Popular Landmarks Around the World

Great Pyramid of Giza

The only Wonder of the Ancient World still standing, this structure served as the tomb for the pharaoh Khufu.

Great Wall of China

This 6,000 foot long structure was built to defend its home country from Mongol invaders, and a common myth states that this is the only landmark you can see from space.

Temple of Kukulcan (El Castillo)

This Chicen Itza structure is a prime example of Mayan architecture, and is dedicated to the Mayan version of the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl.

Colosseum

This arena was known for its gladiator battles, though it was sometimes flooded to make naval battles. Much of its top layer has been lost due to earthquakes and stone robbers.

Great Sphinx

This giant structure has the body of a lion and the head of a human, and legend states that its nose was knocked off by one of Napoleon's cannonballs.

Taj Mahal

This mausoleum in Agra is shaped like a teardrop and was built by Shah Jahan to mourn the death of his wife.

Sydney Opera House

This performing-arts center was commissioned by the government of New South Wales and is known for its outer concrete "shells."

Tokyo Tower

This second tallest building in Japan looks quite similar to the Eiffel Tower, although its coloration is mostly red.

Christ the Redeemer

This statue of the central Biblical figure was built facing east towards Jerusalem.

Agra Fort

This structure served as the residence for many Mughal emperors and is sometimes called the "Red Fort."

Leaning Tower of Pisa

This tower was built on wet ground, causing it to lean to the side, though straightening it out would ruin its appeal.

Hagia Sophia

Though it was built in Constantinople as a church, this structure's iconic four towers were only added after it was converted into a mosque.

St. Basil's Cathedral

Commissioned by Ivan the Great and built by Italian Renaissance artists, this structure is located near the Kremlin and Red Square and known for its iconic onion-shaped domes.

Arc de Triomphe

Commissioned by Napoleon after his victory at Austerlitz, this structure honors those who died during the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.

Machu Picchu

Constructed high in the Andes mountains, it is believed that it was built as an estate for Incan leader Pachacuti.

Golden Gate Bridge

Despite its name, this large suspension bridge is predominantly red and freatured in the opening of the television sitcom "Full House."

Statue of Liberty

Built as a French gift to the United States, this statue sits on Liberty Island and welcomes immigrants to their new life.

Eiffel Tower

Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Worlds' Fair, it is the tallest structure in Paris.

Angkor Wat

Built by the Khmer Empire and dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, this structure's name loosely translates to "Capital School."

Terracotta Army

Built during the Qin dynasty, these lifelike clay warriors were built in order to protect Qin Shi Huang during his journey to the afterlife.

Brandenburg Gate

Built in the 1700s on the order of Prussian king Frederick William II, this structure can often be seen in the background of pictures of the Berlin Wall.

Big Ben

Its common name is actually the name of the bell - its real name is "Elizabeth Tower."

Burj Khalifa

Located in Dubai, this tallest structure in the world is set to lose its title to planned Chinese, Saudi Arabian, and Malaysian buildings.

Himeji Castle

One of only 12 surviving Japanese castles, this one is considered the finest example of Japanese castle architecture.

CN Tower

Originally built by Candian National Railway, this Toronto tower is known for the EdgeWalk, where guests can walk around the unprotected outside of the building.