World’s Most Beautiful Buildings

Every country has a notable landmark that differentiates it from other countries, putting it on the map so to speak. Monuments that people can feel proud of. Buildings that are famous the world over. Some, naturally, are more famous than others.

Taj Mahal Nearly everyone will have their favorite(s); for some it may even be a building in their very own country, such is their pride. Here we’ve selected our favorites from around the globe.

Hagia Sophia, Turkey

Hagia Sophia The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul has undergone numerous changes over the centuries in the role it has played as a home. When it was built in 6^th century AD it was used as an Orthodox church. Some years later it became a mosque, and since 1935 it has been a museum. It took five years to build this impressive building, famed for its four minarets, which resemble rockets. The dome on top of the building is 31m wide and 56m high.

Crac des Chevaliers, Syria

Crac des Chevaliers This spectacular medieval castle is 800 years old and was once described by TE Lawrence as the “finest castle in the world”. It’s stood the test of time, albeit for a bit of moss growth, and retained its beauty. Inside the humongous structure is a small town, with a chapel, baths, great hall and gothic loggia. Trademark medieval structuring ensures that a moat was dug around the building. It can be found in the Homs Gap atop a 2,130ft hill east of Tartus.

Emam Mosque, Iran

Emam Mosque - Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons The Emam Mosque in Esfahan is completely tiled in blue and yellow ceramic tiles – a trademark in Esfahan and dates back to the 17^th century. Found in one of the world’s biggest squares the mosque’s dome is 54m high and lauded for its beautifully intricate patterning in floral mosaic. The 30m tall portal is a wonderful example of architectural style from the Safavid period (1502-1772). In order for it to face Mecca the mosque is positioned at a 45 degree angle.

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal - Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons One of the most recognisable buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal in Agra is also one of the most beautiful. It had to be really as it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died whilst giving birth to their 14^th child in 1631. This monument to love therefore attracts starry-eyed couple year after year. The magnificent white-marble structure possesses an air of romanticism and its beauty was once described wonderfully by Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore as a “teardrop on the face of eternity.”

Sagrada Familia, Spain

Sagrada Familia Probably the most extraordinary church in the entire world, not least because of its sheer magnificence in gothic structure but also because construction began in 1882 and it is still not complete! The building in Barcelona was the brainchild of one of the world’s most eccentric designers, Antoni Gaudi. So complex is the church’s concept it features three facades and 18 towers, the tallest of which is said to represent Jesus; if you’re wondering how tall this tower is, it’s 170m. If you’re also wondering when the building will be finished it will complete in 2026 – the 100^th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.