Monuments of architecture - objects that were created, as a rule, in honor of significant event or important person. The age of some is calculated in tens of years, while others still remember the Egyptian pharaohs. This review contains the most famous architectural monuments about which you can write the history of mankind.
1. Kaaba (Masjid al-Haram)
The Kaaba (Masjid al-Haram) is a cube-shaped building located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is considered the most sacred place in Islam, as well as the oldest and most famous cultural monument in the world.
The Quran says that the Kaaba was built by Abraham (Ibrahim on Arabic) and his son Ismail, after the latter settled in Arabia. A mosque, the Masjid al-Haram, was built around this building. All Muslims around the world turn to face the Kaaba during prayers, no matter where they are.
One of the five basic laws of Islam requires every Muslim to make the Hajj - a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life. In this case, the Kaaba must be circumvented seven times counterclockwise (when viewed from above).
2. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal ("Crown of Palaces") is a white marble mausoleum located in the city of Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely regarded as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the world's recognized masterpieces of world heritage". The area of the Taj Mahal is about 221 hectares (38 hectares are occupied by the mausoleum itself and 183 hectares by the protected forest around it).
3. Egyptian pyramids
A total of 138 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt. Most of them were built as tombs for pharaohs and their wives during the Old and Middle Kingdoms. These are one of the oldest famous cultural monuments.
The earliest known Egyptian pyramids were found at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis. And the oldest of them is the Pyramid of Djoser, built in 2630-2611 BC. e., during the third dynasty. This pyramid and the complex surrounding it were designed by the architect Imhotep and are generally considered to be the world's oldest monumental structures made of bricks with facings.
4. Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, rammed earth, wood, and other materials built along China's historic northern borders to protect the country from invasion by various warlike peoples.
Several walls were built as early as the 7th century BC and were later added to form what is today known as the Great Wall. Particularly famous is the part of the wall built between 220-206 BC. the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang (very little remains of her).
By the way, there are many more in China
5. Angkor Thom (Greater Angkor)
Angkor Thom is a 3 square kilometer walled royal city that was the last capital of the Khmer Empire. After Jayavarman VII retook Yashodharapura (the previous capital) from the invaders from Champa in 1181, he built a new imperial capital on the site of the ruined city. He started with existing surviving structures such as Bapuon and Fimeanakas and built a majestic walled city around them, adding an outer wall with a moat and some of the the greatest temples Angkor. There are five entrances (gates) to the city, one for each cardinal direction and the Gate of Victory leading to the area of the Royal Palace. Each gate is crowned with four gigantic faces.
athenian acropolis, which in Athens is also called "Kekropia", is the most important place city and one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. This is the main guide ancient Greek culture, as well as the symbol of the city of Athens itself, since it represents the apogee artistic development in the 5th century BC.
7. Chiang Kai-shek National Memorial Hall
National memorial hall Chiang Kai-shek is famous monument and a local landmark erected in memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, former president Republic of China. It is located in Chinese city Taipei. The monument, surrounded by a park, was built in the eastern part of Memorial Square. To the north of it is National Theater, and from the south is the National concert hall.
The Potala Palace is located in the city of Lhasa in Tibet. It is named after Mount Potalaka, the mythical abode of Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara. The Potala Palace was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, during the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959.
Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the fifth Grand Dalai Lama, began construction of the Potala Palace in 1645 after one of his spiritual advisors, Konchog Chopel, noted that the location between Drepung and Sera monasteries and the old city of Lhasa was ideal for the seat of government. The Potala was eventually built on the remains of an earlier fortress, called the White or Red Palace, built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 637. Today the Potala Palace is a museum.
While people involved in construction and design are celebrating their professional holiday - World Architecture Day, we will present the most interesting and unusual work modern architects and their predecessors.
Blocks Habitat-67, Montreal
The unique residential complex was built in 1967 for the Expo. 354 houses spliced with each other are not located in a random order, but in such a way that all apartments receive the maximum sunlight. The style of this object - brutalism, by the way, became popular in the USSR.
Projects by Friedensreich Hundertwasser
It is very difficult to choose any one work of this iconic architect, because they are all amazing in their own way. His "fabulous" style does not fall under any of the classical concepts - the great Austrian designed "good" and even "kind" houses. Here, for example, is an ordinary residential, which everyone simply calls the Hundertwasser house. It is not surprising that the author of such architecture has always fundamentally worn different socks.
Ideal Palace, France
The unremarkable town of Hauterives glorified the local postman at the beginning of the 20th century. Ferdinand Cheval spent 33 years building his own palace from improvised materials - stones that he collected while working. Ferdinand had absolutely no understanding of the canons of architecture and used every style he could see. Therefore, in the "Ideal Palace", as the author himself called it, there are elements from the Ancient to Gaudi.
Lotus Temple, India
In 1986, one of the most unusual buildings in the world was built in New Delhi. Giant marble lotus leaves seem to be about to bloom. They even created almost natural conditions for the flower - the temple, like a real lotus, rises from the water. Although this is a religious building, there are no icons, no frescoes, no murals inside: these attributes are not important in the Bahá'í teachings.
Cologne Cathedral, Germany
The canonical example of Gothic, known far beyond the "architectural circles". Of course, we will not describe the numerous details of the huge building. Let's limit ourselves to one fact: in 1880, when the next stage of construction was completed, the cathedral became the tallest building on the planet for four years - 157 meters. But even today, surrounded by low-rise buildings in the center of Cologne, the cathedral still looks impressive.
Burj Khalifa, UAE
IN recent decades the title of the tallest building in the world was literally a passing banner: then Taipei, then Kuala Lumpur. Of course, the emirates could not pass by such a competition and decided to set their own record. Along the way, "" won more than ten nominations, for example, as the owner of the fastest elevator and the highest located nightclub (on the 144th floor).)
Temple of the Dancing God, India
The famous Indian temple of Brihadeshvara, which recently celebrated its millennium, is dedicated to Shiva. In total, there are 250 statues of this god inside the temple, and they all depict different poses magic dance. Previously, the temple was also a fortress, therefore, in addition to graceful statues, there are also serious defensive structures. The moats and walls guard the legendary riches that pilgrims carried to Shiva for centuries.
Bird's Nest Stadium, Beijing
The Olympic Games for architects is a great chance to make their dreams come true: the authorities do not skimp on bold and expensive projects. From the 2008 Olympics, we got a stadium for 80,000 people of a completely unusual shape. Although not even the form is remarkable, but the execution of giant iron beams - the airy translucent structure can withstand an eight-magnitude earthquake.
Chrysler Building, New York
One of the best examples of Art Deco and the tallest skyscraper in the middle of the 20th century was built by order of the Chrysler automobile company. It became the highest thanks to the irreconcilable rivalry of two architects: the author of this building in last moment agreed on the installation of a 40-meter spire before completion of construction, thereby overtaking the new Trump Building. And unusual arcs on the facades of the upper floors imitate car wheels.
Capsule House, Japan
The combination of Japanese minimalism and love for new technologies gave the world unique project- capsule residential building. All modules (apartments and offices) in this building are completely replaceable and are attached to the metal base with just four bolts. Despite the visual fragility of such a system, there have been no accidents since its construction in 1974.
Ring houses, China
Unusual round houses-fortresses appeared a long time ago, and they stopped building only in the 1960s. Prior to this dwelling on the principle closed system built in many areas. The lack of land and the ability to defend together pushed people to settle in communes in several such houses. And the microclimate inside protected from heat and cold.
Southernmost Orthodox Church
This building differs not in design or size, but only in the place where it is located. Not far from the Russian Antarctic station Bellingshausen in 2004, the wooden church of the Holy Trinity was consecrated. And the logs for the church have probably come the longest way in the history of building materials logistics: Gorny Altai-Kaliningrad-Antarctica.
The most secret office building, USA
The most inaccessible office building in the world is also the largest. This is the famous Pentagon - the building of the Ministry of Defense. In a huge pentagonal building - 28 km of corridors, and the area of all five floors - 604,000 sq.m. This giant was built in the 1940s, so there was a small incident: the toilets in the building were twice as large as necessary - separately for blacks, separately for whites. True, by the end of construction, the old order was canceled and they did not even have time to hang signs.
Pool in the sky, Singapore
The three towers of the Marina Bay Sands high-rise hotel support a truly unique architectural structure- a huge platform, shaped like a ship. On the "deck" is a living garden and a giant swimming pool. By the way, the entire design of the hotel is officially approved by Feng Shui experts.
City on a rock, Sri Lanka
A real fortress city was built by ancient architects on a sheer 300-meter rock of Sigiriya. King Kasapa I ordered to build his residence at such a height for protection, but did not forget about comfort. Covered terraces, benches, trees, and even an artificial pond made Sigiriya a luxury retreat. In addition to official historical monuments, the tradition so loved by our compatriots is also interesting: starting from the 7th century, guests of the palace left inscriptions on the rocks like “Vasya was here, 879”, only in verse.
Architectural monuments are objects that were created, as a rule, in honor of a significant event or an important person. The age of some is calculated in tens of years, while others still remember the Egyptian pharaohs. This review contains the most famous architectural monuments about which you can write the history of mankind.
1. Kaaba (Masjid al-Haram) 
The Kaaba (Masjid al-Haram) is a cube-shaped building located in Mecca.
The Kaaba (Masjid al-Haram) is a cube-shaped building located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is considered the most sacred place in Islam, as well as the oldest and most famous cultural monument in the world. 
Muslim shrine Kaba.
The Qur'an states that the Kaaba was built by Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) and his son Ismail after the latter settled in Arabia. A mosque, the Masjid al-Haram, was built around this building. All Muslims around the world turn to face the Kaaba during prayers, no matter where they are. 
Pilgrims at Kaba.
One of the five basic laws of Islam requires every Muslim to make the Hajj - a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life. In this case, the Kaaba must be circumvented seven times counterclockwise (when viewed from above).
2. Taj Mahal 
White marble mausoleum located in the city of Agra, India.
The Taj Mahal ("Crown of Palaces") is a white marble mausoleum located in the city of Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely regarded as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the world's recognized masterpieces of world heritage". The area of the Taj Mahal is about 221 hectares (38 hectares are occupied by the mausoleum itself and 183 hectares by the protected forest around it).
3. Egyptian pyramids 
Egyptian pyramids.
A total of 138 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt. Most of them were built as tombs for pharaohs and their wives during the Old and Middle Kingdoms. These are one of the oldest famous cultural monuments. 
View of the Egyptian pyramids from above.
The earliest known Egyptian pyramids were found at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis. And the oldest of them is the Pyramid of Djoser, built in 2630-2611 BC. e., during the third dynasty. This pyramid and the complex surrounding it were designed by the architect Imhotep and are generally considered to be the world's oldest monumental structures made of bricks with facings.
4. Great Wall of China 
The great Wall of China.
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, rammed earth, wood, and other materials built along China's historic northern borders to protect the country from incursions by various warlike peoples. 
Sculptures on the Great Wall of China.
Several walls were built as early as the 7th century BC and were later added to form what is today known as the Great Wall. Particularly famous is the part of the wall built between 220-206 BC. the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang (very little remains of her).
By the way, in the Celestial Empire there are many more beautiful and interesting places China worth seeing.
5. Angkor Thom (Greater Angkor) 
Capital of the Khmer Empire
Angkor Thom is a 3 square kilometer walled royal city that was the last capital of the Khmer Empire. After Jayavarman VII retook Yashodharapura (the previous capital) from the invaders from Champa in 1181, he built a new imperial capital on the site of the ruined city. He started with existing surviving structures such as Bapuon and Thimeanakas and built a majestic walled city around them, adding a moated outer wall and some of the greatest temples of Angkor. There are five entrances (gates) to the city, one for each cardinal direction and the Gate of Victory leading to the area of the Royal Palace. Each gate is crowned with four gigantic faces.
6. Acropolis of Athens 
athenian acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens, also called "Kekropia" in Athens, is the most important site of the city and one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. This is the main landmark of ancient Greek culture, as well as the symbol of the city of Athens itself, since it represents the apogee of artistic development in the 5th century BC.
7. Chiang Kai-shek National Memorial Hall 
Memorial to Chiang Kai-shek
The Chiang Kai-shek National Memorial Hall is a famous monument and local landmark erected in memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China. It is located in the Chinese city of Taipei. The monument, surrounded by a park, was built in the eastern part of Memorial Square. To the north is the National Theatre, and to the south is the National Concert Hall.
8. Potala Palace 
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is located in the city of Lhasa in Tibet. It is named after Mount Potalaka, the mythical abode of Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara. The Potala Palace was the main residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, during the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959.
Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, the fifth Grand Dalai Lama, began construction of the Potala Palace in 1645 after one of his spiritual advisors, Konchog Chopel, noted that the location between Drepung and Sera monasteries and the old city of Lhasa was ideal for the seat of government. The Potala was eventually built on the remains of an earlier fortress, called the White or Red Palace, built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 637. Today the Potala Palace is a museum.
9. Statue of Liberty 
Statue of Liberty in the USA.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States of America, and it is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was unveiled on October 28, 1886, and in 1924 it was recognized as a National Monument.
10. Sultan Ahmed Mosque 
Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a historical mosque in Istanbul, largest city Turkey and the capital Ottoman Empire from 1453 to 1923. It is also commonly known as the "Blue Mosque" because of the blue tiles that line its walls. 
Mosque interior.
The mosque was built from 1609 to 1616 during the reign of Ahmed I. Although it is still used as a mosque, the site has also become a popular tourist attraction.
It is remarkable not only because it is the capital of our Motherland. It contains many monuments. cultural heritage countries. Since the 15th century, Moscow architecture has become an expression of the national culture. Architecture is considered the "mother of all arts", as it not only reflects the stages of their development, but also is the basis for the preservation of frescoes, wood carvings, paintings and sculptures. The monuments have absorbed many features of ancient Russian architecture and the work of foreign architects. The most famous of them are global importance, as they are historical objects and the result of the work of great architects. Architectural monuments of the world reflect the features cultural development different countries and main historical events. Therefore, they are protected and restored in order to preserve a unique heritage for future generations.
Architectural monuments of Moscow
The list of cultural heritage sites preserved in the capital is very long. The historical center of the city is especially rich in them, but many palace and park ensembles, monasteries and entire streets in different parts of Moscow are also its sights. What objects can be classified as architectural monuments:
Separate buildings and structures, something remarkable. For example, the mansion of Arseny Pashkov, the Bolshoi Theater or the city hall building.
Palace and park ensembles and architectural complexes, for example, the estate "Kuskovo", the Kremlin in Izmailovo, Poklonnaya Gora or Tsaritsyno park.
Historic city centers. In the capital, this is the world-famous ensemble of the Moscow Kremlin.
Squares, blocks and streets. This is Red and Manezhnaya Square, Arbat and Garden Ring, Sparrow Hills and Chistoprudny Boulevard.
Monasteries and temples, many of which have been preserved in Moscow. The most famous of them are St. Basil's Cathedral, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Novodevichy Convent.
Architectural objects of civil, industrial or military significance, such as the Moscow Metro, VDNKh or the GUM building.
Features of building in Moscow
The oldest building in the city - the Moscow Kremlin - was founded in the 12th century on Borovitsky Hill, at the mouth of the Neglinnaya River.
And therefore its shape repeated the outlines of this peninsula. The turbulent situation of that time required the construction of high walls and ramparts. Therefore, in the course of expanding the territory of the city, new fortifications were created. This is how such architectural monuments of Moscow as the Kitay-Gorod Wall arose, and the Boulevard and Garden Rings appeared on the site of other walls. Until the 18th century, most of the capital's buildings were wooden, and in recent centuries almost all of them were replaced with stone ones. In addition, intersecting radial highways were a feature of the city's development. The appearance of the capital has changed dramatically with the advent of Soviet power. Plans to modernize the city and create broadband highways required the destruction of many architectural monuments. Only a few of them were subsequently restored. And many high-rise buildings were built, modern quarters of monotonous buildings appeared.
Styles in the ancient architecture of Moscow
1. Wooden architecture.
All buildings in the first centuries of the city's existence were made of logs. The most famous of them were the Church of St. Nicholas, the temple of Danila the Stylite and the Moscow Kremlin itself. But not a single ancient wooden building in the city has now been preserved.
2. Stone architecture of the 14th - 18th centuries.
The first stone building was the Assumption Cathedral on the territory of the Kremlin, which has not survived to this day. During the reign of Ivan Kalita, they begin to rebuild the walls of the Kremlin. And by the 16th century, the main architectural ensemble of Moscow acquires almost modern look: white stone walls, the Annunciation and Archangel Cathedrals, as well as the Faceted Chamber were created.
3. Classicism in the architecture of Moscow in the 18th-19th centuries.
After the fire, most of the city's buildings were rebuilt. Many Italian architects took part in this, and classicism began to prevail in construction. The most famous architectural monuments of the city of Moscow of this time are the Pashkov house, the Ostankino estate and the building Bolshoi Theater.
Architectural styles of Moscow in the 19th and 20th centuries
1. Moscow modern. Constructions in this style began to be created from the end of the 19th century. These include the Medyntsev mansion, the Pavlovs' estate, the Yaroslavsky railway station, the Metropol hotel and many others.
2. Architecture of Moscow during the years of Soviet power varied in scope. New areas grew at a rapid pace. The most famous buildings of that time are the seven Stalin skyscrapers.
3. Modern architecture Moscow represented by office buildings, business and cultural centers built in the style of postmodernism and eclecticism. This, for example, shopping mall"Nautilus" or restaurant "White Swan".
Ancient architectural monuments of Moscow
1. Kremlin is the most famous and ancient object cultural heritage of the capital. He experienced a lot, witnessed the rise and fall, revolutions and wars. On its territory there are many cathedrals and buildings that are also architectural monuments: the Assumption Cathedral, the building of the Arsenal and the Senate, the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the famous Spasskaya Tower with chimes. This ensemble refers to and is mentioned in any source where architectural monuments of the world are considered.
2. Gostiny Dvor was also created back in the 15th century and rebuilt many times. Now it bears little resemblance to an architectural monument, but is still a well-known landmark of Moscow.
3. Red Square all over the world is a symbol of Russia.
This architectural ensemble is the most visited place in Moscow. Of the surviving ancient buildings, the Kazan and Intercession Cathedrals, as well as the Resurrection Gate, are known.
The most famous monasteries and temples of Moscow
The whole cultural and spiritual life of the country is connected with the capital. Many of its monasteries and temples are known throughout Russia, some of them have been preserved since the first centuries of the city's existence. We can say that these are monuments of Russian architecture, dear to the heart of every inhabitant of the country.
Which of them are the most famous?
The Novodevichy Convent, which, in addition to being active, has the status of the State Historical Museum.
Donskoy Monastery is notable for its many beautiful churches and picturesque towers.
Danilov Monastery is one of the oldest not only in Moscow, but also in Russia.
Very picturesque with a bright orange bell tower and tiled inserts.
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is known for being restored in the 90s of the 20th century after complete destruction.
St. Basil's Cathedral is one of the most famous sights of Moscow. This is the name of the Pokrovsky Cathedral, located on Red Square. With its bright painted domes and rich decoration, it attracts many tourists.
The accelerated development of the city and the expansion of highways in the 30-70s of the 20th century led to the fact that more than 400 monuments of world importance were destroyed. Among them are such famous buildings as the Church of the Assumption on Pokrovka and the Armory. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was blown up, which, however, was later restored. But many unique buildings were lost, for example, the house of the poet Khomyakov or the house of the Lopukhins. The historical center of the capital has changed a lot, in particular, many buildings on Manezhnaya and Bolshaya Yakimanka streets have been demolished.
What is remarkable about modern Moscow
Many call the modern building of the city tasteless. But along with faceless high-rise buildings, you can also find quite original buildings:
An interesting house is an "egg" on Mashkov Street;
The Pullman business center on Myasnitskaya strikes with an interesting combination of glass and concrete;
The residential complex "Ambassador's House" is interesting for its semicircular shape and diagonal windows;
Business center "Kitezh" in the form of a multi-deck liner.
Modern Moscow strikes with a mixture of styles in architecture. Now it is mostly high-tech, constructivism and modern. It is these buildings made of glass and concrete that stand out on the streets of the city. But the ancient architectural monuments of Moscow are not forgotten and attract tourists from all over the world.
For a long time, golden-domed Moscow played a huge role in the history of the great Russian state. And later this wonderful city became the capital of our country. Emperors with their families, representatives of aristocratic dynasties, bishops and patriarchs, famous musicians, masters of painting and the most talented writers lived in Moscow. That is why, from time immemorial, cultural, political, financial, spiritual and, of course, secular activities have been concentrated in the white stone, which could not but affect the process of forming the architectural appearance of the city.
Today in the Russian capital you can see a huge number of stunningly beautiful buildings, which, due to their considerable age and the talent of famous architects, are truly our priceless heritage! Unique and inimitable architectural monuments in Moscow serve as a source of pride and admiration. Their fame has already spread all over the world!
The list of the capital's historical and architectural monuments is really huge. First of all, the attention of tourists is attracted by the recently opened, which can rightfully be called one of best jewelry Moscow. In addition, one cannot ignore the buildings of the Central Department Store and the Bolshoi Theater, etc. Each of these unique buildings has its own entertaining story and its incredibly interesting past.
If you have no more than a couple of hours to inspect Moscow monuments, then do not rush to get upset. Do you want to take a picture against the backdrop of magnificent architecture? Then just walk along the streets of old Moscow. For example, incredibly interesting old buildings are concentrated on the streets that are part of the Boulevard Ring. Mostly located here historical Buildings erected during the XVII-XX centuries.
