Since humans first started settling down after figuring out agriculture, our first instinct was to build. We constructed everything from huge cities, with hundreds of homes for a growing population, walls to protect those homes from wildlife or invaders, and even means of transportation, like chariots and ships.
However, the most jaw-droppingly glorious of our structures have to be our monuments. Whether it be an ornate palace like the Taj Mahal, a well-crafted piece of infrastructure like the Golden Gate Bridge, or even a large symbol, like the Washington Monument, monuments seek to impress their beholders.
Here's a look at 5 really awesome monuments that will leave you in awe!
1. Kilwa Kisiwani
https://www.exploretanzania.com/destinations/kilwa/
Starting off our list is the ruined palace of Kilwa Kisiwani, capital of the Kilwa Sultanate. It is located in current day Tanzania, on the eastern coast of Africa. Kilwa became a very powerful city-state over the course of several centuries, growing incredibly prosperous due to plentiful trade from across the Indian Ocean being directed to East African ports such as Kilwa.
While the palace itself has been worn down over several centuries, it is still an interesting look at the unique and often overlooked history and cultures of East Africa. Kilwa Kisiwani specifically has a very cool architectural caveat, which is the fact that its central mosque was originally built from coral! Kilwa Kisiwani is a fascinating monument that deserves some more recognition by those who love to travel.
2. The Motherland Calls
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Motherland_Calls
Our second monument is the largest statue in Europe, known as "The Motherland Calls". Located in the Russian city of Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad), the statue is one of three constructed to commemorate the Soviet soldiers who fought against the Nazis in World War II. The first statue is located in Magnitogorsk and depicts a worker forging a sword and handing it to a warrior; the second statue in the series is the Motherland Calls, which depicts a warrior woman symbolizing 'Mother Russia' raising the sword in battle; the third statue is in Berlin, depicting a warrior laying down the sword after winning the war.
The Motherland Calls is the most iconic party of the triptych and its location at Volgograd is especially significant since the Battle of Stalingrad is widely considered the turning point of World War II. All in all, the Motherland Calls is a monument with powerful symbolism and impressive architecture to match.
3. The Forbidden City
RBTH Travel
The Forbidden City lies at the heart of Beijing and is one of the most iconic pieces of Chinese architecture. Commissioned by the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century, the Forbidden City is a massive imperial complex that symbolized the extreme power and wealth of the Chinese Empire.
The Forbidden City is named as such because it was closed off to almost the entire population of China, with only the most influential elites being allowed to enter portions of the City at the discretion of the Emperor; only the Emperor had the freedom to enter anywhere in the City at will. Nowadays, the Forbidden City houses no emperors, but rather serves as a museum with several collections of Chinese art that are visited by millions of tourists each year.
While its purpose may have changed over the years, the Forbidden City still serves as an impressive showcase of the incredible culture and history of China.
4. The Colossus of Rhodes
Greece High Definition Blog
Unfortunately enough for all the Hellenophiles in the room, the Colossus of Rhodes no longer exists. One of the 'Seven Wonders of the Ancient World', it was destroyed by an earthquake millennia ago. In spite of its long-forgotten destruction, descriptions of the massive bronze statue survive and have allowed artists to create their own takes of what the Colossus would have looked like. It was an impressive statue of a man, his legs stretched over the entry to the port of Rhodes so that all ships coming in or out would have to pass beneath the great statue.
Considering the Colossus was built before anything remotely resembling modern construction equipment, its construction shows us a lot about the ingenuity and capability of humanity to create astonishing works of art.
5. Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Elite Travel, Istanbul Guide
Rounding out our list is the second most famous mosque in the world, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul. Often overshadowed by its counterpart, the Hagia Sofia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque often goes undiscussed. However, it is a beautiful and grand piece of architecture, showcasing the creativity and unique culture of the Ottoman Empire when it was built.
Another name for the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is simply 'the Blue Mosque', called as such due to its entire interior being made from blue stones and stained glass. Its color is so unique that it is in fact the reason we have a word for the color turquoise! French visitors to Istanbul had never seen such a color of stone before and referred to it only as 'the Turkish stone', or 'la pierre turquoise', which eventually was shortened down to just 'turquoise'.
The beauty and unique insight into the culture of the Ottoman Empire make this site a must-see if you ever visit Istanbul!
