July 3rd, 2023
By Aswirbaad Das, Govind Kolady
Image source: Pexels
There are man-made structures in the world that are destined to withstand the test of time. Not only because of their impeccable designs or exquisite artistry involved, but also because of the cultural significance they carried. Let us learn about 7 such structures.
The Taj Mahal in Agra is a timeless beauty. In 1632, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of this magnificent marble mausoleum, decked with jewels and intricate calligraphy, in memory of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took more than 20 years to build it.
Image source: Pexels
The only wonder standing among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt, was the tallest man-made structure for nearly 4,000 years. Erected around 2560 B.C.E. on the west bank of the river Nile, it served as the tomb of the 4th-century pharaoh Khufu.
Image source: Wikimideia Commons
The ultimate military-defence boundary, the Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world. However, it is not actually one wall, but many branches spreading over more than 4,000 kilometres. It was built over two millennia, from the 3rd century B.C.E. to the 17th century C.E.
Image source: Wikimideia Commons
Located in Cambodia, the majestic Angkor Wat is also the world’s largest religious site. This collection of temples is 500 acres in size, bursting with exquisitely-detailed carvings. Its prominence is also reflected in the flag of Cambodia, which has its inscription on it.
Image source: Wikimideia Commons
Completed in 1561 by Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, this Russian landmark in Moscow’s Red Square looks anything, but terrible! It is actually a church with eight chapels around it and decked with bright colours, lively patterns and swirling stripes.
Image source: Pexels
Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, and linking San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge is truly breathtaking. This suspension bridge with striking towers and graceful cables was primarily designed by the architect Irving Morrow and completed in 1937.
Image source: Pexels
The 300-metre-tall Eiffel Tower designed by Gustave Eiffel is the pinnacle of French architecture. Created as the centrepiece of the 1889 World's Fair, it was meant to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution and to show off France's modern industrial prowess on a world stage.
Image source: Pexels