Incredible Buildings To Visit Around The World
By SHANDLEY MCMURRAY
Three groups of sail-shaped "shells" form the unique roof of this building, with terraces jutting out below to take in the stunning harbor and city views.
Sydney Opera House
Essentially a large sculpture, this remarkable structure was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and sits on the tip of Bennelong Point, a headland in Sydney Harbor.
Inside, you'll find seven performance venues ranging from a 544-seat Drama Theatre to the majestic Concert Hall and open-air venues that can host thousands of guests.
Built in honor of emperor Shah Jahan's wife and now their tomb, this spectacular building in Agra, India, is one of the world's most photographed monuments.
Taj Mahal
Although it is yellowing with age due to construction, pollution, and insect excrement, the Taj Mahal is still beautiful enough to make your heart skip a beat upon seeing it.
Expect to deal with large crowds; there are separate entry lines for foreigners and locals. Children under 15 are free, and tickets are only available online.
In the mid-1500s, Ivan the Terrible (Tsar Ivan IV) commissioned Moscow's most famous building to commemorate his victory over the Tatars.
St. Basil's Cathedral
Each of its eight onion-shaped domes contains a small chapel, with another topped by the central bell tower, giving the Red Square building a candy-like appearance.
Inside holds a treasure trove of intricate details, painted icons, frescoes, and hidden staircases. Tickets currently cost $7 to $10, depending on the time of year.
Designed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, the iconic spires of this beloved Roman Catholic cathedral in Barcelona, Spain, stand 558 feet tall.
Sagrada Familia Basilica
The innate beauty of its intricate details is mesmerizing, like the giant columns formed from volcanic rock, an apse containing seven chapels, and the Sagrada Familia crypt.
There are remarkable stained glass windows and captivating carved ceilings. Buy tickets in advance to see these inner gems, especially if you're hoping to climb into the spires.
Towering over 2,710 feet above the fascinating desert city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, this glimmering skyscraper is the world's tallest building.
Burj Khalifa
Resembling a needle and with the highest outdoor observation deck in the world, it has, unsurprisingly, the world's tallest elevator to the top.
The world's tallest performing fountain is at the foot of the tower in the 30-acre Burj Lake. Book dinner at one of the fountain-view restaurants to enjoy the nightly water show.