Famous Buildings and Structures

Prehistorical and Ancient

The megalithic passage tomb at Newgrange in Ireland covers over an acre and was constructed around 3200 B.C.Buried for centuries, the mound was rediscovered in 1699 and was restored starting in 1962. The tomb is extensively decorated with spiral and lozenge shapes. At the winter solstice, the rising sun shines down a long passage and lights up a cross-shaped chamber.

Stonehenge, a massive circular megalithic monument on the Salisbury Plain in southern England, is the most famous of all prehistoric structures. Thought to have been built c. 2000 B.C., it may have been used as an astronomical instrument to measure solar and lunar movements.

The Great Sphinx of Egypt, one of the wonders of ancient Egyptian architecture, adjoins the pyramids of Giza and has a length of 240 ft. Built in the fourth dynasty, it is approximately 4,500 years old. A 10-year, $2.5 million restoration project was completed in 1998. Other Egyptian buildings of note include theTemples of Karnak, Edfu, and Abu Simbel and the Tombs at Beni Hassan.

The  Parthenon  of Greece, built on the Acropolis in Athens, was the chief temple to the goddess Athena. It was believed to have been completed by 438 B.C. The present temple remained intact until the 5th century A.D. Today, though theParthenon is in ruins, its majestic proportions are still discernible.

Other great structures of the ancient Greek world were the Temples at Paestum(c. 540 and 420 B.C.); the famous Erechtheum (c. 421–405 B.C.), the Temple of Athena Nike (c. 426 B.C.), and the Olympieum (begun in the 6th century B.C.) in Athens; the Athenian Treasury at Delphi (c. 515 B.C.); and the Theater at Epidaurus (c. 325 B.C.).

The Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater) of Rome, the largest and most famous of the Roman amphitheaters, was opened for use A.D. 80. Elliptical in shape, it consisted of three stories and an upper gallery, rebuilt in stone in its present form in the 3rd century A.D. It was principally used for gladiatorial combat and could seat between 40,000 and 50,000 spectators.

The  Pantheon  at Rome, begun by Agrippa in 27 B.C. as a temple, was rebuilt in its present circular form by Hadrian (A.D. 118–128). Literally the Pantheon was intended as a temple of “all the gods.” It is remarkable for its perfect preservation today, and has served continuously for 20 centuries as a place of worship.

Famous Roman triumphal arches, built to commemorate major military victories, include the Arch of Titus (c. A.D. 80) and the Arch of Constantine (c. A.D. 315).

Later European

St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice (1063–1071), one of the great examples of Byzantine architecture, was begun in the 9th century. Partly destroyed by fire in 976, it was later rebuilt as a Byzantine edifice.

Other famous examples of Byzantine architecture are St. Sophia in Istanbul (532–537); San Vitale in Ravenna (542); and Assumption Cathedral in the Kremlin, Moscow (begun in 1475).

The cathedral group at Pisa (1067–1173), one of the most celebrated groups of structures built in Romanesque style, consists of the cathedral, the cathedral's baptistery, and the campanile (Leaning Tower). The campanile, a form of bell tower, is 180 ft high and now leans 13.5 ft out of the perpendicular.

Other examples of Romanesque architecture include the Vézelay Abbey in France (1130) and Durham Cathedral in England.

The Alhambra (1248–1354), located in Granada, Spain, is universally esteemed as one of the greatest masterpieces of Muslim architecture. Designed as a palace and fortress for the Moorish monarchs of Granada, it is surrounded by a heavily fortified wall more than a mile in perimeter.

The Tower of London is a group of buildings and towers covering 13 acres along the north bank of the Thames. The central White Tower, begun in 1078 during the reign of William the Conqueror, was originally a fortress and royal residence, but was later used as a prison. The Bloody Tower is associated with Anne Boleyn and other notables.

Westminster Abbey, in London, was begun in 1050 and completed in 1065. It was rebuilt and enlarged in several phases, beginning in 1245. With only two exceptions (Edward V and Edward VIII), every British monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned in the abbey.

Notre-Dame de Paris (begun in 1163), one of the great examples of Gothic architecture, is a twin-towered church with a steeple over the crossing and immense flying buttresses supporting the masonry at the rear of the church.

Other famous Gothic structures are Chartres Cathedral(France; 12th century); Sainte-Chapelle (Paris, France; 1246–1248); Reims Cathedral (France; 13th–14th centuries; rebuilt after its almost complete destruction in World War I); Rouen Cathedral (France; 13th–16th centuries); Salisbury Cathedral (England; 1220–1260); York Minster, or the Cathedral of St. Peter (England; 1220–1472); Milan Cathedral (Italy; begun in 1386); and Cologne Cathedral (Germany; 13th–19th centuries; damaged in World War II but completely restored).

The   Duomo  (cathedral) in Florence, with its pink, white, and green marble façade, has become a symbol of the city and the Renaissance. Construction began in 1296 and was completed nearly 200 years later, with the addition of Brunelleschi's massive dome. The adjacent baptistery is famous for its gilded bronze doors by Ghiberti.

The Vatican is a group of buildings in Rome comprising the official residence of the pope. The Basilica of St. Peter, the largest church in the Christian world, was begun in 1452, and it was rebuilt between 1506 and 1626. The Sistine Chapel, begun in 1473, is noted for frescoes by Michelangelo.

Other examples of Renaissance architecture are the Palazzo Riccardi, thePalazzo Pitti, and the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence; the Palazzo Farnese in Rome; the Palazzo Grimani (completed c. 1550) in Venice; the Escorial (1563–93) near Madrid; the Town Hall of Seville (1527–32); the Louvre, Paris; the Château at Blois, France; St. Paul's Cathedral, London (1675–1710; badly damaged in World War II); the École Militaire, Paris (1752); the Pazzi Chapel, Florence, designed by Brunelleschi (1429); and the Palace of Fontainebleau and theChâteau de Chambord in France.

The Palace of Versailles in France, containing the famous Hall of Mirrors, was built during the reign of Louis XIV in the 17th century and served as the royal palace until 1793. Built on the colossal scale typical of many works of baroque architecture, the palace is also noted for its gardens, which include some 1,400 fountains.

Outstanding European buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries are the Supergaat Turin (Italy); the Hôtel-Dieu in Lyons; the Belvedere Palace at Vienna; theRoyal Palace of Stockholm; the Bank of England, the British Museum, theUniversity of London, and the Houses of Parliament, all in London; and thePanthéon, the Church of the Madeleine, the Bourse, the Palais de Justice, and the Opera House, all in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower, in Paris, was built for the Exposition of 1889 by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. It is 984 ft high (1,056 ft including the television tower).

The Guggenheim Bilbao Museum (1993–97) in Bilbao, Spain, was designed by Frank Gehry. The undulating form of this riverfront building, clad in glass and gleaming sheets of titanium, has been compared to a fish, a boat, and water itself.

See also: ArchitectsWorld's Tallest BuildingsSeven Wonders of the World

Asian, African, and South American

The Taj Mahal  (1632–1650), at Agra, India, built by Shah Jahan as a tomb for his wife, is considered by some as the most perfect example of the Mogul style and by others as the most beautiful building in the world. Four slim white minarets flank the building, which is topped by a white dome; the entire structure is made of marble.

Another well-known Muslim edifice is the Citadel, located on an outcrop of limestone overlooking Cairo. Begun in 810, it was fortified (1176–1183) by Saladin during the Crusades.

Petra, in Jordan, is an ancient city whose buildings have been carved out of the surrounding hills. It was the capital of the Nabataeans in the 4th century B.C. The most famous of its buildings is Al Khazneh, a temple or treasury, with its impressive two-story facade jutting out from a pink rock.

Other famed Muslim edifices are the Tombs of the Mamelukes (15th century) in Cairo, the Tomb of Humayun in Delhi, the Blue Mosque (1468) at Tabriz, and the Tamerlane Mausoleum at Samarkand.

Angkor Wat, outside the city of Angkor Thom, Cambodia, is one of the most beautiful examples of Cambodian, or Khmer, architecture. The sanctuary was built during the 12th century.

The 8th-century Borobudur Temple on Java is a masterpiece of Indonesian Buddhist art and architecture. Its ascending terraces feature bas-relief sculptures and 72 Buddha statues.

The Great Wall of China (begun c. 214 B.C.), designed specifically as a defense against nomadic tribes, has large watchtowers that could be called buildings. It was erected by Emperor Ch'in Shih Huang Ti and is 1,400 mi long. Built mainly of earth and stone, it varies in height between 18 and 30 ft.

The Forbidden City (1407–1420) in Beijing served as the seat of imperial power during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911). It is the world's

largest palace complex, covering about 183 acres and including 9,999 buildings.

Typical of Chinese architecture are the pagodas, or temple towers. Among some of the better-known pagodas are the Great Pagoda of the Wild Geese at Sian (founded in 652) and Nan t'a (11th century) at Fang Shan.

Other well-known Chinese buildings are the Drum Tower (1273), the Three Great Halls in the Forbidden City (1627), Buddha's Perfume Tower (19th century), thePorcelain Pagoda, and the Summer Palace, all at Beijing.

The painted wooden Torii, or Gateway, at Miyajima Island, Japan, stands in the tidal flats opposite the historic Itsukushima Shrine. Built in the traditional Shinto style, with two columns supporting a concave crosspiece on top, the gate serves to welcome the spirits of the dead as they come from across the Inland Sea.

Other famous Japanese buildings include Himeji Castle (17th century) and the Buddhist temples of Horyuji (7th century) and Todaiji (8th century) at Nara, andPhoenix Hall (11th century) at Uji near Kyoto.

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca fortress in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Thought to have been built and occupied from the mid-15th century, it is surrounded on three sides by stepped agricultural terraces, which are connected to the main plazas and buildings by thousands of stone steps.

Teotihuacán, located in central Mexico, was the largest city in the Americas at its height between A.D. 300 and 900. Built on a grid plan with a central avenue known as the Street of the Dead, it is the site of two enormous pyramid temples and the temple of the plumed serpent god Quetzalcoatl.

The city of  Tikal  in Guatemala, with its monumental temples and palaces, embodies the height of the Maya classic period (A.D. 300–900).

Easter Island is famous for its nearly 900 imposing monolithic stone figures called moais that dot the island. The statues are between 10 and 40 ft high and weigh an average of 14 tons. The island's Polynesian inhabitants are thought to have carved the figures between 400 and 1,000 years ago, but how they accomplished this extraordinary task and what the statues meant to them remains a mystery.

United States

The Chrysler Building   (1928–1930) in New York City is one of the finest examples of art deco–style architecture. Built for automotive magnate Walter P. Chrysler, the building uses decorative elements borrowed from automobiles. At 1,046 ft it was briefly the world's tallest building.

The Empire State Building (1930–1931) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manhattan. Features include a tiered structure that recalls

ancient pyramids and a mast at the top for mooring dirigibles. Rising to 1,250 ft (not including the mast), it remained the tallest building in the world until the 1970s.

The elegant Seagram Building (1954–1958), by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, soars above an open plaza in Manhattan. Its slim steel frame is covered in amber-gray glass and costly bronze. It has been called the world's most imitated office building.

Rockefeller Center, in New York City, extends from 5th Ave. to the Avenue of the Americas between 48th and 52nd Sts. (and halfway to 7th Ave. between 47th and 51st Sts.). It occupies more than 22 acres and has 19 buildings.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, in New York City, was begun in 1892 and is now two-thirds completed. When completed, it will be the largest cathedral in the world: 601 ft long, 146 ft wide at the nave, 320 ft wide at the transept. The east end is Romanesque-Byzantine style, and the nave and west end are Gothic.

The Brooklyn Bridge (1869–1883) was the remarkable achievement of engineer John Roebling. The first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world, it has a main span of 1,596 ft.

The smooth, circular form of the Guggenheim New York Museum (1943–1959), designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a Manhattan landmark. The main gallery space features a six-story concrete ramp that spirals up a glass-topped atrium.

The Statue of Liberty was designed by Fredéric Auguste Bartholdi of Alsace as a gift to Americans from the people of France. The statue of a female figure holding a torch in her raised hand was accepted on Oct. 28, 1886, by President Grover Cleveland. The 225-ton steel-reinforced copper structure stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It is 152 ft tall and stands on a 150-foot pedestal.

The Sears Tower in Chicago is, at 1,450 ft, the tallest building in the United States. Constructed between 1974 and 1976 for Sears, Roebuck and Company, the structure is composed of 75-foot-square tubes that rise to varying levels.

The Gateway Arch, located on the riverfront in St. Louis, Mo., is a tapered curve of stainless steel rising to 630 ft. The tallest manmade memorial in the United States, the Arch was designed by Finnish-born U.S. architect Eero Saarinen and built between 1963 and 1966. Visitors can ride to the top in specially devised capsule-like tram cars.

Mount Rushmore (6,000 ft), in South Dakota, became a celebrated American landmark after sculptor Gutzon Borglum took on the project of carving into the side of it the heads of four great presidents. From 1927 until his death in 1941, Borglum worked on chiseling the 60-foot likenesses of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. His son, Lincoln, finished the sculpture later that year.

San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937, is one of the most recognizable structures in the United States. Designed by Joseph B. Strauss, this elegant suspension bridge has a main span of 4,200 ft.

The Seattle Space Needle was the futuristic centerpiece of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. The 605-foot-tall Needle is topped by an observation deck and a revolving restaurant.

Information Please® Database, © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

20 famous buildings that you MUST seeNov 1, 2012 10:51 am1 comment

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From the Colosseum to the Chrysler building, get a dose of

inspiration from 20 of the most famous buildings from around the

world.

Whenever we travel to far-flung places, we're attracted to famous buildings. It's not that most of us have a deep interest in the technicalities of architecture. It's more about how the designs of these buildings reflect the era and culture in which they were built.

Much like a photograph, architectural designs record details of specific moments in time. But unlike an photograph, physical structures go on to have a life of their own, becoming a central and functional part of countless people's lives for hundreds, if not thousands of years after they were built. Here we have picked 20 of the most famous building designs from around the world. Which one inspires you the most?

01. St Paul's Cathedral, London

British

architect Sir Christopher Wren took 10 years to finalise his designs for St Paul's

London's most iconic building St Paul's Cathedral was designed by English architect Sir Christopher Wren. Sitting at the top of Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London, its famous dome is one of the world's largest, measuring nearly 112 metres high.The original church on the site was founded in the year 604AD. Work on the present English Baroque church began in the 17th Century by Christopher Wren as part of a major rebuilding program after the Great Fire of London.

Wren started working on St Paul's in 1668, his designs for the cathedral taking a decade to complete and the actual construction taking a further 40 years. St Paul's has played an integral part of London life ever since - as a domineering element in the city's skyline, as a centre for tourism and religious worship, and most recently as a focal point for anticapitalist protests.

02. Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur

The

Petronas Towers are an iconic landmark in Malaysia's capital city Kuala Lumpur

Standing at 170 metres above ground, the Petronas Towers are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The buildings, which held the titled of tallest in the world between 1998-2004, are an iconic landmark of the capital city.

The distinctive postmodern style was created by architects Cesar Pelliand Achmad Murdijat, engineer Deejay Cerico and designer Dominic Saibo under the consultancy of JC Guinto.

03. The White House, Washington

The White

House, designed by Irish architect James Hoban, took eight years to construct.

Image © Matt Wade

Irish architect James Hoban was the man behind the design of the White House. In 1972 Hoban submitted a plan for the presidential mansion and subsequently got the commission to build the White House. Constructed began in 1793 through to completion in 1801. The mansion, which has been home to every US leader since the country's second president John Adams, is made from white-painted Aquia sandstone.

04. Leaning Tower of Pisa

Due to

restoration work carried out in 2001, the tower currently leans at just under 4

degrees. It is estimated that it will collapse in the next 75-100 years. Image ©

Alkarex Malin äger

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most remarkable architectural structures in Europe. Most famous for its tilt, the tower began to lean during construction after soft ground on one side was unable to properly support the structure's weight. 

Building work on the tower began in 1173 and went on for over a whopping 300 years. There has been much controversy surrounding the true identity of the architect behind the tower - the design originally attributed to artist Bonnano Pisano but studies have also implicated architect Diotisalvi. 

05. St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow

The unique

Disney-esque St Basil's Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow was designed by

architect Postnik Yakolev

No, we haven't included a piece of Disneyland architecture on our list, although you'd be forgiven for thinking so. This garish, candy coloured cathedral is in fact Moscow's most visited tourist attraction. The famous landmark, shaped to resemble the flame of a bonfire rising into the sky, is located just outside the Kremlin gates and marks the geometric centre of the city. 

Built between 1554 and 1560, the cathedral was erected during the reign of Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible). Little is known about the building's architect Postnik Yakovlev, but he was clearly a fan of onion domes, sharp spikes and polygonal towers. 

06. Empire State Building, NYC

Construction of the world-famous Empire State building was completed in just one

year and 45 days

We couldn't put together a list of world-famous buildings without including this grand Art Deco skyscraper. Once the tallest building in the world, construction began on the Empire State building on St Patrick's Day 1930 and was completed just 410 days later.

The building was designed by William F Lamb of architectural firmShreve, Lamb and Harmon. It was declared by the American Society of Civil Engineers to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is known around the world as an icon of New York City.

07. Lloyds Building, London

The award-

winning Lloyds building was designed by Italian-born architect Richard Rogers.

Image © Aurelien Guichard

This futuristic building looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie rather than Lime Street in London. The award-winning Lloyds building (also known as the Inside-Out building) is an iconic architectural landmark and one of the most recognisable constructions on the London skyline.

Architect Richard Rogers was the brains behind the innovative design, which has its services - including water pipes and staircases - on the outside. Built between 1978 and 1986, the building also features 12 outside lifts, which were the first of their kind in the UK. 

08. Colosseum, Rome

The

Colosseum is the largest Roman amphitheatre ever built. Image © David Iliff

This elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of Rome is considered as one of the greatest architectural feats achieved by the Ancient Romans. The stadium was capable of seating 50,000 spectators and used mainly for gladiatorial games.

Built from concrete and stone, construction began on the Colosseum began around 72AD and finished in 80AD. The design and shape of the Colosseum has been the inspiration for many modern day stadiums. Today it is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions, attracting thousands of visitors each year. 

09. Taj Mahal, India

The Taj

Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Image

© Muhammad Mahdi Karim

Recognised as 'the jewel of Muslim art in India', the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Often mistaken as a palace, this famous landmark was actually built as a tomb for the Emperor's wife after she died giving birth to their 14th child. 

The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture - an amalgamation of Persian, Turkish and Indian styles. Construction on the mausoleum began in 1632 and was completed in 1648. The surrounding buildings and gardens took a further five years to finish. 

10. Chrysler Building, NYC

The

Chrysler building attained the title of world's tallest in building in 1930 for just one

year when the Empire State was erected. Image Joris Van Rooden

In the early part of the 20th Century, people everywhere were in a race to build the tallest building. At the time, this gorgeous Art Deco skyscraper was almost outdone by the Bank of Manhattan but its spire (which was constructed in secret) enabled it to take the title of 'tallest building in the world' in 1930. 

It didn't last long though. Just a year later the Empire State Building was erected. Designed by architect William Van Alen, the skyscraper was commissioned by car manufacturer Walter P Chrysler, hence its name.  

11. Sydney Opera House

Sydney

Opera House is the most famous Australian architectural icon

Sydney Opera House is widely regarded as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century. The innovative design came from architect Jørn Utzon, who was relatively unknown until January 29, 1957 when his entry to the ‘International competition for a national opera house at Bennelong Point, Sydney’ was announced the winner.The beautiful building comprises of three groups of interlocking shells, which roof two main performance halls and a restaurant. A masterpiece of modern architecture, the opera house has become an iconic symbol of both Sydney and the Australian nation. 

12. Space Needle, Seattle

40 years

after its construction, the Space Needle remains Seattle's best visitor destination.

Image © Jordon Kalilich

The futuristic Space Needle in Seattle, Washington was built for the 1962 World's fair. The famous landmark stands at 184m high and 42m wide at its widest point.

The design was a collaborative effort between architects Edward E Carlson and John Graham. Not only is the architecture a marvel to look at but the building's impressive design can survive wind velocities of 200mph and can escape serious structural damage during earthquakes of up to 9.1 magnitudes.

13. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

Now a

museum, Hagia Sophia is located in Istanbul, Turkey

Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is a architectural masterpiece. A perfect example of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia is located in Instanbul, Turkey.The building was built for the first time by the emperor Constantine the Great (306-337). However, due to many factors, including being burned down in riots and earthquakes, the ancient cathedral has been rebuilt many times since. Despite this, Hagia Sophia is widely recognised as one of the great buildings of the world. And if that wasn't cool enough, the building also features in the opening scenes of the latest Bond film, Skyfall. 

14. Buckingham Palace, London

Buckingham Palace is one of London's most popular tourist attractions. Image ©

David Iliff

Originally known as Buckingham House, George III bought the property in 1735 when the mansion was little more than a red brick house. Since then, various architects have worked on the building to make it what it is today, including John Nash, Edmund Blore and Sir Aston Webb.

The palace also had to undergo extensive work after being bombed no less than nine times during World War II. However, still very much in operation, it's one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.

15. Fallingwater

Frank

Lloyd Wright created this unique design for the Kauffman family in 1934. Image ©

Sxenko

Designed by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1934, Fallingwater is quite possibly the most famous private residence in the world. But why? Well, the unique design makes it look like the house stretches out over a 30ft waterfall, with no solid ground beneath it. This isn't the case, obviously, but the innovative design captured everyone's attention when it was finalised in 1939. It became famous

instantly and is now a natural historic landmark. It's so cool you can even get a Lego version of the architectural masterpiece!

16. Pantheon

Built

approximately 2000 years ago, the Pantheon continues to inspire architects all

over the world

Rome is home to many amazing buildings, and the Pantheon is no exception. And, like the city itself, it was not built in a day. Destroyed twice and rebuilt each time, the building started as a rectangular structure, which, over time, evolved into the gorgeous dome building seen today. 

An inspiration to architects all over the world over the last 2,000 years, the Pantheon roof remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. There is much debate between historians over which emperor and architects were responsible for the Pantheon's design although it is known that this 'Temple of the Gods' was built around 126AD.

17. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

Architect

Frank Gehry developed the unique concept for the museum after winning an

architectural competition to design the building

The Guggenheim museum Bilbao is one of the most admired works of contemporary architecture. California-based Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry created the unique concept after winning an architectural competition to design the building. Since the museum doors opened in 1997, it has been hailed one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. Now with over a decade of success, the museum has homed over a hundred exhibitions and has welcomed more than 10 million visitors. 

18. Flatiron building

Chicago

architect Daniel Burnham designed the distinctive Flatiron building, which is

instantly recognisable in New York's skyline

The eye-catching Flatiron building in Manhattan was designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and built in 1902. The distinctive triangular shape allowed the building to fill the space located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway.Another of New York's skyscrapers, it was never the tallest but remains one of the most memorable and has been a source of inspiration for artists and architects for over a century now. 

19. Villa Savoye

Villa

Savoye was originally built as a country retreat for the Savoye family in 1928

Designed by Swiss architects Le Corbusier and his cousin, Pierre Jeanneret, Villa Savoye is an early and classic example of theInternational style - a major architectural style that emerged in the 1920s and 30s. The property was built in 1928 and, after surviving several demolition plans, was designated as an official French historical monument in 1965. 

20. Burj Khalifa

Dont look

down! The world's tallest building in Dubai over 800 metres high. Image © Nicolas

Lannuzel

Last on our list but but very means the least is the world's tallest building Burj Khalifa. The mammoth skyscraper and magnificent centerpiece of Downtown Dubai stands at a whopping 828.9 metres high. 

Construction began on the 160-floor building in 2004 with its doors opening six years later in 2010. The task of creating the world's tallest manmade structure was awarded to the Chicago office of American architectural and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings and Merril LLP.Which of these architectural designs inspires you the most? Have we missed any famous buildings off the list? Tell us in the comments box below...

16 Divinely Inspired Pieces of Architecture21 JUNE 2011 NO COMMENT

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Our beautiful world is filled with wonderful pieces of architecture. Regarding religious architecture, today there are

several churches that live on since the 13th century or even earlier times, which are worth knowing about.

In this short incursion into the history of sacred places all over the World, you will have the opportunity to make

acquaintance with 16 examples of beautiful churches – some notable for their exterior, while others inspiring awe

through the beautiful frescoes painted on the ceilings.

Saint-Michel D’Aiguilhe – Aiguilhe, France

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This beautiful construction is a chapel upon a hill top, and it was constructed as early as 962. The chapel is at a

height of 279 feet, and visitors can reach it by climbing the almost 300 steps that are carved in stone.

The chapel was built as a dedication to the return of St. James from pilgrimage. What is quite interesting to note is

that history says that this is the place where Isabelle Romee, the mother of Joan of Arc usually came to pray. The

little chapel receives a lot of visitors from all over the world on a regular basis.

Grundtvig’s Church – Copenhagen, Denmark

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The architecture of this church is somewhat unusual, compared to what people in general expect when thinking of

“cathedrals” or “churches”. It is built in the expressionist style, and it belongs to the Lutheran religious denomination.

The church was built on the design of architect Jensen Klint, who wanted a fusion between Gothic architectural style

and Brick Expressionism (in which the predominant construction material is the brick or the tile which is visible in the

structure of the building). The buildings that surround the church have been deliberately constructed so as to “match”

in design with the church.

The Saint Ignazio Church Ceiling – Italy, Rome

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The beautiful church of Sant’Ignazio can be found in Rome, and it was completed in 1650. Perhaps the most

fascinating thing about this church lies in its interior design. The painter who did much of the work on the walls of the

church is Andrea Pozzo (17th century).

He basically created an illusion, by using three dimensional art work (or perspectival projection), and creating what is

perceived by the human eye as a “dome”, or an interior cupola illusion, when actually there is only a simple wall

surface.

The painted dome style art is not the only one attraction within the church, but so are the wonderful decorations of

marble, precious stones and golden details all over the interior. The work of art is called “Cupola Illusionistica” (1685).

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral – Liverpool, England

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Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral belongs to the Roman Catholic denomination, and it has been constructed based on

the designs of Frederick Gibberd. Groundbreaking started in 1962, and took five years to complete.

One of the most beautiful symbols of the cathedral is its altar which is right in the center of the circular interior. It is

entirely built of white marble, and it is 3 meters long. Marble is a material widely used in the interior, such as on the

floor which is made of a grey and white marble combination.

Under the Liverpool Metropolitan there is a crypt made of granite and brick and it was based on the designs of Sir

Edwin Lutyens. He would have been the main designer of the cathedral as well, but officials found his design

extremely expensive, so the idea was abandoned. In 2009, the crypt underwent major refurbishments, with a cost of

approximately £3 million.

The Ceiling of “La Sagrada Familia” – Barcelona, Spain

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La Sagrada Familia is a church located in Barcelona Spain, and it is a landmark that is visited annually by millions of

tourists. This wonderful piece of architecture is a project started by famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi.

The interior is made up of huge columns that give the impression of a stunningly beautiful cave-like structure with

white pillars of stone reaching 45 meters in height. The whole interior is based on the designs of master Gaudi, and

there is no one single flat element on the ceiling of the church (which is normally a characteristic of Gaudi’s

architectural style).

Sistine Chapel – Vatican City

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The Sistine Chapel is the most beautiful and one of the most admired sacred places on Earth. Both the exterior and

the interior designs are breathtaking and the frescoes on the walls are all existent thanks to the contributions of the

greatest artists of the Renaissance period such as Michelangelo, Sandro Boticelli, Bernini and Raphael.

One of the master pieces of Michelangelo, “The Last Judgment” is decorating the walls of the Sistine Chapel.

Michelangelo himself worked at painting the ceiling of the chapel for four years (1508-1512) and he managed to

cover with his stunning creations 12,000 square feet in total during this time.

Church of Light – Ibaraki Kasugaoka, Japan

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The church is located in Ibaraki, Japan and it was completed in 1989. The “Church of Light” imposes through its

unique architectural style which combines Zen philosophy, with existential beliefs. The construction is one of the

trademarks and most famous structures of architect Tadao Ando.

The most impressive feature of the church is basically the fact there is a huge space in the wall, right behind the altar,

in the shape of a cross. Through this space, the sun rays enter and then a huge “fiery” cross can be seen by those

who sit inside. The church has sparked many controversies though, because it has quite a barren interior with its

huge solid grayish walls and not too many decorative features.

Duomo di Milano – Milan, Italy

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This wonderful piece of architecture can be found in Milan (Lombardy region, northern Italy). The most interesting and

awing thing about it, is that it took 600 years until it could be finally completed (1386- 1965).

A statue of Napoleon can also be spotted on top of one of the spires of the church (he was crowned as the King of

Italy right here in the Duomo di Milano). The cathedral belongs to the Gothic architectural style with its representative

domes and spires decorating it.

The Cathedral of Maringa – Parana, Brazil

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This church has an innovative architectural style, given its unusual shape for a Roman Catholic Cathedral. The

construction was completed back in 1972, yet it still is the tallest church in South America.

The designer was Jose Augusto Bellucci, who used as main inspiration for the church’s design the Soviet Sputnik

Satellites (one can clearly note the resemblance in the conical structure of the cathedral). It is also the 16 th tallest

church in the World.

The Church of Saint George – Lalibela, Ethiopia

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This is a monolithic church belonging to the Ethiopian Orthodox denomination. The church has been completely

carved in solid rock in the shape of a cross. It is important to know that in the Lalibelia region there are 11 such

churches, but the church of Saint George is the most famous of all.

It’s “construction”, or rather “carving” took place as early as the 13 th century, and today it belongs to the UNESCO

World Heritage Sites list. Informally, the church is called the “8th Wonder of the World”.

“Madonna delle Lacrime” Sanctuary – Sicily, Italy

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The formal name of this sanctuary is Madonna delle Lacrime, and it translates as “Our Lady of the Tears”. It is a

wonderful structure built in a quite modernistic and unusual style, given the fact that it belongs to the Roman Catholic

religious denomination.

It is a pilgrimage church by tradition, receiving thousands of visitors from all corners of the world on an annual basis.

Cathedral of Brasilia – Brasilia, Brazil

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This beautiful structure belongs to the innovative church constructions list and it was designed by famous architect

Oscar Niemayer, a follower of international modern architecture. The Cathedral of Brasilia was completed in 1970.

This hyperboloid structure resembles two hands that are reaching towards the heavens. For its construction, 16

pieces of concrete which are identical (weighing 90 t) were used.

Ascension Cathedral – Kazakhstan

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This wonderful fairy tale like construction resembles a palace; but it is actually a Russian orthodox cathedral located

in the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. The structure is made of wood, and very beautifully decorated with golden details

and painted in yellow.

It is the second tallest building in the World which is made entirely of wood. The structure was completed in 1907,

and it is also known as the Zenkov Cathedral.

Notre Dame du Haut- Ronchamp, France

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This church is perhaps the finest example of religious architecture of the 20 th century, and it was built on the design of

famous architect Le Corbusier. Notre Dame du Haut was completed in 1954.

What Corbusier wanted to express through his design was simplicity, and in general a sculptural style and he tried to

avoid the so called “machine age” architectural style.

St. Michael’s Golden Domed Monastery – Kiev, Ukraine

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The original construction of this beautiful and vividly colored monastery started in the Middle Ages. However, the

Soviet authorities demolished it in the 1930’s and after Ukraine gained its independence, it was been rebuilt (1999).

The architectural style of the monastery is that of Ukrainian Baroque, and its affiliation is Eastern Orthodox.

St. Basil’s Cathedral – Moscow, Russia

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The church can be found on the “Red Square” of Moscow, and it was built between 1555 and 1561. The entire

structure is a wonderful display of color and beauty. The church is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites from 1990.

The church has 9 chapels of different sizes, and its spires are all painted in different vivid colors- dark blue, red,

green, orange, yellow, white and Earth tones.