Modern architecture amazes our imagination. Looking at some buildings and structures that can hardly be called buildings, you just wonder how people can live and work in them? But most of them are precisely residential buildings or shopping and office centers, and some are exhibition complexes and concert halls. They were designed by designers and architects with truly wild imagination, and then it’s worth looking at them and learning more about them. We offer you the ten most unusual architectural structures on our planet.
1. Ark Nova, Japan
The name of this building translates as “New Ark”; it is nothing more than a concert hall. However, this is not just a hall, but the world's first inflatable and mobile performance hall. It was designed in the form of a huge purple-pink drop, which in its design resembles an air cushion. The authors of the project are British sculptor Anish Kapoor and Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. The first performance at Ark Nova took place in October last year, and it was built on the east coast of Japan - specifically to support the spirit of people affected by the tsunami. Even the seats and benches here are made from pieces of trees damaged during natural disaster. This should become a symbol of the fact that after any trouble you need to be reborn and move on with your life. According to the architects, the Ark Nova Hall will become the largest inflatable concert hall in the world. The height of Ark Nova is 18 meters, width is 35 meters, it can accommodate about 500 spectators. The main advantage of the unusual hall is its ease of transportation - just deflate the air and transport the hall to another place.
2. Sundome, Michigan, USA
An unusual structure resembling a honeycomb at a Michigan exhibition pavilion consists of many circles. They, in turn, are made of a special material - archila - very light and bendable, which contains fiberglass and carbon. The so-called “Sun Dome” illuminates the entire pavilion with its ghostly multi-colored light, which comes from elements at the base of the structure. These elements store solar energy throughout the day and then project light onto the dome. The installation was created by the art studio “Loop.pH” and, according to the creative director of the studio, it represents a fundamentally new method of construction based on the technique of textile weaving. The size of the “Solar Dome” is 8 by 4 meters and its weight is about 40 kilograms. This portable structure looks surprisingly harmonious in any environment.
3. House of Mirrors, Flint, USA
Would you like to live in a house of mirrors, and one that floats above the ground? Hardly. That is why no one lives here, and the house of mirrors in the city of Flint is a kind of monument to home comfort. It was built by London architects from the Two Islands firm, who dedicated their creation to the thousands of demolished houses in the city of Flint, residents who were forced to leave this city. It was in Flint that the once legendary automobile company General Motors was born; later it began to move production to other regions and countries, and the city began to slowly fade without it. The English name of the structure “Mark's House” (“Mark’s House”) arose from the story of an imaginary resident of Flint, Mark Hamilton, whose family lost their home during the aforementioned economic crisis. The brilliant house, rising on a pedestal, weighs almost two tons. its half - 882 lightboxes, which present hundreds of photographs of faces, in particular, portraits of those who supported the initiative to create the “House of Mirrors” financially - and, unfortunately, no more than 90 of these people gathered around the world.
4. Lotus Dome, Jerusalem, Israel
There are many mysterious places in Jerusalem. One of them is Zedekiah's Cave - the largest and most mysterious cave in the northern part of the Old City wall. It is named after the last king of Judah, Zedekiah, and during the time of King Solomon, limestone was mined here. In the very center of the cave there is a very unusual dome lamp “Lotus Dome”, made of several hundred aluminum flowers that open their petals, turning towards people. The huge flower remains motionless until the first visitors appear in the hall. As soon as people enter the room, the petals begin to bloom one after another, illuminating the entire surrounding space with light streaming from the center of the dome. The closer visitors get to the installation, the more noticeable the movements of the metal petals become - and now the entire “organism” of this huge silver ball becomes mobile. The author of the project is Dutch designer Dan Rosegaarde, his installation attracts tourists to the cave.
5. Smart eco-house, Sweden
But you definitely wouldn’t refuse to live in such a house, although the area it occupies is only 10 square meters! The author of this project was the Swedish architectural company Tengboom Architects. According to the developers, this house will be an excellent alternative to student dormitories, and also very environmentally friendly. The house is designed for one person; the developers managed to place in it a kitchen, a bathroom, a place to study and sleep, i.e., everything necessary for a student’s full-fledged life. A light color scheme with bright spots of color helps create a comfortable living atmosphere. The successful layout, the presence of two levels, and the use of natural laminated wood made it possible to reduce not only the rent, but also the harmful impact on the environment.
6. Bamboo House, Vietnam
Vietnam has very treacherous natural conditions. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that it was here that the creation of the world’s strongest bamboo house, which can withstand a flood with a water level of 1.5 meters, was conceived and brought to life. The authors of the project, the Vietnamese architectural studio H&P Architects, do not intend to stop there and are checking whether the house can withstand a water height of three meters. The building is multifunctional and can be not only a residential building, but also a public one - a school, a hospital, etc. The building materials used for the house are bamboo, fiberboard, and coconut leaves. The roof can be opened and closed, depending on weather conditions. Downstairs there is a bedroom and living room, and upstairs you can arrange an office. The building is modular, costs about $2,500, and the buyer can assemble it themselves in just 25 days.
7. House with a Slipping Facade, Margate, UK
Walking through the British city of Margate, you may be incredibly surprised to come across a three-story house with... a facade that has slid down. The first floor with the front door seems to lie directly on the ground, and the upper floor is open. Don’t be surprised, the reason for this façade “slipping” out of its place is not a natural disaster or construction flaws, but just the wild imagination of designer Alex Chinnack. By the way, it took him almost a year to create the installation. The house had been abandoned for a long time. The building was once purchased by the municipality and was intended to be converted into social housing. But time passed, and the building became more and more unusable and collapsed. The designer removed the facade from the old three-story building and replaced it with a new wall. The new facade reveals the crumbling upper floor of the house, wraps around the ground and sits comfortably on the ground in front of the building.
8. House-banknote, Kaunas, Lithuania
A very unusual and very realistic structure in the form of a folded banknote issued by Lithuania during the years of independence, in fact it is a large business center called “Office Center 1000”. It is quite natural that it housed the two largest Lithuanian banks. The project was completely developed and implemented by RA Studija and the young Lithuanian architect Rimas Adomaitis. One day, a famous specialist says that this building should never symbolize the power of money over people and universal admiration for it, which is why not a modern, but a historical banknote was taken. The facade is decorated with glass tiles of various shapes and sizes, made in Holland. The house has no windows in the usual sense of the word, because the entire facade of the building is glass. On the outside, the glass has a special coating that protects the design from adverse weather conditions. It was assembled by hand by a large number of builders; it was a large and painstaking job.
9. Atomium, Brussels, Belgium
Not only the most modern sculptures, buildings and structures can capture our imagination. What can you say about the sculpture, built back in 1958? This is one of the main attractions of Brussels and a real symbol of the city called Atomium. It was designed for the opening of the 1958 World's Fair by architect André Waterkein as a symbol of the atomic age and the peaceful uses of atomic energy, and was built under the direction of architects André and Michel Polack. The majestic sculpture is a huge model of an iron crystal. Initially, the structure was covered with aluminum, and after overhaul in 2006 - a strong and durable steel shell that sparkles in the sun. The Atomium is 102 meters high, weighs about 2,400 tons, and the diameter of each of the nine spheres is 18 meters. The spheres are connected by 23 m long pipes containing escalators and corridors. There are a total of 20 connecting pipes between the balls. In the middle of them there is an elevator capable of lifting visitors to the restaurant and observation platform, located in the highest ball of the Atomium, in 25 seconds.
10. Art Museum building, Graz, Austria
At first glance at this unusual building, it is difficult to believe that it houses an art museum. However, this is so, and local residents affectionately and humorously call the Kunsthaus “the pregnant cow.” The gallery of contemporary art was opened as part of the European Capital of Culture program in 2003, the title of which was awarded to Graz. The building concept was developed by London architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier. The architectural style of the building defies any classification and contrasts sharply with the surrounding buildings. But what is unique about the building is that it can “communicate” with the outside world. The facade of the museum is designed as a media installation with an area of 900 square meters, consisting of luminous elements that can be programmed using a computer. Despite its relatively short existence, the museum building has won a lot of sympathy from local residents and tourists and is recognized as a symbol of the city and its modern life.
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Places where every cultured person dreams of visiting.
Experts from the world's largest travel site TripAdvisor compiled a rating out of 25 cultural sites, which were most highly rated by tourists from all over the globe.
In general, if you have not yet decided on your vacation plans, in this review website you can find some great ideas. For the next 25 holidays.
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, recognized as one of the New Wonders of the World, is located in modern Peru, on the top of a mountain range at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. It is called the “city in the sky” or “city among the clouds”, sometimes called the “lost city of the Incas”. Some archaeologists believe that the city was created as a sacred mountain retreat by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec around 1440, and functioned until 1532, when the Spanish invaded the Inca Empire. In 1532, all its inhabitants mysteriously disappeared.
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the six largest mosques in the world. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the founder and first president of the United Nations United Arab Emirates. Unlike many other Muslim temples, everyone is allowed into it, regardless of faith.
3. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal Mausoleum is one of the most recognizable landmarks not only in India but throughout the world. The structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and also a symbol of eternal love.
4. Mezquita, Cordoba, Spain
Walls decorated with intricate patterns, mosaic ornaments, hundreds of thin openwork columns - this is how the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba appears today. Many centuries ago, there was an ancient Roman temple on this site, then it was replaced by a Visigothic church, and in 785 the Mezquita appeared. It became the second most important mosque on the planet, and the pilgrimage to Cordoba was even equated to the obligatory hajj to Mecca for every Muslim. But then the Catholics replaced the Moors, and Mezquita was turned into a Christian temple.
5. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Italy
The heart of the Vatican and everything Catholic world, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the main attractions of Rome. Here you can view ancient rome from a bird's eye view, admire the interior of the cathedral from the top of the dome, celebrate Mass and even receive the blessing of the pontiff.
6. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
The Cambodian temple Angkor Wat is the largest religious building ever created, the history of which goes back almost 9 centuries. Even its name speaks about the monumentality of the temple complex, because Angkor Wat literally translates as Temple City. It covers an area of 200 hectares and is surrounded by a moat 190 meters wide. This colossal structure is dedicated to the god Vishnu, revered in this area.
7. Bayon Temple Complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Bayon is one of the most amazing temples located on the territory of Angkor Thom and was its religious center. The “highlight” of Bayon are the towers with many faces carved from stone, silently looking from above over the vast territory of Angkor Thom, and during the heyday of the state, over the entire Khmer Empire. Initially, there were 54 towers, which symbolized the 54 provinces under the rule of the king. Today, only about 37 towers remain.
8. Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ on the Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia
The Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, better known as the Church of the Savior on Blood, became the only Russian attraction on Trip Advisor's list. The Savior on Spilled Blood attracts tourists from all over the world not only with the splendor of its domes and interiors, but also with its unusual history, which has given rise to many legends and speculations. Many of them are related to the fact that the temple was erected on the spot where on March 1, 1881, the Narodnaya Volya member I. Grinevitsky mortally wounded Alexander II, who was popularly called the Tsar Liberator for the abolition of serfdom.
9. Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
10. Walls of the old city, Dubrovnik, Croatia
In 1979, UNESCO introduced Old town Dubrovnik is a World Heritage Site, including a significant part of the ancient city walls. They surround the city on all four sides and house a venerable collection historical monuments, including towers, fortresses, churches, monasteries, squares and streets, schools, museums and galleries. Built for defensive purposes, these stone walls have protected its citizens since the founding of Dubrovnik in the 6th century.
11. Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar
Shwedagon Pagoda is the tallest spiritual building in Myanmar, or, as it is also called, the Land of Pagodas. The entire complex of the giant pagoda occupies more than five hectares of land, on which, in addition to the main structure, there are many smaller spiers and countless sculptures of mythical and real animals : golden griffins and elephants, dragons and lions. The Shwedagon Pagoda became what it is today in the 15th century, during the reign of Queen Shinsobu. It was then that the gigantic temple was finally given the shape of an inverted begging bowl and sheathed in gold from top to bottom.
12. Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool, Washington, DC
The Lincoln Memorial is a majestic temple made in the ancient Greek style and somewhat reminiscent of the Parthenon. It is supported by 36 white marble columns, representing the number of states that belonged to the United States at the time of President Lincoln's death. In the center of the temple is a statue of the world's most respected American president sitting in a chair. Its height is 5.79 meters.
13. Ancient City of Petra, Petra/Wadi Musa, Jordan
In the very heart of Jordan, in the Wadi Musa valley, deep in the sandy mountains, there is the most amazing ancient city of Petra. Petra was originally a temporary refuge for the nomadic Nabatean tribes. From several fortified rock caves, it gradually grew into a large fortified city. There is only one way to get to the city - through the narrow Siq gorge, which was once the bed of a mountain stream. Petra still belongs to the Bedouins, who warmly welcome guests to their land.
14. Section of the Great Wall of China Mutianyu, Beijing, China
On no other section of the Great Wall of China were restoration work carried out as well as on the Mutianyu section. This site, with 22 watchtowers that have retained their original appearance, is a true architectural masterpiece. The phrase Mutianyu from Chinese is translated as “a valley in which you can admire the views of the fields.” Among all the sections of the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu is the longest fully restored section open to tourists.
15. Ancient city of Ephesus, Selcuk, Türkiye
The largest and best preserved ancient city on the shores of the Aegean Sea and second in importance after Pompeii in the Mediterranean, ancient Ephesus is the most visited attraction in Turkey. Legends connect the appearance of the city with the name of Androcles, the son of the ruler of Athens, Codra, who, on the advice of an oracle, arrived in these places to found the temple of Artemis. The city got its name from the Amazon Ephesia, Androcles' lover.
16. Alhambra, Spain
The Alhambra (Arabic: Al Hamra - literally "Red Castle") is an ancient palace and fortress of the Moorish rulers of the province of Granada in southern Spain. The castle occupies the top of a rocky plateau on the southeastern border of Granada. The name Alhambra probably comes from the color of the sun-dried clay or bricks from which the castle walls are made. However, some historians suggest that the name came from the “red flame of torches” that illuminated the many years of construction of the castle, which went on around the clock.
17. Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia
The Australian War Memorial is the main memorial dedicated to the memory of soldiers killed during the First and Second World Wars. Today it is considered one of the most significant monuments this kind in the world. The memorial is located near the Parliament building, from the balcony of which a 360-degree panorama of the monument opens.
18. Siena Cathedral, Siena, Italy
According to the chronicles, at the beginning of the 13th century, the inhabitants of the city-state of Siena, which acted as the main competitor and adversary of Florence, “called upon their leaders to build a temple more magnificent than that of their neighbors.” So, between 1215 and 1263, on the site of the old temple, the Duomo of Siena was founded according to the plan of the Gothic master Niccolo Pisano. Today this majestic temple is the main attraction of the city.
19. Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Milan, Italy
The most important place in Milan is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente (Duomo), a pearl of Italian Gothic architecture, which was built from 1386 to early XIX century. The third largest Catholic church on the planet can easily be considered one of the wonders of the world. Its hundred-meter spiers tower over the center of Milan, and the golden statue of the Madonna on the longest spire (four meters high) is visible from many parts of the city.
20. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is one of the most famous long-term construction projects in the world: its construction began almost 150 years ago and continues to this day. Although Antonio Gaudi initially had nothing to do with the construction of this temple, a year after the start of work he headed this project. Gaudi built the temple for 30 years until he died. The reason for such a long construction period is that the Sagrada Familia is built solely on donations from parishioners.
25. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
Sydney opera house- one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Its architect was the Dane Jorn Utzon. Having designed the original roofs, somewhat reminiscent of shells, he gave Sydney a magnificent gift - a symbol of the city. Today, every tourist planning to visit Australia must include an excursion to the majestic opera house in his travel itinerary.
The Shard in London
The giant Shard skyscraper is changing the London skyline and making it the tallest in Europe. With a height of just over 300 meters above the ground, the Shard is the tallest building in this part of the world, and definitely one of the most famous. It was completed in 2012 in the heart of London, within easy walking distance of the Thames Embankment, London Bridge and the Tower of London. Moreover, the Shard skyscraper is visible from anywhere in the city, especially at night, when the majestic silhouette of this iconic famous building turns into a vibrant mixture of light and shadows, and the vibrant waters of the river reflect its majesty in a huge mirror of nature. Particularly popular is the observation deck at an altitude of 250 meters, which offers the best view of the capital of England.
Big Ben
Big Ben, the House of Commons and the House of Lords are another famous landmark of London, dating back in history to the Victorian Gothic period with its many sharp details, tall pillars, elaborate decorations, dark mystical angles and contrasting pale silhouettes. This stunning building is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The giant Big Ben Tower with its four striking clocks is recognized throughout the world, making it one of the most famous buildings in the world.
Burj Khalifa
Of course, the tallest structure in the world will not be an exception in the list of the most famous buildings. The Burj Khalifa towers majestically over Dubai at 829.84 meters in height, creating a particularly colorful and vibrant atmosphere at night. The many lights of the Burj Khalifa combine with other buildings to create a truly modern atmosphere in Dubai. The tower dominates the Dubai skyline with its distinctive Arabian silhouette and Y-shaped design, multiple levels and cross sections. This building can only be called a masterpiece of architecture. At the top of the skyscraper there is a restaurant with the most best view to the city - At.Mosphere.
Burj Al Arab
This building is also located in Dubai, along the city's beautiful coastline. Dubai Sail is the most famous and most luxurious hotel in Dubai and on Earth. It is also quite tall - almost 320 meters, making it the second tallest hotel on Earth. A symbol of Dubai's historical heritage, the Burj Al Arab impresses with its bright white silhouette and gigantic scale and size. A small narrow bridge leads to Parus, and at the top there is a landing pad for helicopters.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is another famous building that is located in eastern Agra in India. This masterpiece of art is famous for its white facades and history, making the Taj Mahal one of the most attractive architectural gems in the world. The building dates back to the 17th century. This is a mausoleum and a symbol of love that permeates every corner here. The Taj Mahal has a giant central dome 170 meters high, four smaller domes, a gigantic spacious courtyard, four huge slightly tilted minarets, a magnificent Islamic design with marble details, calligraphic decorations, and much more.
Colosseum in Rome
The Colosseum in Rome is imbued with historical heritage on every wall, façade and stone. The true scale of this arena is quite impressive even today, and in the days of the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago it was a real engineering marvel. The Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the world, the center of numerous gladiator battles, where all the Roman nobility gathered. A long network of caves and tunnels runs under the structure, and the outer wall of the Colosseum with its numerous arches, floors and columns is considered one of the symbols of Rome and Italy.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is only a small part of the entire Pisa Cathedral complex, but the most famous. The rounded tower with a series of spiral balconies along the entire facade is pale in color with many shades. It is surrounded by many lawns and has a courtyard. The tower has a magnificent Romanesque architectural design, but that’s not what she’s known for. This tilts almost 4 degrees, creating the visual illusion of falling. Numerous tourists take advantage of this, taking pictures against the backdrop of the famous building.
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous buildings in Australia and around the world because it is real work of art and a masterpiece of art. It is a cultural icon of the country and one of Sydney's most visited attractions. The Sydney Opera House hosts numerous events related to art, opera and music. A remarkable architectural perspective, positioned right next to the water on one side and modern skyscrapers on the other, makes this outstanding opera house one of the most famous buildings in the world.
Empire State Building
The symbol of New York State and the United States, the Empire State Building is one of the must-see places in the city that never sleeps. The skyscraper will impress you with its many colors, pure Art Deco forms, historical structures and, of course, its impressive height. It rises nearly 450 meters above the Manhattan skyline, dotted with numerous windows. At the top there is an observation deck that reveals the magnificent Manhattan skyline. At sunset you can admire it for hours.
Eiffel Tower
Topping the list of the most popular buildings in the world is not a building at all, but a tower. The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly the most popular building in the world. It is located in the center of Paris and is a symbol of the city and France, as well as one of the tallest structures throughout the continent and one of the most popular and visited attractions in the world. The tower is distinguished by its history, many spans, connections, arches, complex parts and other interesting elements that only emphasize its charm.
World of travel
2724
02.09.16 10:17
A picturesque landscape with the waters of turquoise rivers, mountains, caves, emerald meadows, bright flowers is the work of nature (or a skilled landscape designer). But the most famous buildings and structures were built by people. New York skyscrapers and ancient Gothic churches, palaces and luxurious tombs, temples of Melpomene and urban towers made of glass and modern materials– from Alaska to Tokyo, city landscapes are decorated with the creations of talented architects. There are hundreds of the most famous buildings in the world, so our ranking cannot cover them all!
Heart of Mecca
When Muslims pray, they face the Kaaba, their sacred place of pilgrimage. This black granite parallelepiped is located in Saudi Arabia, in the center of Islam's most revered mosque, Al-Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Every Muslim dreams of visiting the Kaaba at least once in his life. The walls are made of granite bricks and decorated with golden script; the dimensions of the structure are small: 11.03 by 12.86 m. The floor of the Kaaba is made of marble and limestone. Initially there were two doors (for entry and exit) and one window, now there is only one door, and the window has been bricked up. Previously, the Kaaba was open to all pilgrims, but due to the huge number of visitors, access was limited.
Raising the sails
One of the most iconic buildings in the world is the Sydney Opera House, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The giant, 185 m long and 120 m wide, has a unique design (the project of the Danish architect Jorn Watson defeated 232 competing projects). You look at it, and it seems that the wind is inflating huge light sails. Construction of the building began in 1959, ten thousand workers were involved, and still the facility could only be opened after 14 years. Now the theater is the calling card of the largest Australian city.
In honor of the World's Fair
But even a child can easily name the symbol of Paris. Construction Eiffel Tower was timed to coincide with the opening of the World Exhibition in Paris (1889). The 324-meter beauty was named in honor of the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose design bureau developed the project and built the tower. All work took 2 years. 2 months and 5 days. This is not only the most famous building (or rather structure) in France, but also one of the most popular attractions in the world - more than 7 million people come here every year.
On the Manhattan skyline
The 102-story building, which graces the New York Manhattan skyline, was designed by architect William F. Lamb. Construction of the ambitious skyscraper began in 1929 and was completed in 410 days. For almost forty years, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the metropolis. 85 floors of the giant are offices and commercial space, and the remaining 16 are an Art Deco tower. There are two observation decks - on the 86th floor, open, with a 360-degree view of New York, and a smaller, closed one, on the 102nd.
Guarded by gargoyles and chimeras
One of the most famous buildings in the world is the Catholic Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris, the residence of the Archbishop of Paris. This magnificent architectural monument reaches 35 meters in height, 130 in length and 48 in width. In 1163, this Gothic miracle found its foundation, and modern look- only in 1345. The temple is famous not only for its architectural delights and sculptures of chimeras and gargoyles, but also for some of the largest organs and bells in the world. The facade of the shrine is decorated with three lancet entrances, two towers and a giant stained glass rose window.
The brainchild of a blinded architect
St. Basil's Cathedral with its unique domes is the same symbol of Moscow and Russia as the Eiffel Tower in Paris. He grew up on Red Square in the mid-16th century in memory of the capture of Kazan. The initiator of the construction was Ivan the Terrible, who wanted to perpetuate his victory. Since the Kazan khans fell on the eve of the Intercession holiday Holy Mother of God, the temple was consecrated in honor of him (although we call the architectural monument more simply - St. Basil's Cathedral). There are several versions of who was the architect of the cathedral. According to one of them, the king ordered the architect's eyes to be gouged out so that he could not repeat the masterpiece. Although, most likely, this is just a beautiful, creepy legend.
Gaudi's innovative house
There are several houses in Barcelona that could claim a place in the ranking of the most famous buildings in the world, and all of them were designed by the brilliant Spanish (Catalan) architect Antoni Gaudi. We settled on Casa Mila, built in the early 20th century for a wealthy couple. The area of each floor is 1323 sq. m. m, they contain apartments, offices, a museum, a cafe, and an exhibition hall. Because of its unusual façade, Casa Mila is popularly nicknamed “La Pedrera” (“the quarry”). This was Gaudi’s last “everyday” creation, after which he began the project of the Sagrada Familia temple. At one time, the architect was criticized for his modernist design, but he came up with many structural innovations, including an attic with arches, an unusual terrace, courtyards, and an underground garage. In 1984, the house was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - the first of the 20th century sites.
You will dream about the London sky! With "Shard"
“Shard” is the most modern building in our top. This is an 87-story skyscraper that soars into the London sky and fits well into the Victorian ensemble (which includes Tower Bridge). The construction of the Shard began in 2009, and in 2012 it was opened by the Prime Minister of Qatar (the building belongs to this state) Bin Jassim Hamad bin Jaber Al Thani. Architect Renzo Piano conceived the project as an obelisk or spire, as if emerging from the waters of the Thames. IN the tallest building British capital 11,000 glass panels and 56,000 sq. meters of façade made of special glass, which is why it got its name.
Dubai giantess
The 309-meter “Shard” will seem like Gulliver in the land of giants if it is placed next to the Dubai Burj Khalifa tower, which rose in the capital of the emirate in 2009. The tallest and one of the most famous buildings on the planet was designed by Adrian Smith, inspired by the shape of the tropical Hymenocallis flower. The Dubai landmark is proud of several features: it has the highest observation deck in the world, an elevator that covers the longest distance (there are 57 elevators in the building, and only one goes from the bottom to the top - the service one). The height of the Burj Khalifa is 828 meters (according to other sources - 829.8 m), and the weight of the structure is 500 tons.
This is how we should honor wives!
We looked at business card Sydney, Dubai, the capitals of France, Russia, it was India's turn. The first line of the ranking of the most famous buildings in the world is occupied by the most exquisite and amazing - a miracle of white marble that grew on the Jumna River in Agra in the middle of the 17th century. A masterpiece of Persian, Indian, Arabic and Mughal styles was intended to preserve the memory of the beloved wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The mausoleum of the beautiful Mumtaz Mahal is not only her tomb; later the ruler himself joined his wife, who could not bear 14 (!) births. Since 1983, the Indian architectural jewel has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and later became one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. The 240-meter building with four minarets and five domes was erected by more than 22 thousand workers, and a special type of marble was chosen for construction. Thanks to this (and inlays of semi-precious stones), the Taj Mahal turns pink in the morning, becomes milky white in the evenings, and at night turns silver in the light of the moon. In front of the facade there is a marble pool, reflecting the magnificent building.
Old or new, with complex or simple structures, these are undoubtedly the most beautiful buildings in the world. Take a ride with us and check out these amazing architectural creations built in various cities around the globe.
1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Burj Al Arab is recognized as the tallest and most luxurious hotel in the world. Built on our own artificial island in front of Jumeirah Beach, this is a seven-star, sixty-story hotel fabulous beauty. The building resembles a colorfully lit sailboat that rises 321 meters above sea level.
As for the interior, what can we say? This is a world within a world. Amazing design, dancing fountains, huge aquariums, luxurious suites with really gilded details. It is so tall that it can accommodate the World shopping mall Dubai.
2. Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg
A beautiful Baroque palace of Catherine the Great, with a distinctive blue façade, rebuilt by Empress Elizabeth Petrovna to its current form. Most visitors come to the town of Pushkin near St. Petersburg, home to an impressive palace, to see the famous Amber Room, billed as the eighth wonder of the world. But for many, the most delightful view is the graceful wing in classic style, designed by Catherine II’s favorite architect, Charles Cameron.
3. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain
Designed by American architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum is a magnificent example of the most innovative ideas in 20th century architecture. With 24,000 m2, of which 11,000 is dedicated to exhibition space, the museum is an architectural landmark of daring configuration and innovative design, providing a seductive backdrop for the works of art displayed within. This building changed the world's view of modern architecture and museums, and became a symbol of the rebirth of the industrial city of Bilbao. The museum is made of titanium, with wavy lines, which change color in the rays of the sun.
4. Great Mosque, Djenne, Mali
In one of the oldest cities in Africa, in the city of Djenne, south of the Sahara, you will find this majestic beautiful building - a mosque built from clay bricks by the Dogon people, African tribe, which uses mud like the ancient Romans used marble. In this region, in the center of a once thriving commercial city, mosques were built in the 13th century AD. The Great Mosque, or Great Mosque of Djenne, dates back to 1906 and is the largest building in the world built entirely from mud. Since 1988, the mosque has been included in the list of the World cultural heritage UNESCO. Its towers are decorated with an ostrich egg, which symbolizes fertility and good luck.
5. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
The first attraction you need is the Sagrada Familia or the Church of the Sagrada Familia, which was designed by Antoni Gaudi and has become the symbol of the city. Catalan architect dedicated more than 40 years of his life to this colossal and unfinished Gothic cathedral, with its huge spiers that seem to touch the clouds and facades that resemble sand sculptures. Gaudí personally supervised the work until he died in 1926. His partners continued the construction, and despite the fact that the original plans were destroyed during civil war in Spain, work continues to this day. In accordance with the projects, completion of the temple is expected in 2026.
6. Taj Mahal, India
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan began to build this building in 1632 to bury the remains of his beloved wife. The Taj Mahal stands in Agra, on the southern bank of the Yamuna River. This famous mausoleum complex, built over more than 20 years, is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, with Indian, Persian and Islamic influences. Built from shimmering white marble that changes color depending on the sun or moonlight to its surface. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal remains one of the world's most iconic structures and a stunning symbol of India's rich history. Visit this place and see that it is truly one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Wat Rong Khun, better known as the "White Temple", is one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand, and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The temple is located outside the city of Chiang Rai and attracts large number visitors, Thai and foreign, making it one of the most visited attractions in Chiang Rai.
Wat Rong Khun is a unique temple that stands out due to its white color and sparkles in the sun thanks to the use of glass pieces in the plaster. White signifies the purity of the Buddha, while the glass symbolizes the wisdom of the Buddha and the Dharma - Buddhist teachings.
The temple building was designed by the famous Thai visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. To date it has not been completed. One day there would be nine buildings, including a hall containing Buddhist relics, a meditation hall, monks' living quarters and an art gallery.
8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi and is the largest marble mosque in the world, with a capacity of 40,000 people. The construction of this building was completed in 2007 after collecting white marble from 28 countries. Main hall has a unique giant lamp, decorated with Swarovski crystals, weighing 9 tons, with a diameter and height of 10 and 15 meters, respectively.
The next very beautiful building is located in St. Petersburg. This is an impressive church whose construction began in 1883, just above the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated two years earlier. The temple impresses with its multi-colored towers, rich exterior decoration and a particularly impressive interior with mosaics.