5 Facts About Famous Landmarks Around the World

10-Famous-Landmarks-in-London-You-Can-Visit 5 Facts About Famous Landmarks Around the World

Landmarks are often more than just tourist attractions – they’re living pieces of history, culture, and human achievement. Some landmarks are centuries old, while others have been built in modern times, but they all share the same ability to captivate and inspire awe. Whether you’ve seen them in person or admired them from afar, the world’s most famous landmarks are full of fascinating facts. Here are 5 surprising facts about famous landmarks around the world that will make you look at them in a whole new light.


1. The Great Wall of China Is Not One Continuous Wall

The Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, stretching over 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometres) across northern China. But did you know that the Great Wall is not a single, continuous wall? In fact, it’s a series of walls, watchtowers, and fortifications built by different Chinese dynasties over many centuries.

The earliest sections of the wall date back to the 7th century BC, but the most well-known sections were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). The wall was constructed for defensive purposes, primarily to protect China from nomadic invaders, but it also served as a symbol of China’s strength and unity.

While it may look like one continuous wall in photographs, the Great Wall is actually a patchwork of structures that vary in materials and design, depending on the region in which they were built.

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This video explores the history, construction, and myths surrounding the Great Wall of China.


2. The Eiffel Tower Was Initially Meant to Be Temporary

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks, but it was not always meant to be a permanent fixture in the city. When the tower was first constructed in 1887, it was designed by the engineer Gustave Eiffel as the centrepiece for the 1889 World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

At the time, many Parisians disliked the tower, with some even calling it an eyesore. The original plan was to dismantle it after 20 years. However, the Eiffel Tower proved to be far too valuable, both as a symbol of Paris and as a scientific instrument (its height made it ideal for experiments in radio transmission).

Today, the Eiffel Tower stands as a symbol of Paris and attracts millions of visitors each year. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.

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3. The Colosseum in Rome Was Once Covered in Marble

The Colosseum, the grand amphitheatre in the heart of Rome, is a symbol of ancient Roman engineering and entertainment. Completed in 80 AD, it could hold up to 50,000 spectators, who came to watch gladiatorial games, animal hunts, and mock naval battles. But there’s something about the Colosseum’s appearance that might surprise you: it wasn’t always the weathered stone we see today.

In its prime, the Colosseum was covered in white marble, and its statues and decorations would have been incredibly impressive. However, over time, much of the marble was removed and repurposed for building other structures throughout the city of Rome, particularly during the Middle Ages. Earthquakes in the 14th and 16th centuries also caused parts of the structure to collapse.

Despite the damage, the Colosseum remains one of the most visited historical landmarks in the world, and ongoing restoration efforts are helping to preserve it for future generations.

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4. The Pyramids of Giza Were Originally Covered in Smooth Limestone

The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are some of the oldest and most enduring symbols of ancient civilisation. The Great Pyramid of Giza, built for the Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), is the only one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. But did you know that these iconic pyramids once looked very different?

Originally, the Pyramids were covered in smooth, white limestone that reflected the sun, making them shine brightly during the day and glow at night. This smooth casing would have made the pyramids look even more majestic. However, over the centuries, much of the outer limestone casing was removed by looters or repurposed for building materials in Cairo.

Despite this, the Pyramids of Giza still stand as a testament to ancient Egyptian engineering and craftsmanship, with millions of visitors from around the world marveling at their scale and complexity every year.

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5. The Taj Mahal Changes Colour Throughout the Day

The Taj Mahal in Agra, India is one of the world’s most famous monuments and a symbol of love, as it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is famous for its stunning white marble structure, but what makes it truly unique is that it changes colour throughout the day.

In the morning, the Taj Mahal appears to be a soft pinkish hue, while at sunset, the monument turns a rich golden yellow, and by night, under the moonlight, it takes on a silvery white glow. The changing colours are caused by the way light interacts with the white marble, creating a stunning visual effect.

The Taj Mahal’s beauty, combined with its tragic backstory, makes it a must-see landmark for millions of tourists who visit India each year.

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Watch this video to learn about the history of the Taj Mahal and why its marble changes colour.


Conclusion

Famous landmarks are more than just beautiful structures – they hold stories of human creativity, culture, and history. From the Great Wall of China, which is a series of walls built by various dynasties, to the Taj Mahal, which changes colour at different times of the day, these landmarks have layers of history that make them even more intriguing.

These facts show that there’s often more to these iconic structures than meets the eye, and the stories behind them continue to inspire wonder and admiration. Whether you’re admiring the Colosseum in Rome, marveling at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or gazing at the majestic Pyramids of Giza, each landmark has a rich history that is well worth exploring.

So next time you find yourself in the presence of one of these famous landmarks, remember the incredible facts behind them – they are more than just pictures on postcards!

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