What makes a monument iconic? It can be its history, its architecture, the thought it represents or it can be the recognition they get around the world. Few wonders around the world can be instantly recognized in any corner of the earth. They represent history, symbolize a culture or a religion, and more importantly inspire people.
These 12 iconic monuments are a testament to the tenacity & brilliance of the human race and should be on top of every traveler’s bucket list.
Statue of Liberty (USA)
Recognized worldwide as a symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a gift to the United States of America by France. Representing a woman raising a torch in her right hand, the statue is an embodiment of the Libertas – Roman goddess of freedom, upholding the human spirit in nation-building. A masterpiece of design and engineering, the seven points on the crown represent the seven continents and the seven seas. An inspiring experience in itself, a visit to the incredible Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty should be on top of your Itinerary. The island is home to a unique museum, filled with inspiring exhibits such as the Original Torch, along with interesting pieces of trivia.
Don’t forget to visit the Liberty Vista to witness the surreal beauty of Lady Liberty and New York Harbor!
Eiffel Tower (France)
The worldwide icon of Love, let Eiffel Tower take you on the overwhelming trip of emotions! One of the seven wonders of the World, it promises to leave you awestruck with the beauty of the Paris skyline. Made using 18038 pieces of wrought iron, 2.5 million rivets, and towering to a staggering 324 meters, Eiffel Tower is a standing testimony to the grit and tenacity of the human spirit. Every night after Sundown, it is illuminated with the fascinating Golden lighting, along with its extraordinary light shows, thus creating a truly magical experience.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Sri Lanka)
For the uninitiated, it might just look like a rock at first glance, but the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is much more than a natural wonder. Deeply rooted in the Sri Lankan epics, it represents the plurality of the cultural fabric of Sri Lankan society. Located in the Matale district in the central province of Sri Lanka, the 200m high rock fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site, housing the ruins of the Royal Palace of King Kashyap. Often called “Palace in Clouds”, the top of the rock promises to leave you enchanted with the breath-taking beauty of surrounding forests in a 100-mile radius.
Buckingham Palace (UK)
Find yourself surrounded by the fantasy world of royalty!
Buckingham Palace stands as one of the strongest centers of monarchy in the world. The place has been the home to the country’s Royal family since 1837. Buckingham Palace is a mark of history going into the future. Always abuzz with citizens and tourists treating themselves to the grandeur of the Palace, the star highlights revolve between the Queen’s Gallery, Clarence House, the green park, and the ceremony of changing of the Queen’s Guard.
Take a guided tour to explore the unseen side of Royalty and spend a day wandering freely around the Garden, enjoying magnificent views.
Colosseum, Rome (Italy)
Rome is an architectural delight, letting you dive into the history of the Roman Empire, spread throughout the continents. But no trip to Europe is complete without visiting the majestic Colosseum. With the sole purpose of bringing entertainment to the Roman public, the iconic Colosseum was built in 70 AD. The architecture represents the true sense of a lavish sense of style, characteristic of the Roman Empire. The art movement-inspired architecture of the Colosseum is seen through grand arches, Doric order decorations, and the intricate ornamentation on every element.
Characterized by the infamous duels of Mighty Gladiators, challenging each other for fights till death, a visit to Colosseum takes you back to the ancient times. And that is all it takes for you to keep going back again and again!
Great Wall of China (China)
Built as a show of strength and defense against any enemies of the kingdom, the Great Wall of China stretches across the north-western ends of the country. Spread across 21196 kilometers, it is not only the symbolism of the wall but the beauty that surrounds it. The vigor of all nature, skies, and mountains from the sight is a refreshing view to all visitors. An early morning hike, when the number of visitors is low, can brighten the day for everyone. There is a lot more to satisfy the adventurer in you. Find the time to ride in a cable car that provides a panoramic view, go paragliding or run the marathon of the Great Wall of China.
Whatever you seek, you shall find!
Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)
The Pyramids of Giza sit in the desert as far as the eye can see. But that is not all; what attracts tourists is the mystery that revolves around the beliefs on which the pyramids were built. It is a wonder for tourists to see and comprehend how the massive pyramids were ever built. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the magnificent marvel of human engineering is glorified with the light show at night, which lets you delve deep into its fascinating beauty.
Don’t miss the chance to take a ride on the back of a camel, moving in sync with the ship of the desert as it paces the vast sands!
Sydney Opera House (Australia)
A landmark in the heart of Sydney, near the harbor, the Sydney Opera House is an architectural marvel. This UNESCO World Heritage site is in the shape of sails and it is no wonder that it merges beautifully to the waterfront, leaving you awestruck with its visual appeal. One of the most remarkable wonders of the 20th century, it is the center of art and culture that thrives with theatrical performances attracting every crowd.
Spend the evening enjoying one of the most amazing shows of your life, enjoy a lovely dinner with your partner at the opera bar! Take a walk around the harbor, treating yourself with the illusion of the sails floating peacefully in the water. End the perfect evening with the Badu Gili Light show as the whole structure and water light up to create the most dramatic and soothing show for your eyes.
These are the things that you cannot miss!
Burj Khalifa (Dubai)
It must have been countless times that you have heard of or watched it on the television. But that’s no match when you see the imperial structure in real. Embedded as one of the most precious jewels of Dubai’s skyline, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building ever built. The numerous restaurants, lounges, and panoramic views of Dubai from the observation decks offer people a view never seen before. The strategic location of the building also allows people to connect with some of the biggest tourist spots.
Visiting the buildings, reaching the highest point, and looking at the whole of Dubai with a vision is all the adventure you have been missing!
St. Basil’s Cathedral (Russia)
Architecture can do marvels and bring any dream to life. One such structure is the St. Basil’s Cathedral at Red Square, Moscow. The Church is a display of vivid colors, catching everyone’s eye as it stands at the end of the Red Square. The church stands out from any other structures of faith built around the time and has become an icon of spirituality and patriotism. A sight to behold, it hosts hordes of tourists who visit to witness the grandeur of the cathedral. The intimate interiors promise to surprise you with the treats of acoustics and art. You can also enjoy numerous activities and fairs around the Red Square and fill up a bag of souvenirs!
La Sagrada Familia (Spain)
La Sagrada Familia is an iconic UNESCO world heritage site. And it is unfinished to date, expected to be finished by 2026. If your holiday revolves around visiting breathtaking architectural wonders, then La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona should be on top of your itinerary. Considered as the Magnum Opus of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi, it will be an unparalleled emulation of medieval cathedrals built with the new age technology. Combined with the Gothic & Byzantine elements, Gaudi visualized it to be an embodiment of the workings of nature, along with his own spiritual concepts to create a masterpiece never seen before.
Do visit in morning or evening when sun rays passing through the tainted glass windows combine together to produce a magnificent look!
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkey)
Located in the heart of the city of Istanbul, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is an Ottoman-era historical mosque, constructed by Emperor Ahmed I. Dominating the skyline of the city with its iconic minarets, it is also known as the Blue mosque, characterized by the hue of 20000 handmade Iznik Tiles, with the carving of red tulip design. Designed in a characteristic style of the classical era’s mosque, it has elements of Byzantine Christian architecture and Islamic architecture working in tandem to mesmerize you with its grandeur.
Come & witness the magnificent wonder of the Ottoman Empire and immerse yourself in a breath-taking journey of spirituality!