Architecture and Landmarks
The Great Pyramid of Giza - Built around 2580–2560 BC, it's the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. - Originally, it was covered with casing stones that formed a smooth outer surface, reflecting the sun’s rays and making the pyramid shine like a 'gem.' - Napoleon Bonaparte once calculated that with the stones used in the Great Pyramid, a wall 1 meter high and 1 meter thick could be built around France.
The Eiffel Tower - Constructed in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, it was supposed to be dismantled after 20 years. - Gustave Eiffel secretly installed a small apartment at the top of the tower where he would entertain guests like Thomas Edison. - During WWII, the lift cables were cut so Adolf Hitler had to climb the stairs if he wanted to reach the top. He never did.
The Statue of Liberty - A gift from France to the United States in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was shipped in 350 pieces and assembled on Liberty Island. - The statue’s full name is "Liberty Enlightening the World." - Gustave Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame, also designed the iron framework for Lady Liberty.
The Colosseum - Officially called the Flavian Amphitheatre, it could hold up to 80,000 spectators. - It featured a complex system of elevators and pulleys to lift animals and gladiators into the arena. - During the Middle Ages, it was used as a fortress and a Christian shrine.
The Taj Mahal - Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. - The minarets surrounding the Taj Mahal are slightly tilted outward to protect the main dome in case of an earthquake. - The changing hues of the building reflect different moods, symbolizing the varying moods of the emperor's wife.
Machu Picchu - This Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains was built in the 15th century and later abandoned. - It was hidden from the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. - The site was built to withstand earthquakes with its sophisticated dry-stone construction.
The Sydney Opera House - Completed in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is famous for its unique shell-like design. - Architect Jørn Utzon was inspired by the simple act of peeling an orange. - It took 14 years to complete and cost about AUD 102 million, which was 14 times over the initial budget.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa - Construction started in 1173 and continued for over 199 years. - The Leaning Tower began to tilt during construction due to an unstable foundation. - It was stabilized in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, but the tilt is still part of its charm.
The Burj Khalifa - Standing at 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world since its completion in 2010. - It has the highest observation deck in the world at the 148th floor. - The design is inspired by the Hymenocallis flower and traditional Islamic architecture.
The Parthenon - Located on the Acropolis of Athens, it was completed in 438 BC. - Dedicated to the goddess Athena, it's a symbol of ancient Greek democracy. - The Parthenon marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, are a source of controversy between the UK and Greece.
The Golden Gate Bridge - Opened in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge links San Francisco to Marin County. - Its iconic "International Orange" color was chosen because it blends well with the natural surroundings and enhances visibility in fog. - The cables of the bridge contain enough steel wire to circle the Earth three times.
The Sagrada Família - Designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Família in Barcelona has been under construction since 1882. - It’s expected to be completed by 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death. - Gaudí is buried in the crypt of the Sagrada Família.
The Empire State Building - Completed in 1931, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world until 1970. - The building has its own ZIP code: 10118. - It was constructed in just 410 days, an impressive feat for its time.
The Kremlin - The Kremlin in Moscow is a fortified complex that includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. - It serves as the official residence of the President of Russia. - The Tsar Cannon, located within the Kremlin, is the largest bombard by caliber in the world.
The Great Wall of China - Stretching over 13,000 miles, the Great Wall was built over various dynasties, primarily to protect against invasions and raids. - Contrary to popular belief, it is not visible from space without aid. - It’s made of a variety of materials, including bricks, tamped earth, wood, and stones.
The Alhambra - A palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Spain, the Alhambra was built in the mid-13th century by the Nasrid emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar. - The name Alhambra means "The Red One" due to the reddish color of the tapia (rammed earth) of which the outer walls are made. - Washington Irving’s "Tales of the Alhambra" brought international attention to the site in the 19th century.
Exploring these architectural wonders reveals not just the brilliance of human craftsmanship but also the rich histories and stories that have shaped our world.