Top 10 Most Iconic World Landmarks

This series of fortifications built across China dates back to the 7th century BC and stretches over 13,171 miles (21,196 km). The wall was constructed using local materials like stone, brick, and rammed earth, with an estimated 1 million workers laboring on its construction. The Great Wall is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in history, with some sections still under military control today. The wall's most popular section, the Badaling Great Wall, attracts over 10 million tourists annually. Built to protect the Chinese Empire from invading nomadic tribes, the Great Wall remains a testament to China's rich history and engineering prowess. Unlike other fortifications of its time, the Great Wall's construction required an immense amount of manpower and resources.

This majestic white marble mausoleum in Agra, India was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1653 as a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The tomb complex features intricate inlays of precious stones like jasper, jade, and turquoise, covering over 28 acres of land. According to estimates, it took around 20,000 workers and artisans eight years to complete the monument's construction. The Taj Mahal is considered a symbol of eternal love and one of the most beautiful examples of Mughal architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, the mausoleum attracts over 8 million visitors every year.

This Inca citadel in Peru was constructed in the 15th century using granite stones without mortar, a testament to the engineering skills of the Inca civilization. The city's name translates to "Old Mountain" in Quechua and was likely built as an agricultural center for the local population. Built on a mountain ridge over 7,000 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu takes about two hours to reach by foot via the Inca Trail. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, the site was rediscovered in 1911 and is now visited by over 1 million tourists annually.

Completed in 1889 for the Paris Exposition Universelle, this iron lattice tower stands at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall and held the title of the world's tallest man-made structure until 1930. Built using over 18,000 pieces of wrought iron, the Eiffel Tower took approximately nine months to build and initially had plans to dismantle it after its debut exhibition. As a symbol of French engineering, artistry, and culture, the tower attracts around 7 million visitors each year.

This prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England was built in several stages between 3000 and 1500 BCE using the largest stones ever quarried from Wales. The stone circle features 56 large sarsens weighing up to 50 tons, surrounded by earthworks creating a circular ditch and bank. Initially believed to be a temple or burial ground, the purpose of Stonehenge remains one of history's greatest mysteries.

Built in the 1st century AD under the Roman Empire as an amphitheater for gladiatorial contests, public events, and animal hunts, this iconic structure features four levels connected by a system of arches, ramps, and staircases. Constructed from travertine limestone, tuff stone, and brick-faced concrete, the Colosseum held up to 50,000 spectators who could enter and exit through over 100 entrances.

The oldest and only remaining ancient wonder of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, these pyramids were built around 2580 BCE for the pharaoh Khufu in Egypt's Giza plateau. The Great Pyramid stands at 146.5 meters (480.6 feet) tall and is believed to have required about 2.3 million stone blocks weighing around 2.5 tons each.

This iconic Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was built between 1922 and 1931 by French sculptor Paul Landowski and Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa. Standing at 98 feet (30 meters) tall, it is one of the largest sculptures in the world and represents Jesus' arms outstretched in welcome.

This pre-Columbian Mayan city on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula was built in several stages between the 6th and 10th centuries CE and features Pyramid of Kukulkan, a stepped pyramid that casts shadows to resemble a serpent during the spring and fall equinoxes.

Perched atop a rugged limestone outcrop in the heart of modern-day Athens, Greece, this ancient citadel dates back to the 5th century BCE and was the sacred precinct of the Parthenon. A masterpiece of Doric architecture featuring columns that rise up to support a simple but imposing frieze, the Acropolis remains a testament to the artistry of ancient Greek civilizations.