peninsula, and its believed that this cave was constructed to mimic the Mayan underworld. The entire Mayan civilization, which mysteriously collapsed in the 10th century, stretched from southern Mexico to northern Belize.

  The area is filled with caverns, underground rivers, natural pools, and dark recesses. According to Mayan mythology, sinkholes and caves serve as sacred entrance portals to the other world, Xibalba, roughly translated as "place of fear," where all the gods and blood-thirsty predators lived. 
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  (#9) Matsue, Closed Entrance to the Underworld

  According to Japanese mythology, Izanagi and Izanami were the first male and female gods. After the death of his wife, Izanagi’s grief caused him to visit his wife in the underworld known as Yomi-no-kuni. He descended to the underworld, where Izanami asked him to wait while she asked the lord’s permission to return with her husband. 

  However, Izanagi grew impatient and entered the underworld, anyway. That made his wife furious and she ordered evil hags to chase him. He managed to escape and closed the gate to the underworld with a boulder. The entrance to the underworld closed by Izanagi is still standing and can be visited in the city of Matsue.
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  (#7) Troy, Site of the Great Trojan War

  In the war against Troy, the Greek warriors hid in a giant wooden horse and left it at the gates of Troy. The Trojans assumed the Greeks had fled and the horse was a gift of surrender. When the people of Troy took the wooden statue inside the city to celebrate victory, the Greek soldiers emerged from it by surprise and destroyed the city.

  Now, archeologists believe an area near Turkey’s Northeast coast is where the deadly 10-year-long war occurred. The 4,000-year-old temples and ruins in the archeological site, including a reconstruction of the Trojan horse, is regarded as an UNESCO World Heritage site.
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  (#1) Mount Olympus, Home of the Mighty Greek Gods

  Mount Olympus, widely known as the home of the 12 Greek gods and goddesses, won't disappoint mortals visiting for either a glimpse of mythology or a nature retreat. It's easy to imagine Zeus stepping out onto the rocks of the mighty structure in ancient times and hurling his powerful thunderbolts.

  A part of the mountain serves as the Mount Olympus National Park, showcasing rich flora and fauna. In fact, the park is one of the most important bird areas of Europe. The 9,573-foot-tall mountain is hikeable, but serious endurance is required to reach the peak.
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  (#14) Kilauea Volcano, Home of Hawaiian Goddess Pele

  While Hawaii is best known for its fabulous beaches, its volcanoes are also important to the local culture. Hawaiian mythology honored Pele as the goddess of volcanoes, as well as the creator of the Hawaiian islands. According to legend, the goddess lives in the Halemaumau crater in the Kilauea volcano.

  The volcano, located in the modern-day Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, is one of the world’s most restless volcanoes. Several parts of Kilauea are accessible to visitors, while other areas can only be observed from the Jaggar Museum lookout. 

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