Famous monuments around the world are not just stunning architectural feats; they are steeped in history, mystery, and surprising facts that many visitors may not know. From hidden rooms to unique construction techniques, these 15 iconic structures tell stories that go beyond their physical presence.
15. The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial, located at the western end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., is a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln. Dedicated in 1922, this monumental structure was designed by architect Henry Bacon, drawing inspiration from the Parthenon in Athens. The imposing statue of Lincoln, standing at 19 feet tall, was originally intended to be smaller but was enlarged to match the grandeur of the memorial space. Interestingly, Lincoln’s hands are sculpted to form the letters “A” and “L” in American Sign Language, symbolizing his advocacy for education for the deaf.
Inside the memorial, visitors can find inscriptions of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and his second inaugural address on the north and south walls, respectively. The exterior features 36 Doric columns, representing the number of states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s assassination in 1865. Beneath the memorial lies a lesser-known room called the undercroft, which has been closed to the public since the 1980s due to safety concerns, but renovations are underway to reopen it by 2026.
14. Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain in Rome is one of the most famous fountains globally, designed by architect Nicola Salvi in the Baroque style and completed in 1762. This stunning fountain marks the end of the Aqua Virgo, an ancient Roman aqueduct that has supplied water to Rome for over 2,000 years. The name “Trevi” derives from the Latin word “trivium,” indicating the junction of three streets. At the center of the fountain is the figure of Oceanus, the god of water, riding a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two seahorses, symbolizing the varying moods of the sea.
The Trevi Fountain is also famous for its coin-throwing tradition. Legend has it that tossing a coin over your left shoulder guarantees a return to Rome. This fun tourist activity has a significant impact, collecting about $4,000 daily, which is used to support the less fortunate residents of the city. The intricate sculptures and the grand archway add to the fountain’s allure, making it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Rome.
13. Monas Monument
The Monas Monument, officially known as Monumen Nasional, stands proudly in the center of Jakarta, Indonesia. At 433 feet tall, it symbolizes Indonesian independence and serves as a beacon of national pride. Initiated by President Sukarno, the monument commemorates Indonesia’s fight for freedom from Dutch colonial rule. The design, a collaboration between architect Friedrich Silaban and sculptor Edhi Sunarso, blends traditional Indonesian architectural elements with modernist influences.
The flame-shaped top of the monument, adorned with 50 kg of gold, symbolizes the spirit of freedom and the nation’s enduring flame of independence. Located in Merdeka Square, the base of Monas houses a museum dedicated to Indonesia’s independence movement, showcasing significant events and figures in the struggle against colonialism. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for panoramic views of Jakarta, making it a favorite spot for both tourists and locals.
12. Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, located about 12.5 miles southwest of Paris, epitomizes the lavishness of the French monarchy. Originally constructed as a hunting lodge by Louis XIII in 1623, it was transformed into a magnificent palace by his son, Louis XIV, who relocated the French court and government there in 1682. The palace is a quintessential example of French Baroque architecture, featuring a grand Hall of Mirrors adorned with 357 mirrors that reflect sunlight through expansive arched windows.
The surrounding gardens span roughly 2,000 acres, showcasing the heights of landscape design with perfectly sculpted lawns, vibrant flower beds, and elaborate fountains. Interestingly, despite its many rooms, the palace lacks a single bathroom, humorously explaining the vast size of its gardens, where residents and guests sought privacy.
11. The Great Pyramid of Cholula
While the Great Pyramid of Giza is often recognized as the largest pyramid in the world, the title for the largest by volume actually belongs to the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico. Constructed from adobe bricks, this pyramid has become largely obscured by vegetation, resembling a natural hill. Its construction began around 2,300 years ago and continued through various stages until the 9th century AD, with each civilization adding to the existing structure.
The base of the pyramid spans approximately 1,500 by 1,500 feet and stands about 217 feet tall. At the top of the pyramid sits the Church of Our Lady of Remedies, built by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century as a demonstration of religious supremacy. This church, with its golden domes, stands as a contentious symbol of Cholula’s history, representing the clash between indigenous beliefs and colonial imposition.
10. Big Ben
Big Ben, one of London’s most iconic landmarks, is often mistakenly referred to as the clock tower itself. In reality, Big Ben is the name of the bell housed within the Elizabeth Tower, completed in 1859. This Gothic Revival structure exemplifies Victorian architecture and engineering prowess, standing at 316 feet tall. The clock tower was designed by Augustus Pugin and is part of the Palace of Westminster, rebuilt after a fire in 1834.
The clock is known for its accuracy, with a pendulum that can be fine-tuned by adding or removing old British pennies. Interestingly, the tower also houses a lesser-known feature: a prison room lined with oak panels, which was last used in 1880 to detain a member of parliament. Today, Big Ben remains a symbol of London and a marvel of engineering.
9. Easter Island Heads
Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is famous for its nearly 1,000 moai statues carved by the Rapa Nui people between 1400 and 1650 AD. These monolithic figures, crafted from volcanic tuff, vary in height, with the tallest reaching about 33 feet. While the heads are the most recognized part of the statues, many moai have full bodies buried up to their necks in the sand.
The methods used to create and position these statues remain a mystery, especially given their size and the distances they were moved. The prevailing theory suggests that the moai represent ancestors or significant figures in Rapa Nui society, possibly serving to oversee and protect the inhabitants. However, the extensive deforestation required to move the statues may have contributed to the ecological decline of the island.
8. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a monumental structure that stretches over 13,000 miles across northern China. Built in various segments over several dynasties, it primarily served to protect Chinese states from northern invasions. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC, with the most famous sections erected during the Ming Dynasty.
The wall is not a continuous structure but rather a series of walls and fortifications, incorporating natural landscapes and constructed from diverse materials. Interestingly, the wall’s construction included a mortar made from sticky rice soup mixed with slaked lime, which helped reinforce its strength. While primarily a defensive barrier, the Great Wall also significantly influenced China’s economy by safeguarding the Silk Road and facilitating trade and cultural exchange.
7. The Washington Monument
Standing prominently on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Washington Monument is dedicated to George Washington, America’s first president. Soaring to a height of 555 feet, it symbolizes freedom and democracy. Construction began in 1848 and concluded in 1884, facing numerous challenges, including financial difficulties and the Civil War.
The monument’s obelisk shape reflects neoclassical architectural preferences, and its lower section exhibits a noticeable change in color due to a two-decade construction pause. Interestingly, the structure was assembled without any mortar, relying solely on friction and gravity to maintain its integrity, showcasing the engineering prowess of its time.
6. The Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is Australia’s most iconic structure, known for its distinctive sail-like design. The concept originated in the late 1940s, leading to an international design competition won by Danish architect Jørn Utzon. Construction began in 1959 but faced significant challenges, particularly with the complex roof design.
The interior features a series of interlocking theaters and halls suited for various performing arts. The largest, the Concert Hall, seats over 2,600 people and is celebrated for its exceptional acoustics. Officially opened in 1973, the Opera House hosts around 1,500 performances each year, making it a cultural hub in Sydney.
5. The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, located in Beijing, China, served as the imperial residence for the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912. Spanning 180 acres, it is the largest palace complex still in existence today. Commissioned by the Yongle Emperor, the architecture adheres to traditional Chinese principles, enclosed by a high wall and a wide moat.
The complex consists of approximately 980 buildings with over 8,700 rooms, divided into inner and outer courts. The outer court hosted ceremonial events, while the inner court served as the emperor’s private residence. Since 1925, the Forbidden City has been open to the public as the Palace Museum, offering insights into China’s imperial history.
4. The Sphinx
The Sphinx, standing majestically on the Giza Plateau near Cairo, epitomizes the mysteries of ancient Egypt. This limestone statue, featuring the body of a lion and the head of a human, is believed to have been constructed around 4,500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre. The Sphinx is thought to symbolize the pharaoh’s divine power and protective authority.
Over millennia, the Sphinx has endured significant wear and tear, with its nose missing and fragments of its beard housed in museums. These damages contribute to its mystique, embodying the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt’s grandeur.
3. The Petronas Towers
The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are iconic twin skyscrapers that once held the title of the tallest buildings in the world. Completed in 1998, they reflect Malaysia’s aspirations and cultural heritage, with architectural elements inspired by Islamic art. The towers feature a sky bridge linking them on the 41st and 42nd floors, providing stunning views of the city.
Constructed using high-strength concrete and a steel-glass facade, the towers are designed to withstand Malaysia’s tropical climate. The Petronas Towers remain a symbol of modern architecture and a testament to Malaysia’s growth as a global economic powerhouse.
2. The Tower of London
The Tower of London, standing on the banks of the River Thames, is one of England’s most historically significant structures. Initially built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century, it has served various purposes, including a royal residence and a prison. The tower is also home to the British crown jewels, which are used in coronation ceremonies.
Interestingly, the Tower of London once functioned as one of the world’s oldest zoos, housing exotic animals gifted to the monarchy. Today, it stands as a popular tourist attraction, rich with centuries of royal and national history.
1. The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic structures globally, was originally constructed for the 1889 Universal Exposition in Paris. Contrary to popular belief, it was not designed by Gustave Eiffel himself but by two engineers who worked for his company. The tower was initially intended to be a temporary exhibit but has become a lasting symbol of French ingenuity.
Standing at 1,083 feet, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world for 41 years. Today, it remains a significant influence in architectural trends worldwide, inspiring numerous replicas and serving as a beloved landmark in Paris.
