Famous Architectural Structures, Buildings, and Designs Throughout the World

By HomeAdvisor

Updated April 13, 2018

Modern cottage-inspired home with clean lines and wood wall feature

All around the world, there are famous buildings and structures that are awe-inspiring in the complexity or simplicity of their design. While it isn’t uncommon to see a unique homes around the world, some architectural accomplishments, ranging from ancient to modern times, stand out from the rest.

These structures, which include buildings, monuments, and coliseums, can be found in locations around the world. They are often famous for their stunning appearance, their innovation, or their contribution to architectural design. In some cases, they may even inspire people to find a professional builder or designer to make improvements or additions to a building they own.

Whether someone is budgeting to build their own home or just interested in architecture in general, there are many amazing structures all around the world to learn about and admire.

  • Lotus Temple: A Symbol of Excellence in Modern Indian Architecture: Shaped to resemble a lotus, the Baha’i House of Worship, commonly called the Lotus Temple, is described in this article. The page also includes a site plan.
  • Cologne Cathedral: The Cologne Cathedral, which is known for its Gothic architecture and for taking over six centuries to build, is discussed on this page of the UNESCO website.
  • The Dome of the Rock: Click this link to the Metropolitan Museum website to read an article about the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, which was completed in 692 A.D. and is one of the most famous landmarks to represent Islamic culture.
  • What Is La Pedrera? View a slideshow of images and read an overview of Casa Mila, which is also known as La Pedrera, when you click on this link.
  • London: St. Paul’s Cathedral: This nearly three-minute video on the National Geographic website discusses St. Paul’s Cathedral’s history, design, and restoration.
  • If These Walls Could Talk: The Architectural History of the White House: The White House has a long architectural history that’s discussed at length in this article.
  • The Leaning Tower of Pisa: Read about the creation of the Tower of Pisa by clicking on this link. People who prefer to listen to the article may select the audio link that’s on the page.
  • What Is the Kaaba? A Brief History of the Holiest Muslim Site: This cube-shaped structure is a religious shrine that’s recognizable to Muslim and non-Muslim people around the world
  • Pantheon in Rome: The History Behind its Perfect Ancient Architecture: People across the globe recognize this ancient Roman building and can learn about its architecture, interior, origins, and influences by reading this ThoughtCo article.
  • Taj Mahal: Arguably one of the most famous structures in the world, the Taj Mahal, is discussed in this UCLA article.
  • Colosseum Architecture: Click on this link to read details about the levels and features of the ancient and iconic structure that is the Colosseum.
  • St. Basil’s Cathedral: A Cultural Masterpiece: St. Basil’s Cathedral is an eye-catching achievement of Russian architecture, and visitors to this page can read a description of it and about its history and importance.
  • Hagia Sophia: People who are curious about Byzantine architecture or about architecture in general can click this link to read about the Hagia Sophia. The page has a drop-down menu that allows readers to further explore this church structure.
  • Architecture: Facts You Never Knew About the Pyramids of Giza: Individuals can learn about one of the remaining intact structures of the original Seven Wonders of the World by visiting this Architectural Digest page about the Pyramids of Giza.
  • Amazing Monuments Around the Globe: Leshan Giant Buddha: China: Visit this page to read a brief history of the making of the Leshan Giant Buddha in China.
  • The Eiffel Tower: Click on this link to read about the world-famous monument that is the Eiffel Tower, which is also known as the la Dame de Fer, or the Iron Lady.
  • The Great Wall of China: People who are interested in the Great Wall of China, which is an impressive and famous architectural structure, can learn details about its history and construction by clicking on this link.
  • Angkor Wat: On this page, you can read about Angkor Wat, which is one of the wonders of the world, its history, how it’s made, and what it’s made of.
  • The Basilica: Visit this page to learn about the Constantinian basilica and its 150-year restoration.
  • Sydney Opera House: An Architectural Marvel: The distinctive design of the Sydney Opera House is recognizable around the world, and people interested in the structure can visit this page on the BBC website to learn about how its construction began and the controversy associated with it.
  • When the Empire State Building Was Just an Architect’s Sketch: Individuals who click this link can read about the design and construction of the Empire State Building, which is one of the most iconic buildings in the U.S. and the world.
  • Statue of Liberty: The Statue of Liberty is one of the world’s most famous architectural structures, and on this page, you’ll find images, details, facts, and an overview of its construction and history.
  • The Secrets Inside the World’s Famous Buildings: Click this link to view a slideshow on some of the most famous buildings in the world and learn about some of their secret and surprising details.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral: Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous examples of French Gothic architecture, and people who visit this page can read about its construction and the interior and exterior features.
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Information regarding the details and design of the Grand Mosque is outlined on this page.
  • Frank Gehry’s Dancing House: An American/Czech Architectural Masterpiece: People interested in the unique architecture of downtown Prague’s Nationale-Nederlanden Building, or The Dancing House, can visit this page on the Berkshire Fine Arts website to read about its design and history.
  • Architectural Details of the Sistine Chapel: The architectural and building history of the Sistine Chapel is discussed here.
  • Big Ben: Constructing the Elizabeth Tower: Visit this page to learn about the construction of the Elizabeth Tower and the materials used.
  • Chrysler Building: Click this link for a brief description of the design and history of the Chrysler Building in Midtown Manhattan.
  • Grand Central Terminal: On this page, site visitors can learn about the architectural design and construction of Grand Central Terminal.

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