When it comes to vacationing, many people’s minds turn to somewhere sunny and tropical, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the architectural wonders of other countries around the world. If you have found cheap flights to Iceland or Italy, for example, you might want to look at travel through the lens of architecture. These architectural wonders are awe-inspiring works of art that you need to visit in person to truly appreciate. Here are 6 incredible architectural wonders you need to travel to see.
The Colosseum is a symbol of Rome and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Built between 72-80 AD, it was used as an arena for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, reenactments of famous battles, dramas and various other forms of combat. The Colosseum has had a great influence on modern architecture; it’s been copied all over the world.
Located on the Acropolis Hill in Athens, Greece, this temple is one of the best examples of Doric Architecture. Construction began around 447 BC with funds provided by the Delian League and took about eight years to complete (432-438 BC). It is the most famous and best preserved ancient building in the world. The architect was Ictinus, with help from Callicrates and other sculptors, metalworkers, carpenters, stonecutters, plasterers and other craftsmen.
The Taj Mahal, completed in 1653 and located in Agra, India, is one of the most famous architectural wonders of the world. It is a mausoleum commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The monument’s beauty and elegance has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Millions come from all over the world to marvel at this architectural masterpiece and its rich history.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most popular architectural wonders in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It’s also one of the seven wonders. Egyptologists believe that it was built over 4,500 years ago, making it one of the oldest and largest monuments ever created by humankind. The outer casing stones were once brightly colored, but due to exposure to wind, rain, and earth over centuries of weathering they are now mostly grey. The pyramid is made up of approximately 2 million blocks weighing from 2-60 tons each and originally stood 146 metres (480 feet) tall before erosion caused by rain reduced its height. Each side at the base is 230 metres long (750 feet) which means this massive structure covers 13 acres.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Standing at 1,063 feet tall, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Paris. The tower was designed by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel as part of a World’s Fair and construction began in 1887. It opened on March 31, 1889 and became an instant sensation. Today, you can visit the Tower anytime of day or night because it is illuminated by over 5,000 light bulbs. Tickets are available online or at the ticket booth on the Champ de Mars Metro station.
The Christ the Redeemer statue is a sight not to be missed when visiting Rio de Janeiro. This iconic statue stands at an impressive 30 metres high, and has been declared one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It is located on top of Corcovado Mountain and overlooks the city below. The story behind this iconic statue is that it represents Jesus looking down on his people in order to bless them and offer protection from their enemies. If you find yourself in Rio, make sure you take a trip up Corcovado Mountain for an unforgettable experience.
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