10 Wonders of the World: Must-See Buildings That Will Take Your Breath Away

 

Are you looking for the perfect travel destination with the most amazing architecture in the world? Look no further than this list of 10 Wonders of the World! From ancient temples to modern-day skyscrapers, these must-see buildings will take your breath away. From the Taj Mahal in India to the Empire State Building in New York City, these stunning structures represent the best of humankind’s creativity and engineering. Read on to learn about these amazing buildings and why you should add them to your bucket list!

1) The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

This iconic building located in the center of Rome is known as one of the most impressive buildings of all time. Built around 70-80 A.D., the Colosseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater and was capable of seating up to 50,000 people. It was built as a symbol of power and an arena for gladiatorial contests and other forms of entertainment. 

The structure is made up of four tiers of arches surrounding a central area and is constructed from brick, stone, concrete and marble. Its sheer size has been the source of awe and wonder for centuries, and it is easy to see why it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. Its architecture and engineering innovations have inspired generations of architects and engineers, and it stands as a testament to the power of the Roman Empire.

2) The Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic and recognizable buildings in the world. Located in the northern Indian city of Agra, this majestic mausoleum was constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Built in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal is considered a shining example of Mughal architecture, blending traditional Islamic styles with Indian, Persian and Turkish elements.

This stunningly beautiful building is made from white marble and is decorated with intricate carvings, pietra dura (inlaid stones) and lapidary work. It sits on a platform that is surrounded by four minarets and a reflecting pool. The overall effect is breathtaking, particularly when viewed at sunrise or sunset when the light changes the color of the marble to a soft pink hue.

For centuries, people have come from around the world to marvel at the Taj Mahal's beauty. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to admire its unique design and its enduring symbol of love and devotion.

3) The Parthenon, Athens, Greece

One of the most iconic structures in the world, the Parthenon has stood atop the Acropolis of Athens since its construction began in 447 BC. It was built as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and is considered one of the most influential buildings in the history of Western architecture. 

The building stands at a height of 48 meters (157 feet) and features 8 columns on the east and west ends, and 17 on the north and south sides. The columns are of a distinctive Ionic style and are each around 6 meters (20 feet) tall. The Parthenon also features a number of friezes, depicting gods and goddesses, battles between Greeks and Amazons, and scenes from Greek mythology. 

The Parthenon has seen its fair share of destruction over the centuries. In 1687, it was severely damaged by an Ottoman bombardment which caused a large portion of the building to collapse. It was then restored by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and today it is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Visiting the Parthenon is one of the must-do activities when in Athens. It's a stunning testament to Ancient Greece and its influence on modern day architecture is unmistakable. It truly is one of the wonders of the world!

4) The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza is an ancient wonder of the world that has withstood the test of time. Located in Cairo, it was built as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu and is believed to have been constructed around 2560 BC. It is the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the only one that still stands today.

The pyramid stands at an impressive height of 455 feet and consists of over two million blocks of limestone and granite. Its four sides are aligned almost perfectly to the four cardinal directions, and its base covers an area of more than 13 acres. The design of the pyramid was so precise that its exterior angles were found to be within 0.04 degrees of accuracy. 

It is thought that the Great Pyramid was built using an ingenious system of levers and pulleys, with wooden sledges loaded with stones dragged up ramps. It is estimated that it would have taken 10,000 people to build it, working continuously for over 30 years. 

The Great Pyramid of Giza is an awe-inspiring reminder of the great engineering feats of ancient civilizations, and should definitely be included on anyone’s list of must-see buildings.

5) The Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

The Hagia Sophia is an incredible feat of engineering and architecture that has stood the test of time for over 1,400 years. Built in 537 AD by the Byzantine Empire, the Hagia Sophia was originally a Greek Orthodox church and served as the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople until 1453 when it was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Turks. The structure has been used as a museum since 1935, and its intricate design and ornate interior features make it one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring buildings in the world.

The building's exterior is made from huge stone blocks that were cut and laid by hand. Inside, visitors can see massive domes and soaring arches that are covered with intricate mosaics and gold decorations. The Hagia Sophia also has an impressive collection of frescoes, including some from the original Byzantine era. The building's architecture is reflective of both Christian and Muslim influences, making it a symbol of religious tolerance.

The Hagia Sophia is one of the most visited landmarks in Istanbul and should not be missed when visiting the city. Whether you are looking for a spiritual experience or simply want to take in the beauty of the building, the Hagia Sophia is an absolute must-see.

6) The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

An architectural marvel, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous monuments in the world. Located in the city of Pisa, Italy, the tower was built over a period of 177 years from 1173 to 1350. Built as the bell tower for the city’s cathedral, the tower began to lean as construction continued due to its foundation being built on soft ground.

This unique structure is composed of white marble and stands at a height of 57 meters or 186 feet. In 1990, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become a major tourist attraction in the region. Despite efforts to stop the leaning, the tower has continued to do so at a rate of 1.2mm per year. However, it remains an incredible feat of engineering and its significance has been noted by many travelers and historians alike.

7) The Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris, France

One of the most renowned buildings in the world, the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris is one of the oldest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Located in the heart of Paris, this awe-inspiring cathedral has been a symbol of French culture and history for centuries.

The impressive structure was built in 1163, making it one of the oldest religious monuments in the city. The building consists of two towers, two bell towers, a nave and two transepts. The stunning stained glass windows depict various biblical scenes, adding to the cathedral's impressive beauty.

The interior of Notre Dame has been home to many important artifacts throughout its history, including statues, altars and the reliquary of Saint Genevieve. One of the most remarkable features of the cathedral is its grand organ, which was built in 1637. It stands 15 meters high and was once played by renowned composer Olivier Messiaen.

Notre Dame is an incredible example of gothic architecture and continues to inspire visitors to this day. This historic monument has stood through wars, revolutions and natural disasters, and has become a symbol of French culture and pride. As you stroll through its hallowed halls, take a moment to reflect on its timeless beauty and history.

8) The Forbidden City, Beijing, China

The Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Constructed during the Ming dynasty in 1420, it served as the Chinese imperial palace for over 500 years. Covering an area of over 180 acres, it consists of 980 buildings and contains 8,704 rooms. 

The Forbidden City is surrounded by a moat and tall walls, with four grand gates opening up to different directions. Its main entrance is the Meridian Gate, which was built to welcome the emperor during his travels around China. 

The Forbidden City is filled with majestic palaces and halls, as well as many ancient artifacts and treasures. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest and most important structure in the Forbidden City and was used for important ceremonies. The Hall of Preserving Harmony was used for emperors' studies and examinations. There are also many other important buildings such as the Imperial Garden and the Palace of Heavenly Purity. 

Visitors to the Forbidden City can marvel at the grand architecture and intricate details of the buildings, as well as learn about its fascinating history. It is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Beijing and is a testament to the great Chinese imperial culture.

9) The Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most iconic buildings in France and the world. Located in the town of Versailles, just outside Paris, the palace was built by King Louis XIV of France in 1682 and served as his residence until the French Revolution in 1789.

The palace itself is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, with elaborate gardens, water features, sculptures, and other decorations. The Hall of Mirrors is perhaps the most famous room in the palace, with its glittering mirrored walls that are often used as a backdrop for important events such as weddings.

The Palace of Versailles was once the centre of political power in France and was where many important decisions were made. Today, it is open to visitors from around the world, allowing them to experience its history and grandeur. A visit to this incredible building is an absolute must when travelling to France.

10) The Statue of Liberty, New York City, USA

No list of the world’s most iconic buildings would be complete without the Statue of Liberty. Located on Liberty Island, this colossal neoclassical sculpture is a symbol of freedom and democracy for millions of Americans. The statue was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and was a gift from France to the United States in 1886.

Standing at 151 feet tall and weighing 225 tons, the Statue of Liberty is an awe-inspiring sight. The statue is constructed from a sheet of copper which has been overlaid with a green patina, giving it the appearance it has today. At the base of the statue is an inscription that reads “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Visitors to the Statue of Liberty can ascend to the crown, although this requires tickets and advanced reservations. The view from the top provides spectacular views of New York City and its harbor. There are also guided tours that provide interesting historical information about the statue and its significance. The Statue of Liberty remains an important symbol of America and is sure to take your breath away.