World's Most Iconic Landmarks, From Statue of Liberty to Machu Picchu

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Every country has a landmark that becomes its symbol or icon to the eyes of the world. This landmark usually takes the form of a building, object, monument, or statue that highlights an area. Not only as symbols, but landmarks are also determined by looking at the rich history behind their conception. 

Below is a list of the fifteen most iconic landmarks around the world, spanning from the Statue of Liberty in the States, to Mount Fuji in Japan. 

1. Statue of Liberty, United States

To start off the list, we’re taking a trip to the United States. The Statue of Liberty is located in the middle of the Hudson River, symbolizing democracy, and freedom, and the epitome of the American dream. This statue was a 100th birthday gift from France to the United States and was inaugurated in 1886.

2. Eiffel Tower, France

The Eiffel Tower was built for the World Fair in 1889 and has a towering height of 325 meters. The name Eiffel itself is taken from its designer, Gustave Eiffel.

3.T ower of Pisa, Italy

The leaning tower of Pisa is notable for its structure which is neither upright nor slanted. The Tower of Pisa’s unusual structure was caused by construction problems, especially changing ground conditions. The construction of the Pisa Tower took more than two hundred years and was completed in 1399.

4. Great Wall of China, PRC

China is most notable for its giant wall that stretches over 21,196 kilometers. This structure, created over centuries, has become one of the Seven Wonders of the World and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

5. Big Ben, UK

Big Ben Tower is a UK landmark located above the Palace of Westminster in London. Big Ben itself is the name of the large bell in the clock tower, called the Elizabeth Tower.

6. Opera House, Australia

This building with unique architecture on the edge of the bay near the Sydney Harbor Bridge is a spectacle and an Australian icon. The Sydney Opera House got Jorn Utzon, its designer from Denmark, an award in the world landmark design competition.

7. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Christ the Redeemer is a symbol for Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, the city where the statue stood majestically. This statue was inaugurated in 1931 and was created on the summit of Mount Corcovado.

8. Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Fuji is the icon of Japan. Standing tall at 3,776 meters above sea level, Mount Fuji is famed among foreign tourists visiting Japan.

9. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is a historical site that was later known as an icon of Peru. Machu Picchu is the site of the ruins of the Inca Empire and is nicknamed the "Lost City of the Incas". 

10. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Giza Pyramids is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Located in Egypt, this stone structure is evidence of Ancient Egyptian civilization around 4,500 years ago. 

11. St. Basil's Cathedral, Russia

The St. Basil in Russia has a unique structure with colorful domes on top of each building. Located in the center of Moscow, this church was built in 1555 to 1561 and became a symbol of the Russian Orthodox Church.

12. Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. The Taj Mahal is made of white marble and surrounded by a beautiful and well-maintained garden with a reflective pool. 

13.Kaaba, Saudi Arabia

The Kaaba is the most renowned landmark in Saudi Arabia and is a religious symbol for all Muslims in the world. The Kaaba itself is a sacred building which is the Qibla direction for Muslims to perform their prayers.

14. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is initially a Hindu temple from the Khmer Kingdom which was built for the God Vishnu. However, at the end of the 12th century, this building was converted into a Buddhist temple. Angkor Wat was built by King Suryavarman II for more than 20 years.

15. Burj Khalifa, United Arab Emirates

Burj Khalifa is the most famous landmark in Dubai, UAE, and one of the tallest buildings in the world. Burj Khalifa has a height of 828 meters with 160 floors and is a symbol of the splendor of the United Arab Emirates.

ANGGITA VIANDHINI NUGROHO PUTRI

Editor’s Choice: Paris Unlocked; Insider Tips to Avoid Common Tourist Mistakes

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News