The Colosseum, Rome
Any list of the world’s most interesting architectural structures will include Rome’s Colosseum. Erected under the Flavian emperors — and thus also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre — the Colosseum’s construction began sometime around 70 CE, during the reign of Vespasian. This dramatic emblem of Rome’s glorious past was built on the site of Nero’s “golden palace”, where the grandiose artificial lake was drained to make room for an amphitheater that could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum’s design was equally innovative: A freestanding structure made from stone and concrete, the Colosseum rose more than three stories and featured a retractable awning to shield the audience during sunny days.
Book a flight to Rome today and see the Colosseum up close!
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Set in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, the 828-meter-high Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and certainly the tallest in the Middle East. As one of the world’s most interesting architectural structures, the Burj Khalifa’s design was inspired by the Spider Lily, a regional desert flower. In addition to housing a luxe hotel, and residential, office and recreational spaces, the 163-floor skyscraper serves as an art gallery. all three of the main criteria used to evaluate tall buildings. During construction, the building was known as the Burj Dubai but was later renamed the Burj Khalifa.
Book your flight to Dubai today to see the Burj Khalifa up close!
The Big Basket Building, Ohio
Another one of the world’s most interesting architectural structures is the Big Basket Building, which serves as the headquarters for an American basket manufacturing company. Perhaps the most well-known of those structures inspired by objects associated with their function, the building was designed to be 160 times larger than the company’s best-selling product, the square-shaped “medium-sized market basket”. The Basket Building was completed in 1997 and cost $30 million at the time.
Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City
The Kansas City Public Library is more than just a library — it is also a social responsibility initiative. The library’s exterior is adorned with giant book covers made possible by donations from a state-wide reading campaign. These books are classic works selected by popular vote. As a result, the Kansas City Public Library building is one of the most intriguing architectural structures in the world.
National Center for the Performing Arts, Beijing
The National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, designed by architect Paul Andreu, is considered a landmark of modern architecture. The striking, egg-shaped structure features a façade composed of more than 18,000 titanium plates and 1,000 sheets of ultra white glass, and houses a 2,461-seat performance hall, a 2,017-seat concert hall, a 1,040-seat theater, numerous exhibition spaces, a restaurant and shops. The building was completed in 2007 and is accessible via underground passages.
Dancing House, Prague
Prague’s Dancing House is one of the most important addresses on lists of “extraordinary architectural structures”. Erected on the banks of the Vlatava River in 1996, the building’s design was allegedly inspired by the famous dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The Dancing House is one of Prague’s most-photographed structures!
Book your flight to Prague today to see the Dancing House up close.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Architect Jørn Utzon designed the iconic Sydney Opera House, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The Sydney Opera House, which officially opened in 1973, is one of the world’s most interesting architectural structures due to its striking “shell” design.
Sancaklar Mosque, İstanbul
The Büyükçekmece Sancaklar Mosque, one of the first places that comes to mind when discussing contemporary mosque design, looks like a simple cave from the outside. Also known as the “Underground Mosque”, the austere Sancaklar Mosque was designed by architect Emre Arolat and features a sloping terrain that gives the impression of being underground. Following such a path has a spiritual significance beyond architecture: it emphasizes that those who visit the mosque to worship leave the outside world behind as they descend the stairs and become one with the earth.
Sümela Monastery, Trabzon
Set in the Maçka Altındere Valley, 47 kilometers from Trabzon, the Sümela Monastery is certainly one of the world’s most interesting architectural structures. Built on a steep cliff at the foot of Karadağ, the monastery is accessible via a 300-meter walk through the forest. Locals often refer to it as the “Monastery of the Virgin Mary,” and the structure is a fine example of the tradition of building religious sites far from the city, in areas suitable for seclusion.
Book your flight to Trabzon today to visit the Sümela Monastery!
