Photo by Rafael Jiménez
Throughout the ages, man has been using architecture to bridge the gaps between physical obstacles, for the purpose of providing an easy passage. Most of these bridges are also regarded as landmarks and are a vital part of the infrastructures of regions around the world. Some have even become city icons because of their influence and engineering wonder. Below is a list of the most famous bridges in the world.
Photo by Scott Ableman
Many remote islands around the world have some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world. Some have species of plants and animals that are not found anywhere else and which have evolved in a specialized way. Because these islands provide a shelter from the fierce competition that species face on the mainland, species will develop that take advantage of these rare conditions. As a legacy of a unique evolutionary history, these ecosystems are irreplaceable treasures of nature. This list features some of the world’s most unique island ecosystems.
Photo by papalars
There are some amazing feats of architecture in our world – not just single beautiful buildings, but entire towns built on the tops of towering cliffs or carved into the sides of mountains. The first glimpse of towns like this can take your breath away. You could get that same thrill when looking out from one of these towns to the ocean or the earth far below. Here are some perfect examples of the world’s most interesting city cliffs.
Photo by reurinkjan
The sport of mountain climbing was born in 1760, when a young Genevese scientist, Horace-Benedict de Saussure, offered prize money for the first person to reach the summit of Mount Blanc, Europe’s tallest peak. But long before that time humans have been climbing mountains for the challenge it poses. Or “because it’s there” as English mountaineer George Mallory famously replied when he was asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest. A few months later he disappeared on the way to the summit.
Some of the mountains on this list still provide a great challenge for the professional mountaineer. Others can be visited more easily by foot or cableway. But all of them can be appreciated from a safe distance providing magnificent vistas and spectacular scenery.
Photo by quinet
The earliest lists of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were made more than 2,000 years ago by ancient Hellenic tourists. Except for the Great Pyramid of Giza those wonders no longer exist. They were destroyed by earthquakes, fires and in one case by an angry mob. Many lists of wonders have been made since than. Today we list our selection of 10 wonders of the world.
Photo by Fr Antunes
The most famous fairytale castles are probably the ones that originate from legends and myths. Well known examples are King Arthur’s Camelot and the Cinderella and Sleeping Beaty castles that can be found in several theme parks around the world. This list contains their real world counterparts and source of inspiration. These real fairytale castles are just as magical and most are associated with stories and fairy tales of their own.
Photo by F H Mira
Walls have been built since ancient times, to mark borders, to keep enemies out or to keep people in. In more recent times walls have also been built to serve as memorials and structures of art. But no matter what purpose they surve, walls dominate the landscape wherever they stand.
Photo by qalinx
A temple is roughly defined as a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities . Temples have been built throughout the ages and many new ones open their doors every year. The Akshardham Temple in New Delhi built in 2008 and the White Temple in Chiang Rai which is still under construction are just two recent examples. The ancient temples on this list however were built millenniums ago by people who’s religion and believe system are nog longer practised. These buildings are among the oldest man made structures found on earth. They surve as a testimony to the gods and deities of cultures and civilizations long gone.
Photo by Mrs Logic
Rock-cut architecture is the practice of creating a structure by carving it out of solid natural rock. There are many examples of work of this kind, often done on a grand scale and involving intensive labour. The rock cut temples and tombs listed here are among the most amazing and beautiful buildings in the world.
Photo by Birchster
Volcanoes have long been a source of myths and legens. To ancient cultures, volcanoes’ power could only be explained as acts of gods or demigods. We now know that volcanoes are in fact the result of the tectonic movements of the Earth’s crust. But although we understand their inner workings they still represent a force of nature that can be intimidating and bewildering. Here is our list of the most amazing volcanoes in the world.
