Around the world there are countless examples of architecture that are renowned for their structure, the impact they have had or the fact that they perfectly encapsulate the time when they were built. From the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal there are so many iconic structures to see all across the planet, including examples of both domestic and commercial architecture as well as structures in the public realm. However, for every world-famous structure there are also many that don’t have the recognition they deserve. Here are seven of the most stunning examples.
The Palace of Parliament, Romania
The monolith was built in 1984 by communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and reportedly cost 3.3 billion Euros to build. It takes up one fifth of the centre of Bucharest, requiring much of the historical centre of the city and hundreds of thousands of homes to be destroyed to make space. The Palace may not be loved but it is still an incredible feat as it is considered the largest civilian building with an administrative function in the world, with 12 stories above ground and eight below.
The Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali
The world’s biggest structure made entirely of mud was built in 1907. It is a testament to the Sudano-Sahelian style of architecture and shows exactly what can be achieved even with the most unlikely building materials. The Great Mosque requires yearly repairs due to the weather conditions but it is so beloved that the work has become an annual festival for locals.
Derawar Fort, Pakistan
The Cholistan Desert is an inhospitable place, but this immense fort sits right at its heart. It is a little known architectural wonder and requires a great deal of effort to even get to. A day trip through the desert is required and even then you have to get permission from the Amir to go inside. The fort covers 1,500 metres and features 40 impressive bastions around the perimeter.
Stari Most, Bosnia-Herzegovina
This stunning bridge was one of the finest Islamic monuments in the Balkan region and has a fantastic history. It was first built in 1566 and stood at the heart of the city of Mostar for over 400 years. It was destroyed in the 90s during the Bosnian war but was rebuilt afterwards, taking ten years of work before completion in 2004. The new bridge is different to the ancient one but it stands as a symbol and remains a beautiful architectural feat.
Chand Baori, India
One of India’s most beautiful forgotten wonders is also one of the largest, and deepest, stepwells in the world. The structure is truly amazing and features an impressive 3,500 steps. It was built between 800 – 900AD and has unparalleled beauty when you see the emerald green water at the bottom. The location is so incredible it was even used in the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises.
Kumbhalgarh, India
India’s very own Great Wall is the second largest in the world and stretches for 36km. It was originally built to protect the fort of Rana Kumbha but now shelters more than 360 temples as well. The wall is a really impressive site and remains a forgotten architectural accomplishment mainly because of the popularity and profile of China’s Great Wall.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Iran
One of the most exquisitely decorated mosques in the world lacks the profile it truly deserves, perhaps because it was never built with public use in mind. The prayer hall of the mosque is only accessible through an underground passage, but the rewards for making the trip are astonishing. Complex mosaics cover the walls and ceiling, filling it with colour. The exterior of the dome is tiled and changes colour throughout the course of the day because of the angle of the sun.