1. Famous Buildings and Structures
Prehistorical and Ancient
The megalithic passage tomb at Newgrange in Ireland
covers over an acre and was constructed around
3200 B.C.Buried for centuries, the mound was rediscovered in
1699 and was restored starting in 1962. The tomb is
extensively decorated with spiral and lozenge shapes. At the
winter solstice, the rising sun shines down a long passage
and lights up a cross-shaped chamber.
Stonehenge, a massive circular megalithic monument on the Salisbury Plain
in southern England, is the most famous of all prehistoric structures. Thought
to have been built c. 2000 B.C., it may have been used as an astronomical
instrument to measure solar and lunar movements.
The Great Sphinx of Egypt, one of the wonders of ancient Egyptian
architecture, adjoins the pyramids of Giza and has a length of 240 ft. Built in
the fourth dynasty, it is approximately 4,500 years old. A 10-year, $2.5 million
restoration project was completed in 1998. Other Egyptian buildings of note
include theTemples of Karnak, Edfu, and Abu Simbel and the Tombs at Beni
Hassan.
The Parthenon of Greece, built on the Acropolis in Athens, was the chief
temple to the goddess Athena. It was believed to have been completed by
438 B.C. The present temple remained intact until the 5th century A.D. Today,
though theParthenon is in ruins, its majestic proportions are still discernible.
Other great structures of the ancient Greek world were the Temples at
Paestum(c. 540 and 420 B.C.); the famous Erechtheum (c. 421–405 B.C.),
the Temple of Athena Nike (c. 426 B.C.), and the Olympieum (begun in the 6th
century B.C.) in Athens; the Athenian Treasury at Delphi (c. 515 B.C.); and
the Theater at Epidaurus (c. 325 B.C.).
2. The Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater) of Rome, the
largest and most famous of the Roman amphitheaters, was
opened for use A.D. 80. Elliptical in shape, it consisted of
three stories and an upper gallery, rebuilt in stone in its
present form in the 3rd century A.D. It was principally used
for gladiatorial combat and could seat between 40,000 and
50,000 spectators.
The Pantheon at Rome, begun by Agrippa in 27 B.C. as a
temple, was rebuilt in its present circular form by Hadrian
(A.D. 118–128). Literally the Pantheon was intended as a
temple of “all the gods.” It is remarkable for its perfect
preservation today, and has served continuously for 20
centuries as a place of worship.
Famous Roman triumphal arches, built to commemorate major military
victories, include the Arch of Titus (c. A.D. 80) and the Arch of
Constantine (c. A.D. 315).
Later European
St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice (1063–1071), one of the great examples of
Byzantine architecture, was begun in the 9th century. Partly destroyed by fire
in 976, it was later rebuilt as a Byzantine edifice.
3. Other famous examples of Byzantine architecture are St. Sophia in Istanbul
(532–537); San Vitale in Ravenna (542); and Assumption Cathedral in the
Kremlin, Moscow (begun in 1475).
The cathedral group at Pisa (1067–1173), one of the most celebrated groups
of structures built in Romanesque style, consists of the cathedral, the
cathedral's baptistery, and the campanile (Leaning Tower). The campanile, a
form of bell tower, is 180 ft high and now leans 13.5 ft out of the
perpendicular.
Other examples of Romanesque architecture include the Vézelay Abbey in
France (1130) and Durham Cathedral in England.
The Alhambra (1248–1354), located in Granada, Spain,
is universally esteemed as one of the greatest
masterpieces of Muslim architecture. Designed as a
palace and fortress for the Moorish monarchs of
Granada, it is surrounded by a heavily fortified wall more
than a mile in perimeter.
The Tower of London is a group of buildings and
towers covering 13 acres along the north bank of the
Thames. The central White Tower, begun in 1078 during
the reign of William the Conqueror, was originally a
fortress and royal residence, but was later used as a
prison. The Bloody Tower is associated with Anne
Boleyn and other notables.
Westminster Abbey, in London, was begun in 1050 and
completed in 1065. It was rebuilt and enlarged in several
phases, beginning in 1245. With only two exceptions
(Edward V and Edward VIII), every British monarch
since William the Conqueror has been crowned in the
4. abbey.
Notre-Dame de Paris (begun in 1163), one of the great
examples of Gothic architecture, is a twin-towered church
with a steeple over the crossing and immense flying
buttresses supporting the masonry at the rear of the
church.
Other famous Gothic structures are Chartres
Cathedral(France; 12th century); Sainte-Chapelle (Paris,
France; 1246–1248); Reims Cathedral (France; 13th–14th
centuries; rebuilt after its almost complete destruction in World War I); Rouen
Cathedral (France; 13th–16th centuries); Salisbury Cathedral (England; 1220–
1260); York Minster, or the Cathedral of St. Peter (England; 1220–
1472); Milan Cathedral (Italy; begun in 1386); and Cologne
Cathedral (Germany; 13th–19th centuries; damaged in World War II but
completely restored).
The Duomo (cathedral) in Florence, with its pink, white, and green marble
façade, has become a symbol of the city and the Renaissance. Construction
began in 1296 and was completed nearly 200 years later, with the addition of
Brunelleschi's massive dome. The adjacent baptistery is famous for its gilded
bronze doors by Ghiberti.
The Vatican is a group of buildings in
Rome comprising the official residence
of the pope. The Basilica of St.
Peter, the largest church in the Christian
world, was begun in 1452, and it was
rebuilt between 1506 and 1626.
The Sistine Chapel, begun in 1473, is
noted for frescoes by Michelangelo.
Other examples of Renaissance architecture are the Palazzo
Riccardi, thePalazzo Pitti, and the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence; the Palazzo
Farnese in Rome; the Palazzo Grimani (completed c. 1550) in Venice;
5. the Escorial (1563–93) near Madrid; the Town Hall of Seville (1527–32);
the Louvre, Paris; the Château at Blois, France; St. Paul's Cathedral, London
(1675–1710; badly damaged in World War II); the École Militaire, Paris
(1752); the Pazzi Chapel, Florence, designed by Brunelleschi (1429); and
the Palace of Fontainebleau and theChâteau de Chambord in France.
The Palace of Versailles in France,
containing the famous Hall of Mirrors, was
built during the reign of Louis XIV in the 17th
century and served as the royal palace until
1793. Built on the colossal scale typical of
many works of baroque architecture, the
palace is also noted for its gardens, which include some 1,400 fountains.
Outstanding European buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries are
the Supergaat Turin (Italy); the Hôtel-Dieu in Lyons; the Belvedere Palace at
Vienna; theRoyal Palace of Stockholm; the Bank of England, the British
Museum, theUniversity of London, and the Houses of Parliament, all in
London; and thePanthéon, the Church of the
Madeleine, the Bourse, the Palais de Justice, and the Opera House, all in
Paris.
The Eiffel Tower, in Paris, was built for the Exposition of
1889 by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. It is 984 ft high (1,056 ft
including the television tower).
The Guggenheim Bilbao Museum (1993–97) in Bilbao,
Spain, was designed by Frank Gehry. The undulating form
of this riverfront building, clad in glass and gleaming sheets
of titanium, has been compared to a fish, a boat, and water
itself.
See also:
Architects
World's Tallest Buildings
Seven Wonders of the World
6. Asian, African, and South American
The Taj Mahal (1632–1650), at Agra, India, built by
Shah Jahan as a tomb for his wife, is considered by
some as the most perfect example of the Mogul
style and by others as the most beautiful building in
the world. Four slim white minarets flank the
building, which is topped by a white dome; the
entire structure is made of marble.
Another well-known Muslim edifice is the Citadel, located on an outcrop of
limestone overlooking Cairo. Begun in 810, it was fortified (1176–1183) by
Saladin during the Crusades.
Petra, in Jordan, is an ancient city whose buildings have been carved out of
the surrounding hills. It was the capital of the Nabataeans in the 4th
century B.C. The most famous of its buildings is Al Khazneh, a temple or
treasury, with its impressive two-story facade jutting out from a pink rock.
Other famed Muslim edifices are the Tombs of the Mamelukes (15th century)
in Cairo, the Tomb of Humayun in Delhi, the Blue Mosque (1468) at Tabriz,
and the Tamerlane Mausoleum at Samarkand.
Angkor Wat, outside the city of Angkor Thom,
Cambodia, is one of the most beautiful examples
of Cambodian, or Khmer, architecture. The
sanctuary was built during the 12th century.
The 8th-century Borobudur Temple on Java is
a masterpiece of Indonesian Buddhist art and
architecture. Its ascending terraces feature bas-
relief sculptures and 72 Buddha statues.
7. The Great Wall of China (begun c. 214 B.C.), designed
specifically as a defense against nomadic tribes, has large
watchtowers that could be called buildings. It was erected
by Emperor Ch'in Shih Huang Ti and is 1,400 mi long. Built
mainly of earth and stone, it varies in height between 18
and 30 ft.
The Forbidden City (1407–1420) in Beijing served as the
seat of imperial power during the Ming and Qing dynasties
(1368–1911). It is the world's largest palace complex,
covering about 183 acres and including 9,999 buildings.
Typical of Chinese architecture are the pagodas, or temple towers. Among
some of the better-known pagodas are the Great Pagoda of the Wild Geese at
Sian (founded in 652) and Nan t'a (11th century) at Fang Shan.
Other well-known Chinese buildings are the Drum Tower (1273), the Three
Great Halls in the Forbidden City (1627), Buddha's Perfume Tower (19th
century), thePorcelain Pagoda, and the Summer Palace, all at Beijing.
The painted wooden Torii, or Gateway, at Miyajima Island, Japan, stands in
the tidal flats opposite the historic Itsukushima Shrine. Built in the traditional
Shinto style, with two columns supporting a concave crosspiece on top, the
gate serves to welcome the spirits of the dead as they come from across the
Inland Sea.
Other famous Japanese buildings include Himeji Castle (17th century) and the
Buddhist temples of Horyuji (7th century) and Todaiji (8th century) at Nara,
andPhoenix Hall (11th century) at Uji near Kyoto.
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca fortress in the Andes
Mountains of Peru. Thought to have been built and
occupied from the mid-15th century, it is surrounded on
three sides by stepped agricultural terraces, which are
connected to the main plazas and buildings by
thousands of stone steps.
8. Teotihuacán, located in central Mexico, was the largest city in the Americas
at its height between A.D. 300 and 900. Built on a grid plan with a central
avenue known as the Street of the Dead, it is the site of two enormous
pyramid temples and the temple of the plumed serpent god Quetzalcoatl.
The city of Tikal in Guatemala, with its monumental temples and palaces,
embodies the height of the Maya classic period (A.D. 300–900).
Easter Island is famous for its nearly 900 imposing monolithic stone figures
called moais that dot the island. The statues are between 10 and 40 ft high
and weigh an average of 14 tons. The island's Polynesian inhabitants are
thought to have carved the figures between 400 and 1,000 years ago, but how
they accomplished this extraordinary task and what the statues meant to them
remains a mystery.
United States
The Chrysler Building (1928–1930) in New York City is
one of the finest examples of art deco–style architecture.
Built for automotive magnate Walter P. Chrysler, the
building uses decorative elements borrowed from
automobiles. At 1,046 ft it was briefly the world's tallest
building.
The Empire State Building (1930–1931) is one of the most popular tourist
attractions in Manhattan. Features include a tiered structure that recalls
9. ancient pyramids and a mast at the top for mooring dirigibles. Rising to 1,250
ft (not including the mast), it remained the tallest building in the world until the
1970s.
The elegant Seagram Building (1954–1958), by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe,
soars above an open plaza in Manhattan. Its slim steel frame is covered in
amber-gray glass and costly bronze. It has been called the world's most
imitated office building.
Rockefeller Center, in New York City, extends from 5th Ave. to
the Avenue of the Americas between 48th and 52nd Sts. (and
halfway to 7th Ave. between 47th and 51st Sts.). It occupies
more than 22 acres and has 19 buildings.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, in New York City, was begun in 1892
and is now two-thirds completed. When completed, it will be the largest
cathedral in the world: 601 ft long, 146 ft wide at the nave, 320 ft wide at the
transept. The east end is Romanesque-Byzantine style, and the nave and
west end are Gothic.
10. The Brooklyn Bridge (1869–1883) was the remarkable achievement of
engineer John Roebling. The first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world, it
has a main span of 1,596 ft.
The smooth, circular form of the Guggenheim New York Museum (1943–
1959), designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a Manhattan landmark. The main
gallery space features a six-story concrete ramp that spirals up a glass-topped
atrium.
The Statue of Liberty was designed by Fredéric Auguste
Bartholdi of Alsace as a gift to Americans from the people
of France. The statue of a female figure holding a torch in
her raised hand was accepted on Oct. 28, 1886, by
President Grover Cleveland. The 225-ton steel-reinforced
copper structure stands on Liberty Island in New York
Harbor. It is 152 ft tall and stands on a 150-foot pedestal.
The Sears Tower in Chicago is, at 1,450 ft, the tallest building in the United
States. Constructed between 1974 and 1976 for Sears, Roebuck and
Company, the structure is composed of 75-foot-square tubes that rise to
varying levels.
11. The Gateway Arch, located on the riverfront in St.
Louis, Mo., is a tapered curve of stainless steel rising to
630 ft. The tallest manmade memorial in the United
States, the Arch was designed by Finnish-born U.S.
architect Eero Saarinen and built between 1963 and
1966. Visitors can ride to the top in specially devised
capsule-like tram cars.
Mount Rushmore (6,000 ft), in South Dakota, became a
celebrated American landmark after sculptor Gutzon
Borglum took on the project of carving into the side of it
the heads of four great presidents. From 1927 until his
death in 1941, Borglum worked on chiseling the 60-foot
likenesses of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and
Theodore Roosevelt. His son, Lincoln, finished the sculpture later that year.
San Francisco's Golden Gate
Bridge, completed in 1937, is one of the
most recognizable structures in the
United States. Designed by Joseph B.
Strauss, this elegant suspension bridge
has a main span of 4,200 ft.
13. 01. St Paul's Cathedral, London
British
architect Sir Christopher Wren took 10 years to finalise his designs for St Paul's
London's most iconic building St Paul's Cathedral was designed by English
architect Sir Christopher Wren. Sitting at the top of Ludgate Hill, the highest point
in the City of London, its famous dome is one of the world's largest, measuring
nearly 112 metres high.
The original church on the site was founded in the year 604AD. Work on the present
English Baroque church began in the 17th Century by Christopher Wren as part of a
major rebuilding program after the Great Fire of London.
Wren started working on St Paul's in 1668, his designs for the cathedral taking a
decade to complete and the actual construction taking a further 40 years. St Paul's
has played an integral part of London life ever since - as a domineering element in
the city's skyline, as a centre for tourism and religious worship, and most recently as
a focal point for anticapitalist protests.
14. 02. Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
The Petronas
Towers are an iconic landmark in Malaysia's capital city Kuala Lumpur
Standing at 170 metres above ground, the Petronas Towers are twin skyscrapers in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The buildings, which held the titled of tallest in the world
between 1998-2004, are an iconic landmark of the capital city.
17. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most remarkable architectural structures in
Europe. Most famous for its tilt, the tower began to lean during construction after
soft ground on one side was unable to properly support the structure's weight.
Building work on the tower began in 1173 and went on for over a whopping 300
years. There has been much controversy surrounding the true identity of the
architect behind the tower - the design originally attributed to artist Bonnano Pisano
but studies have also implicated architect Diotisalvi.
05. St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow
The unique
Disney-esque St Basil's Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow was designed by architect Postnik
Yakolev
No, we haven't included a piece of Disneyland architecture on our list, although
you'd be forgiven for thinking so. This garish, candy coloured cathedral is in fact
Moscow's most visited tourist attraction. The famous landmark, shaped to resemble
the flame of a bonfire rising into the sky, is located just outside the Kremlin gates
and marks the geometric centre of the city.
18. Built between 1554 and 1560, the cathedral was erected during the reign of Ivan IV
(Ivan the Terrible). Little is known about the building's architect Postnik Yakovlev,
but he was clearly a fan of onion domes, sharp spikes and polygonal towers.
06. Empire State Building, NYC
Construction
of the world-famous Empire State building was completed in just one year and 45 days
We couldn't put together a list of world-famous buildings without including this
grand Art Deco skyscraper. Once the tallest building in the world, construction
began on the Empire State building on St Patrick's Day 1930 and was completed just
410 days later.
The building was designed by William F Lamb of architectural firmShreve, Lamb
and Harmon. It was declared by the American Society of Civil Engineers to be one of
the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is known around the world as an icon
of New York City.
22. 10. Chrysler Building, NYC
The Chrysler
building attained the title of world's tallest in building in 1930 for just one year when the Empire
State was erected. Image Joris Van Rooden
In the early part of the 20th Century, people everywhere were in a race to build the
tallest building. At the time, this gorgeous Art Deco skyscraper was almost outdone
by the Bank of Manhattan but its spire (which was constructed in secret) enabled it
to take the title of 'tallest building in the world' in 1930.
It didn't last long though. Just a year later the Empire State Building was erected.
Designed by architect William Van Alen, the skyscraper was commissioned by car
manufacturer Walter P Chrysler, hence its name.
23. 11. Sydney Opera House
Sydney
Opera House is the most famous Australian architectural icon
Sydney Opera House is widely regarded as one of the greatest architectural works of
the 20th century. The innovative design came from architect Jørn Utzon, who was
relatively unknown until January 29, 1957 when his entry to the ‘International
competition for a national opera house at Bennelong Point, Sydney’ was announced
the winner.
The beautiful building comprises of three groups of interlocking shells, which roof
two main performance halls and a restaurant. A masterpiece of modern architecture,
the opera house has become an iconic symbol of both Sydney and the Australian
nation.
25. impressive design can survive wind velocities of 200mph and can escape serious
structural damage during earthquakes of up to 9.1 magnitudes.
13. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Now a
museum, Hagia Sophia is located in Istanbul, Turkey
Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is a architectural
masterpiece. A perfect example of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia is located
in Instanbul, Turkey.
The building was built for the first time by the emperor Constantine the Great (306-
337). However, due to many factors, including being burned down in riots and
earthquakes, the ancient cathedral has been rebuilt many times since. Despite this,
Hagia Sophia is widely recognised as one of the great buildings of the world. And if
that wasn't cool enough, the building also features in the opening scenes of the latest
Bond film, Skyfall.
28. natural historic landmark. It's so cool you can even get a Lego version of the
architectural masterpiece!
16. Pantheon
Built
approximately 2000 years ago, the Pantheon continues to inspire architects all over the world
Rome is home to many amazing buildings, and the Pantheon is no exception. And,
like the city itself, it was not built in a day. Destroyed twice and rebuilt each time, the
building started as a rectangular structure, which, over time, evolved into the
gorgeous dome building seen today.
An inspiration to architects all over the world over the last 2,000 years, the
Pantheon roof remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. There is
much debate between historians over which emperor and architects were
responsible for the Pantheon's design although it is known that this 'Temple of the
Gods' was built around 126AD.
29. 17. Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
Architect
Frank Gehry developed the unique concept for the museum after winning an architectural
competition to design the building
The Guggenheim museum Bilbao is one of the most admired works of contemporary
architecture. California-based Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry created
the unique concept after winning an architectural competition to design the
building.
Since the museum doors opened in 1997, it has been hailed one of the most
important buildings of the 20th century. Now with over a decade of success, the
museum has homed over a hundred exhibitions and has welcomed more than 10
million visitors.
30. 18. Flatiron building
Chicago
architect Daniel Burnham designed the distinctive Flatiron building, which is instantly
recognisable in New York's skyline
The eye-catching Flatiron building in Manhattan was designed by Chicago
architect Daniel Burnham and built in 1902. The distinctive triangular shape
allowed the building to fill the space located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and
Broadway.
Another of New York's skyscrapers, it was never the tallest but remains one of the
most memorable and has been a source of inspiration for artists and architects for
over a century now.
31. 19. Villa Savoye
Villa Savoye
was originally built as a country retreat for the Savoye family in 1928
Designed by Swiss architects Le Corbusier and his cousin, Pierre Jeanneret, Villa
Savoye is an early and classic example of theInternational style - a major
architectural style that emerged in the 1920s and 30s.
The property was built in 1928 and, after surviving several demolition plans, was
designated as an official French historical monument in 1965.
34. Last on our list but but very means the least is the world's tallest building Burj
Khalifa. The mammoth skyscraper and magnificent centerpiece of Downtown Dubai
stands at a whopping 828.9 metres high.
Construction began on the 160-floor building in 2004 with its doors opening six
years later in 2010. The task of creating the world's tallest manmade structure was
awarded to the Chicago office of American architectural and engineering
firm Skidmore, Owings and Merril LLP.
Which of these architectural designs inspires you the most? Have we missed any
famous buildings off the list? Tell us in the comments box below...
16 Divinely Inspired Pieces of
Architecture
21 JUNE 2011 NO COMMENT
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Our beautiful world is filled with wonderful pieces of architecture. Regarding religious architecture, today there are
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several churches that live on since the 13 century or even earlier times, which are worth knowing about.
In this short incursion into the history of sacred places all over the World, you will have the opportunity to make
acquaintance with 16 examples of beautiful churches – some notable for their exterior, while others inspiring awe
through the beautiful frescoes painted on the ceilings.
39. Image source
This beautiful construction is a chapel upon a hill top, and it was constructed as early as 962. The chapel is at a
height of 279 feet, and visitors can reach it by climbing the almost 300 steps that are carved in stone.
The chapel was built as a dedication to the return of St. James from pilgrimage. What is quite interesting to note is
that history says that this is the place where Isabelle Romee, the mother of Joan of Arc usually came to pray. The
little chapel receives a lot of visitors from all over the world on a regular basis.
42. Image source
The architecture of this church is somewhat unusual, compared to what people in general expect when thinking of
“cathedrals” or “churches”. It is built in the expressionist style, and it belongs to the Lutheran religious denomination.
The church was built on the design of architect Jensen Klint, who wanted a fusion between Gothic architectural style
and Brick Expressionism (in which the predominant construction material is the brick or the tile which is visible in the
structure of the building). The buildings that surround the church have been deliberately constructed so as to “match”
in design with the church.
43. The Saint Ignazio Church Ceiling – Italy, Rome
Image source
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44. The beautiful church of Sant’Ignazio can be found in Rome, and it was completed in 1650. Perhaps the most
fascinating thing about this church lies in its interior design. The painter who did much of the work on the walls of the
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church is Andrea Pozzo (17 century).
He basically created an illusion, by using three dimensional art work (or perspectival projection), and creating what is
perceived by the human eye as a “dome”, or an interior cupola illusion, when actually there is only a simple wall
surface.
The painted dome style art is not the only one attraction within the church, but so are the wonderful decorations of
marble, precious stones and golden details all over the interior. The work of art is called “Cupola Illusionistica” (1685).
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral – Liverpool, England
Image source
46. Image source
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral belongs to the Roman Catholic denomination, and it has been constructed based on
the designs of Frederick Gibberd. Groundbreaking started in 1962, and took five years to complete.
One of the most beautiful symbols of the cathedral is its altar which is right in the center of the circular interior. It is
entirely built of white marble, and it is 3 meters long. Marble is a material widely used in the interior, such as on the
floor which is made of a grey and white marble combination.
Under the Liverpool Metropolitan there is a crypt made of granite and brick and it was based on the designs of Sir
Edwin Lutyens. He would have been the main designer of the cathedral as well, but officials found his design
extremely expensive, so the idea was abandoned. In 2009, the crypt underwent major refurbishments, with a cost of
approximately £3 million.
47. The Ceiling of “La Sagrada Familia” – Barcelona, Spain
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48. La Sagrada Familia is a church located in Barcelona Spain, and it is a landmark that is visited annually by millions of
tourists. This wonderful piece of architecture is a project started by famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi.
The interior is made up of huge columns that give the impression of a stunningly beautiful cave-like structure with
white pillars of stone reaching 45 meters in height. The whole interior is based on the designs of master Gaudi, and
there is no one single flat element on the ceiling of the church (which is normally a characteristic of Gaudi’s
architectural style).
Sistine Chapel – Vatican City
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49. Image source
The Sistine Chapel is the most beautiful and one of the most admired sacred places on Earth. Both the exterior and
the interior designs are breathtaking and the frescoes on the walls are all existent thanks to the contributions of the
greatest artists of the Renaissance period such as Michelangelo, Sandro Boticelli, Bernini and Raphael.
One of the master pieces of Michelangelo, “The Last Judgment” is decorating the walls of the Sistine Chapel.
Michelangelo himself worked at painting the ceiling of the chapel for four years (1508-1512) and he managed to
cover with his stunning creations 12,000 square feet in total during this time.
50. Church of Light – Ibaraki Kasugaoka, Japan
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51. Image source
The church is located in Ibaraki, Japan and it was completed in 1989. The “Church of Light” imposes through its
unique architectural style which combines Zen philosophy, with existential beliefs. The construction is one of the
trademarks and most famous structures of architect Tadao Ando.
The most impressive feature of the church is basically the fact there is a huge space in the wall, right behind the altar,
in the shape of a cross. Through this space, the sun rays enter and then a huge “fiery” cross can be seen by those
who sit inside. The church has sparked many controversies though, because it has quite a barren interior with its
huge solid grayish walls and not too many decorative features.
54. Image source
This wonderful piece of architecture can be found in Milan (Lombardy region, northern Italy). The most interesting and
awing thing about it, is that it took 600 years until it could be finally completed (1386- 1965).
A statue of Napoleon can also be spotted on top of one of the spires of the church (he was crowned as the King of
Italy right here in the Duomo di Milano). The cathedral belongs to the Gothic architectural style with its representative
domes and spires decorating it.
56. Image source
This church has an innovative architectural style, given its unusual shape for a Roman Catholic Cathedral. The
construction was completed back in 1972, yet it still is the tallest church in South America.
The designer was Jose Augusto Bellucci, who used as main inspiration for the church’s design the Soviet Sputnik
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Satellites (one can clearly note the resemblance in the conical structure of the cathedral). It is also the 16 tallest
church in the World.
The Church of Saint George – Lalibela, Ethiopia
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57. Image source
This is a monolithic church belonging to the Ethiopian Orthodox denomination. The church has been completely
carved in solid rock in the shape of a cross. It is important to know that in the Lalibelia region there are 11 such
churches, but the church of Saint George is the most famous of all.
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It’s “construction”, or rather “carving” took place as early as the 13 century, and today it belongs to the UNESCO
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World Heritage Sites list. Informally, the church is called the “8 Wonder of the World”.
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The formal name of this sanctuary is Madonna delle Lacrime, and it translates as “Our Lady of the Tears”. It is a
wonderful structure built in a quite modernistic and unusual style, given the fact that it belongs to the Roman Catholic
religious denomination.
It is a pilgrimage church by tradition, receiving thousands of visitors from all corners of the world on an annual basis.
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This beautiful structure belongs to the innovative church constructions list and it was designed by famous architect
Oscar Niemayer, a follower of international modern architecture. The Cathedral of Brasilia was completed in 1970.
This hyperboloid structure resembles two hands that are reaching towards the heavens. For its construction, 16
pieces of concrete which are identical (weighing 90 t) were used.
62. Ascension Cathedral – Kazakhstan
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This wonderful fairy tale like construction resembles a palace; but it is actually a Russian orthodox cathedral located
in the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan. The structure is made of wood, and very beautifully decorated with golden details
and painted in yellow.
63. It is the second tallest building in the World which is made entirely of wood. The structure was completed in 1907,
and it is also known as the Zenkov Cathedral.
Notre Dame du Haut- Ronchamp, France
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This church is perhaps the finest example of religious architecture of the 20 century, and it was built on the design of
famous architect Le Corbusier. Notre Dame du Haut was completed in 1954.
What Corbusier wanted to express through his design was simplicity, and in general a sculptural style and he tried to
avoid the so called “machine age” architectural style.
St. Michael’s Golden Domed Monastery – Kiev, Ukraine
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The original construction of this beautiful and vividly colored monastery started in the Middle Ages. However, the
Soviet authorities demolished it in the 1930’s and after Ukraine gained its independence, it was been rebuilt (1999).
The architectural style of the monastery is that of Ukrainian Baroque, and its affiliation is Eastern Orthodox.
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The church can be found on the “Red Square” of Moscow, and it was built between 1555 and 1561. The entire
structure is a wonderful display of color and beauty. The church is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites from 1990.
The church has 9 chapels of different sizes, and its spires are all painted in different vivid colors- dark blue, red,
green, orange, yellow, white and Earth tones.
