Some buildings are built for higher purpose, which make them famous and unique. These buildings become an identity of a country. Here is an account of some of these buildings.

1. The Giza Pyramids

Giza pyramids are the only ancient wonders left in the world. They were built during Third and Fourth Dynasty as tombs for three pharaohs. The oldest of the three pyramids was built between 2551 and 2531 BC by Khufu. The second one was built between 2558 and 2532 BC by Khufu’s grand son Khafre and the third one belongs to Menkaure, Khafre’s son. It was completed around 2490 BC.

These pyramids have intrigued the mankind for centuries. They were the tallest buildings of the world until 1300, when Lincoln Cathedral was built.

2. Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is a symbol of a man’s love for his wife and is a crown jewel of India. It was built as a tomb of Emperor Aurungzeb’s third wife, who died while giving birth to their fourteenth child. Its construction started in 1632. It took 20000 workers and craftsmen to build Taj Mahal. It was completed in 1648. Emperor is also buried beside his wife.

It was protected by Indian government in World War II by erecting scaffoldings around it to misguide the German and Japanese bombers. Nowadays it is under the threat of acid rain and pollution in the Agra city, which is turning its white marble yellow.

3. The Colosseum

One of the most distinguishing feats achieved by the Ancient Romans was the construction of Colosseum. It was imagined by Emperor Vespasian. He funded its construction from the vast treasure seized during the Great Jewish Revolt in 70 AD.

Its construction began between 70 and 72 AD. It was three story arena and gathers 50000 spectators. Its construction was completed in 80 AD and was officially opened by Titus, son of Vespasian.  It was used for mock sea battles, animal hunt and public spectacles.  Later, it was used as a fortress, a quarry and a Christian shrine. Nowadays it is a popular tourist attraction in Rome.

4. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia was built between 532 and 537 by byzantine on the 4th century’s church site. It is situated in Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople.

It has a huge 102 foot dome which is 182 feet high. Other features are countless mosaics, the marble doors, the loge of Empress, library of Sultan Mahmud 1 and the marble jars.  The first church was built in 360 by Emperor Constantine. Later, second church was built by his son, Theodosius in 405. In 532, Hagia Sophia was built by Justinian. It was the third and the last church.

In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by Sultan Mehmet II. He turned it into a mosque. Other Sultans made various additions later on.

5. Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel. It was built between 1887 and 1889 in Paris. Read the full story