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Time Out
a day ago
- Time Out
The 24 most beautiful buildings in the world
1. Taj Mahal, India When was it built? 1632-1653 You might think you've made some romantic gestures in your time, but few acts of love can compete with those of Shah Jahan. After the death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Mughal Emperor commissioned the building of an appropriate mausoleum for her, and what it resulted in, 22 years later, was the Taj Mahal. It's thought the building's beauty was inspired by hers, and English poet Sir Edwin Arnold reportedly said that the palace was 'not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passion of an emperor's love wrought in living stones.' 2. Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland When was it built? 1945-1986 Reykjavik's Hallgrimskirkja might look like a rocket, but it is in fact a striking Evangelical-Lutheran church, and the largest place of worship in Iceland. Its façade nods to both modernist and expressionist architectural styles, but Guðjón Samúelsson, the building's lead designer, was inspired by the country's robust landscape. The sloping sides of Hallgrímskirkja's face resemble cooled lava, and its white concrete finishing enables it to blend with the mountainous backdrop. 3. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt When was it built? 2550-2490 BC We couldn't curate a credible list of the world's most beautiful buildings without including some of the oldest, most stoic structures of all. Built (presumably) using a system of rams, sledges, ropes, leavers and rollers, the Pyramids of Giza were tombs for the pharaohs of Egypt's Old Kingdom to prepare them for life as gods after their death, and given construction began on the Great Pyramid more than four millennia ago, they've certainly stood the test of time. 4. Fallingwater, USA When was it built? 1936-1939 Surrounding ourselves even with just little hints of nature is good for our wellbeing, but Fallingwater, an extraordinarily-designed 1930s house, takes that to a whole 'nother level. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the building to be a weekend home for the Kaufman family. Featuring cantilevered terraces that protrude into the lush greenery, Fallingwater intertwines with the stunning surroundings of Bear Run Nature Reserve, cleverly built over a babbling waterfall (hence the name). The interior, built around a fireplace, features rocks cutting in from the outside. The entirety of the house is enveloped in the constant sound of ever-falling water. 5. Ad-Dayr in Petra, Jordan When was it built? First century AD Also known as the 'Rose City' because of the rose-red hue of the surrounding sandstone, Petra's outstanding beauty and unique architecture (buildings are half-built and half-carved into the rock face, with an innovative water management system enabling a population to settle) have earned it a worthy place as one of the eight wonders of the world. Ad-Dayr, the Monastery, is one of the ancient city's most-visited and most famous monuments. At 48 metres high, it's Petra's tallest stone façade. 6. Fondation Louis Vuitton, France When was it built? 2007- 2014 You might not think it at first glance, but Frank Gehry's 2014 masterpiece is inspired by classic, late nineteenth-century greenhouses – the kind that appear elsewhere on this list. The building's shape resembles a futuristic-looking ship ornamented with twelve glass sails – a structure Gehry apparently imagined as a 'magnificent vessel that symbolizes France's cultural vocation'. The sails are interspersed with white blocks known as 'icebergs' and its fragmented appearance is a nod to Gehry's signature deconstructivist architectural style. 7. Trinity College Library, Ireland When was it built? 1712-1732 Ireland 's largest library is so much more than a massive collection of books (though there are around 6 million printed volumes shelved here). Its 65-metre main chamber, called the Long Room, is an imposing, handsome space which has gradually been added to throughout the decades to house more and more books. It started as a single-story, plaster-ceilinged space and has since been built up to feature barrel-vaulted ceilings and an upper gallery, resulting in this famously moody, gothic reading room. 8. Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali When was it built? Thirteenth century, rebuilt in 1907 If you've never seen a mud-brick building before, start off strong with this majestic mosque, which is the largest example of this kind of architecture on the planet (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It's made of sun-baked earthen bricks which have been coated in sand, earth-based mortar and a coat of plaster. However, Mali's climate isn't kind to this kind of material, so every year the Crépissage de la Grand Mosquée takes place, an annual event where the local community come together to replaster the building – typically the women gather river water and the men gather clay and make plaster. 9. Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, Iran When was it built? 1876-1888 If you're looking for beauty in the minute details, seek out a mosque. Shiraz's Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, appropriately nicknamed the 'Pink Mosque', is a stellar example. Its crowning jewel is the prayer room, which is flooded with kaleidoscopic colour at sunrise, dreamily illuminating the walls' many intricate mosaics. But the mosque's exterior is just as impressive, with beautifully decorated pastel-hued tiles embellishing the entire building. 10. The Twist, Norway When was it built? 2016-2019 Ever been to an art gallery that doubles as a bridge? Well, head to Kistefos Sculpture Park in Norway, and you can. This stunning feat of infrastructure and architecture is appropriately named The Twist, and consists of a beam that rotates 90 degrees to connect the banks of the Ranselva River. Inside, the innovative use of light creates three different galleries: visitors are greeted by floor-to-ceiling glass on the north side, which offers panoramic views; a sculptural section with a slice of ceiling light in the middle; and a tall, moody space on the south side. 11. Sagrada Famila, Spain When was it built? 1882-today (due to be completed in 2026) They say good things take time, and more than 140 years after construction began, the work on Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece is nearly (like really nearly) done. The Sagrada Familia is scheduled to be finally complete by spring 2026, which would mark 100 years since its architect's passing, and it looks like all the waiting will be worth it. From the building's strange, Gothic-slash-Art Nouveau stylings to the intensely vibrant stained glass windows, the tree-like columns to the 'magic square', it's a unique melange of texture, colour, light and detail. 12. Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Bangladesh When was it built? 1961-1982 Bangladesh's National Parliament House isn't beautiful in the dainty, romantic, classical sense, but you can't deny its impact. It was designed by world-famous architect Louis Kahn, originally to house the governmental quarters of East Pakistan until Bangladesh gained independence in 1971 while the building was still being constructed. Now, it stands as a symbol of democracy. A trademark of Kahn's designs is the manipulation of light – he believed natural light could transform a buildings' interior in a way no material means could – which is why the modernist façade features vast geometric holes. 13. Pantheon, Italy When was it built? 118-128 AD Whether you ponder the Roman Empire occasionally or daily, the Pantheon, which translates from Greek to mean 'honour all gods', stands as a monumental example of the ancient realm's engineering and design prowess. Its unreinforced concrete dome remains the largest of its kind on the planet, on top of being perfectly proportioned – the 43.3 metre diameter is the exact same distance as from the ceiling to the floor. Oh, and the hole in its summit – the 'oculus' or 'eye of the Pantheon' – casts a striking lighting effect on April 21 every year, when the midday sun hits a metal grill above the doorway and completely illuminates the courtyard outside. Stunning, eh? 14. Palmenhaus at Schonbrunn Palace, Austria When was it built? 1880-1882 A whole load of steel and glass might not sound like a particularly elegant mix of materials, but in Vienna, that combo has resulted in this exquisite greenhouse which dates back to the nineteenth century. Palmenhaus sits in Schonbrunn Palace's Dutch Botanical Gardens, and, despite its dainty-looking structure, it houses three different climates and 4,500 different plants. The central pavilion has a Mediterranean climate, the north side caters to cold-weather species and the southern one is tropical, and they're all connected by tunnels. 15. Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House, Vietnam When was it built? 2021 Bát Tràng, an ancient village nestled in the Gia Lâm district of Hanoi, has always been known for its pottery – the name literally translates to bowl workshop, after all. However, despite the village's age (it's been around since the eleventh century), one of its newest buildings is one of its most striking – the Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House. Insight from villagers, local artisans and pottery experts informed the design of this place, a bold, tiered structure which references the shape of potters' wheels. 16. Museum at Eldridge Street, USA When was it built? 1887 This building isn't only beautiful thanks to its Moorish, Gothic and Romanesque features, its striking windows and its grand façade, but also because of all its history. Originally built in 1887, when the US was experiencing a window of mass immigration and New York 's Lower East Side became the most densely populated Jewish community in the world, Eldridge Street Synagogue was the first in America to be purpose-built by eastern European immigrants. It was a proud display of their newly-found religious freedom, and though the population using it gradually declined, a generous restoration project, under which it became Museum at Eldridge Street, has restored it to its former magnificence. 17. Santuario de Las Lajas, Colombia When was it built? 1916-1949 Plenty of buildings come about out of necessity, but others are built in order to honour or remember, and it's the latter that led to the creation of this imposing Colombian Basilica. Perched on a 40-metre-high bridge over the Guáitara River, the site has been a pilgrimage destination since the eighteenth century, when it's thought a woman and her daughter witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Between 1916 and 1949, flying buttresses, pointy arches and ribbed vaults were constructed to replace the previous smaller shrine, giving the site a refreshed neo-gothic grandeur. 18. Museum of Old and New Art, Australia When was it built? 2011 If you want a building that's not just going to welcome you, but will actually take you on a journey, look no further than MONA. It's nestled into Triassic-period sandstone cliffs, around a 40 minute ferry ride from Hobart along Australia 's Derwent River, and its design is peculiar, but pretty darn cool. The whole idea was to not detract from existing properties in the area, so lots of the museum's exhibition spaces are dimly-lit, subterranean rooms, and there's also an art conservation area and theatre on site. Pharos is the newest part of the building, which was opened back in 2017, and it's accessible via two different tunnels. 19. Maggie's Centre, St James's Hospital, UK When was it built? 2020 Hospitals tend to be uncomfortable places characterised by too-bright strip lighting and unnervingly squeaky surfaces, but not at this Maggie's Centre. The charity has striven to build personal environments to support cancer sufferers and their families, and this space is comforting and stunning. Enormous, mushroom-shaped forms grow from the floors to form the tiered roofs, and the stems are deep enough to contain loos and lifts. The space is decorated with mostly natural materials – think cork-topped tables, resin floors and cascading potted plants. 20. Baháʼí Temple of South America, Chile When was it built? 2007-2016 Forget what you know about temples – this stunning place of worship in Chile is a striking deviation from tradition. The Baháʼí Community is a religion based on unity among all people, and this temple, with its nine gleaming glass veils, frames an airy, accessible place for worship that can accommodate 600 individuals. From inside, the dome's peak lets in light that's captured between the glass and translucent Portuguese marble on the building's interior. At sunset, the light fades from white to silver to ochre to purple. 21. Futuna Chapel, New Zealand When was it built? 1959-1961 Hidden away in the Wellington suburb of Karori is what is widely considered by the architecture community to be the most significant of New Zealand 's twentieth-century buildings. Futuna Chapel is a beautiful little space, originally commissioned by the Society of Mary, a Catholic religious group. Inside, you'll find marvellous displays of light over the floor and walls through the pretty stained-glass windows, wood, layers, a load of texture and plenty of sharp angles. 22. Komera Leadership Centre, Rwanda When was it built? 2022 This community and education hub near Lake Ihema in eastern Rwanda is a stunning recent build that thoughtfully incorporates its environment (known as vernacular architecture). Its name means 'to stand strong, and to have courage', and there are woven eucalyptus screens and brick patterns throughout the building, which are inspired by local 'Imigongo' artwork – a style thought to have originated in Rwanda several centuries ago. 23. National Holocaust Monument, Canada When was it built? 2017 It's our collective duty to learn from the past, and commemorating dark chapters in our history with such stark monuments is one way to encourage that vital introspection. Technically entitled 'Landscape of Loss, Memory and Survival', the details in Canada 's National Holocaust Monument have been thoughtfully designed to ensure it lives up to its name. The building's structure centres around six triangular volumes that form the Star of David, and it's organised around two planes – one ascends, pointing to the future, and the other descends into a space which features murals and photographs of the Holocaust to ensure it's not forgotten. 24. Enryaku-ji, Japan When was it built? 788 Kyoto has its fair share of temples, but Enryaku-ji is one of its prettiest. It's perched on top of Mount Hieizan in Kyoto's eastern mountain range, and the wider complex at one time comprised nearly 3,000 subtemples. It was founded by Saicho, a monk who introduced Tendai Buddhism to the region way back in 778, but after an attack by Japanese daimyō Oda Nobunaga in 1571 (who was trying to unite Japan), most of the original buildings were destroyed. Now, the majority of the ones left date from the Endo period, and they're clustered in three main areas: Todo; Saito and Tokawa.
Time Out
3 days ago
- Time Out
The seven wonders of the world, ranked from best to worst
The seven wonders of the world are, well, wondrous, and each demonstrates the fascinating scale and skill of human creation. But everyone's got their opinion, and a brand-new survey has unveiled which 'wonder' is the most popular of all. How? Well, Iglu Cruise did some digging and compiled a ranking based on the proportion of five-star reviews each site has garnered on TripAdvisor. So, topping the list and beating out all six other wonders was (drum roll, please) Machu Picchu! That's right, the hilltop citadel in southern Peru, built by the Incas as a royal estate for emperors and nobles, is the highest-rated wonder in the world. Of the 20,132 TripAdvisor reviews, Iglu Cruise found 18,414 were five-star, giving it an impressive proportion of 91.5 percent overall. In second place? That would be the magnificent, otherworldly Taj Mahal, a grand mausoleum in Agra, India built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal – Valentine's Day ain't got nothing on this guy. A solid 84.1 percent people gave the marvel a five-star review, which was closely followed by the 81.7 percent positive score for the Great Wall of China. Check out the rest of the list below. The seven wonders of the world, ranked Machu Picchu, Peru Taj Mahal, India Great Wall of China, China Petra, Jordan Colosseum, Italy Christ the Redeemer, Brazil Chichén Itzá, Mexico Plus: Forget Spain – I went to Sweden and found the ideal summer holiday destination.
India.com
5 days ago
- General
- India.com
Taj Mahal was built on this man's land, the owner's name was..., he was Shah Jahan's...
Taj Mahal was built on this man's land, the owner's name was…, he was Shah Jahan's… Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is one of the most stunning monuments in the world and also among the Seven Wonders of the World. The monument is also very famous because it is a symbol of eternal love. Millions of visitors flock to Agra to visit the Taj's beautiful architecture and rich history. The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. UNESCO also declared the monument as a World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal has several mysteries, and one of it is the tale of the land on which the monument was built. Lets know the story. As per historical records, the land w\here the Taj Mahal was built did not originally belong to Mughal ruler Shah Jahan. The land wasn't seized by the Mughal ruler but exchanged willingly. Land Belonged To Jaipur King Shah Jahan's wife Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 in Burhanpur. Her body was buried in Burhanpur but after six months the body of the queen was moved Agra. As per historical records, the land selected to build the Taj Mahal was owned by a Rajput king and ally of Shah Jahan Mirza Raja Jai Singh of Amer. According to a Mughal record Padshahnama, the land belonged to Raja Man Singh, grandfather of Jai Singh. He donated the land to Shah Jahan. Historical documents indicate that the land now occupied by the Taj Mahal was previously owned by the Kachhwaha Rajputs, and the site featured a large, domed structure. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) also suggests that the land was owned by Raja Jai Singh was a Rajput king and one of Shah Jahan's trusted allies. The Mughal king negotiated with Singh and acquired the land in exchange for four havelis in Agra. Part Of A Common Practice Notably, the exchange of properties was a common practice and part of cooperation between the Mughal rulers and regional Rajput kings. Raja Jai Singh was a highly regarded and loyal military leader within the Mughal court, known for his strong alliance with the emperor. BJP MP Diya Kumari, who belongs to the Jaipur royal family, claimed that the land originally belonged to her ancestors. 'Records available with the Jaipur family show that the land belonged to us. Compensation was given in return for the land,' Kumari told media. History Of The Land Contrary to claims of seizure, the land transfer between allied dynasties was a mutually agreeable exchange, highlighting the monument's importance as a symbol not only of affection but also of cooperation and peaceful coexistence between powerful contemporary rulers.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Shah Jahan's wife Mumtaz Mahal was the inspiration for this best-selling perfume of all time
Few fragrances in history have captured the essence of eternal love quite like Shalimar by Guerlain. Created in 1925 by Jacques Guerlain, this iconic perfume was inspired by the legendary romance between Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Their love story, immortalised in the Taj Mahal, also left its imprint on the world of perfumery, resulting in a scent that remains timeless and revered nearly a century after its creation. Before he became Shah Jahan, he was Prince Khurram, a young royal who fell deeply in love with Arjumand Banu Begum at a bustling bazaar. Her beauty captivated him, and years later, he made her his wife, giving her the title Mumtaz Mahal, meaning the 'Jewel of the Palace.' Their love was legendary—they were inseparable in war and peace. Mumtaz bore him 14 children, but tragedy struck when she passed away at just 39 years old during childbirth. Devastated, Shah Jahan honoured her memory by building the Taj Mahal, a breathtaking monument to their love. Inspired by this epic romance, Jacques Guerlain sought to capture the spirit of devotion and passion in a fragrance, according to the Encyclopaedia of Perfumes. He named his creation Shalimar, after the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, which were built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal and were among her favuorite places. In Sanskrit, 'Shalimar' translates to 'abode of love,' making it a fitting tribute. According to the Encyclopaedia of Perfumes, Guerlain created Shalimar by pouring a bottle of ethylvanillin into a sample of Jicky, an existing Guerlain fragrance from 1889. The result was a warm, sensual, and unforgettable scent, one that would go on to become one of the best-selling perfumes of all time. Shalimar is a masterful blend of citrus, florals, and deep oriental warmth. The key notes include: The zesty citrus opening melts into a delicate floral heart, ultimately settling into a rich and luxurious base—a scent designed to linger, much like the undying love of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. The Shalimar bottle, designed by Raymond Guerlain, was crafted to reflect the grandeur of Mughal art. Modeled after the basins of eastern gardens and Mongolian stupa architecture, the bottle was topped with a striking blue fan-shaped stopper, inspired by an antique silverware piece from the Guerlain family collection. Manufactured by Baccarat Crystal, this exquisite design won the Decorative Arts Exhibition Award in 1925, further cementing Shalimar's status as a work of art. Launched during the Roaring Twenties, Shalimar was an antidote to the post-war depression, offering women a sense of luxury, passion, and exotic romance. Nearly 100 years later, it continues to be a staple in the perfume industry, celebrated for its rich history and unparalleled sensuality.
India.com
10-06-2025
- General
- India.com
Where are the 22 locked rooms of the Taj Mahal? What's hidden behind these doors and why are they closed?
The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is admired for its beauty and architecture. But apart from its stunning white marble and the famous love story, it also holds secrets that continue to puzzle people. One of the biggest mysteries is about the 22 locked rooms hidden inside its basement and these rooms are not for the general public as they are not allowed to enter. These rooms are located beneath the main structure of the Taj Mahal. There are 4 big and 18 small rooms, all sealed off for decades. They lie below the famous Chameli floor, and access to them has been strictly restricted. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has kept them locked, and not much is officially shared about what lies inside, which only adds to the curiosity. No one knows the exact reason why these doors are locked, but authorities say it is for protection and safety of the monument. Some people believe that these rooms might hold royal treasures or important historical secrets. In the past, these doors had red stone frames, which have now been sealed with bricks, making the mystery even deeper. Interestingly, all four minarets of the Taj Mahal are connected to this underground area. These towers support the main dome, but the paths leading through them have also been closed, likely to prevent structural damage. Over the years, this has led to many questions and theories. There are also stories that Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal's real graves may be inside these locked rooms. Some believe that the graves seen by visitors are only symbolic, and the actual tombs could be hidden in the basement. However, there is no solid proof, as these rooms have never been opened for public or researchers. Some reports say that these rooms were sealed during British rule, possibly when the British were searching for treasure. Later, they were left closed in the name of preservation. Since then, the doors have remained shut, and the mystery has grown. The public is strictly not allowed near these doors. There are guards and cameras installed for security. Officials say that opening these rooms might weaken the foundation of the Taj Mahal, which is why they prefer to keep them sealed. Still, people continue to wonder what really lies behind them. Many people believe the rooms could contain items made of gold or silver, or ancient royal documents. Others think that Mumtaz Mahal's real resting place and royal belongings might be hidden there. But without opening them, these ideas remain only guesses and historians and scientists have not confirmed any of them. The ASI is responsible for taking care of these rooms. They have explained that the structure is sensitive and could be harmed if disturbed. Pollution and changing weather also pose risks, so keeping them locked is seen as a way to protect the monument. Whether these rooms will ever be opened is still unknown. Experts are considering using technology to scan the inside without causing damage. If one day they are opened, it could change the way we understand the Taj Mahal's history. Until then, the mystery of the 22 locked rooms will continue to fascinate generations.
