Whether you’re an architectural admirer or an all-out building-buff, the world is home to some mind-boggling structures. While the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben warrant their fair share of attention, there are some buildings around the world that just can’t help but demand your attention. Here are just some that are worth seeing.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Few architectural buffs will be able to resist a visit to Antoni Gaudi’s gothic, albeit unfinished, vision. Construction on the Roman Catholic Church began in 1882, with Gaudi becoming involved in 1883 and radically changing the design to an intricate, Art Nouveau structure complete with tall spires and grand facades. The opulent design, though consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, remains unfinished, with an estimated completion date of 2028.
Kansas City Public Library, Missouri, USA
An architectural ode to book worms everywhere, the Kansas City Public Library’s unique façade doubles as a tourist attraction. The unique and adored building is made up of 22 book spines each showcasing a title as determined by the readers of the city.
Lotus Temple, Delhi, India
Shaped like the name suggests, the Lotus Temple in Delhi is an architectural and sculptural marvel highly regarded for its flower-like figure. So regarded, the temple has won numerous architectural awards and is considered to be ‘expressionist’ in architectural style.
Dancing House, Prague, Czech Republic
An architectural optical illusion, the Nationale-Nederlanden building is nicknamed the Dancing Building of Prague due to its disproportions and resemblance of a pair of dancers. At the time it was built in 1996 the building was met with controversy as it stood out as strikingly modern amongst its neighbouring Baroque, Goth and Art Nouveau buildings.
National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing, China
Nicknamed the ‘Giant Egg,’ the National Centre for the Performing Arts is an architectural marvel thanks to its dome shape made of titanium and glass. The building, used mainly as an opera house, is also surrounded by an artificial lake making it an impressive site to behold.
Imam Mosque, Isfahan, Iran
With a lofty dome and millions of bricks and colourful tiles, the Imam Mosque in Isfahan is considered to be an excellent example of Islamic architecture. Dating back to 1629 the mosque is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and best viewed from within, where you can see the mosque’s seven-colour mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.
Visit one of these structural wonders on your next holiday by enquiring online or phoning 13 70 71.
