Countries are defined in many ways, one of which are the landmarks that make these areas memorable. Global property platform Lamudi takes a look at some of the most famous landmarks across the globe, and what they represent.
The White House – America
The White House is world-renowned as the heart of the American political landscape. As the residence and office of the President of the United States of America, the White House has been the building that has most shaped the U.S. position in the international community as well as in world history. Designed by Irish-born James Hoban and completed in 1800, this masterpiece of neoclassical architecture was set ablaze by the British Army in 1814. Reconstruction was completed in 1817, and in 1901 the West Wing was completed.
The Palace of Versailles in France
In 1624, the King of France, Louis XIII, ordered the construction of a small lodge to be used for hunting and recreational purposes. More than a hundred years later, the modest hunting lodge had been transformed into perhaps the most impressive residence in the world, with Louis XV adding an Opera and Petit Trianon towards the end of his reign in 1789.
Prague Castle in Czech Republic
Named in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world, the official home and place of work of the President of the Czech Republic measures a staggering 70,000 square meters.
Fort Santiago in the Philippines
The city of Manila was founded under Spanish rule in June 1571, but severely lacked any kind of fortified protection until Gomez Dasmarinas ordered the construction of Fort Santiago in 1590. Serving as the primary defense for the Spanish invaders against indigenes and foreigners, the fort was improved, and in 1714, an astounding ornate gate was added alongside military barracks.
Machu Picchu in Peru
Nestled in the iconic landscape of the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu stands as perhaps the greatest architectural achievement of the 15th century. Testimony to the Inca Empire’s extraordinary historical legacy, Machu Picchu rests 2,430m above sea-level, deep into the heart of the tropical mountain forest.
El Castillo in Mexico
Dominating the skyline of Chichen Itza, ‘El Castillo’ served as a key religious site to the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, which inhabited the Yucatan state of Mexico between the ninth and 12th century. Measuring an impressive 24 meters in height and 55 meters across, ‘El Castillo’ gives us a fascinating glimpse into the unique worldview of an exceptional civilization.
Texas School Book Depository in the U.S.
Although the renown of this building is negligible compared to others on this list, the Texas School Book Depository has played a crucial role in the run of modern world history. On November 22, 1963, on the sixth floor of the Depository, Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that assassinated the President of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy. Now, a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, it is still in use as an administrative building for Dallas County.
Robben Island in South Africa
Robben Island has played a pivotal role in South African and world history. Constructed in the 17th century, Robben Island has served as a prison and military base at various points, and in the middle-to-late 20th century held Nelson Mandela, as well as other important freedom fighters, incarcerated within its walls. Since Mandela regained his freedom, and South Africa was freed from the blight of the Apartheid regime, the prison has become a symbol for the triumph of democracy and freedom throughout the world.
Petra in Jordan
Constructed sometime between 400 B.C. and A.D. 106, Petra stands as the definitive, awe-inspiring monument to the achievements of the Nabataean empire. Petra’s historical significance stems from its role as perhaps the most important trading center in the Nabataean, Byzantine and Roman periods, providing a place for Chinese, Arab, and Roman traders to exchange produce, ideas and cultures.
About Lamundi
Launched in 2013,Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 32 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 800,000 real estate listings across its global network. The leading real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online.