“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.”

– Frank Gehry

Architecture goes beyond the construction of mere buildings that serve a particular purpose. It encapsulates the artistic vision of its creators and the essence of the era when it was built. Iconic structures serve as testaments to the ambitions, challenges, and victories of the people who strove to build them. They tell tales of human perseverance that leave the onlookers astounded for centuries.

For centuries, man has been defying all odds and building innovative structures. In addition to the new seven wonders of the world, which include The Great Wall of China, Peru’s Machu Picchu, the Roman Colosseum, India’s Taj Mahal, Jordan’s Petra, Mexico’s Chichen Itza, and Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer Statue, the world is full of architectural marvels. Even today, we are making use of advanced technology and coming up with designs that definitely boggle the mind.

Let us take a brief sojourn from our daily lives and take a moment to admire some of the most fascinating architectural marvels around the world.

The Great Wall of China

Country: China  

The Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive man-made structures on Earth. The construction of the wall started way back in the 7^th century CE. Later, additions were made by Quin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. The Chinese dynasties that came later on kept adding to the wall. Stretching over 13,000 miles across Northern China, the fortifications were initially built as defence against nomadic invasions. Later on, it became a symbol of Chinese unity and civilization. It is rightfully a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its many watchtowers, battlements, and defensive barriers.

Angkor Wat

Country: Cambodia

Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world. Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple complex is located in the Siem Reap Province of Cambodia. It is known for its detailed carvings and massive scale. Interestingly, it originated as a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and later transformed into a Buddhist temple complex.  

Khajuraho Temples

Country: India

Located in the Chatarpur District of India’s Madhya Pradesh, the Khajuraho Temples were marked as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. Situated in the midst of dense forests in the heart of India, the monuments are known for their Nagara-style architectural symbolism. Only 25 of the 85 temples that were built by the Chandela dynasty between 885 CE and 1000 CE still exist. The temples are known for their intricate carvings and depictions of erotic art. Interestingly, the Khajuraho Temples were dedicated to both Hinduism and Jainism, portraying the inclusivity and mutual respect prevalent in ancient Indian culture.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Country: United States of America

Renowned architect, Doane Robinson, came up with an innovative plan to boost tourism in South Dakota. He decided to carve the faces of US Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln on the Black Hills of South Dakota. Thus, started the construction of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in 1927 which lasted till 1941. Recognized as a national monument of the USA today, it spreads over an area of 1,278.45 acres and stands at a height of 5,725 feet above sea level. This iconic landmark is featured in a plethora of movies like Team America and North by Northwest.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Country: Italy

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most astounding architectural delights of Italy. Known for its Romanesque style and a tilt of around 4 degrees, the construction of this iconic building started in 113. Due to war, it took centuries for this white marble structure to be finished. It was not until 1399 that the Leaning Tower of Pisa was finally completed. Talented architects like Bonanno Pisano, Gherardo di Gherardo, Giovanni Pisano, and Giovanni di Simone were involved in the construction. Interestingly, it is predicted that the Leaning Tower of Pisa will collapse in the next 75 – 100 years.

Eiffel Tower

Country: France

Paris, the City of Lights, is synonymous with the Eiffel Tower. The 900-foot tall architectural marvel was designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle to honor the French Revolution’s centennial. The Eiffel Tower is a sight to behold and millions of travelers all around the world visit the monument even today. Interestingly, it was built to stand for only 20 years. It has outlived its original purpose and become an enduring cultural icon.

Sydney Opera House

Country: Australia

The Sydney Opera House is the crown jewel of Australia. On his third attempt, Danish architect, Jorn Utzon, won the worldwide contest held by the city of Sydney and got the privilege to design the new opera house in 1956. Construction started in 1959 and continued for 14 years before the masterpiece was completed. Located on the edge of the Sydney Harbor, the curved, sculpture-like building with its eight sail-like roofs akin to flower petals, the place includes a number of performance spaces and innovative technology. The Sydney Opera House is undoubtedly one of the most awe-inspiring structures in the world.

Burj Khalifa

Country: UAE

Located in Dubai, UAE, the Burj Khalifa holds the record for being the tallest man-made building in the world. Inspired by the Great Mosque of Samarra and other Islamic architectural landmarks, the Burj Khalifa stands at a height of 2,717 feet with an additional antenna of 5 feet. Designed by Adrian Smith, the construction of this landmark building was started in 2005 and continued for 5 years. With the use of state-of-the-art technology, the structure has become one of the most recognizable landmarks of the world.   

Conclusion

Iconic architectural landmarks are marks of technological advancement and the unrelenting creativity of the human mind. They leave us awe-struck and compel us to reminisce about the long history of civilizations. Today, with the ease of transport, we have the luxury to travel around the world and witness the architectural delights that have stood the test of time. An added bonus is that we can take social media worthy snapshots of these iconic structures making our visit to these places immortal.

This list only includes a few of the many awe-inspiring architectural feats of man. Do comment and let me know which of these iconic structures leave you mesmerized.

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