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There are numerous masterpieces of architecture scattered throughout the world that exhibit human ingenuity and skill as well as the cultures and histories of the societies that constructed them.
These structures have endured, attracting millions of tourists annually. From colossal towers whose fronts may be carved in rock to complex designs etched in nature.
Every landmark is a one-of-a-kind experience taking visitors through time and the ingenuity of man.
From the famous UNESCO treasures to hidden gems, here are the 11 Top 10 Architectural Wonders of the World You Cannot Miss.
Top 11 Architectural Wonders of the World You
1. The Great Wall of China
One of the most famous structures on Earth is the Great Wall of China. More than 13,000 miles long, it was first built to defend Chinese states against invasions.
The wall itself is a breathtaking feat of ancient architectural marvel, with intricate stonework and military engineering on display. As you traverse this ancient wonder, you’ll learn it’s more than a wall.
It’s an extensive network of watchtowers, fortresses and gates meant to protect against invasions.
It’s one of the greatest architectural wonders of history, both for its scale and the effort that went into its construction.
Visitors can hike along different parts of the wall, which provide stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.
To visit China and not walk on the Great Wall is like going to visit Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. It is still one of the most important architecture must-sees of the day!
2. The Taj Mahal (India)
A UNESCO wonder, the Taj Mahal in India is a symbol of never-ending love, it is also an architectural wonder itself.
That’s because the Taj Mahal is a artificial that combines different elements as it was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal as a archetype of Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architecture.
The white marble mausoleum is famous for its symmetry and fine carvings, and for the gardens that surround it.
The Taj Mahal has become Mughal famous architecture with its iconic dome and graceful minaret and is an ideal mixture of beauty and function.
The Taj Mahal is always awe inspiring, whether you’re staring at the building from the outside or walking across this lush garden, which makes it one of the most visited sites in the world for travelers and architectural lovers.
3. The Colosseum (Italy)
The Colosseum, probably the first structure you think of when you think of ancient Roman architecture.
The Colosseum Rome in the centre of Rome was the arena for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
It is still among the most remarkable buildings of the Roman Empire, and displays their incredible skills in construction and engineering.
The elliptical shape of the Colosseum, held up by a series of written arches, was revolutionary. The world’s largest amphitheater, this wondrous piece of famed architecture could accommodate 80,000 spectators.
The inside of the Colosseum, which used to be covered in sand, where the most spectacular performances in history were put on, is open for visitors.
Whether you’re walking beneath the arches or viewing the ruins from outside, the Colosseum is an essential landmark that reveals the story of ancient Rome.
4. Machu Picchu (Peru)
Machu Picchu is one of the most enigmatic architectural wonders in the world, also known as the Lost City of the Incas.
High in the Andes Mountains, this ancient Inca citadel was abandoned centuries ago yet remains surprisingly well preserved.
The building stands as a testimony to the sophistication of the Inca civilization, who made astute use of precisely-formed stones fit together without mortar.
Machu Picchu is an architectural wonder as much as a natural one. The site exudes from mountain peaks and greenery, placing it as one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the planet.
While it is the least visited 7th Wonder, as it is unknown by the majority and lies so high, The archaeological site draws visitors through abandoned roads.
Whether you are hiking the Inca Trail or just seeing the ruins, Machu Picchu is still a must-see destination for those interested in ancient civilizations and, really, architectural wonders.
5. The Eiffel Tower (France)
The Eiffel Tower is one of the symbols of Paris, as well as one of the symbols of modern famous architecture.
Engineered by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), this iron lattice tower was originally received with skepticism but has since become one of the most cherished landmarks on the planet.
The Eiffel Tower, at 1,083 feet tall, was the tallest man-made structure in the world until the Chrysler Building in New York was completed.
With its unusual design and vertical rise that soars above the rooftops, this Parisian icon is one of the most photographed buildings in the world.
Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic sights of Paris, the Tower is something that every single visitor to the City needs to take a look at whether that be from the ground or from one of its observation platforms.
6. Petra (Jordan)
Buried between the deserts of Jordan, Petra is a city built directly into the rock.
Often called the “Rose City” due to the color of the stone, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom in the 4th century BC and later became an important trading center.
Petra is one of the world’s most elaborate archaeological sites with temples, tombs and monuments painstakingly cut into sandstone cliffs.
The most iconic building of Petra, Al-Khazneh or The Treasury, which is cambered into a cliff face with detail that could put the best of Roman architecture to shame.
Petra is one of the most captivating wonders of the UNESCO and an unmissable landmark for any fan of ancient civilizations and architectural construction.
7. The Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)
Perhaps the most iconic and enduring of all architectural wonders, the Pyramids of Giza.
The Great pyramids are located in Giza, Egypt. These monumental stone structures were constructed as tombs for ancient Egyptian Pharaohs and have survived for more than 4,000 years.
In fact, the Great Pyramid of Giza was the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3,800 years.
The scale of the construction involved in building the pyramids is astounding each stone weighed several tons.
Historians and architects have been fascinated for centuries by the alignment of the pyramids with the stars and the complex engineering behind their construction.
But if you’re looking to see the world’s most famous landmarks in person, the Pyramids of Giza are a must-see site.
8. The Sydney Opera House (Australia)
In the modern canon of famous architecture, one of the most recognizable examples is the Sydney Opera House.
This iconic structure was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and is located on the shores of Sydney’s harbor; its distinctive sail-like roof form was inspired by foreground leaves.
The Sydney Opera House, completed in 1973, is a cultural venue and an architectural masterpiece.
It is not only the construction that impresses, the location also provides visitors with stunning views of the harbour and the neighbouring Sydney Harbour Bridge.
A must-see icon, the Sydney Opera House is an architectural masterpiece that also plays a significant cultural function, housing performances in music, theatre and dance.
9. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
Another icon of Brazil is the Christ the Redeemer Statue which sits on top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.
The giant statue of Jesus Christ with arms open wide watches over the city below, providing incredible panoramic views of the area.
Christ the Redeemer statue is one of the modern architectural marvels and the most famous symbol of Christianity.
The statue’s size and the amount of engineering that went into building it are admirable, but it is the location that really makes it a winner.
Getting there requires a train ride through the Tijuca Forest, and the views from the top are spectacular.
Christ the Redeemer is the iconic landform of a structure merging art, faith, and nature in a singular experience very few man-made structures can offer.
10. Alhambra (Spain)
One of the most stunning examples of Islamic famous architecture is the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
The structure was originally built as a fortress; the Nasrid Dynasty transformed it into a royal palace.
The Alhambra is a stunning example of Islamic artistry with its magnificent courtyards with spectacular arches and delicate tilework that are centuries old.
The splendors of the Alhambra are augmented by gardens rich in flowing water and leafy greenery, with soothing fountains.
Designated as a UNESCO wonder, the Alhambra is a peek into the art and culture of the Islamic Golden Age, making it an important landmark for architects and history buffs alike.
11. Burj Khalifa (United Arab Emirates)
Standing at a staggering 828 meters (2,717 feet), the Burj Khalifa is not just the tallest building in the world but a true architectural wonder.
Located in Dubai, this skyscraper redefines the boundaries of engineering and design.
Its sleek, futuristic appearance is the result of cutting-edge technology and innovative architecture that pushed the limits of what was thought possible.
The Burj Khalifa’s design was inspired by the Hymenocallis flower, and its form tapers as it rises, allowing the structure to withstand high winds.
It houses offices, hotels, and luxury apartments, along with observation decks that offer unparalleled views of Dubai.
Visiting the Burj Khalifa is a must for those interested in modern famous architecture and is undoubtedly one of the most significant must-see landmarks in the world today.
Conclusion: Top 11 Architectural Wonders of the World
From China to the Great Wall from Spain to the Alhambra, these architectural marvels showcase the height of human ingenuity and artistry.
Each of these must-see landmarks has something unique to offer, whether it’s the history of how the landmark came to be, the cutting-edge design, or the breathtaking beauty of its surroundings.
Whether you’re an architecture buff, a history geek or someone who just wants to visit some of the planet’s most jaw-dropping locations, these landmarks need to be on your travel bucket list.
It is your chance to marvel at the UNESCO wonders for yourself and see why when they surprised the world and the tests of time.
