Architecture

Sunday, 3 May 2026
18 facts about Hagia Sophia
18 facts about Hagia Sophia
The most significant work of Byzantine architecture
The Hagia Sophia's Temple, now an Istanbul mosque, was initially built as the Church of Divine Wisdom. It was the highest-ranking temple in the Byzant ...

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Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal minarets lean slightly outwards.
The main reason was that in case of an earthquake, they would not fall on the mausoleum. The lean also creates an optical illusion, making the Taj Mahal look bigger from a distance.
Statue of Liberty
In the Statue's outstretched right hand is placed a torch, the flame of which is made of 24 karat gold.
The torch represents enlightenment and reveals the path to freedom from darkness. Hence the official name of the monument: La Liberté éclairant le monde, meaning Freedom Enlightening the World.
Arc de Triomphe
To get to the Arc de Triomphe's viewing platform, you have to climb 284 steps.
Mont Saint-Michel
In 1863 the prison was closed and the abbey passed into the hands of the Bishop of Coutances.
In 1879, the causeway was fortified, so that Mont Saint-Michel ceased to be an island and became a promontory jutting out to sea.
Brandenburg Gate
During his visit to Berlin on June 12, 1987, US President Ronald Reagan said: "Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this Wall!”
Krak des Chevaliers
The outer walls are connected to their inner zone by a sloping stone ramp in the form of a corridor, and numerous openings provide ventilation and natural lighting.
There was a deep moat in the Zwinger (an open area between two defensive walls), which is now filled in and only partially filled with water.
Empire State Building
The cost of erecting the skyscraper is estimated at 24.7 million dollars.
Statue of Liberty
There are 25 windows in the crown of the Statue of Liberty, symbolizing gemstones.
The following stones are: Alexandrite Amethyst Aquamarine Citrine Diamond Emerald Jade Garnet Lapis ...
Palais Garnier
The opera house was built between 1861 and 1875.
The author of the project and the person who supervised the construction was French architect Charle ...
Colosseum
It was constructed for the emperor Vespasian as a gift for the Roman people.
By the time of Vespasian's death in 79 AD, three stories of the construction were completed. The who ...