Fun Facts about Famous Landmarks You Probably Don’t Know with country names
The Eiffel Tower was originally intended to be dismantled after 20 years. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, it was designed as a temporary structure. However, it was saved due to its utility as a radiotelegraph station, and it has since become one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Made of white marble, the Taj appears to change color throughout the day: it glows pinkish in the morning, white in the afternoon, and golden under moonlight.
Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall is actually a series of walls and fortifications built over centuries by different dynasties. Altogether, it spans over 13,000 miles, but it’s made up of multiple walls rather than one unbroken structure.
The Statue of Liberty, gifted by France, initially served as a lighthouse when it was completed in 1886. Lady Liberty’s torch was lit each night, guiding ships entering New York Harbor until the function was discontinued in 1902.
5. Big Ben (United Kingdom): Not the Tower, but the Bell
“Big Ben” is actually the nickname for the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, not the tower itself. The clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London houses Big Ben, one of the most accurate clocks of its kind.
Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains, remained hidden from the Spanish during their conquest in the 16th century. It wasn’t known to the outside world until explorer Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.
Architect Jørn Utzon was inspired by the idea of peeling an orange when designing the Sydney Opera House’s unique, shell-like structure. Despite its complex design, the building’s roofs are made up of simple, repeated shapes that fit together like the segments of an orange.
The Christ the Redeemer statue, towering over Rio de Janeiro, was constructed with a layer of soapstone, which is highly resistant to weather and erosion. This choice helps the statue withstand Brazil’s tropical climate and ensures its preservation.
Ancient Romans used an elaborate system of sails called a “velarium” to provide shade for spectators at the Colosseum. This retractable roof allowed them to create shade and keep cool during events and was managed by a team of sailors.
10. Petra (Jordan): Known as the Rose City
Petra, the ancient city carved into rose-colored stone cliffs, is often called the “Rose City” due to the pinkish hue of its sandstone. Built by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, it’s also known for its advanced water conservation systems in the desert.
Mount Rushmore’s original design included the presidents’ bodies down to their waists. However, funding issues led the sculptor to focus solely on the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The Great Pyramid of Giza and its neighbors were originally covered in polished white limestone, which made them gleam brightly under the Egyptian sun. Most of the limestone casing was removed over centuries, but you can still see remnants at the top of the Great Pyramid.
13. Angkor Wat (Cambodia): The Largest Religious Monument in the World
Angkor Wat, initially built as a Hindu temple in the 12th century, spans over 400 acres, making it the largest religious structure in the world. Today, it serves as a Buddhist temple and is a symbol of Cambodia’s national pride, even appearing on the country’s flag.
14. The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy): Its Tilt Was an Accident
The famous tilt of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was unintentional, caused by unstable soil beneath the foundation. Efforts to stabilize it continue, and despite numerous interventions, it still leans—though it’s now safe for visitors to climb.
Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, commissioned by King Ludwig II, inspired Walt Disney’s design for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. It’s known for its fairy-tale appearance, though King Ludwig only lived there briefly before passing away.
16. Stonehenge (United Kingdom): Stones Were Transported from Over 150 Miles Away
Some of Stonehenge’s stones, known as “bluestones,” originated in Wales, over 150 miles from the site. Scholars believe that these stones were transported over land and water, though the exact method remains a mystery.
Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia basilica, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction since 1882. Gaudí knew it wouldn’t be completed in his lifetime and once said, “My client (God) is not in a hurry.” It’s expected to be finished by the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death in 2026.
Moscow’s Kremlin was originally white when it was built in the 15th century. It was repainted red in the 17th century to match the traditional Russian architecture, giving the iconic complex its current look.
Although often depicted with snow on its peak, Mount Fuji is only snow-capped for about half of the year, usually from October to April. It’s an active volcano and one of Japan’s “Three Holy Mountains,” a symbol of strength, beauty, and cultural heritage.
20. The Louvre Museum (France): Once a Royal Palace
Before becoming one of the most famous museums in the world, the Louvre was a royal palace for nearly 200 years. Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century, it was transformed into a public museum during the French Revolution.