Hampi is renowned for its exceptional historical importance, as it was once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled over a large territory in the 14th to 16th centuries. The monuments and structures in Hampi are testimony to the erstwhile grandeur and opulence of the Vijayanagara Empire. The ruins of Hampi were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, acknowledging its global historical significance.