Here's the 10 to 1 countdown of Top 10 Most Popular Buildings in the World
10. Burj Khalifa, Dubai
If you need to build your vacation like a building, the Burj Khalifa might be the highest possible place in your vacation. Indeed, this is the world`s tallest structure, with 829.84 meters in height, which definitely transforms Dubai into one of the highest destinations in the world. Burj Khalifa (a.k.a. Burj Dubai) is a state of the modern art, which is implemented into the remarkable construction of a skyscraper. The incredible design is inspired by the Arabian culture, featuring a clean Y-shaped design with several layers and cross-sections. The purposes of the Burj Khalifa are officially residential, and also feature many corporate suites as well as the famous Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa. At 452 meters height is situated an observation deck, symbolically named "At the Top", from where you can see as far as you can. Moreover, Burj Khalifa is surrounded by numerous sights and interesting buildings, some of the best known are the Dubai Fountain and the Dubai Mall.
9. Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
There are several hypotheses on how the Great pyramids of Giza are built, but it is certain, that they are some of the most impressive and inspiring landmarks in the world. Constructed in nearly 2540 BC, the oldest and the largest one is the Pyramid of Cheops. Indeed, the Great Pyramid of Giza is arguably the greatest achievement in construction, first because of its huge size. Millions of casing stones create the impressive dimensions of the Pyramid of Cheops. The four sides of the pyramid are 230 meters long, while the tallest point is 137 meters above ground. Moreover, the pyramid is perfectly aligned north-south. The inside is also unique, including descending passages, chambers, the Grand Gallery and other paths and sights. Overall, the Great Pyramid of Giza is associated with numerous legends and mystic theories, but it is definitely one of the most popular buildings in the world.
8. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the campanile of the cathedral of Pisa, Italy. The tower has a typical Romanesque architectural style, complemented by numerous Gothic ornaments and, thus, the outlook of the cathedral is very impressive. However, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is most famous, because of its construction that leans at nearly 4 degrees. Therefore, the top of the tower is displaced about 4 meters from its normal position. The overall height is also variable. Nevertheless, the highest point is at 56.70 meters above ground. Today, the Pisa's Cathedral Square is the best place for taking pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, especially during sunset, when the sun`s rays are magically reflected by the white facade of the tower.
7. Eiffel Tower, France
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable French buildings. Situated in the Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower rises majestically over 300 meters, to create a very impressive and a passionate addition to the whole cityscape of Paris. Moreover, the sophisticated construction of wrought iron transforms the Eiffel Tower into one of the most significant architectural achievements in the world. The Eiffel Tower is also one of the most visited landmarks in Paris. There are many perspectives from where you can take a perfect photo. Ultimately, via stairs and lifts, you can climb atop and enjoy a speechless aerial view. During the night, the lights of the Eiffel Tower are even much more impressive and captivating.
6. Colosseum, Italy
The Colosseum is a very popular building, located in the city capital of Italy, Rome. This impressive arena was built nearly 2,000 years ago, but it is still a symbol of majesty, glory and Imperial Rome. The Colosseum was a huge Amphitheatre for over 60,000 visitors. However, the Colosseum is most famous for its original purpose - as an arena for gladiatorial battles and other mystic contests. Below the arena is situated an underground system of canals and caves, named the Hypogeum. Gladiators and animals were sitting there before battle. Presently, the Colosseum is one of the biggest attractions in Rome, as well as one of the most popular buildings in the world.
5. Big Ben, United Kingdom
Big Ben is an iconic tower, situated right next to the Palace of Westminster in London. The amazing Victorian Gothic architecture of this 96.3 meters tall tower creates a very impressive sight to witness. Indeed, the Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are some of the most quintessential things that people picture when they think of London. Moreover, through a scenic staircase in the interior, you can climb atop the tower and to enjoy a speechless view to the London cityscape, especially as night approaches. The Big Ben tower is also famous for its four chiming clocks, which are the largest in the world and are very impressive as well. Overall, the tower of Big Ben is definitely one of the most popular buildings in England and the whole world.
4. Empire State Building, NY, USA
Empire State Building is a symbol of the New York's tallest buildings. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the nearly 450 meters tall antenna spire can be seen from almost the entire city. The majestic Empire State Building is also a very inspiring and captivating addition to the whole New York skyline, first because of its unique architectural design. Several step-back walls in Art Deco style create a feeling for majesty and superiority, while the antenna is just outstanding. Moreover, there are two observation decks, from where you can enjoy arguably the best panoramic view to the entire New York cityscape. The sunrises and the sunsets are also unique and breathtaking, while during the nights - the whole building is lit by numerous floodlights to provide a very colourful and scenic ambient.
3. Taj Mahal, India
Taj Mahal is a great example of mystic India. Located in eastern section of the city of Agra, the Taj Mahal is one of the most admired mausoleums in the world. Its white marble construction is built in a typical Mughal architectural style, dating from 1632. A huge dome is rising at over 170 meters above ground, to create a very impressive sight to witness, alongside the Yamuna River. Moreover, this large dome is surrounded by four smaller cupolas, as well as by four tall minarets from each corner. Indeed, the Taj Mahal is one of the seventh wonders of the world. The perfection of the exterior of this marble mausoleum is a remarkable sign for the Islamic architecture, while the interior is even more impressive. Numerous decorations, stone carvings, calligraphic elements and other signs, associated to the Islamic culture, create a very captivating and mystic environment.
2. Sydney Opera House, Australia
The Sydney Opera House is a cultural symbol of Australia, as well as a very impressive building in the harbor of Sydney. The Sydney Opera House is also one of the most distinctive cultural landmarks in the world, which is associated entirely with arts, opera and music. With 65 meters in height, the whole construction is a composition of several shells in a row, moreover, there are three constructions - two larger and one smaller. The white colour of the shells is perfectly blended to the entire skyline of Sydney, as well as the blue water of the Sydney harbor. The Sydney Opera House features several facilities and rooms - the Concert Hall, an Opera and a Drama Theater, The Studio, the Utzon Room, as well as several outlet shops, restaurants and other eateries. Overall, the Sydney Opera House is a very impressive and significant building.
1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Burj Al Arab is a symbol of the modern vision of Dubai as well as a great engineering achievement. This 321 meters tall hotel is the second tallest hotel in the world. However, it is arguably the most luxurious. Its exclusive architectural sophistication is gorgeously blended to the thriving coastal cityscape of Dubai, to deliver the finest experience to its visitors. Inspired by a mast of a boat, Burj Al Arab is a delight for the eyes, while as night approaches - the colours of the sunset are uniquely reflected by the white construction of the Burj Al Arab. The interior is also remarkable - a huge and spacious lobby with rounded balconies creates a beautiful concoction of feelings for majesty, inspiration and impression. Moreover, atop the hotel is situated a heliport, which is also a very remarkable addition to the whole design of the building.
