Top 10 Most Iconic Landmarks in the World

This breathtaking white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in 1632. The intricate design features over 28 major monuments and 89 smaller ones, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and attracts over 8 million visitors annually.

This iconic iron lattice tower in Paris, France, was built for the 1889 World's Fair and held the title of world's tallest structure until 1913. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and his engineering company, it stands at an impressive 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall. The Eiffel Tower is repainted every seven years and receives over 7 million visitors per year.

This ancient Egyptian pyramid in Cairo, Egypt, is the oldest and only remaining structure from the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built around 2580 BC as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, it stands at an astonishing 146.5 meters (480.6 feet) tall. It took the labor of thousands of skilled workers over 20 years to complete.

This mysterious Inca citadel in Peru was abandoned before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and remained hidden for centuries, until its rediscovery in 1911. Nestled on a mountain ridge over 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level, it is considered one of the most impressive architectural achievements in history. The site attracts over 700,000 visitors annually.

This serpentine series of fortifications across China's rugged landscape stretches for over 13,171 miles (21,196 kilometers). Built to protect the Chinese Empire from invading armies, it is a testament to the ingenuity and labor of the thousands of workers who constructed it over several centuries. The wall was continuously expanded and fortified until the Ming Dynasty.

This ancient amphitheater in Rome, Italy, was built during the reign of Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and could hold up to 50,000 spectators. Its construction took 8 years to complete and featured elaborate systems for water supply, lighting, and sound. The Colosseum hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and public executions.

This iconic Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was designed by French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa between 1922 and 1931. Standing at an impressive 98 feet tall, it is one of the largest Art Deco sculptures in the world. The statue is adorned with a gleaming gold crown and receives over 2 million visitors annually.

This colossal neoclassical sculpture of Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century. Standing at an impressive 305 feet (93 meters) tall, it is a symbol of democracy and freedom for millions around the world. The statue received over 4 million visitors before the September 11 attacks in 2001.

This ancient citadel sits atop a hill in the heart of Athens, Greece, and was built in the 5th century BC as a temple complex dedicated to the goddess Athena. Its parthenon features Doric columns that are some of the finest examples of classical Greek architecture. The site attracts over 2 million visitors annually.

This clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, UK, was completed in 1859 and took nine years to build. Measuring 96 meters (315 feet) tall, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, while its nickname 'Big Ben' refers specifically to the great bell inside. The clock tower has undergone several restorations and repairs over the years.