Landmarks offer rich history and images of a past rife with violence and beauty as well as important lessons that teach us how to conduct ourselves in the present and in the future. Not only are landmarks places that people go to learn about the past but they go to learn about their past, and the history of humanity and the richness of its offerings.
The Great Pyramids of Giza come as no surprise as they are still the most mysterious and vast creations known to humankind, with the world still stumped as to how the thousand ton stones were hauled into place with such intricacy and care.
The Statue of Liberty has long since been a beacon of hope and opportunity to immigrants both in the past as well as for the future. Holding a tablet bearing the date of July fourth, Independence Day, she holds a rich history of pride and patriotism and measures at a whopping 305 feet 1 inch (93 meters) tall.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France is known for the many marriage proposals that are held beneath or atop the elegant and rather industrial looking tower. In the city of lights, as well as romance, many climb this tower to see a breathtaking view of Paris and its entire romantic splendor.
The Great Wall of China is over five thousand kilometers long and over twenty-five feet tall which helps it hold the record for the largest building construction ever completed. Many come to marvel at its beauty as well as its girth and stature in the world.
Grand Canyon, Arizona is one of the most visited landmarks in the world with over five million visitors tallied in 2004, which has a lengthy history spanning back ten thousand years when the rock layers began to form and change along with the cultures that lived around and in the canyon like the Pueblo peoples 900 years ago.
The Roman Coliseum is rife with a violent and exhibitionist past where gladiators would fight to the death against hungry lions for all of Rome’s delight. It exists as a ruin and is no longer used as the oval stadium it was popular for but it boasts impressive architecture that is a delight for tourists.
Taj Mahal, Agra, India is a testament to love and devotion in every detail of its architectural beauty. Emperor Shah Jehan built this wonder for his wife, Arjuman Banu Begum as a monument of his steadfast and unconditional love for her.
Niagara Falls, Ontario is a spectacular view of nature as a force of beauty and wonder. A tourist attraction at best, this landmark also boasts a popular honeymoon spot including one for Marilyn Monroe back in 1953.
The Empire State Building celebrated its seventy-fifth year after President Roosevelt unveiled its luminosity in 1931.
Big Ben, London is often mistaken for a big clock, rather it is a 13-ton bell located at Westminster that symbolizes constancy and measurement not to mention a beautiful sound.
