Famous buildings of the city. Great architectural structures

Architecture is a kind of creation and reflection of social consciousness and being, it is designed to satisfy the aesthetic needs of society. The evolution of architecture is inseparable from the evolution of mankind. Any achievements and problems of architecture cannot be separated from social achievements and difficulties.

For architecture, it is more important to fully satisfy the needs of society in equal relationships with the natural environment, and not to develop any prevailing style. For example, the popular architectural style of the Baroque did not lead to the construction of ecological buildings that would be in balance with the natural environment and would fully satisfy the needs of society. So was late modernism.

XX century in the formation of world architecture

The 20th century was critical in the development of all mankind: it was then that the society for the first time realized the instability of its development and formation, which led to global changes. For the first time, it was realized that a more sustainable development was needed, based on sustainable construction and architecture.

Remark 1

For the first time in human history in the 20th century, the built environment grew and became the main value of all states. It was during this period that the need for a stable use of resources and the transition to the use of renewable resources was realized, which significantly influenced architecture.

Factors that influenced modern world architecture

During that period, other global problems arise that significantly influenced the architecture:

• rapid population growth;
• the formation of cities and the creation of urban areas;
• lack of vital resources;
• increasing social inequality;
• unsustainable development;
• the rapid growth of undeveloped territories;
• reduction of natural landscapes.

Therefore, it is more logical to arrange the stages of architectural evolution with the stages of technical, socio-economic, environmental and technological development of society. Assessing the progress of architecture, the needs of society in terms of the natural resource potential of the territory, as well as ecological relations with the natural environment, must be placed in the first place.

Great architectural structures of the world

planning trip around the world, you should definitely visit the cities with the most significant and beautiful architectural structures. These cities are popular for a large number buildings, cityscapes and squares, while their cultural heritage and unforgettable architecture make them the best cities in the world.

These vast capitals with innumerable mysterious places can offer many attractions. However, there are ten of the greatest architectural structures in the world.

1. The Shard tower in London. The huge skyscraper The Shard dramatically changes the London skyline and makes it the highest point in Europe. Its height exceeds 300 meters above ground level. The Shard is considered the tallest building in this part of the globe and is rightfully considered the most famous. In 2012, its construction was completed in the very center of London, not far from London Bridge, the Thames embankment and the Tower of London. The Shard skyscraper can be seen from anywhere in the city, especially at night, when the luminous silhouette of this iconic architectural structure turns into a colorful mixture of shadows and light, and the lively reflection in the river conveys all its grandeur. Gaining particular popularity viewpoint, which is located at an altitude of 250 meters, and offers the best view of London.

Figure 1. The Shard Tower, London. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

1. Big Ben. Another famous attraction in London is Big Ben (House of Lords, House of Commons), which has its roots in history. In the architecture of this building, you can see numerous sharp details, tall pillars, sharp decorations, dark mystical corners and opposing pale silhouettes. This large-scale architectural structure is one of the iconic landmarks of the city. The huge tower of Big Ben with a clock and a characteristic ringing can be recognized all over the world, which makes this building one of the most famous buildings in the world.

1. Burj Khadifa. Of course, the tallest building will not be an exception in the list of famous architectural structures. Burj Khadifa towers majestically over Dubai at an altitude of 830 meters. At night, the building creates a particularly colorful and fantastic atmosphere. Numerous lights come together to create a massive spectacle along with other architectural structures in Dubai. The tower rises above the horizon with its distinctive Arabian silhouette, Y-shaped design, cross-sections and multiple levels. This building can be safely called a masterpiece of modern architecture. At the top of the skyscraper is the famous restaurant At.Mosphere.

1. Burj Al Arab. This delightful architectural structure is also located in Dubai along the coast. Dubai Sail is the most popular and luxurious hotel not only in Dubai, but on the whole planet. Its height is about 320 meters, thanks to which it ranks second in the ranking of the world's tallest hotels. Burj Al Arab is a symbol of the historical heritage of Dubai, it produces unforgettable impression its bright white and original silhouette, as well as its gigantic scale and size. A small narrow bridge leads to the Burj Al Arab hotel, and at the top there is a landing area for helicopters.

1. Taj Mahal. Another famous architectural structure is the Taj Mahal. It is located in India in eastern Agra. This architectural masterpiece is famous for its snow-white facades and unique history, making it one of the most attractive architectural gems. The history of the building dates back to the 17th century. The Taj Mahal is a love story that permeates every corner of this mausoleum. This building has a huge dome 170 meters high, four smaller domes and a giant courtyard, several inclined minarets. The Taj Mahal is world famous for its unique Islamic design, marble details and many calligraphic embellishments. Being at the main entrance, you immediately feel its grandeur and impressive size.

1. Roman Coliseum. Every detail of the Roman Colosseum is permeated with historical heritage. Each wall, facade and stone has its own history. The scale of this arena is impressive to this day, and even 2000 years ago it was a real engineering miracle. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world, the center of numerous gladiatorial battles, where all the Roman nobility gathered. Below it is a network of tunnels and caves, and the outer part of the Colosseum with many arches, columns and floors is considered the main symbol of Rome and all of Italy.

1. Leaning tower in Pisa. leaning tower of pisa- this is just a small part of the whole complex Cathedral Pisa, however, it is considered its most famous architectural structure. The tower consists of many spiraling balconies that are pale in color with many shades. It has a courtyard and is surrounded by numerous lawns. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is made in Romanesque architectural design, but it is not known for this at all. It tilts 4 degrees, creating the illusion of falling. This is what tourists use when taking pictures against the backdrop of the original architectural structure.

1. Sydney Opera House. The Sydney Opera House is the most famous architectural structure in Australia as it is a real work of art and a true masterpiece of art. The Opera House is a cultural symbol of the country and Sydney's most popular attraction. Within the walls of the Sydney Opera House there are numerous events related to opera, art and music. The architectural perspective is located near the water on one side, and on the other side is surrounded by modern skyscrapers, which makes the Sydney Opera House one of the famous buildings in the world.

Figure 8. Sydney Opera House. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

1. Empire State Building. The symbol of the US state and New York is the Empire State Building. This is one of those must-see places in the city. The skyscraper will impress with its many colors, pure Art Deco forms, historical cultures and, of course, its enormous height. It is elevated almost 450 meters above the Manhattan skyline. The Empire State Building is dotted with numerous windows, and at the top there is an observation deck that offers a divine view of the whole of Manhattan.

Figure 9. Empire State Building, New York. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

1. The Eiffel Tower. The list of the most popular and great architectural structures is not headed by a building at all, but by a tower. The Eiffel Tower. It is undoubtedly the most popular architectural structure in the world. The tower is located in the center of Paris and is a symbol of France. It is the tallest building on the entire continent and the most visited attraction in the world. The Eiffel Tower is famous for its unique history, numerous spans, junctions, arches and intricate elements that successfully emphasize its charm.

Figure 10. Eiffel Tower, Paris. Author24 - online exchange of student papers

Now there are a huge number of great architectural structures that have not only an impressive appearance, but also a hereditary history that fascinates no less than their pompous architecture. These places of worship are located in different cities of the world and are an integral part of world history.

Judging by these photographs, give the architect free rein and he will be able to design a building of any shape and size. We have collected 33 extraordinary houses to show you and for each you can see the position on the world map so that you can visit them live😉. Join now!

1 Surreal house/Mind House (Barcelona, ​​Spain) map

Mind House is a building located at the entrance to Park Güell, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

2 Crooked House/Krzywy Domek (Sopot, Poland) map

Located in the Polish city of Sopot, this building is a popular landmark for tourists and photographers. The inspiration for the unusual shape of the building came from Polish fairy tale illustrations by Jan Marcin Szanser and Per Dahlberg.

3 Stone house/Casa do Penedo (Portugal) map

The house got its name because it was built on the basis of four large boulders, which serve as its foundation, walls and ceiling. Construction began in 1972 and lasted about two years until 1974.

4 Lotus Temple (New Delhi, India) map

main temple Bahai religion in India and neighboring countries, built in 1986. A huge building made of snow-white marble in the shape of a blooming lotus flower.

5 Cathedral/Catedral Metropolitana de Brasília (Brazilia, Brazil) map

Catholic Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Brasilia. It was built in the modernist style by the famous architect Oscar Niemeyer. When designing, Oscar Niemeyer was inspired by Liverpool Cathedral. The building itself consists of 16 hyperboloid columns, symbolizing hands raised to the sky.

6 Casa Mila/La Pedrera (Barcelona, ​​Spain) map

A residential building built in 1906-1910 in Barcelona by architect Antoni Gaudi for the Mila family, one of the attractions of the Catalan capital. The design of this Gaudi building was innovative for its time: a well-thought-out natural ventilation system allows you to abandon air conditioners, interior partitions in each of the apartments in the house can be moved at your discretion, there is an underground garage.

7 Atomium/Atomium (Brussels, Belgium) map

One of the main attractions and symbol of Brussels. The Atomium was designed for the opening of the 1958 World's Fair by architect Andre Waterkeyn as a symbol of the atomic age and the peaceful uses of atomic energy.

8 Museum of Contemporary Art (Niteroi, Brazil) map

The famous architectural creation of Oscar Niemeyer in the style of modernism. The building took five years to build and was completed in 1996. A sixteen-meter concrete smooth cylindrical structure on a thin leg with a glass belt at the same time looks like a UFO and an exotic plant that has grown on the edge of a cliff.

9 Kansas City Central Library/Kansas City Library (Missouri, USA) map

For a time, the facade of the Kansas City Central Library was designed as a bookshelf made up of various books. Looked amazing)

10 The Hobbit House (Wales, UK) map

The house was built with maximum consideration environment and gave a unique opportunity to live closer to nature.

11 Solomon Guggenheim Museum/Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York, USA) map

The choice of the site for the Guggenheim Museum fell on a site adjacent to the huge green area of ​​​​Central Park between 88th and 89th streets on Fifth Avenue. When designing the building, the architect Frank Lloyd Wright departed from existing models and invited the audience to take the elevator to the top floor and descend along the internal continuous spiral, examining the exposition along the way, both on the ramp itself and in the halls adjacent to it.

12 Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao, Spain) map

The museum building was designed by American-Canadian architect Frank Gehry and opened to the public in 1997. The building was immediately recognized as one of the most spectacular deconstructivist buildings in the world. Architect Philip Johnson called it "the greatest building of our time"

Located on the waterfront, the building embodies the abstract idea of ​​a futuristic ship, perhaps for interplanetary travel. He is also compared to a bird, an airplane, Superman, an artichoke, and a blossoming rose.

13 Habitat 67/Habitat 67 (Montreal, Canada) map

Residential complex in Montreal, which was designed by architect Moshe Safdie in 1966-1967. The complex was built for the start of the Expo-67 exhibition, one of the largest world exhibitions of that time, the theme of which was houses and residential construction.

The cube is the basis of this structure. 354 cubes stacked on top of each other made it possible to create this gray building with 146 apartments. Most of the apartments have a private garden on the roof of the neighbor downstairs. The building style is brutalism.

14 House of Music/Casa da musica (Porto, Portugal) map

Designed by Rem Koolhaas concert hall in the historic center of Porto, where three city orchestras are based. The construction of a building of an unusual shape required the implementation of new engineering solutions. It was carried out in 2001-2005. in connection with the performance of Porto as the European Capital of Culture. The project proposed by Koolhaas received wide recognition in the architectural community. Thus, The New York Times architectural critic Nikolai Urusov called the House of Music "the most attractive" project of Koolhaas, comparing it with the Berlin Philharmonic and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

15 Olympic Stadium/Olympic Stadium (Montreal, Canada) map

It was built as the main sports arena for the 1976 Summer Olympics. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games. Largest stadium in Canada.

16 Nautilus House / Nautilus House (Mexico City, Mexico) map

The design of the house is very innovative, unusual and daring. Architect Javier Senosiain decided to bring nautical forms into architecture and created a house in the shape of a shell.

17 National Library of Belarus/National Library of Belarus (Minsk, Belarus) map

The building is a 73.6 m high rhombicuboctahedron (23 floors) and weighs 115,000 tons (excluding books). Unusual is the backlighting of the building, which is a giant multi-color screen based on LED clusters, which turns on daily at sunset and works until midnight. The design and patterns on it are constantly changing.

18 National Performing Arts Center/国家大剧院 (Beijing, China) map

It is an ellipsoidal dome made of glass and titanium, rising in the middle of an artificial reservoir, across the road from Zhongnanhai Lake. The three main halls of the theater can accommodate at least 6,500 spectators.

The architect was the Frenchman Paul Andre; construction lasted from December 2001 to December 2007. The construction of such a huge futuristic building in the historical center of the Chinese capital caused great controversy, both in terms of its inconsistency with the urban environment, and because of the exorbitant and constantly increasing costs during construction.

19 Conch Shell House (Isla Mujeres, Mexico) map

The house was designed by Octavio Ocampo, one of Mexico's most famous artists, and his brother. The house is a perfect display of his surreal blend of summerhouse and unique underwater aesthetic.

20 House Attack (Vienna, Austria) map

Erwin Wurm is known for his unusual, sometimes humorous and sometimes cryptic work. He created just such an intriguing installation, to the surprise of passers-by.

21 Library of Alexandrina/ مكتبة الإسكندرية الجديدة ‎ (Alexandria, Egypt) map

The idea of ​​building a library on the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria arose in the early 1970s and belonged to a group of professors from the University of Alexandria. The complex is characterized by a very expressive architecture. The concept of the library building is based on the symbolism of the south. The building is like a solar disk, raised to the south and tilted to the north. The glass surfaces of the north-sloping roof let northern light down into the library.

22 Cube houses/Kubuswoning (Rotterdam, Netherlands) map

A series of houses built in Rotterdam and Helmond to an innovative design by architect Piet Blom in 1984. Blom's radical decision was that he installed the house's box not on the face, as usual, but on the top, and with this top he rests (visually) on the hexagonal pylon. In Rotterdam, there are 38 such houses and 2 more super-cubes, and all the houses are articulated into a single structure. From a bird's eye view, the complex has an intricate appearance resembling an impossible triangle.

23 Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace/Le Palais idéal (France) map

The creator of this most impressive monument of naive architecture is Joseph Ferdinand Cheval. From the age of 13 he worked as an assistant baker, in 1867 he received the position of a rural postman. Delivering mail, he made a daily journey of 25 km, putting stones of an unusual natural shape into a wheelbarrow. Of these, for 33 years, alone in his spare time, day and night, in any weather, with the help of the most unpretentious tools, he realized his dream - a palace beyond imagination.

24 Hallgrímskirkja Church (Reykjavik, Iceland) map

The project of the church was developed in 1937 by the architect Gudjoun Samuelson. It took 38 years to build the church. The church is located in the center of Reykjavik, and is visible from any part of the city. It has become one of the main attractions of the city.

25 Eden project (Cornwall, UK) map

Botanical Garden in Cornwall, UK. Includes a greenhouse, consisting of several geodesic domes, under which plants from all over the world are collected. The greenhouse area is 22,000 sq. m. The domes are made of hundreds of hexagons and several pentagons connecting the entire structure. Each of the six- and pentagons is made of durable translucent plastic. Tropical vegetation is represented in the first greenhouse, Mediterranean vegetation is presented in the second one.

26 The Museum of Play (Rochester, USA) map

Interesting architectural solution National Museum games in Rochester. The museum provides a huge interactive collection exhibits dedicated to the history and research of games. A resort complex on the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The complex consists of two buildings and a bridge connecting them, which housed 1539 rooms. Initially, the dome cells were with acrylic inserts, but after the fire in 1976, only a metal frame remained. Now the Biosphere has become a recognizable symbol of the city. The house is in the neoclassical style, standing upside down. At WonderWorks, you can have a great meal, a lot of laughs, lay on a yoga bed, ride a virtual roller coaster, control a ball with your mind, find yourself in the middle of a desert or inside a soap bubble, and much more. In total, WonderWorks has about one hundred and fifty interactive entertainment. Longaberger's headquarters was built in the form of one of the company's products - a wicker basket. The building has seven floors, huge handles weigh almost 150 tons. The museum, a gallery of modern art, opened as part of the European Capital of Culture program in 2003. The concept of the building was developed by London-based architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier. The informal name is a friendly alien. The building was built in the blob style, which contrasts sharply with the surrounding buildings. The base of the building is made of reinforced concrete, the outer shell is made of bluish plastic panels. The Kunsthaus looks decent despite the very low budget for such cultural buildings in major cities. The interior, according to Colin Fournier, should resemble a magician's black box. The facade is implemented as a programmable media installation. A residential complex in Darmstadt in the form of a spiral, designed by the Austrian architect and artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and characterized by the complete absence of rectangular shapes. Other names are “Wooden skyscraper”, “Solombala skyscraper”. Wooden 13-storey house built in Solombala (northern Arkhangelsk) by businessman Nikolai Sutyagin. The house was partially dismantled in December 2008 by a court decision as an unauthorized building. On May 5, 2012, the remaining part of the wooden skyscraper was destroyed by fire. It was one of the tallest private wooden buildings in Russia, yielding in height to some tiered wooden churches.

When you plan a trip to any of the largest cities on Earth, be sure to visit their most famous buildings. These 10 most famous buildings on Earth stand out the most. The first tower, called the Shard, rises above the modern and vibrant skyline of London.

The Shard in London

The giant Shard skyscraper changes the London skyline and makes 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. In addition, the Shard skyscraper is visible from anywhere in the city. Especially 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 in London. This delightful building is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The gigantic Big Ben tower with its four chiming clock is recognized all over the world, making it one of the most famous buildings in the world.

Burj Khalifa

Of course, the tallest building 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 high, creating a particularly colorful lively atmosphere at night. The many lights of the Burj Khalifa are combined with other buildings to create a true contemporary atmosphere in Dubai. This building can only be called a masterpiece of architecture. At the top of the skyscraper is a restaurant with the most the 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 high - almost 320 meters, which makes it the second tallest hotel on Earth. A symbol of Dubai's heritage, the Burj Al Arab impresses with its bright white silhouette and gigantic scale and size. A small narrow bridge leads to the Parus, and at the top there is a landing area for helicopters.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is another famous building 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 170m high central dome, four smaller domes, a giant spacious courtyard, four huge slightly tilted minarets, great Islamic design with marble details, calligraphic embellishments, and more. Standing at the main entrance of the complex, you immediately feel all its grandeur and size.

Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum in Rome is laced with historical heritage on every wall, façade or stone. The true scale of this arena is quite impressive even in our time, and during the time of the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago, it was a real engineering marvel at all. 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 stretches under the building, 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 complex of the Pisa Cathedral, but the most famous. The rounded tower, with a series of spiraling balconies all along its façade, is pale in color with many shades. It is surrounded by many lawns and has a courtyard. The tower has a great Romanesque architectural design, but that's not what it's known for. This tilts almost 4 degrees, giving the visual illusion of falling. This is used by numerous tourists, 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 a real work of art and a masterpiece of art. This is cultural symbol country, as well as one of the most visited attractions in Sydney. The Sydney Opera House hosts numerous art, opera and music events. The remarkable architectural vista, 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

A symbol of the state of New York 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 shapes, historical structures and of course its impressive height. It rises almost 450 meters above the Manhattan skyline, dotted with numerous windows. At the top is an observation deck that opens up the magnificent skyline of Manhattan. At sunset, you can admire them for hours.

The 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, intricate details and other interesting elements that only emphasize its charm.

From modern and surreal skyscrapers, to historic structures that carry a huge cultural legacy, there are plenty of interesting buildings to visit on one of your next trips. These iconic buildings are located in the most big cities world, being part of their history. Such buildings are always surrounded by large shopping streets, cultural centers, modern entertainment complexes, so you will always find how to spend time here, in addition to exploring the most famous buildings in the world.

As you know, the list of the most famous ancient sights of ancient culture includes only seven miracles. But we mustered up the courage to include three more structures that we think are worthy of your attention. So.

Ajanta or the Ajanta caves is a Buddhist temple and monastery complex located near the village of the same name, 100 km northeast of the city of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. It was discovered in 1839. It is a rock in the shape of a horseshoe, in which, starting from the II century BC. e. to the 5th century AD e. 30 (according to other sources 29) caves were carved with columns, Buddha statues and world-famous wall paintings reflecting the life of India of that era. This painting, illustrating Buddhist legends and myths, is not only a work of art, but also a valuable historical source of knowledge about those times.

newgrange

Newgrange - an ancient structure of huge stone blocks, one of the largest and oldest corridor tombs, built by man between about 3000 BC. e. - 2500 BC e. (older Great Pyramid at Giza and probably Stonehenge). Located 40.2 km north of the city of Dublin, about one kilometer north of the River Boyne, County Meath, Ireland. The mound is 13.5 meters high and 85 meters in diameter. Ancient people erected it from 200,000 tons of stone, wood and earth. It is a large round mound inside, which is a 19-meter stone corridor leading to the burial chamber. Included in the list of the most mysterious sights of the world.

Derinkuyu

Derinkuyu - ancient multi-level underground city, located under city ​​of the same name in the province of Nevsehir, Turkey. It was built in the II-I millennium BC. e. Discovered in 1963. The underground city reaches a depth of 60 meters and in ancient times could shelter up to 20 thousand people, along with food and livestock. For centuries, people have been hiding here from nomadic raids, religious persecution and other dangers. Although the underground city of Derinkuyu was intended as a temporary shelter, its scale is impressive. It includes numerous wine cellars, stables, cellars, storerooms, refectories, chapels, numerous ventilation ducts, as well as a complex network of tunnels and corridors.

7 wonders of the ancient world

Lighthouse of Alexandria - a lighthouse built according to the project of the architect Sostratus of Cnidus approximately in 279-280. BC e. on the island of Pharos, near Alexandria in Egypt, so that the ships could safely pass the reefs on their way to the bay of Alexandria. According to estimates, its light was visible at a distance of 51 km (according to other sources, up to 83 km). It is assumed that the Lighthouse of Alexandria was about 115–120 meters high and at that time was the tallest building in the world. In the XIV century, it was completely destroyed by an earthquake, and in its place, by order of the then Sultan of Egypt, Qaitbey (1416/1418-1496), the Qait-Bey fortress was erected, which today is maritime museum.

Colossus of Rhodes - a bronze statue of the ancient Greek god of the Sun - Helios, built between 292 BC. e. - 280 BC e. in the harbor port city Rhodes on island of the same name in the Aegean Sea in Greece. It was built according to the project of the architect Hares, a student of Lysippus, in honor of the victory of the inhabitants of Rhodes over the ruler of Cyprus, Antigonus I One-eyed, who, together with his son and an army of 40,000 people, unsuccessfully besieged the city in 305 BC. The height of the statue is about 30 meters. She stood on a 10-meter pedestal and weighed, according to various estimates, from 30 to 70 tons. Compared to other wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes "lived" a short life. Approximately 50 years after its creation, it was completely destroyed by an earthquake and melted down.

In fifth place on the list is the "Mausoleum at Halicarnassus" - a tomb built between 353 and 350 BC. e. in Halicarnassus (modern city of Bodrum, Turkey) for King Mausolus of Caria and his wife-sister Artemisia III. Well-known masters were involved in the construction and decoration of the tomb, including the famous sculptors Skopas, Briaxides, Timofeos and Leohar. The tomb of Mausolus was a majestic and unusually shaped building, built of brick and lined inside and out with white marble. The mausoleum in Halicarnassus, 45 meters high, stood for about 19 centuries, but in the 13th century it collapsed from a strong earthquake.

The statue of Zeus at Olympia is an ancient Greek statue of Zeus, which was located in the center of the temple of the same name at Olympia in the Peloponnese. It was erected in the 5th century BC by the ancient Greek sculptor and architect Phidias. The statue of the god reached a height of 12-13 meters and was made of wood (according to some sources, from cedar, according to others - from ebony). Details made of ivory, gold and precious stones were attached to this wooden base with the help of bronze and iron nails, special hooks. The circumstances of the possible destruction of the statue are unknown. According to the Byzantine historian George Kedrin, it was transported to Constantinople, where it burned down in a fire in 476.

Temple of Artemis of Ephesus - a Greek temple located in the city of Ephesus, Asia Minor(near modern city Selcuk, Turkey). It was dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt. The temple was built in the middle of the VI century BC. e, was a rectangular building 105 meters long and 51 meters wide, consisting of marble and wood, and surrounded on all sides by a double row of 127 columns, the height of which was 18 meters. During its entire existence, it was rebuilt three times until July 21, 356 BC. e. was not set on fire by Herostratus - a resident of Ephesus, who dreamed of becoming famous at any cost.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, more correctly called the Hanging Gardens of Amitis, is the only one of the seven wonders of the world whose location has not been definitively established. It is assumed that hanging gardens were built around 575 BC. e. in the ancient city of Babylon (near the modern city of Hilla, in Iraq), by King Nebuchadnezzar II, for his wife Amitis, who missed the forests of her homeland. They are a pyramid consisting of four tiers-platforms supported by columns up to 25 m high. On these tiers, fertile land lay with a thick carpet, where seeds of various herbs, flowers, shrubs, and trees from Media were planted. The pyramid looked like an evergreen hill. However, after in 331 BC. e. the troops of Alexander the Great captured Babylon, and the great commander himself died, the city gradually fell into decay. The gardens were abandoned and eventually destroyed.

The Pyramid of Cheops is the largest among the Egyptian pyramids, the only one of the "Seven Wonders of the World" that has survived to this day, and also one of the most famous tombs in the world. The pyramid is located on the west bank of the Nile in Egypt on a plateau in Giza, in close proximity to the famous "Great Sphinx". The lion's share of Egyptologists believe that the pyramid was built around 2560 BC. e. and is the tomb of the Egyptian pharaoh IV of the Khufu (Cheops) dynasty. It is believed that it was designed by the architect Hemion, the nephew of Cheops. Initially, the pyramid had a height of 146.5 m, but as a result of erosion, today its height is 138.75 m. The total weight of the pyramid is estimated at about 6.25 million tons, the area is ≈ 85,000 m².

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World of travel

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02.09.16 10:17

A picturesque landscape with waters of turquoise rivers, mountains, caves, emerald meadows, bright flowers is the work of nature (well, or a skilled landscape designer). But the most famous buildings and structures were built by people. Skyscrapers of New York 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 list cannot cover them all!

Heart of Mecca

When Muslims pray, they turn their faces towards the Kaaba, the sacred place of their pilgrimages. This black granite cuboid 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 of granite bricks are decorated with golden ligature, 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, it had two doors (for entry and exit) and one window, now there is only one door, and the window was walled up. Previously, the Kaaba was open to all pilgrims, but due to the huge number of visitors, admission was limited.

Throwing up the sails

One of the most iconic buildings in the world is the Sydney Opera House, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. With a length of 185 m and a width of 120 m, the giant has a unique design (the design of the Danish architect Jorn Watson won 232 competing projects). You look at it, and it seems that the wind blows huge light sails. The construction of the building began in 1959, ten thousand workers were involved, and still the facility was able to open only after 14 years. Now the theater is the hallmark of the largest Australian city.

In honor of the World Exhibition

But even a child can easily name the symbol of Paris. The construction of the Eiffel Tower was timed to coincide with the opening of the World Exhibition in Paris (1889). The 324-meter beauty was named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose design office designed and built the tower. All work took 2 years. 2 months and 5 days. This is not only the most famous building (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, adorning the New York Manhattan skyline, was designed by architect William F. Lamb. The 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. The giant's 85 floors are offices and commercial space, while 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

The most famous buildings in the world include 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 the modern form - only in 1345. The temple is known not only for architectural delights and sculptures of chimeras and gargoyles, but also for one 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 middle of the 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 feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, 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.

Gaudí's groundbreaking 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 Gaudí. We settled on the Mila House (Casa Mila), built in the early 20th century for a wealthy couple. The area of ​​each floor is 1323 sq. m, they are apartments, offices, a museum, a cafe, an exhibition hall. Because of its unusual facade, Casa Mila is popularly nicknamed "La Pedrera" ("quarry"). This was the last "domestic" creation of Gaudi, after which he began the project of the Sagrada Familia temple. At one time, the architect was criticized for modernist design, but he came up with many structural innovations, including an attic with arches, an unusual terrace, courtyards, an underground garage. In 1984, the house was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - the first of the objects of the twentieth century.

You will dream of the sky of London! With "Shard"

Shard is the most modern building in our top. This is an 87-story skyscraper that soared into the London sky and fit well into the Victorian ensemble (which includes the Tower Bridge). The construction of the Shard was started in 2009, and in 2012 it was opened by the Prime Minister of Qatar (the building belongs to this state) Bin Yassim Hamad bin Jaber Al Thani. The architect Renzo Piano conceived the project as an obelisk or spire, as if emerging from the waters of the Thames. The tallest building in the British capital has 11,000 glass panels and 56,000 sq. meters of a facade 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 you put it next to the Dubai Burj Khalifa tower, which grew up 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 - service). 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 women should be honored!

We looked at the visiting card of Sydney, Dubai, the capitals of France, Russia, India's turn came. 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 cherish 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 stand 14 (!) Childbirth. Since 1983, the Indian architectural gem has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and later became one of the New Seven 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 the 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 it turns silver in the light of the moon. In front of the façade is a marble pool reflecting the magnificent building.