The Groundbreaking Sagrada Familia
Antoni Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece in Barcelona blends Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. Its construction began in 1882 and may finish by 2026, a century after Gaudí's passing. It's funded solely by private donations, a testament to enduring appeal.
Bhutan's Gravity-Defying Monastery
Perched on a cliff, Paro Taktsang or 'Tiger’s Nest' is a sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site. Built in 1692, the monastery defies gravity and modern construction logic, being anchored into the cliffside without the aid of modern machinery.
Innovative Ancient Roman Concrete
The Pantheon, a 2nd-century Roman temple, boasts the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. Ancient Romans created a durable mix of volcanic ash and lime, which strengthens over time. Modern concrete pales in comparison to its longevity.
Underwater City: Shi Cheng
China's Shi Cheng, submerged under Qiandao Lake, was deliberately flooded in 1959 for a hydroelectric power station. Also known as the 'Lion City', it dates back to the Eastern Han Dynasty and is remarkably well-preserved underwater.
Chand Baori’s Mathematical Precision
In India, the Chand Baori stepwell combines utility with aesthetics. Built around the 8th-9th centuries, its 3,500 narrow steps form a precise geometrical pattern and descend 20 meters, demonstrating the ingenuity of early water management systems.
Mysterious Nazca Lines
Peru's Nazca Lines, large geoglyphs etched into the desert, remain an archaeological enigma. Created by the Nazca culture between 500 BCE and 500 CE, they range from simple lines to intricate animal figures, best viewed from the air.
Revolutionary Eiffel Tower
Completed in 1889 for the Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower in Paris was initially criticized for its design. Today, it's a global icon, standing as a testament to the potential of iron and the boldness of architectural vision.
When did Sagrada Familia construction start?
1882, funded by private donations
1902, funded by the state
1926, after Gaudí's death
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