There are some structures on the planet that were built to last forever. Aside of being extremely resilient they are also beautiful edifices that tend to attract an innumerable account of visitors on a yearly basis. Here are some of the most gorgeous old buildings in the world.
Tōdai-ji
Located in Nara, Japan this Buddhist temple complex was once part of the Seven Great Temples. It is the city’s most visited and well-known landmark and is regarded as one of Japan’s most important religious sites. Literally translated Tōdai-ji means “The Great Eastern Temple”. The structure dates back to the mid-8th century and is made entirely of wood. Inside the temple is situated a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha (the largest bronze sculpture in the world) which according to the legend exhausted all of Japans production of bronze and nearly bankrupted the country. Sadly today only 1/3 of the complex has survived the test of time as it has seen several fires and other catastrophes throughout the centuries. Tōdai-ji is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The Pantheon
The Italian capital is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is home to numerous astonishing ancient structures and edifices that attract tourist from all over the planet. One of these buildings is the Pantheon which was built by Emperor Hadrian. It stands on the same site were once an edifice commissioned by Marcus Agrippa. During the construction Agrippa’s original inscription was retained which to date confuses historians about when exactly the Pantheon was built. However most experts estimate that the edifice was completed somewhere around the first decades of the 2nd century. The structure is dedicated to all the gods of Ancient Rome and is known for its dome which is the world’s largest unreinforced concreted dome. It also has an Oculus which allows a beam of light to enter into the edifice.
Tōdai-ji
Located in Nara, Japan this Buddhist temple complex was once part of the Seven Great Temples. It is the city’s most visited and well-known landmark and is regarded as one of Japan’s most important religious sites. Literally translated Tōdai-ji means “The Great Eastern Temple”. The structure dates back to the mid-8th century and is made entirely of wood. Inside the temple is situated a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha (the largest bronze sculpture in the world) which according to the legend exhausted all of Japans production of bronze and nearly bankrupted the country. Sadly today only 1/3 of the complex has survived the test of time as it has seen several fires and other catastrophes throughout the centuries. Tōdai-ji is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The Pantheon
The Italian capital is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is home to numerous astonishing ancient structures and edifices that attract tourist from all over the planet. One of these buildings is the Pantheon which was built by Emperor Hadrian. It stands on the same site were once an edifice commissioned by Marcus Agrippa. During the construction Agrippa’s original inscription was retained which to date confuses historians about when exactly the Pantheon was built. However most experts estimate that the edifice was completed somewhere around the first decades of the 2nd century. The structure is dedicated to all the gods of Ancient Rome and is known for its dome which is the world’s largest unreinforced concreted dome. It also has an Oculus which allows a beam of light to enter into the edifice.
Borobudur
Borobudur is a Buddhist shrine and pilgrimage site which was completed in 825 AD. It lies in Indonesia and is one of the country’s most recognisable and emblematic structures. It has thousands of Buddha statues and is built on nine stacked platforms (three circular and six square) which are topped with a central dome. During the 14th century the complex was abandoned and by the 15th century it was entirely forgotten by the local population as most of them converted to Islam. It was rediscovered by the British during the early 19th century after Java’s capture. From 1975 to 1982, Borobudur was the subject of a major renovation project which cost an investment of over £4.000.000. In 1991, the site was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Borobudur is a Buddhist shrine and pilgrimage site which was completed in 825 AD. It lies in Indonesia and is one of the country’s most recognisable and emblematic structures. It has thousands of Buddha statues and is built on nine stacked platforms (three circular and six square) which are topped with a central dome. During the 14th century the complex was abandoned and by the 15th century it was entirely forgotten by the local population as most of them converted to Islam. It was rediscovered by the British during the early 19th century after Java’s capture. From 1975 to 1982, Borobudur was the subject of a major renovation project which cost an investment of over £4.000.000. In 1991, the site was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Haghpat Monastery
This Armenian monastery is known in the western world as the Cathedral of St. Nishan. The edifice was commissioned during the 10th century by Queen Khosrovanuysh, wife of King Ashot III. It lies in the north Armenian region of Lori and overlooks the nearby Debed River. Despite being over a millennia old, the building is literally untouched and has been the subject of only two minor restorations during the 11th and 12th century. Today it is one of the country’s most renowned landmarks and attracts both local and foreign visitors by the number.
This Armenian monastery is known in the western world as the Cathedral of St. Nishan. The edifice was commissioned during the 10th century by Queen Khosrovanuysh, wife of King Ashot III. It lies in the north Armenian region of Lori and overlooks the nearby Debed River. Despite being over a millennia old, the building is literally untouched and has been the subject of only two minor restorations during the 11th and 12th century. Today it is one of the country’s most renowned landmarks and attracts both local and foreign visitors by the number.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa should have been shelved and abandoned as a construction project. It was designed by Bonanno Pisano and the construction work began in 1173. It took a total of 199 years to complete the structure which began to tilt during its building as it was being constructed on grounds which are too soft to support its weight. During the 1990s and early years of the 21st century, the edifice started to lean at an angle of 5.5 degrees which was putting it in danger. In the upcoming years, the Italian government took the necessary measure to correct the tilt and reduce it to 3.99 degrees. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is almost 56 metres tall and since 1987 has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa should have been shelved and abandoned as a construction project. It was designed by Bonanno Pisano and the construction work began in 1173. It took a total of 199 years to complete the structure which began to tilt during its building as it was being constructed on grounds which are too soft to support its weight. During the 1990s and early years of the 21st century, the edifice started to lean at an angle of 5.5 degrees which was putting it in danger. In the upcoming years, the Italian government took the necessary measure to correct the tilt and reduce it to 3.99 degrees. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is almost 56 metres tall and since 1987 has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of mankind’s greatest architectural achievements. The construction of the wall commenced in 700 BC and ended during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century. It is 21.196 kilometres long and to date is considered to be the largest defence structure in the history of the world. In 1987, it was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Today, the Great Wall of China is one of the most visited landmarks on the planet.
The Great Wall of China is one of mankind’s greatest architectural achievements. The construction of the wall commenced in 700 BC and ended during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century. It is 21.196 kilometres long and to date is considered to be the largest defence structure in the history of the world. In 1987, it was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Today, the Great Wall of China is one of the most visited landmarks on the planet.
Hohensalzburg Castle
One of Europe’s most popular casltes, Hohensalzburg sits atop Festungsberg Hill in the city of Salzburg. It is classified as the largest medieval fortress on the continent. It dates back to the late 11th century and is currently one of Austria’s most prolific and visited tourist attractions. The complex is comprises of the following structures:
One of Europe’s most popular casltes, Hohensalzburg sits atop Festungsberg Hill in the city of Salzburg. It is classified as the largest medieval fortress on the continent. It dates back to the late 11th century and is currently one of Austria’s most prolific and visited tourist attractions. The complex is comprises of the following structures:
- Krautturm which houses a large aerophon which is made of more than 200 pipes and is known as “The Salzburg Bull”
- The Chapel of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach who is credited for creating the magnificent Golden Hall.
- Hohensalzburg Castle and its Golden Chamber which is the most affluently furnished room of the fortress
Keszthely Church
Built six centuries ago, Keszthely Church is one of Hungary’s most prominent Gothic parish churches. It lies in the eponymous town of Keszthely which is one of the country’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. During the 19th century the edifice was expanded with the addition of a neo-gothic bell tower.
Built six centuries ago, Keszthely Church is one of Hungary’s most prominent Gothic parish churches. It lies in the eponymous town of Keszthely which is one of the country’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements. During the 19th century the edifice was expanded with the addition of a neo-gothic bell tower.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The French capital is home to numerous world famous landmarks and the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of them. It is built in the Gothic architectural style and is arguably one of the most famous religious edifices in the world. Its construction began during the mid-12th century and ended during the mid-14th century. In 1862 it was declared a Historical Monument by the French authorities.
The French capital is home to numerous world famous landmarks and the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of them. It is built in the Gothic architectural style and is arguably one of the most famous religious edifices in the world. Its construction began during the mid-12th century and ended during the mid-14th century. In 1862 it was declared a Historical Monument by the French authorities.
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