A list of beautiful buildings might note structures such as the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and the occasional token Frank Gehry building, but there are dozens of other equally beautiful choices that somehow always seem to go unnoticed ... like these 10.
1. The Mezquita of Cordoba
Cordoba, Spain
(image credit: mikeisgoing)
(image credit: Alaskan Dude)
(image credit: Alaskan Dude)
This complex took more than two centuries to finish. Striped arches, breathtaking mosaics and endless columns constructed from onyx and marble make this a must-see when in Spain.
2. The Hoover Dam
Southwestern United States
(image credit: Tim Pearce, Los Gatos)
(image credit: Graeme Boddy)
(image credit: kalavinka)
A marvel of modern engineering, this Depression-era structure is most often noted for its sleek Art Deco lines and understated simplicity. As beautiful inside as out, the facility's terrazzo floors, patterned after Native American motifs, are not to be missed.
3. Shwedagon Pagoda
Yangon, Myanmar
(image credit: Bruno Desclee)
(image credit: Andurinha)
(image credit: Tianyake)
A tradition of donating gold to the pagoda that dates back to the 15th century has clearly paid off. Dotted with literally thousands of diamonds and rubies, this work of art's facade is eclipsed only by its interior with its magnificent ceilings and relics of ancient Buddhas.
4. Majolica House
Vienna, Austria
(image credit: loungerie)
(image credit: MorBCN)
(image credit: roryrory)
Whimsical, singular, and down-right amazing, Otto Wagner's masterpiece is one of the greatest products of the Art Nouveau movement.
5. Opera de Arame
Curitiba, Brazil
(image credit: bolhas na pleura)
(image credit: herval)
(image credit: fotoparceiros)
Virtually transparent, this wiry theater plays host to some of the country's most important theatrical events. A visual masterpiece during the day, it's even more spectacular when lit up at night for performances.
6. 30 St. Mary Axe ("The Gherkin")
London, England
(image credit: marksteelenz)
(image credit: Paolo Màrgari)
(image credit: Squirmelia)
While some scoff at the modern, bullet-like structure, others are bowled over by its originality. Over three times the height of Niagara Falls, this is definitely not the place to be if you're afraid of heights!
7. Jantar Mantar
Jaipur, India
(image credit: STML)
(image credit: RussBowling)
(image credit: oceandesetoiles)
This 17th-century planetarium of sorts has played a pivotal role throughout the area's history in predicting astronomical and meteorological events. Among its many gems is a giant sundial.
8. The Golden Pavilion
Kyoto, Japan
(image credit: Jaako)
(image credit: tochis)
(image credit: EYLC)
The dramatic effect of the building's gold leaf reflected in the pavilion's surrounding pond (aptly named "Mirror Pond") makes this already striking structure doubly impressive. Though imposing, the building and its surrounding area make for a remarkably serene experience.
9. Wiblingen Abbey Library
Ulm, Germany
(image via: Wikipedia)
(image credit: JSA_NZ)
(image credit: JSA_NZ)
The showy splendor and unapologetic opulence of this Rococo building is in the you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it category. A bit gaudy, perhaps, but even critics have to admit to being wowed at the pure vision and execution of this anything-but-quiet library.
10. TWA Flight Center, JFK Airport
Queens, New York
(image via: Wikipedia)
(image credit: Telstar Logistics)
(image credit: Telstar Logistics)
This futuristic, Eero Saarinen-designed terminal is a sleek, Jetsons-like structure epitomizing the glamor days of flying. It was featured in the Steven Spielberg movie Catch Me if You Can.
(sources: Reuters, VirtualTourist and Wikipedia)
Previously on Lists Galore!
Beyond the Sistine Chapel: 10 remarkable ceilings worth seeing
10 of the world's ugliest buildings & monuments
Follow us on Twitter!
