A monument is a type of structure either explicitly created to commemorate a person or important event or which has become important to a social group as a part of their remembrance of historic times or cultural heritage, or simply as an example of historic architecture.
Everybody knows some of the most famous cultural monuments in the world. Anyhow, here you will find some if not all the most famous monuments around the world as well as some not everybody knows. Each of these cultural icons is a symbol with various meanings, it may represent an epoch, an area, a belief, a culture, a country or a city. Below is a top 10 list of most Famous Cultural monuments in the world.
Content Summery
- Top 10 Most Famous Cultural Monuments Around the World:
- The Kaaba (Masjid al-Haram)
- The Taj Mahal
- The Egyptian pyramids are ancient pyramid-shaped masonry structures located in Egypt.
- The Great Wall of China
- Angkor Thom (Big Angkor)
- The Acropolis hill
- The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- The Potala Palace
- Liberty Enlightening the World
- The Sultan Ahmed Mosque
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Top 10 Most Famous Cultural Monuments Around the World:
The Kaaba (Masjid al-Haram)
The Kaaba (Masjid al-Haram) is a cuboid-shaped building in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is the most sacred site in Islam, oldest and top the most Famous Cultural monuments in the world. The Quran states that the Kaaba was constructed by Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic), and his son Ishmael (Ismaeel in Arabic), after the latter had settled in Arabia. The building has a mosque built around it, the Masjid al-Haram. All Muslims around the world face the Kaaba during prayers, no matter where they are. This is called facing the Qiblah.
One of the Five Pillars of Islam requires every Muslim to perform the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in his or her lifetime if able to do so. Multiple parts of the Hajj require pilgrims to walk seven times around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction (as viewed from above). This circumambulation, the Tawaf, is also performed by pilgrims during the Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). However, the most dramatic times are during the Hajj, when about 6 million pilgrims gather to circle the building on the same day.
The Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal “crown of palaces“, world heritage site is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, seen from the banks of Yamuna river, with Mihman Khana or assembly hall (left) and Taj Mahal mosque (right), the two almost identical buildings on either side. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.It coveres area about 221 hectare (552 Acres) which include 38 hectare taj mahal and 183 hectare taj protected forest are. This world’s most Famous Cultural Monuments is also one of the wonders of the world.
See also; Top 10 most amazing facts about Taj Mahal.
The Egyptian pyramids are ancient pyramid-shaped masonry structures located in Egypt.
There are 138 pyramids discovered in Egypt as of 2008. Most were built as tombs for the country’s Pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods. These are some of oldest Famous Cultural Monuments.
The earliest known Egyptian pyramids are found at Saqqara, northwest of Memphis. The earliest among these is the Pyramid of Djoser (constructed 2630 BCE–2611 BCE) which was built during the third dynasty. This pyramid and its surrounding complex were designed by the architect Imhotep, and are generally considered to be the world’s oldest monumental structures constructed of dressed masonry.
See also: Top 10 wonders of the world.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China in part to protect the Chinese Empire or its prototypical states against intrusions by various nomadic groups or military incursions by various warlike peoples or forces. Several walls were being built as early as the 7th century BC; these, later joined together and made bigger, stronger, and unified are now collectively referred to as the Great Wall.
Especially famous is the wall built between 220–206 BC by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Little of that wall remains. Since then, the Great Wall has on and off been rebuilt, maintained, enhanced; the majority of the existing wall was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty. One of the most Famous Cultural Monuments and Wonders of the world.
See also; Top 10 most amazing walls in history.
Angkor Thom (Big Angkor)
Angkor Thom is a 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city.
He began with existing structures such as Baphuon and Phimeanakas and built a grand enclosed city around them, adding the outer wall/moat and some of Angkor’s greatest temples including his state-temple, Bayon, set at the center of the city.
There are five entrances (gates) to the city, one for each cardinal point, and the victory gate leading to the Royal Palace area. Each gate is crowned with 4 giant faces. The South Gate is often the first stop on a tour.
See also; Top 10 ancient wonders of the world.
The Acropolis hill
The Acropolis hill, so called the “Sacred Rock” of Athens, is the most important site of the city and constitutes one of the most recognizable monuments of the world. It is the most significant reference point of ancient Greek culture, as well as the symbol of the city of Athens itself as it represent the apogee of artistic development in the 5th century BC.
During Perikles’ Golden Age, ancient Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its ground.
The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a famous monument, landmark and tourist attraction erected in memory of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China. It is located in Taipei, Republic of China (ROC).
The monument, surrounded by a park, stands at the east end of Memorial Hall Square. The structure is framed on the north and south by the National Theater and National Concert Hall.
See also; Top 10 best places to visit in China.
The Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is located in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is named after Mount Potalaka, the mythical abode of Chenresig or Avalokitesvara. The Potala Palace was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India, during the 1959 Tibetan uprising.
Lozang Gyatso, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, started the construction of the Potala Palace in 1645 after one of his spiritual advisers, Konchog Chophel (d. 1646), pointed out that the site was ideal as a seat of government, situated as it is between Drepung and Sera monasteries and the old city of Lhasa. It may overlay the remains of an earlier fortress, called the White or Red Palace, on the site built by Songtsen Gampo in 637. Today, the Potala Palace is a museum.
Liberty Enlightening the World
The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is an historical mosque in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire (from 1453 to 1923). The mosque is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior.
It was built from 1609 to 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I. Like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a madrasah and a hospice. While still used as a mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has also become a popular tourist attraction. See also; Top 10 of the most beautiful mosques in the world.
FAQs
Which is the largest cultural monument of the world? ›
The Great Wall of China, a massive fortification structure that became the monument of Chinese civilization.
Where is the most famous monument in the world? ›- Forbidden City, Beijing, China. The most visited monument in Asia, as well as in the world.
- St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
- Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France.
- Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C., U.S.
- Colosseum, Rome, Italy.
- Parthenon, Athens, Greece.
- Eiffel Tower, Paris, France.
- Taj Mahal, Agra, India.
A monument is a large structure, usually made of stone, which is built to remind people of an event in history or of a famous person. This monument was built in memory of the soldiers who died in the war.
What is famous in the world? ›1. The Statue of Liberty, New York, USA. Is there any landmark more famous in the world than the Statue of Liberty in New York?
Which is the important monument in the history of world? ›Taj Mahal is declared as one of the 7 Wonders of the world. Located on the banks of river Yamuna, this ivory-white marble mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz. It is a monument of true love as the imperial court depicts the grief of Shah Jahan over Mumtaz's death.
Which city has most monuments? ›Delhi is the place with maximum number of monuments present in India. Some of them include Lal Bangla, The Moti Gate, Lal Gumbad, Ashoka'a pillar, Delhi Gate, Lal Darwaza, taj mahal etc.
What is a landmark for Class 3? ›A landmark is an object or a feature of a landscape or town that has importance or makes a place easily recognizable.
What are the most visited national monuments? ›Mount Rushmore
With nearly three million visitors per year, the site rivals the Statue of Liberty at the top of the nation's most iconic monuments.
Most recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the famous Indian monuments include the beautiful Taj Mahal, the sacred Golden Temple and the cultural site, Hawa Mahal. Discover and experience the magnificent insights into India's rich heritage and ancient architecture.
Which monument is the most visited tourist attraction in the world? ›The Forbidden City in Beijing, China, is by far the most visited momument - or touristic site with cultural or historical significance - in the world.
What are the five monument of India? ›
The top five monuments in India are Taj Mahal, Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Gateway of India, and Charminar. All these monuments are known for their architectural brilliance.
Which was the first monument of India? ›...
List of Monuments: Summarised.
Detailed Solution. The Correct Answer is Ajanta Caves. The Ajanta Caves are approximately 30 stone-cut Buddhist cave monuments dated from the 2nd century BC to around 480 BC in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra State of India.
What is a monument in history class 7? ›Hint: A monument is defined as a structure which is built in memory or honour of a person. It is also built in order to maintain the relevance of a group or community due to their cultural heritage., artistic or historical value.
What is source Class 6 history? ›Explanation: Historic sources can be divided into archaeological sources and literary sources. Archaeological sources include artefacts, monuments, coins and inscriptions. Literary sources include written records of the past, also known as manuscripts.
Why do we need to study history class 6? ›Studying history helps us understand how events in the past made things the way they are today. With lessons from the past, we not only learn about ourselves and how we came to be, but also develop the ability to avoid mistakes and create better paths for our societies.
Is India famous in world? ›According to the latest research, India ranks second in the world's most popular countries that people want to visit, beating popular destinations such as Greece and Japan. Check out the full list below!
Which is the best place in world? ›- South Island, New Zealand.
- Paris.
- Maui.
- Bora Bora.
- Tahiti.
- London.
- Rome.
- Turks & Caicos.
Dating back to 3600 BC and 700 BC, the Megalithic Temples of Malta are considered to be the oldest free-standing structures on earth.
Why is India called the land of monuments? ›India is called the land of monuments because many monuments are found here. Millions of tourists come to India to see the beauty of these monuments. There are eight wonders of the world. Taj Mahal is one of them.
Which is first historical place in world? ›
Great Sphinx of Giza
The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt, built-in 2500 BC during the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, lies on the Giza plateau directly in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza.
National monument of India - India Gate.
Is Temple a monument? ›Examples of monuments include statues, (war) memorials, historical buildings, archeological sites, and cultural assets. A temple (from the Latin word templum) is a building reserved for religious or spiritual rituals and activities such as prayer and sacrifice.
What are natural landmarks Grade 4? ›Natural landmarks include rivers, lakes, mountains, and deserts. Some natural landmarks are so impressive that in order to ensure that they are preserved for generations to come, they are protected in national parks.
What is natural national? ›National Natural Landmarks are nationally significant sites owned by a variety of land stewards, and their participation in this federal program is voluntary. The legislative authority for the National Natural Landmarks Program stems from the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666, 16 U.S.C.
Why are landmarks important in history? ›Old buildings are witnesses to the aesthetic and cultural history of a city, helping to give people a sense of place and connection to the past. Historic buildings often represent something famous or important to people who live in a city or those visiting.
What was the first national monument? ›Due in large part to the influence of Mondell, President Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed Devils Tower as the first national monument on September 24, 1906.
Which is the most visited monument in India? ›One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal in Agra is among the most visited monuments on the planet.
Why are national monuments important? ›“National monuments protect important historic and cultural resources, while also providing some spectacular outdoor recreational opportunities,” says Walls. “According to my research, these benefits have outweighed any costs.
Who is the famous place of India? ›1. The Taj Mahal, Agra. Perhaps India's most recognizable building, the Taj Mahal is also the world's most famous testimony to the power of love.
Which is the famous historical place? ›
Famous Historical Places in India
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Fatehpur Sikri, Hawa Mahal, Victoria Mahal, Humayun's Tomb, Khajuraho Temples, Jallianwala Bagh, Sanchi Stupa, Meenakshi Amman Temple, Golden Temple, Elephanta Caves, and many more.
Paris, France: "One of the most iconic cities in the world, Paris tops many people's bucket lists. You'll see so many famous landmarks here: the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame cathedral—the list is never-ending."
Which is the most visited place in world? ›Synopsis. The Golden Temple has recently been declared the most visited place in the world. The glorious declaration came after London based organisation, World Book of Records verified this record.
What's the most visited city in the world? ›This famous capital city in Thailand ranks as the top-visited city in the world. Bangkok welcomed 22 million visitors in 2021! Imagine 22 million people flocking to one city, crazy! This is the 5th time Bangkok has ranked at the number one spot.
What are the 116 monuments India? ›...
Let us now see some of the important Indian Monuments and their features.
- Taj Mahal. ...
- Red Fort. ...
- Qutub Minar. ...
- Golconda Fort. ...
- Ellora and Ajanta Caves. ...
- Konark Sun Temple. ...
- Iron Pillar. ...
- Safdar Jang Tomb.
- Upright Monuments. Upright monuments are the most common style of headstones, nowadays and historically. ...
- Slant Style Monuments. ...
- Footmarker Style Monuments. ...
- Garden Statues. ...
- Granite Memorial Benches. ...
- Columbaria and Mausoleums.
Historic monuments are fixed assets that are identifiable because of particular historic, national, regional, local, religious or symbolic significance; they are usually accessible to the general public, and visitors are often charged for admission to the monuments or their vicinity.
Who made India Gate? ›The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and it was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added much later, after India got its independence.
How do you speak monuments in English? ›How to pronounce MONUMENT in British English - YouTube
Is Lotus temple is a monument? ›The Lotus Temple is arguably the only monument on the Delhi skyline that has an interesting architecture and is aesthetically stimulating and has been built post-Independence. The marvellous flower-like structure, located on the western bank of the Yamuna river, is one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Capital.
Who built this monument? ›
| Monuments | Constructed by | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Red Fort | Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan | Delhi |
| Taj Mahal | Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan | Agra, Uttar Pradesh |
| Konark Sun Temple | Narasimhadeva I (Eastern Ganga Dynasty) | Konark, Odisha |
| Fatehpur Sikri | Mughal Emperor Akbar | Agra, UP |
The oldest monument of Delhi is in New Delhi
Qutub Minar is a beatiful example of Architecture from that period . It is a stunning minerate with its astronomical meanings and its a world heritage monument .
| Building | Country | First built |
|---|---|---|
| Pyramid of Teti | Egypt | c. 2330 BC |
| Labbacallee | Ireland | c. 2300 BC |
| Shimao | China (Shaanxi) | 2300–2000 BC |
| Pyramid of Merenre | Egypt | c. 2275 BC |
Taj Mahal is the most famous monument in India. Built by Shahjahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it is a symbol of undying love. It is also the second best UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Which is the most visited monument in India? ›One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal in Agra is among the most visited monuments on the planet.
Which monument is found in Kenya? ›Jomo Kenyatta Monument
This is arguably one of the best-known monuments in the country, having dotted the backs of the Kenyan currency for a very long time. The Jomo Kenyatta statue is an 80-year-old British sculptor's masterpiece by the name James Butler. It was sculpted in 1969 and unveiled in 1973.
File:La tour Eiffel - The most-visited paid monument in the world (22283531280).
Which is the first monument in India? ›| SNo | Name | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taj Mahal | 1648 |
| 2 | Hampi Monuments | 14th-16th century |
| 3 | Sun Temple | 13th century |
| 4 | Khajuraho Temples | 11th century |
Detailed Solution. The Correct Answer is Ajanta Caves. The Ajanta Caves are approximately 30 stone-cut Buddhist cave monuments dated from the 2nd century BC to around 480 BC in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra State of India.
Which is the No 1 tourist place in India? ›As it homes the world's most beautiful monument, Taj Mahal, it reigns supreme in the list of famous tourist places in India. This white falls in the list of Seven Wonders of the World. Agra city also includes places such as Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Akbar's tomb, Ram Bagh and Sikandra Fort.
Which is our national monument? ›
National monument of India - India Gate.
Which is the most visited place in the world? ›This famous capital city in Thailand ranks as the top-visited city in the world. Bangkok welcomed 22 million visitors in 2021! Imagine 22 million people flocking to one city, crazy! This is the 5th time Bangkok has ranked at the number one spot.
Which monument is found in Rwanda? ›Camp Belgian monument is found in Nyarungenge in Kigali Rwanda. The camp is place where the ten Belgian were massacred during the early days of the Rwandan genocide on the 7th of April 1994against the Tutsi, this were working with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda.
What monument is Sudan? ›Sudan's landmarks range from ancient monuments, such as the Pyramids of Meroe and the country's Meroitic temples, to the Red Sea coast, which extends over a distance of some 434 miles / 700 km.
What monument is South Sudan? ›John Garang Memorial
The memorial stands on the site of Garang's tomb, which was built at the highest point in the city of Juba.
The Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
The Lincoln Memorial is the nation's most visited monument, attracting over six million visitors annually.
Dating back to 3600 BC and 700 BC, the Megalithic Temples of Malta are considered to be the oldest free-standing structures on earth. The temples were built during three phases of cultural revolution – Ġgantija (3600-3200BC), Saflieni (3300-3000BC) and Tarxien (3150BC-2500BC).
What is the most visited monument in Europe? ›1. Eiffel Tower in Paris. Eiffel Tower welcomes almost 7 million people a year, making it the most visited paid-for monument in the world.