The Majority of the World’s Population Does Not Know About Them: 8 Architectural Monuments of Antiquity

white Buddha statue on body of water

Undoubtedly, the Colosseum and the Great Wall of China deserve worldwide recognition and are an integral part of the rich history of mankind. However, other architectural monuments are in the shadow of these celebrities. If you want to get an easy vacation at home, then visit Hellspin.

What do you think? Which monuments will you read about for the first time today? Or are you sure you recognize everyone? Today in this article, we will tell you about the unique architectural monuments that few people know about.

Giant Buddha in Leshan

The Chinese city of Leshan is proud not only of its beautiful nature and rich culture but also has an amazing attraction – the world’s largest stone statue of Buddha. The dimensions of this statue are simply amazing – its height is 71 meters, which is equivalent to a 23-story building! Near such a colossal statue, people feel tiny and insignificant.

However, not only the size of this statue is impressive. Her story is also full of interesting facts. The work of carving the statue was started by the monk Hai Tong in the VIII century. He wanted to calm the spirits of the water of the rivers, who allegedly overturned boats and carried people away on their waves. In 803, despite the death of the monk, the statue was finally ready. Its creation has become not only a kind of technical art but also a symbol of faith and perseverance.

This majestic monument has been perfectly preserved to this day and continues to amaze and delight tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.

Chand Baori

Chand Baori is a structure that was created back in the 10th century in the dry and hot province of Rajasthan in northwestern India. The depth of this amazing stepped well is 30 meters, and 13 levels are connected by thousands of strictly aligned steps, impressive for their mathematical accuracy. This work of architectural art can delight and surprise everyone who sees it.

Local legends claim that Chand Baori was built overnight by ghosts, and if you look at this structure, it’s hard to believe that people created it. But despite this, Chand Baori still serves as an excellent example of the fact that the human mind can create real miracles.

The Great Mosque of Djenne

The Djenne Mosque is not only the largest clay-alluvial building in the world but also the main place of concentration of the religious and cultural life of the city. Thousands of pilgrims gather here every year to pray, relax and socialize with other believers. Inside the mosque, there are many halls and rooms decorated with hand-carved wooden elements and exquisite carved patterns.

Unfortunately, the mosque attracts not only pilgrims and tourists but also vandals who harm it. The Malian authorities are making every effort to preserve this exceptional place and pass it on to future generations in an inviolable form.

Meenakshi Temple

The Meenakshi Temple can confidently be called a miracle of architecture in India. Its creation belongs to the ancient era and every year, more and more surprises people with its beauty and grandeur. The temple is not only a symbol of the power and favor of the divine forces but also a place of pilgrimage for millions of believers who come here from all over the world to honor the divine power personified in the goddess Meenakshi.

Inside the temple, you can see countless sculptures decorating the walls and ceilings. Each of them is unusual and unique, but they all speak of a high level of skill and creative inspiration. Many of the sculptures describe various mythological stories that are still alive in the hearts of Indians.

Monument to Midas

One of the most iconic monuments discovered in Yazlik is the monument to Midas. The name of this monument is associated with the legendary king Midas, who, according to legend, had the desire to turn everything he touched into gold. Even though the monument to Midas has been in these places for a long time, its true purpose has remained a mystery until now.

For archaeologists, this discovery has become one of the most sensational events of recent decades. The city where this structure was found turned out to be not only one of the oldest in the region but also a repository of valuable artifacts.

Borobudur

If you ever get the opportunity to see Borobudur for the first time with your own eyes, do not miss it. Mesmerizing by its size, the temple can attract the dreamy gaze of even the most experienced traveler. About two million stone blocks that were used for construction are really impressive.

Its walls are covered with stone-carved images that tell the stories of the Buddha and reflect the centuries-old history of ancient Indonesia. Interestingly, there is a void inside Borobudur, which is a symbol of liberation from worldly attachments and achieving the state of nirvana.

Despite long-term research, there is still no exact data on the time of construction of the temple. It is assumed that this happened in the VIIIX century.

Derawar

This historical monument was built in the IX century and was a key object in many battles and conflicts over time. Each of the bastions has unique architecture and decorative elements, which makes Deravar one of the most impressive forts in the world.

Visiting Fort Derawar is not just an excursion, it is a real adventure. A journey through dust and heat awaits you, but the reward will be this amazing architectural masterpiece. If you are looking for an unusual and unforgettable experience, then visiting Derawar is worth including in your list of places that you need to visit in life.

Sheikh Lutfullah Mosque

This is a real pearl of Iran’s architectural heritage. The mosque was built in the XVII century, but to this day continues to impress with its beauty and sophistication. It differs from most mosques of that era in its unique design, in which there is no ordinary courtyard and minarets. Its domes decorated with mosaics and exquisite geometric patterns created from bricks and ceramic tiles are a visual pleasure for the eyes and remind of the greatness and beauty of Iranian culture.

Who would have thought that the original design of the mosque was conceived as a prayer place for women from harems, and therefore the courtyard was not necessary? Instead of entering the prayer hall, the women passed through an underground corridor winding around the main mosque. This unique design attracts attention and is admired.