Must-See Historic Structures That Took Hundreds Of Years To Build, According To Travelers

Throughout history, humans have built some pretty impressive things. But no matter how big, complex, or unusual, most structures only take a few years or decades to build. For instance, despite the lack of modern technology, the Great Pyramids of Giza were constructed in only 20 to 30 years. From the Taj Mahal to the Palace of Versailles to the Panama Canal, many beloved structures have taken less than a few decades at most to build. But, of course, there are some exceptions.

Some human-built structures have taken not years, not decades, but centuries to build. Some may be lost to time or not open to visitors, but many can be admired or even explored. Using our own experiences as well as reviews from fellow travelers across the World Wide Web, we've come up with a list of magical structures that took hundreds of years to build — and are definitely worth a visit.

You can't see the Great Wall of China from space, but it's easy to understand why people might believe that. At 13,171 miles long, it's the longest structure ever built by humans. Construction on the Great Wall began sometime in the third century B.C. and finished in the 17th century A.D., a span of nearly 2,000 years. This also makes the Great Wall of China the human-made structure that likely took the longest to build. Like many structures on this list, the Great Wall wasn't built all at once but over a (very long) span of time. This means it features architectural details from different periods of history.

You could spend months hiking the Great Wall or just visit a section for a day. Either way, you'll likely have an incredible experience, as its high rating on numerous tourism sites and constant presence on travel bucket lists attest. There are various ways to access the Great Wall. The most common is a day trip from Beijing to nearby sections like Mutianyu, which can be reached via public transit or tour booking. Other parts of the wall, like the Jiankou section, can be explored for free. These are unrestored sections that involve hiking prowess to reach and climb. Admission prices vary depending on the section of the Wall, and prices are often free or reduced for children under a certain age or height, so research before you go.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is actually a bell tower for the beautiful Pisa Cathedral beside it. But it became a legend when, just a few years after its construction began in 1173, it was noticeably leaning due to the unstable soil beneath it. The following two centuries would bring different attempts to straighten the tower and a lengthy struggle to complete it. It was finished in 1372 but has still not been straightened. By the late 20th century, it had to undergo extensive work to keep it standing.

Seeing this iconic tower in person will help you appreciate its charming architectural details, like the arcades surrounding it like lace. Taking a photo where you look like you're propping it up might be a little corny, but it's also fun — and will give you a cool souvenir for years to come. Plus, if you like people-watching, observing other visitors positioning themselves to get their shots makes for a pretty good time.

Visitors aged 8 and older can climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but capacity is limited, so reserve in advance. The climb is via a spiral staircase inside the tower, not the external arcade, but there are a few spots to stop and take in the view courtesy of the occasional window, as well as at the top. But the real experience is that you'll actually feel the famous lean, making for a totally unique and unforgettable experience.

Towering over the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, El Castillo Pyramid (also called the Temple of Kukulcan) is a marvelous step-pyramid whose interesting architectural details come to life when you see it in person. Unlike many other sites on our list, El Castillo is difficult to date. This is because archeologists have found that it's actually made up of the pyramid we see, plus two others in its interior, one inside the other. The entire structure could have been built and added to from around A.D. 550 (for the inner pyramids) until around A.D. 1300 — a whopping 750 years.

Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is a fascinating place. The Mayans aligned many of its structures with the sun or other cosmic features. El Castillo itself is also a sort of calendar, with the steps on each of its sides adding up to 365, the number of days of the year. The temple aligns with the sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes so that it looks like the serpent god Quetzalcóatl is slithering down the north steps. It's easy to understand why Tripadvisor reviewers call it "outstanding," "impressive," and "magnificent." Fortunately, there are many options for getting to Chichén Itzá, and the site is a great day trip from Cancùn.

Some of the most impressive structures built by humans aren't visible at street level. That's the case for the London Underground, whose 250-and-growing miles of tunnels stretch beneath the English capital and its suburbs. Creating an underground transportation system is a complex undertaking, making it even more impressive that the Tube's (as almost everyone calls it) first line was opened all the way back in 1863, after only three years of construction. The Tube is the world's oldest underground public transit system, and since its inauguration, it has been under nearly constant construction in one way or another — new lines being added, new stations being built, and even small details like the Underground's famous map, being created and modified.

No public transportation works perfectly all the time – there will always be delays and unexpected issues. But most visitors to London appreciate the Tube, finding it relatively efficient and easy to use, although it never hurts to peruse a guide or two first. Visitors who want to experience even more of the Tube should consider making a stop at the London Transport Museum, which also organizes Hidden London tours, allowing visitors exclusive access to "behind the scenes" locations in certain stations.

The exact date varies depending on the source, but it's generally agreed that construction on York Minster Cathedral began between 1220 and 1230 and finished in 1472. The cathedral's website says that work on York Minster actually began in 1080, which would mean it took 392 years to build, not the usually accepted 250 or so. Regardless of how long it took to build, York Minster is impressive, with its central tower rising over the gorgeous English city of York. At 235 feet, with a length of about 524 feet, this is one of the largest Gothic churches in the world.

In addition to its imposing architecture, York Minster is famous for its stained glass windows, many of which date to the Middle Ages. Some of these are also gigantic. The Great East Window, for instance, is the largest surface area of medieval glass in the entire country. It measures 78 feet tall — the size of a tennis court! But York Minster isn't just about size; its architecture and windows are genuinely beautiful, and if you visit when one of its renowned choirs is singing, that beauty seems accentuated. Visitors leave the Minster impressed and awestruck, a truly breathtaking experience. Most visitors agree that while admission to York Minster is pricey, it's worth the splurge.

One evening in 1926, celebrated architect Antoni Gaudí left his Barcelona studio located beside the basilica he'd designed and whose construction he was overseeing, stepped into the street, and was tragically hit by a tram. At the time of Gaudí's death, the Sagrada Família was less than 25% complete. His assistants continued his work, and other architects took it up as the years passed. The Sagrada Família was no small project, and the destruction of many of Gaudí's plans and models during the Spanish Civil War complicated things. Today, nearly a century after Gaudí's death and more than 140 after the start of construction in 1882, the Sagrada Família still isn't finished. Experts hoped it would be completed by the centennial of Gaudí's passing, but the project might have to go on for another few decades.

The Sagrada Família may be a long project, but it's worth it. The church is unique, a thrilling mix of Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture. When you visit it, you're surrounded by the bizarre vegetal forms Gaudí was known for, and your gaze is directed inevitably upward by dramatic lines, a goal of Gothic architecture embraced by this eccentric modern genius. It makes for an otherworldly feeling that everyone should experience. Tickets are pricey for most (although children and seniors can get free or reduced admission), but they'll take you to a breathtaking, weird place unlike any other on Earth.