Historic Buildings With Present Relevance
Buildings are countless, and while some are more impressive than others, there are a few buildings that are so jaw-droppingly amazing that you cannot help but marvel at how such creations came into being.
Here are 6 really amazing structures;
COLOSSEUM (Italy)
'Maximus, Maximus, Maximus!' could audibly be heard in the CGI-created colosseum in the film Gladiator. The Colosseum also an amphitheatre was built in Rome, Italy under Emperor Vespian and his succesor Titus from 70 AD- 80 AD. With over 50,000-80,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladatorial contests, public spectacles like mock sea battles, animal hunts, execution, dramas, and recently concerts etc. On a humorous note, the amount of lives lost there is enough for ghosts to haunt Rome for a lifetime.
Founded in 1078 by William the conqueror, the Tower of Liberty, a historic castle on the north bank of River Thames, is a resented symbol of oppression inflicted upon London by the ruling elite. Serving as a royal residence early in history, it was also used as a prison from 1100-1952. Incredible! Not only that, it had the reputation for torture and death. Interestingly, guys, Elizabeth I was a victim before she became queen.Well, as you would expect, it's now turned to a money-making venture or what you would refinedly call a tourist attraction.
Up until recently, I only knew of the forbidden fruit, apparently there is a forbidden city, too. How astounding! Built from 1406-1420, the forbidden city was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Quing dynasty which now houses the palace museum and occasionally serves as performance venue. The forbidden city was the residence of the terrestial Emperor and his family, and was regarded such because no one could enter or leave the palace without the Emperor's permission. I tell you, guys, no theory can prove otherwise that these Emperors were chronic sadists.
If you are scared of heights like me, don't attempt to consider this place as tourist destination or honeymooning visit. Why? Standing at a staggering 1063 ft.equal to an 81 storey building located on the Champ de Mars in Paris France and named after Gustave Eiffel (whose company was in charge of the project), it ranked as the tallest structure in the world for 41yrs. It is the most visited paid monument in the world. What's more, it has 3 levels for visitors to ascend with restaurants on the first and second floor. Ascension can either be done through stairs or elevator.
TAJ MAHAL (India)
Finished in 1953 by 22,000 people, the Taj Mahal (crown of places) stands in awe of anyone who beholds it. This monument is even more impressive in that it takes different colouring at different times of the day, from a pinkish hue in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden at night when lit by the moon. Built in the memory of the emperor's third and most favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal took 17 years to be completed. Quite amazing is that the death of his favourite wife so crushed the Emperor that all his hair and beard were said to have grown snow white within a few months (well, he should have known better when he attempted to turn his wife into a baby making factory and create a football team through her as she died delivering their 14th child). Unbelievable! I'm particularly moved by the love-thingy part though; whatever 'efo riro' (vegetable) that that woman gave this man, I'd really love to have a taste and whatever love potion he was given, it certainly worked wonders.
- by Kalejaye Abayomi
Source: Legit.ng
