By Kristie Lewis

Architecture always has been and always will be one of the greatest accomplishments of humanity. It not only serves a function, but comes to reflect the sensibilities and aesthetics of the culture surrounding it as well. The following buildings, arranged chronologically by date of completion, stand as pillars of human artistic and engineering innovation and remain must-sees for anyone who enjoys studying, photographing, or simply soaking in the wonder that the greatest works of architecture inherently contain. Up to the 11th Century 1. Çatal Höyük (7500 BCE thru 5700 BCE) Location: Çatal Höyük, Anatolia, Turkey As the oldest and largest Neolithic settlement discovered to date, Çatal Höyük is significant not only for fans of architecture, but anyone wanting a broader understanding of human history as well. 2. Great Sphinx of Giza (2555-2532? BCE) Location: Giza, Egypt Not a building so much as a massive and imposing statue, the Great Sphinx of Giza stands constant guard in front of Khafra’s Pyramid. 3. Great Pyramids of Giza (2551 BCE) Location: Giza, Egypt Even those not interested in architecture in and of itself can appreciate the three stunning, word-famous pyramids that comprise the necropolis. 4. Medinet Habu (circa 1143 BCE) Location: Luxor, Egypt Ramesses III constructed Medinet Habu as a mortuary temple to celebrate his reign as Pharaoh, decorating it with reliefs depicting his defeat of the Sea Peoples. 5. Roman Forum (circa 600 BCE) Location: Rome, Italy This complex acted as the social, political, religious, and economic center of the Roman Empire, with a number of amazing ancient structures for architecture fans to explore. 6. Parthenon (432 BCE) Location: Athens, Greece This majestic shrine to the goddess of wisdom, Athena, sits atop the Athenian Acropolis and exists as one of the best surviving examples of Doric architecture. 7. Erechtheum (407 BCE) Location: Athens, Greece Sitting atop the Acropolis alongside the Parthenon, the Erechtheum once served as a temple to Poseidon Erechtheus and Athena Polias. 8. Collosseum (80 CE) Location: Rome, Italy One of the most iconic images of Italy, the Collosseum is the largest amphitheatre ever constructed during the Roman Empire. 9. Pantheon (126 CE) Location: Rome, Italy Marcus Agrippa constructed the Pantheon in dedication to all the gods of ancient Rome and serves as one of the greatest surviving Western temples. 10. Bassae (5th Century CE) Location: Messinia Prefecture, Greece Also referred to as Temple of Apollo Epikourios dedicated to the “helper” quality of the sun god, UNESCO named the structure as the first Hellenic Heritage site because of its myriad unique qualities. 11. Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (5th Century CE) Location: Holy See, Rome, Italy One of the four ancient basilicas located in Rome, the stunning St. Paul Outside the Walls underwent a multitude of reconstructions up until 1823. 12. Tāq-i Kisrā (6th Century CE) Location: Salman Pak, Iraq Part of the Al-Mada'in complex, Tāq-i Kisrā once stood as the palace campus for Emperor Khosrau I and several of his successors. 13. Monastery of Temptation (circa 6th Century CE) Location: Jericho, West Bank, Palestine Situated above the cave traditionally considered the location where Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights while facing temptation from Satan, the monastic complex now serves as a haven for the Greek Orthodox Church in a troubled zone. 14. Aihole (First phase completed circa 6th Century CE) Location: Karnataka, India Aihole contains a number of temples, and many historians mark it as the definitive example of Hindu devotional architecture. 15. Songyue Pagoda (523 CE) Location: Mount Song, Henan Province, China Architects, historians, and archaeologists alike believe that the Songyue Pagoda’s intriguing shape resulted from an attempt to marry traditionally straight-edged Chinese design with Indian Buddhism’s fondness for circles. 16. Hagia Sophia (537 CE) Location: Istanbul, Turkey Hagia Sophia served as the premiere mosque of Turkey for nearly 500 years and remains one of the best – and most influential – examples of surviving Byzantine architecture. 17. Monuments at Pattadakal (circa 8th Century CE) Location: Pattadakal, India The Monuments at Pattadakal hold UNESCO World Heritage status for their significance to Hinduism and Jainism as well as being one of the earliest examples of vesara style architecture. 18. Great Pyramid of Cholula (circa 9th Century CE) Location: Cholula, Puebla, Mexico Unlike the Egyptians, the Pre-Colombian civilizations of North America did not build their pyramids as tombs. However, they were utilized as monuments, and this one remains the largest in the world when it comes to mass and volume. 19. Great Mosque of Córdoba (987 CE) Location: Córdoba, Spain A triumph of Moorish architecture and design, the dramatic hallways of the former mosque now operate as a Roman Catholic church. 20. Sankore Madrasah (989 CE) Location: Timbuktu, Mali Once one of the most influential centers of Qu’ranic studies, Sankore Madrasah also provides architecture buffs with an excellent example of Muslim-inspired African design. 21. Pueblo de Taos (11th Century CE) Location: Taos, New Mexico, United States The main hub of the Taos peoples, this millennium-old adobe settlement offers a glimpse into American life before the arrival of the European colonists. 22. Château d'Amboise (11th Century CE) Location: Amboise, France The eclectic Château d'Amboise has, over its lifespan, operated as a fortress and a royal retreat – all while playing many integral roles in French history. 23. Iron Pagoda (1049 CE) Location: Keifang City, Henan Province, China One of the most celebrated works of architecture remaining from the Song Dynasty, the Iron Pagoda sports an interior decorated with frescos of the famed Chinese folk tale Journey to the West. 12th thru 19th Centuries 24. Angkor Wat (12th Century) Location: Angkor, Cambodia One of the most sterling examples of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat began its life as a Hindu temple devoted to Vishnu before converting to a Buddhist shrine. 25. Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1150) Location: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India A grouping of Hindu temples more well known for its erotic devotional sculptures and relief than the absolutely swoon-worthy architecture. 26. Great Mosque of Djenné (circa 13th Century) Location: Djenné, Mali The largest adobe building in the world, the Great Mosque of Djenné is also thought of as the greatest example of Sudano-Sahelian architecture. 27. Chartres Cathedral (1220) Location: Chartres, France One of the greatest examples of French Gothic architecture in the country, this Latin Rite Catholic cathedral also hosts a few features of the Flamboyant movement as well. 28. Notre Dame de Paris (1345) Location: Paris, France Seat of the Archbishop of Paris, this Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Mary is considered one of the most stunning examples of French Gothic architecture. 29. The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius (1345) Location: Sergiyev Posad, Russia Founded by the patron saint of Russia – St. Sergius of Radonezh – the mostly self-sufficient monastery from then on acted as the blueprint for all others built in the country. 30. Himeji Castle (1346) Location: Himeji, Hyougo Prefecture, Japan One of the most beloved and celebrated Japanese castles, the 83 buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage site contains an extensive maze outside its entrance to ward off potential attackers. 31. Leaning Tower of Pisa (1372) Location: Pisa, Italy Famed because of the poor foundation causing the campanile to tip, the Cathedral serving the city of Pisa warrants a visit for its wonderful synthesis of Gothic and Romanesque design. 32. Qutb Minar (1386) Location: Delhi, India Qutb Minar’s significance comes from boasting the world’s tallest minaret as well as its status as one of the earliest syntheses of Indian and Islamic architecture. 33. Forbidden City (1420) Location: Beijing, China The Emperor called the Forbidden City and its 980 buildings and 8,707 rooms home for nearly 500 years. Now, this UNESCO Heritage site operates as a major tourist destination and window into China’s rich history. 34. Temple of Heaven (1420) Location: Beijing, China Situated in the Xuanwu District, the Temple of Heaven once hosted annual ceremonies for the Emperor’s Taoist prayers regarding bountiful harvests. 35. Doge’s Palace (1424) Location: Venice, Italy This elegant Gothic structure once served as the official residence for the Doge of Venice and attracts history and architecture fans from all over the world. 36. Basilique de Valère (1435?) Location: Sion, Candon du Valais, Switzerland This breathtaking minor basilica sits nestled in the lush Swiss countryside and continues to operate as a Roman Catholic church to this day. 37. Duomo of Florence (1463) Location: Florence, Italy One of the most eye-catching elements of this Gothic cathedral is the beautiful brick red dome designed by celebrated Italian engineer Filippo Brunelleschi. 38. Sistine Chapel (1482) Location: Vatican City Even beyond the brilliant, world-famous paintings by Renaissance polymath Michelangelo and his contemporaries Sandro Botticelli, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and Raphael, the Sistine Chapel remains a must-see for anyone visiting the Apostolic Palace. 39. Golestan Palace (16th Century) Location: Tehran, Iran Part of the Historic Arg, Golestan Palace’s rich, intricate design work and sparkling Orosi stained glass windows once housed royalty and now acts as the base of operations for the Cultural Heritage Organization of Iran. 40. Matsumoto Castle (1504) Location: Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan This beautiful castle of simple stone, wood, and earth exists as one of the most highly-touted and beloved in all of Japan. 41. Zhuozheng Yuan (1526) Location: Suzhou, China Translated as “Humble Administrator’s Garden,” this soothing and intriguing locale is a real treat for lovers of architecture and the natural world alike. 42. Cortile del Belvedere (1565) Location: Rome, Italy One of the largest architectural projects from the Renaissance era, the Cortile del Belvedere is a bustling piazza overflowing with fountains, art, and even the tomb of Pope Leo X’s beloved pet elephant Hanno. 43. Selimiye Mosque (1574) Location: Edirne, Turkey Selimiye Mosque slices through the Edirne skyline as a sterling example of dramatic, intricately detailed Ottoman architecture. 44. Harmandir Sahib (1604) Location: Amritsar, India Harmandir Sahib is one of the most important religious and cultural centers of the Sikh religion, and as such exists as the greatest example of their architectural style. 45. Kumamoto Castle (1607) Location: Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan What remains of this imposing fortress, which once boasted 29 gates and 49 turrets, is still considered one of the 3 greatest castles in Japan. 46. Shah Mosque (1611) Location: Isfahan, Iran Also known as the Imam Khomeini Mosque, many experts in Islamic and Persian architecture consider it a landmark of the styles. 47. Sultan Ahmed Mosque (1616) Location: Istanbul, Turkey Not only does the stunning Sultan Ahmed Mosque continue its service as a center of the Muslim faith, it also houses a tomb, hospice, and madrasah as well. 48. Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark (1617) Location: Venice, Italy Cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Venice, St. Mark’s took a cue instead from Islamic architecture instead of its European contemporaries and sports glorious onion domes and artwork inspired by the Byzantine Empire. 49. Naghsh-e Jahan Square (1619) Location: Isfahan, Iran Officially referred to as “Imam Square,” this UNESCO World Heritage site hosts Namaaz-e Jom’eh prayer every Friday in front of the Shah Mosque – one of several surviving examples of architecture from the Safavid period. 50. Papal Basilica of Saint Peter (1626) Location: Vatican City The largest church in the world – capable of holding around 60,000 people – many believe that the symbolic seat of Roman Catholicism sits atop the tomb of St. Peter. 51. Taj Mahal (1653) Location: Agra, India Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mortuary tribute to his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, this glorious structure pulls from Islamic, Indian, and Persian influences to stunning results. 52. Palace of Versailles (1661) Location: Versailles, France As the seat of French royalty beginning in 1682, the Palace of Versailles stood at the center of one of the most volatile eras in European history. 53. Badshahi Mosque (1671) Location: Lahore, Pakistan The most famous building in Pakistan, the Badshahi Mosque attracts thousands of worshippers every year and can hold nearly 110,000 people inside the building and on the grounds. 54. St. Paul’s Cathedral (1677) Location: London, England This amazing cathedral acts as the seat for the Bishop of London, who continues to hold daily Anglican mass in its English Baroque walls. 55. Buckingham Palace (1703) Location: London, England Official home of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace started its life as Buckingham House before becoming one of the national symbols of England. 56.  Zwinger (1728) Location: Dresden, Germany Once a fortress, the dramatic and visually arresting Zwinger complex houses a number of fascinating cultural attractions within its German Baroque walls. 57. Musée du Louvre (1793) Location: Paris, France Though established far earlier as a repository for some of the most influential art and cultural achievements of all time, many people recognize the Louvre’s gorgeous glass and metal pyramids constructed by the celebrated I.M. Pei in 1989. 58. The White House (1800) Location: Washington, D.C., United States Home of the President of the United States, The White House is an important landmark in American history and architecture alike. 59. Semperoper (1841) Location: Dresden, Germany Saxon State Opera Dresden makes its home here in this beautiful Neo-Baroque concert hall with Early Renaissance and Corinthian highlights. 60. St. Louis Cathedral (1850) Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States The French Quarter-based St. Louis Cathedral mixes Spanish Colonial and Renaissance designs together and acts as the seat for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans. 61. Milan Cathedral (1858) Location: Milan, Italy Currently the fourth largest church in the world, the beautiful Gothic Milan Cathedral spent nearly 6 centuries under construction before small details were painstakingly finished in 1965 – though it was still fully functional up until that point. Major construction ended in 1858. 62. Grand Central Station (1871) Location: New York City, New York, United States Still in use as one of the most bustling train stations in the world, Grand Central Terminal (its official, but lesser known name since reopening in 1913) is one of the greatest accomplishments of the Beaux-Arts school of architecture 63. Cologne Cathedral (1880) Location: Cologne, Germany Like many cathedrals, the one seating the Archbishop of Cologne took centuries to complete – 6 in this case. Cologne Cathedral is highly regarded as both a church as well as a beautiful example of German Gothic architecture. 64. Royal Exhibition Building (1880) Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits among the breathtaking Carlton Gardens and currently hosts a number of special events and private tours throughout the year. 65. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (1897) Location: Mumbai, India Formerly known as Victoria Station, the Indo-Saracenic styled Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus acts as the headquarters of Central Railways. 20th Century to Present 66. Moana Hotel (1901) Location: Honolulu, Hawai’i, United States The quintessential example of the Hawaiian Gothic style of architecture, this gorgeous luxury hotel – still in operation today – opened the gateway for floods of American tourists. 67. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (1907) Location: St. Petersburg, Russia Famous for its dramatic onion domes and intricate mosaic work, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ (its official name) melds Baroque and Neoclassical design together to form one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks. 68. Teatro Yagüez (1909) Location: Mayagüez, Puerto Rico A historical landmark recognized the world over, the Teatro Yagüez still serves as a respected center for the performing arts more than one century later. 69. Secretariat Building (1912) Location: New Delhi, India Renowned architect Herbert Baker constructed this elegant complex of buildings that now serves as the center of Indian government. 70. Imperial War Museum (1917) Location: London, England This British cultural attraction houses relics of the country’s war and conflict – including a fantastic atrium full of real and replica planes. 71. Goetheanum (1919 & 1928) Location: Dornach, Switzerland The first building for the Goetheanum was completed in 1919, while the second opened in 1928. Both of these expressionist constructs by Rudolf Steiner house the world headquarters of the anthroposophical movement. 72. Villa Savoye (1929) Location: Poissy, France Considered one of Swiss architect Le Corbusier’s finest works, the modernist home perfect encapsulates his philosophy of Machine for Living. 73. Chicago Board of Trade Building (1930) Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States Considered one of the greatest surviving examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States – if not the world – many people recognize this building as Wayne Tower from 2005’s Batman Begins. 74. Chrysler Building (1930) Location: New York City, New York, United States A majestic triumph of the Art Deco movement, the Chrysler Building is praised by critics even today for its drama and sheer artistry. 75. Empire State Building (1931) Location: New York City, New York, United States As one of the two quintessential Art Deco skyscrapers in New York City, the Empire State Building remains a perpetual icon of the state. 76. Buffalo City Hall (1932) Location: Buffalo, New York, United States Overlooking the classy Niagara Square, this imposing and beautiful Art Deco masterpiece acts as the seat for the municipal government of the City of Buffalo. 77. New India Assurance Building (1936) Location: Mumbai, India This stunning office building hosts one of the most stunning examples of Art Deco architecture in India and infuses elements of modified classicism as well. 78. Falling Water (1937) Location: Mill Run, Pennsylvania, United States One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest houses, Falling Water garnered accolades for its incorporation of the natural surroundings rather than the demolition. 79. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (1959) Location: New York City, New York, United States Believed to be one of the greatest, most respected art collections in the world, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum sports a Modernist design by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 80. Astrodome (1964) Location: Houston, Texas, United States Now part of the Reliant Park Complex, the Astrodome made history as the first enclosed baseball stadium with air conditioning and, later, fake grass in the world. 81. Biosphère (1967) Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada Originally built for the 1967 World’s Fair, this aesthetic example of a geodesic dome now hosts a natural history and environmental museum. 82. John Hancock Center (1970) Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States One of the most recognizable landmarks of the Chicago skyline, the John Hancock Center is also the fifth tallest building in the world – with antennae included. 83. Cathedral of Brasília (1970) Location: Brasília, Brazil Oscar Niemeyer’s masterpiece of modernism operates as a Roman Catholic cathedral and boasts an impressive, extremely bold interpretation of a hyperboloid structure. 84. Sydney Opera House (1973) Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia A symbol of not only Sydney but Australia itself, the world-famous expressionist building by Danish architect Jørn Utzon has won multiple prestigious awards for its stunning and unique design. 85. Willis Tower (1973) Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States Known more by its original moniker of the Sears Tower, this beloved Chicago landmark is actually the tallest building in the United States – among other international records as well. 86. John F. Kennedy Library (1979) Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States Official presidential library and museums for John F. Kennedy, this I.M Pei-designed structure houses his papers and other memorabilia from his administration. 87. Bank of America Center (1983) Location: Houston, Texas, United States One of the quintessential postmodernist skyscrapers in the United States, Phillip Johnson’s building-within-a-building has also gone by the names of RepublicBank Center, NCNB Center, and NationsBank Center as well. 88. Williams Tower (1983) Location: Houston, Texas, United States Originally known as Transco Tower, Philip Johnson designed this unique skyscraper as two buildings stacked atop one another but functioning as a single unit. 89. Bank of China Tower (1990) Location: Hong Kong I.M. Pei designed this angular, geometric structural expressionist office building as a striking addition to the Hong Kong skyline. 90. Classroom, Laboratory & Administration Building (1992) Location: Pomona, California, United States More frequently referred to as the CLA Building, this futurist construct by Antoine Predock serves as the defining icon of California State Polytechnic University. 91. Petronas Twin Towers (1998) Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia At one point the tallest building in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers reflect classical Islamic architecture with a decidedly contemporary twist. 92. Jin Mao Tower (1998) Location: Shanghai, China This elegant skyscraper emulates traditional Chinese pagoda structures, but filters them through distinctly postmodernist philosophies of design. 93. Burj Al Arab (2000) Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Few skyscrapers emit as much contemporary architectural elegance as the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab sits on its own private man-made island and mimics the shape of a boat’s sail as it slices through the wind. 94. 21st Century Tower (2003) Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Formerly the largest residential building in the world, 21st Century Tower houses the cabin crew of Emirates Airline on its 55 floors. 95. Taipei 101 (2004) Location: Taipei, Taiwan This mixed-use skyscraper pulls from traditional Asian styles and launches them straight into the Computer Age. Its rainbow skylights with one color corresponding to each day are one of its most startling external features. 96. Eureka Tower (2006) Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Named after an important historical event in Melbourne, this Australian residential tower currently holds a number of interesting national and international records. 97. Beijing National Stadium (2008) Location: Beijing, China Constructed for use in the 2008 Winter Olympics, this stadium is nicknamed the “Bird’s Nest” because of its visually striking latticework. 98. Shanghai World Financial Center (2008) Location: Shanghai, China Considered one of the best skyscrapers of 2008, the Shanghai World Financial Center sports a stunning aperture inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. 99. Nanjing Greenland Financial Center (2009) Location: Nanjing, China Housing both office and retail space as well as an observatory, the Nanjing Greenland Financial Center boasts an extremely unique design redolent of Atomic Age perceptions of the future. 100. Burj Khalifa (2010) Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates As of 2010, the mixed-use Burj Khalifa is the tallest man-made structure ever built. It features a three-lobed exterior inspired by traditional Islamic architecture and natural phenomenon like the Hymenocallis flower. Whether religious, political, commercial, residential, or the myriad other functions a building can serve, these structures stand as some of the most amazing accomplishments of human artistry and engineering around today. No matter their movement or country of origin, they warrant respect and admiration from anyone who derives pleasure from striking architecture.