The world is home to many remarkable landmarks and buildings that serve as signature landmarks for their cities or entire countries. Each has its own fascinating history and unique features. We've compiled a detailed list for you. 10 Most Famous Buildings in the World.
10. Hagia Sophia – Istanbul, Türkiye
It is considered the embodiment of all the virtues of the Byzantine "golden age," which changed the history of world architecture. This magnificent structure remained the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. Numerous graffiti inscriptions made by people from Rus' have been discovered within it. Almost like "Kisa and Osya were here," only in Slavic.
The building was first converted from a cathedral into a mosque, and then finally into a museum in 1932. Today, it is one of the most beautiful churches in the world. Its current name is the Hagia Sophia Museum.
9. Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
It's one of those landmarks known even to those who can't point to France on a map. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited architectural monuments in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The tower was named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who designed and built it between 1887 and 1889. It stands 300 meters tall, equivalent to an 80-story building. Visitors have access to three levels of the tower, two of which house restaurants. The top floor (276 meters above ground) houses a secret room and a platform from which you can survey the Parisian skyline, enjoying not only the view but also the fact that you've reached the highest public observation deck in the European Union.
Fun fact: The Eiffel Tower is possibly the only structure in the world with a patented color. It's called "Eiffel Brown," and it gives the structure a bronze hue.
8. Louvre Museum – Paris, France
Let's not stray far from the Eiffel Tower, as the eighth entry in our list of the world's most iconic buildings is also located in Paris. In 2017, the Louvre was the most visited art museum in the world, with 8.1 million visitors. This is largely due to the fact that it houses Leonardo da Vinci's most famous paintings.
The museum is located inside the Louvre Museum in Paris, an ancient structure originally designed as a fortress. If you visit the museum's basement, you can still see remnants of this period. The Louvre first opened as a museum on August 10, 1793, displaying only 537 paintings. Since then, the collection has grown to 300,000 pieces, and the Louvre has become the world's largest art museum.
7. Tower Bridge – London, UK
This majestic Victorian Gothic structure was built between 1886 and 1894 and is an iconic symbol of London. Situated near the Tower of London, the two landmarks are sometimes confused.
Tower Bridge crosses the River Thames and is effectively a combination lift and suspension bridge, with the working mechanisms located at the base of each of the two towers.
Navigating the bridge is somewhat reminiscent of navigating a ship. The famous bridge has not only a captain but also a whole crew of sailors who stand watch and even ring the bells, just like on a real ship.
6. Colosseum – Rome, Italy
This oval amphitheater located in Rome was built around 80 AD and, at its peak, could accommodate between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, according to various estimates.
The building became a symbol of Rome's inviolability. Although the Colosseum was partially destroyed, primarily due to earthquakes, fires, and theft of stone, it still stands in the city center, a reminder of the Roman Empire's proud and glorious times. Today, it is one of the most famous structures on the planet.
5. Leaning Tower of Pisa – Pisa, Italy
This freestanding bell tower of the Pisa Cathedral is among the most astonishing buildings in the world. Construction of the tower lasted until 1372, and its famous tilt began even during construction. This was caused by a soft foundation on one side of the structure.
The tilt gradually but steadily increased until the late 20th century, when efforts were made to halt it and partially correct the tower's tilt. Of course, it wasn't completely straightened, and why bother? After all, many tourists love to pose as if the tower is falling right into their hands, or they're helping to hold it up.
4. Taj Mahal - Agra, India
The enormous mausoleum-mosque is one of the most famous and popular buildings in the world—and arguably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It attracts eight million visitors each year.
The Taj Mahal is a monument to the great love of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. They were almost never apart, and Mumtaz often traveled with her husband, even to war. It was during one such campaign in 1631 that she died giving birth to their 14th child.
Construction of the 74-meter-tall structure took 22 years. Legend has it that Shah Jahan planned to build another mausoleum opposite the Taj Mahal, one made of black marble. However, he was prevented from doing so by a palace coup led by the ruler's son, Aurangzeb.
3. Burj Khalifa - Dubai, UAE
When talking about famous buildings, it's impossible to miss this 828-meter skyscraper, which tops the list of the tallest buildings in the world. It was built with the sole purpose of impressing the world and proving that the UAE is ahead of the rest when it comes to skyscraper construction.
2. Sydney Opera House, Australia
If you're planning a trip to Australia, be sure to visit one of the most distinctive and easily recognizable buildings on Earth. Designed in the Expressionist style, the theater's roof is covered with 1,056,006 white and matte cream ceramic azulejo tiles. From a distance, the structure appears pure white, but skillful lighting makes the tiles take on a variety of colors.
The construction of this amazing building was completed in 1973 and was opened personally by Her Majesty Elizabeth II.
Every year, the Sydney Opera House hosts up to 3,000 events. Its program also includes an opera dedicated to the theater itself. It's called "The Eighth Wonder," a reference to the building's 2007 selection as a finalist for the New Seven Wonders of the World competition.
1. St. Basil's Cathedral - Moscow, Russia
You've probably seen this famous building, if not in person, then in many popular films. St. Basil's Cathedral is a church on Red Square, one of the most beautiful places in Moscow. Completed in 1561, it became the city's tallest building until the Ivan the Great Bell Tower was completed in 1600.
The church's unique style combines European Renaissance architectural traditions with those of Russian architecture. Legend has it that Ivan the Terrible, impressed by the church's beauty and unique style, ordered the master architects blinded to prevent them from ever creating anything similar.