Only World Travelers Will Be Able To Match These Iconic Landmarks To Their Countries
As any travel buff knows, the world is just too big to explore in the span of one lifetime. And even when a person manages to visit one country, chances are, during their travels, they've only stumbled upon even more stuff that they want to see, things that weren't on Google's top ten lists. Sure, every first-time traveller to France wants to see the Eiffel Tower and Versailles Palace. But it's only once a person has been there and talked to the locals that they learn about all the other secrets France has to offer, from the gorgeous Calanques of the French Riviera to the incredible gastronomy of Lyon.
Even in crossing one country off of a bucket list, a person can add dozens of more things to the list, all of which will require yet another trip to visit. So, traveling is a never-ending endeavour, a passion one can pursue throughout a lifetime without ever running out of things to do. And as a person travels, they learn more and more about the world around them and the incredible cultures that populate our shared globe. If a person is well-travelled enough, chances are they'll be able to identify most of the following landmarks.
Which country is the Temple of Heaven located in?
This beautiful structure is a temple in which rulers worshipped Heaven and prayed for a bountiful harvest. It was built in the 15th century and has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in its home city. It is located in a park, alongside numerous other religious structures. Walking through this park is like walking through history, and it draws tourists with a range of interests every year, whether to admire the temple's gorgeous architecture or marvel at its historical significance. Where is the Temple of Heaven located?
Which country is Nyhavn located in?
This is a gorgeous waterfront area, filled with hip eateries, delicious food stands and quaint hotels. These colourful buildings line a canal that is still in use by boats. Tourists can sit at one of Nyhavn's delicious restaurants, listening to live music and watching the world float by. It is one of the most visited areas in its home city, with the bright, cheerful houses and the harbour's equally colourful history drawing tourists of all interests. Which country is Nyhavn located in?
Where is the Marina Bay Sands located (the structure on the left)?
Back in the old days, when people pictured a typical hotel, images of structures like the Waldorf Astoria and the Plaza probably came to mind. But these days, architecture is on a whole different level. No longer do things have to contain echoes of classical architecture to gain popular renown. Many of the most famous buildings of the 21st century defy traditional architectural styles, and this hotel is one of them. It is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world and simultaneously looks like three goose heads lined up in a row. So, where is this fancy hotel located?
Where is the Griffith Observatory located?
The Griffith Observatory was built at the close of the 19th century, donated to its home city as a place for the public to enjoy science. Where access to most observatories is restricted to scientists, this observatory was built with the express purpose of allowing the lay public to access the wonders of the cosmos. Visitors can wonder at numerous science exhibits within its halls, from electricity displays to an enormous planetarium. In which country is this popular tourist destination located?
Were is Angel Falls located?
Angel Falls is the tallest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. It is a very popular tourist destination in its home country, but it's not the easiest location to get to. Located in the midst of a jungle, visitors can't exactly hop a subway train to get there. But it remains one of the most-visited attractions in its country. Named after the American aviator Jimmie Angel who was the first person to fly over the falls, this waterfall was given its current name in the mid-20th century. Where is Angel Falls located?
In which country is Angkor Wat?
Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world. It was founded in the 12th century as a Hindu temple, but went on to transform into a site of Buddhist worship. It is on its home country's national flag and is one of its most popular tourist destinations. Visitors feel as if they are walking through history. The site is still a subject of study, and researchers continue to uncover new areas, which shed more light on the era of its foundation. Where is Angkor Wat located?
Where is Moraine Lake located?
Moraine Lake is a glacier-fed mountain lake with a distinct shade of blue that draws tourists from around the world. Light refracts off of the rock flour in the lake, which is created by glacial erosion, creating that iconic teal-blue colour that the lake is so famous for. It is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, with numerous white-tipped mountains lining its shore that are lined with gorgeous hiking trails. In which country is this magnificent lake located?
Where is the Burj Khalifa located?
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure in the world. Its construction began in 2004, and the structure was completed in 2009. It is made out of reinforced concrete, and its architectural style derives from the Islamic architecture in the region. There is an observation deck that tourists can visit which boasts expansive views of its home city. One man has successfully climbed the tower using a rope an harness, and people have even BASE jumped off of the building. Where is the Burj Khalifa located?
Where is Bagan located?
This city was the capital of an ancient empire. From the 11th century to the 13th century, during the height of this empire, over 10,000 religious buildings were constructed in this area. Today, over 2000 of these impressive structures remain standing. From certain vantage points in the city, one can admire a landscape of magnificent architecture, with pointed pagodas, temples and monasteries lining the horizon. This site is the most popular tourist destination in its home country. In which country is Bagan located?
Where is this famous opera house located?
This magnificent opera house was constructed in the 19th century. Although it is now one of the most famous opera houses in the world, it was not popularly received at first by the public. However, nowadays, tourists fly fro around the world to hear music in its hallowed halls. The first opera to be preformed in this opera house was Don Giovanni by Mozart, and local rulers were present for its premiere. In the summer, when operas aren't being performed, tourists can take a guided tour of this building. Where is this opera house located?
In which country is Petra?
Petra is a magnificent city built into a cliff. It is believed to have been settled over 10,000 years ago, with the Nabataean Kingdom making it into their capital city in the 4th century B.C.E. Over another thousand years, as power balances shifted and after an earthquake struck, destroying some of the structures, Petra was gradually abandoned. In 1812, a Swiss traveler came upon the site and Petra became known to the world once again. In which country is Petra located?
Where is Christ the Redeemer located?
Christ the Redeemer is a famous statue on a mountain built in the Art Deco style. It was designed by a French sculptor and built by a Brazilian engineer. Between 1922 and 1931, the structure was erected in its home city, and it now sits as a defining feature of its country. At the base of the statue, tourists can enjoy tremendous views of the surrounding city and landscape. It is one of the most visited sites in its home country. Which country is Christ the Redeemer located in?
Where is Hagia Sophia located?
Hagia Sophia is an icon of religious architecture. Built in the Byzantine style, it began its days in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, but it was later converted into a mosque. At the time of its construction, it was the largest building in the world, and it was the world's largest cathedral for a thousand years. Nowadays, it is a museum, and is the second most frequently visited museum in its home country. Where is Hagia Sophia located?
Where are these mo'ai statues located?
Whether travellers have seen these statues for themselves, seen them in history textbooks or even in Ben Stiller's hit movie Night at the Museum, the mo'ai statues are well-recognized icons throughout the world. They were built between the 13th and 16th centuries by the Rapa Nui peoples. Researchers are still unsure how the people would have moved the statues to their resting places once carved, given how massive they are. Some believe they may have physically walked them to where they now stand, but the debate is still open. Where are these famous statues located?
Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located?
Nothing defines a landscape so much as a mountain. From the Matterhorn in Switzerland to Mount Everest in Nepal and China, iconic mountains can become massive tourist draws. Whether to ascend the peak or to simply admire it from a distance, tourists love to travel to famous mountains and cross them off their bucket lists. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa, with three volcanic cones. It is a dormant volcano, and tourists climb it every year. In which country is this mountain located?
Where is Kinkaku-ji located?
This gorgeous temple is one of the most famous sites in its home country. In English, it is known as the Temple of the Golden Pavillion. Built in the late 14th century, this magnificent structure was originally built as a residence. According to the wishes of the noble who commissioned its construction, though, the structure was converted into a Buddhist temple upon his demise. Nowadays, tourists flock to this site to admire the golden walls of this serene building. In which country is Kinkaku-ji located?
Where is the Metropolitan Cathedral located?
This famous cathedral was built from 1573 to 1813, with the architect inspired by Gothic cathedrals in Europe. It is made out of stone and is located in the downtown of its home city, with its style a mixture of Neo-classical, Baroque and Renaissance architecture. It has been an important site to its country's culture, with its history linked to many famous figures throughout history. It has also been the site of several religious protests. In which country is this cathedral located?
Where is Kirkjufell located?
This mountain is one of the most iconic views in its home country. It is famous for its triangle-like shape, which is actually only really present when viewed from a specific site. From other vantage points, the mountain resembles a trapezoid more than a pointed triangle. In the local language, Kirkjufell means Church mountain, and given how unique its shape is, it is obvious why this site would have inspired such a name. In which country is this mountain located?
In which country is the Shard located?
The Shard was designed by an Italian architect and construction started in 2009. It has become an iconic part of its home city's skyline. Where Baroque cathedrals and Art Deco style buildings might have been all the rage in centuries past, modernism has taken ahold of the artistic community. Futuristic buildings like the Shard are the ones that attract popular attention nowadays. On its top floors is a bar that tourists can visit to enjoy a cocktail and a fantastic view of the city. In which country is the Shard located?
In which country is this famous opera house?
Designed by a Danish architect, this famous opera house was opened in 1973. Since then, it has become one of the most famous structures in its home country. It is located on a harbour, making it one of the first buildings tourists see when docking in its home city. Despite its name, it is a multi-venue structure, and hosts many different types of performance halls, from concert halls to playhouses. So, tourists can come here to enjoy the architecture, an opera, or really, any performance that suits their tastes. In which country is this building located?
Where is the Church of the Savior on Blood located?
This church is an icon of its home city. Construction finished in 1907, with its architect designing the structure with echoes of both Baroque and Neoclassical styles. It contains thousands of square meters of mosaics. Throughout its history, the church has been ransacked, used as a morgue, and even utilized as a storage house for vegetables. Nowadays, it is a tourist draw, with its magnificent mosaics attracting people from around the world. In which country is the Church of the Saviour on Blood located?
Where is the Sagrada Familia located?
The Sagrada Familia is the most renowned building of Antoni Gaudi. It may look a bit like melting candles, but it is one of the most visited churches in its home country. Construction upon this unique church began in 1882, and it's still being built to this day. It was an innovation of its day, combining Gothic styles and Art Nouveau aesthetics, and anticipating the modern styles that were to come in later decades. In which country is this cathedral located?
Where is this famous orange tower located?
This famous tower is modelled after the Eiffel Tower, but rather than that iconic silver that adorns the tower in Paris, this one stands out with a bright international orange hue. On top of this structure is an antenna that is used for broadcasting purposes. The tower was built in 1958, and since then, it has become an iconic part of the skyline of its home city. Aside from antenna leasing, tourism is one of the main sources of income from the tower. In which country is this tower located?
Where is Skogafoss located?
Skogafoss is located on the southern part of its home country and is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. It has appeared in Hollywood films, and is an iconic landmark recognized by people worldwide. Visitors can enjoy the waterfall from below, or if they feel like getting a bird's eye view of the area, they can climb a set of steps next to the falls and enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfall as well as the surrounding landscape. In which country is Skogafoss located?
Where is the famous cathedral located?
This famous cathedral's construction began in 1296, and it was not finished in the 15th century. At the time of its construction, it was the largest dome in the world. It is located in the historic centre of its home town and, alongside some other nearby structures, is considered an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the largest churches in its home country and it remains the largest dome constructed out of brick in the world. In which country is this cathedral located?