There are old, high-rise or buildings with unusual architecture 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 each year the number of visitors only increases.
Here is 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.
List
- 10. Sydney Opera House - Sydney, Australia
- 9. Burj Khalifa - Dubai, UAE
- 8. Leaning Tower of Pisa - Pisa, Italy
- 7. Hagia Sophia - Istanbul, Turkey
- 6. St. Basil's Cathedral - Moscow, Russia
- 5. The Louvre Museum - Paris, France
- 4. Taj Mahal - Agra, India
- 3. Eiffel Tower - Paris, France
- 2. Big Ben - London, UK
- 1. Colosseum - Rome, Italy
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 they go to it mainly to watch the theater: from the bridge a gorgeous view opens up.
Unusually shaped roof - the main "chip" of the building. She reminds someone of a sail, someone sees a white whale thrown onto land. Regardless of what exactly associations are associated with, one thing can be said for sure - this architectural splendor leaves no one indifferent.
9. Burj Khalifa - Dubai, UAE
The tallest building ever existed was inaugurated in 2010. Since then, many have come to Dubai in order to see firsthand the skyscraper in the form of a stalagmite with a height of 828 meters and climb to the 163rd (upper) floor.
Interesting fact: already in 2020, the height record "Burj khalifa"May be beaten, and the Arabs will do it again. It is planned to finish another tower, this time 928 meters high, for the Expo 2020 exhibition, which will be held in Dubai. 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
The construction of the tower began in 1173 and lasted almost 200 years due to several interruptions. The slope due to which it became famous is not the result of the aging of the structure, but the initial error in the project. The tower got its signature roll back in 1178, when they finished the 3rd floor (a total of 8). In the XX-XXI centuries, active work was carried out to stabilize the structure, as there were serious concerns that the building might 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 structure before visiting.
Interesting fact: some historians claim that Galileo Galilei conducted experiments at the Leaning Tower of Pisa to prove his theory that the rate of fall of a body is proportional to its mass. In public, in the presence of skeptics, he went up to the upper 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 in his honor. The main part of the cathedral was built later: from 532 to 537 years. This symbol of the heyday of the Byzantine Empire during its long history often changed its purpose: at first it was a temple, in 1453 it was converted into a mosque (when the Ottoman Empire captured Constantinople), and since 1935 the building officially became a museum.
Now Saint Sophie Cathedral is the main attraction of the historical center of Istanbul, which millions of tourists of all faiths and faiths come to admire every year.
6. St. Basil's Cathedral - Moscow, Russia
Choosing a famous building in Russia, we decided not to stay at the Kremlin, but St. 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 real decoration of the Russian capital.
5. The Louvre Museum - Paris, France
As a museum The louvre museum known since 1792, although the building itself was built in the first half of the XII century. Then it was a castle that served as a defense against the Vikings, who often raided the lower reaches of the Seine.
Currently, the Louvre is the most popular museum on the planet: in 2018 it was visited by over 10 million people, which is an absolute record.
One of the main advantages is versatility. Among the exhibits you can find objects of 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 causes tears of tenderness among millions of women. Shah Jahan built it in memory of his beloved wife, who died during childbirth. The circumstances of death give additional tragedy, therefore Jahan’s love for his wife is considered a reference, and his act is a proof of the strongest feelings.
Millions of tourists come annually to look at the building, which now serves as a museum, most of which are women. However, men who succumbed to the entreaties of their soul mates and visited with them Taj Mahal also imbued with the beauty of this place and do not regret the time spent.
Interesting fact: everyone knows that beloved Shah died giving birth to a child, but not everyone knows that they were 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. About 7 million tourists come to her annually, and throughout history Eiffel tower more than a quarter of a billion people have visited.
Eiffel himself called the building "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 be 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 Westminster Palace. 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-way watch with a battle was launched on May 31, 1859 and is the third largest in the world in size.
The last time the clock beat could be heard on August 21, 2017 at noon, after which they were closed for restoration. If you want to see them in working order, 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 Coliseum could fit 50,000 spectators, although during large-scale performances it was often crowded and more.
If you draw parallels, then the Colosseum for Rome is the same as the Eiffel Tower for Paris or the Spasskaya Tower for Moscow. Even on maps of Europe, Rome is often schematically marked with an amphitheater. Back in the I century, the poet Martial included him in the list of seven wonders of the world, although now he is not included in it.