Architecture has come a long way. With every passing year, amazing new creations are being added to the list of buildings that have already enthralled people all over the world. Some buildings are complex structures while the others are just basic shapes. However, each building has a charm of its own.
Vacation Homes, a realty listing site has compiled a list of the favorite and most popular buildings of the world:
Burj Al Arab, Dubai: Leading the pack of the most popular buildings is the famous "Burj Al Arab" hotel in Dubai. The luxury hotel is the fourth tallest hotel in the world and towers high at 321 meters. The most attractive feature of the hotel is- it stands on an artificial island, which is around 280 meters away from the coast of Jumeirah beach. The building is shaped like a ship's sail and the white structure reflects the sunrise and the sunset beautifully.
Sydney Opera House, Australia: The Sydney opera House comes in second with its wonderful multiple hoods. The building was included in the UNESCO world heritage sites in 2007 and is one of the most prestigious performing arts centers of the world. Located at the north-eastern tip of Sydney Central Business District, it is surrounded by harbors on three sides and the Royal Botanic gardens on the inland side. The 65 meter building sports an Opera, a drama theater and a concert hall as well.
Taj Mahal, India: The famous marble epitome of love, located in the city of Agra, India, fares third in the list. Declared as one of the "Wonders of the world", the mausoleum is considered to be one of the finest creations of Mughal architecture. The mausoleum features intricate stone carvings, calligraphy and captures the mystic Islamic culture beautifully. The central dome of the building rises around 170 meters above the ground and is surrounded by four minarets each taller than 40 meters of height. It is also surrounded by sprawling gardens and sits along the banks of river Yamuna.
The Empire State Building, U.S.: Undoubtedly, The Empire State Building is the most loved and cherished construction of America. Coming in fourth in the list of the most-popular, the building is located in the heart of Manhattan. The 450-meter-high building comprises of many visiting decks that tourists flock to view the sunrise and sunset. Its antenna captures the skyline of New York City and gives a scenic view of the area.
Big Ben, U.K: The great clock tower at the northern end of Westminster Palace in London, U.K. comes in fifth on the most popular list. It was officially titled "The Elizabeth Tower" and is the largest four faced clock with a bell. It is the third tallest free standing clock tower. A spiraling inside staircase leads you to the top of the tower from where a great view of the cityscape of London can be enjoyed.
The complete list of the most popular buildings of the world can be found at Vacation Homes.
