10 most famous buildings in the world that everyone has heard of

There are ancient, high-rise or unusual architecture buildings in many countries, but not all of them are world famous. Some are so popular that they are visited annually by 10 million tourists, and every year the number of visitors only increases.

We present you a list of the 10 most famous buildings in the world: temples and theaters in Australia, Italy, Russia and other countries, created by the ancient Greeks and other talented architects.

10 Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia

The most famous building in Australia, the construction of which lasted from 1959 to 1973, is officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. in Sydney with opera house only the Harbor Bridge can compete in popularity, although people go to it mainly to look at the theater: a gorgeous view opens from the bridge.

The unusually shaped roof is the main feature of the building. To some, it resembles sails, someone sees a white whale thrown onto land. Regardless of what exactly associations arise with, one thing can be said for sure – this architectural splendor does not leave anyone indifferent.

9. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAE

The tallest building ever built was inaugurated in 2010. Since then, many people have come to Dubai to see the skyscraper in the form of a stalagmite 828 meters high and climb to the 163rd (top) floor.

Interesting fact: already in 2020 the height record “Burj Khalifa“can be beaten, and the Arabs will do it again. By the Expo 2020 exhibition, which will be held in Dubai, it is planned to finish another tower, this time with a height of 928 meters. Inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the architecture of the minarets and the Eiffel Tower, the Spaniard Santiago Calatrava conceived a truly grandiose project.

8. Leaning Tower of Pisa – Pisa, Italy

Construction of the tower began in 1173 and continued for almost 200 years due to several interruptions. The slope for which it is famous is not the result of structural aging, but an initial design error. The tower received its signature roll back in 1178, when the 3rd floor was completed (there are 8 in total). In the XX-XXI centuries, active work was carried out to stabilize the structure, as there were serious fears that the building could collapse.

As a result of several fortifications, over the past 20 years, the Leaning Tower of Pisa has not only stopped “falling”, but even leveled off by 4 centimeters. It is part of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, although many tourists consider it an independent building before visiting.

Interesting fact: some historians claim that Galileo Galilei carried out experiments on the Leaning Tower of Pisa to prove his theory that the speed of a body falling is proportional to its mass. He publicly, in the presence of skeptics, went up to the top floor and dropped objects with different weights.

7. Hagia Sophia – Istanbul, Turkey

The first basilica was founded in 324 by Constantine I the Great and named after him. The main part of the cathedral was built later: from 532 to 537. This symbol of the heyday of the Byzantine Empire during its long history has often changed its purpose: at first it was a temple, in 1453 it was converted into a mosque (when Constantinople was captured by the Ottoman Empire), and since 1935 the building has officially become a museum.

Now Saint Sophie Cathedral is the main attraction of the historical center of Istanbul, which is visited annually by millions of tourists of all denominations and religions.

6. Basil’s Cathedral – Moscow, Russia

Choosing a famous building in Russia, we decided not to stop at the Kremlin, but Basil’s Cathedral, since everyone visits the palace on Red Square, but many people ignore the temple located there, but in vain. Founded in 1552 by Tsar Ivan the Terrible, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true gem of the Russian capital.

5. Louvre – Paris, France

as a museum Louvre has been known since 1792, although the building itself was built in the first half of the XNUMXth century. Then it was a castle that served to protect against the Vikings, who often raided through the lower reaches of the Seine.

Currently, the Louvre is the most popular museum on the planet: in 2018, over 10 million people visited it, which is an absolute record.

One of the main advantages is versatility. Among the presented exhibits, you can find items from any era and country: the Middle East, Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, Egypt, etc.

4. Taj Mahal – Agra, India

The history of this mausoleum is considered the most romantic and brings tears of emotion to millions of women. Shah Jahan built it in memory of his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. The circumstances of death add additional tragedy, so Jahan’s love for his wife is considered a reference, and his act is proof of the strongest feelings.

Millions of tourists come every year to see the building, which now serves as a museum, most of them women. However, men who succumbed to the persuasion of their soul mates and visited with them Taj Mahal are also imbued with the beauty of this place and do not regret the time spent.

Interesting fact: everyone knows that Shah’s beloved died giving birth to a child, but not everyone knows that this was already the 14th birth.

3. Eiffel Tower – Paris, France

The tower, named after the chief designer Gustave Eiffel, is the main attraction of the French capital and the most visited in the world. Every year, about 7 million tourists come to it, and in the entire history of eiffel tower visited by more than a quarter of a billion people.

Eiffel himself called the structure “300-meter tower”, although in fact it is 24 meters higher. In 1889, Paris became the venue for the World Exhibition and the tower was supposed to become just an arch for visitors and a temporary decoration, but in the end it still adorns the city.

2. Big Ben – London, UK

One of the most recognizable symbols of Great Britain is actually called Elizabeth Tower and is the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. Big Ben – This is the name of the largest of the six bells, but most often it is applied to the entire building. The legendary four-sided striking clock was launched on May 31, 1859 and is the third largest clock in the world.

The last time the clock could be heard was on August 21, 2017 at noon, after which they were closed for restoration. If you want to see them in working condition, then you need to fly to London no earlier than 2020.

1. Colosseum – Rome, Italy

The largest amphitheater of the entire Ancient World began to be built in 72 during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, and in 80 it was consecrated by Emperor Titus. In the stands Colosseum 50 spectators could fit, although during large-scale performances it was not uncommon for more to be packed.

If we draw parallels, then the Colosseum is for Rome what the Eiffel Tower is for Paris or the Spasskaya Tower is for Moscow. Even on the maps of Europe, Rome is often schematically marked with an amphitheater. Back in the XNUMXst century, the poet Martial included it in the list of the seven wonders of the world, although now it is not included in it.