The world is filled with incredible and breathtaking attractions whose present-day attractions were inspired by ancient histories. If you've ever been on a world tour, it is common to have visited historical sites, art buildings, farming estates, or regal castles that might have transformed into luxe hotels, iconic casinos, among other modern-day attraction centers.

These contemporary buildings or attractions have served and continue to serve as tourism destinations. While some old buildings gradually fade into extinction, others are revitalized to attract visitors year in year out. They bear in them a palpable history that is worth knowing by every history-craving individual. A few of the old relics with the details of their respective modern renovations are discussed here.

Caesars Palace

The modern, luxury hotel was originally known as the Desert Cabana, then Desert Palace, and finally, Caesars Palace. It was inspired by the Greco-Roman myth. This is evident in the usage of Greco-Roman statuary to the max. Sarno imitated the Roman display of opulence in the building.

The hotel contains many statues, columns, and iconography that are suggestive of Hollywood Roman period productions. They include statues of Augustus Caesar near the hotel's entrance; Emperor Augustus which stands omnipotently over the Strip; Emperor Nero; the goddess Fortunna holding the cornucopia of plenty which serves as a 1990s self-gratification phenomenon; among others.

The art, known as Replica art, at Caesars could be assessed at any time with visitors having unhindered access to it. Every piece of art in the resort has its original. The art reminds the observers of the original message, intent, and creativity of the artist while also suggestive of beauty.

Jay Sarno, the owner of the hotel, adopted the new name, 'Caesars Palace' to create the impression that everyone in the hotel was a Caesar. Many people consider the Forum Shops complex that was recently built as an "archaeological correctness." It is a place where visitors are offered an experience of ancient Roman life but with a modern touch.

Caesars casino is also built on the idea of greek mythology and they actually have an online section that might give you an idea what it would be like to go there. If you wish to read an unbiased review you can visit OLBG’s dedicated Caesars Casino page that’ll provide you with anything you might wonder.

HyperSity Cave House in Loess Plateau



The ‘house cave,’ which was originally a traditional house, was carved out of the earth to form a sunken courtyard. It is located in the Shanxi region of China. The site has a large barrel-vaulted recess located in the north together with a massive front courtyard inhabiting a cluster of three rigid side caves towards the southwest side. The main cave served as the living room while the three side caves served as the bedroom space.

The traditional cave is warm in winter and cool during summer. The cave was abandoned in a state of collapse for many years. However, HyperSity architects began a renovation of the derelict traditional cave. The first form of the renovation was the demolition of the auxiliary volume which helped to open the courtyard. The largest cave was transformed into an independent living space with bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom, dining area, and storage space.

Skylights were incorporated to make sure that the depths of the cave are easily permeated by sunlight. There is also a central skylight that serves as a light tunnel, separating the bedroom and living room of the home. The open-air courtyards join the living spaces.

The walls were constructed with rammed earth which was composed of mixed clays and sands derived from the tops of the nearby mountains. The use of natural materials was also extended to the inside of the cave to ensure cohesiveness – wooden walls and furnishings as well as glass screens, all of which allow for easy penetration of sunlight. The entrance is made in the form of a semi-curved canopy to protect the home from the strong Mongolian wind.

The renovation was an attestation to the fact that rural people also deserve to have a modern life experience with contemporary facilities. In other words, they should be able to maintain an intimate relationship with the city life rather than as mere followers.

Astley Castle



Astley Castle was originally the aristocratic, royal family’s fortified manor in North Warwickshire during the 16th century. It was listed as a Grade II* listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument since 1952 and 1994, respectively. It was used by three generations before its conversion into a hotel after the Second World War. Sir William Astley died in 1420, bequeathing the estate to his daughter who got married to Reginald Grey in 1415.

However, following the damage of the estate in an inferno in 1978, the Castle became abandoned and was not opened until 2012 after the completion of extensive and novel renovations that integrated modern elements within the remains to make it a holiday let. The proposal to rebuild the structure was made by the Landmark Trust, a building preservation charity. Of the numerous architects that submitted proposals for the renovation of the building, Witherford Watson Mann Architects, a London-based studio, was selected to carry out the project in 2017. Thus, the architect was charged with the responsibility of fortifying the collapsing ruin with a modern look without denying it of its historical image.

As part of the renovations, laminated wooden beams were used for the floors and ceilings, thus creating living areas and bedrooms within the oldest part of the castle. The extended wooden roof forms a hollow canopy to create entrance courtyards that leave the castle exposed to rain. The renovated castle has four bedrooms, each of which can comfortably occupy eight people. There is an oak staircase that leads to the first floor which houses the living room. To increase the presence of natural light, the architects added two new windows.

Beyond the old or dilapidated structures, ruins or old relics serve as objects of celebration. Not only do they provide nostalgic value, but they also offer great aesthetic values that remain unique. This is why architects do not often condemn the structures in totality; rather, they incorporate crisp, modern materials to the ruinous structures such that they conform to the contemporary design without losing their original structures. In other words, great respect is often shown for the traditionalistic materiality of the structures.