Nov 13, 2018
Scenic takes you to many structures around the world. From Paris to Siem Reap, here is a selection of our top ten iconic structures.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
According to the Taj’s creator Emperor Shah Jahan, this marble mausoleum made “the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes”.
The sheer beauty of this World Heritage-listed site – built as a memorial to Jahan’s wife – is enough to move any visitor to tears.
2. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
The largest religious monument on Earth, this temple complex was built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple.
It was later converted into a Buddhist temple, and statues of Buddha were added.
Today, thousands flock from all over the world to admire this sculptural masterpiece.
3. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Not much compares to the feeling of seeing this iconic lattice tower for the first time.
Named after its engineer Gustave Eiffel, it has become the symbol of Paris and a symbol of love – which is apt as it stands in the world’s most romantic city.
4. Pyramids of Giza, Giza Plateau, Egypt
Standing for 4,500 years, the Pyramids of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.
Built as massive tombs on the orders of the pharaohs, it’s arguably the most magnificent man-made structure on Earth.
5. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Located atop Corcovado’s Mount, this art-deco monument is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The towering statue of Jesus watching over the city was built to stem the ‘tide of godlessness’ after World War I.
The view is well worth the climb to the top.
6. Notre-Dame Basilica, Montréal, Canada
This grand Gothic Revival basilica boasts stained glass depictions of Montreal’s religious history, gilded sculptures and carved wood.
Singer Celine Dion chose to get married here in 1994.
7. Great Wall of China, Huairou, China
The Great Wall was constructed in the 7th century by Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, to protect China’s states and empires against raids and invasions.
Winding its way along 21,196 kilometres, you can see the most spectacular sections with Scenic.
8. The Treasury, Petra, Jordan
This 2,000-year-old structure is best seen when the sun strikes it directly and it glows reddish-pink.
Carved out of sandstone as a tomb for the Nabataean King Aretas III, the Treasury’s name comes from the story of an Egyptian pharaoh who hid his treasure there.
9. The White House, Washington D.C, United States
Home to the President of the United States, the iconic 132-room structure is regarded as a symbol of Western democracy, and its iconic Neoclassical-style façade is world famous.
10. St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
Russia’s best-known structure – and its symbol – was built in the 16th century to commemorate Tsar Ivan the Terrible’s victory over the Kazan Khanate.
Consisting of nine chapels, its unusual combination of domes and artwork is a masterpiece of Russian architecture.
