Whether it’s a soaring skyscraper or schoolhouse, great architecture shapes a city’s ground experience — not to mention how the city is seen by visitors and beyond. The most beautiful and recognizable buildings usually earn an iconic status, each structure telling a unique story about the city’s past and present.
From St. Paul’s Cathedral in London to the Taj Mahal in India, — there are so many great examples of exquisite design and architecture across the globe. Some like The Westminster Abbey was constructed hundreds of years ago and others like the Marina Bay Sands Hotel are just a few years old, but which of these buildings is the most beautiful?
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Most Beautiful Building In The World
We’ve found that London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral can now lay a valid claim as the most beautiful building across the globe, closely followed by Westminster Abbey and Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore in third.
The Top 8 Most Beautiful Buildings In The World
1. St Paul Cathedral, England
First on our list of the world’s most beautiful buildings is the St. Paul Cathedral. It’s a great example of classic craftsmanship. London’s skyline couldn’t be complete without St. Paul Cathedrals spectacular dome.
After the Great Fire of London gravely destroyed the building, Sir Christopher Wren, a renowned architect, mathematician and scientist spent about 9 years planning the rebuild.
Wren wanted to keep the English medieval cathedral style alive while being profoundly inspired by St Peters Basilica, which is ranked as number 12 on the list of the most iconic buildings on planet earth.
Nowadays, St. Paul’s cathedrals receive over 2 million visitors annually, every person hoping to get a glimpse of its intricate interiors and impressive exterior.
2. Westminster Abbey in England
Built back in 1745, the Westminster Abbey is an outstanding, largely Gothic Abbey church. It’s one of the most famous religious buildings in the UK; it’s the chosen place of coronation and burial for UK monarchs.
As a matter of fact, the Westminster Abbey is the burial site for over 3300 people, including 8 prime ministers, 16 monarchs, military leaders, scientists, actors, and poets. Also, it’s been the site for many royal weddings including Kate’s and William’s wedding back in 2011.
3. Marina Bay Sands Hotel In Singapore
Built-in 2010, the Marina Bay Sands is a world-class resort that includes two floating crystal pavilions, restaurants, a large theatre, a museum, a shopping mall, an exhibition Centre, a 2,561-room hotel, and the world’s biggest atrium casino with 1,600 slot machines and 500 tables.
The structure comprises 3 towels that are topped by a Skypark, which boasts a 150-meter swimming pool, set on one of the biggest public cantilevered platforms.
4. Taj Mahal in India
The emperor commissioned the Taj Mahal back in 1632 to house his wife’s tomb. It’s estimated that the complex was built at a cost of about £70m in today’s money. In 1983, the complex was chosen as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is considered by many visitors as a symbol of India’s rich history.
5. Dancing House in the Czech Republic
The modern design of this great building was quite controversial during construction because the structure stands out among the Art Nouveau, Gothic and Baroque buildings that Prague is renowned for. Originally the house was named Fred & Ginger (after popular dancers Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire) but this nickname is no longer in use.
6. Casa Mila in Spain
The Casa Mila is one of the most modern buildings in Barcelona. Designed by Gaudi and commissioned in 1906, the construction of this building was very contentious because of its twisting wrought-iron balconies and undulating stone façade. It was designated the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
7. Neuschwanstein Castle In Germany
Built-in the 19th century, the Neuschwanstein Castle was commissioned by Bavaria’s King Ludwig II as a retreat. The king paid for the castle out of extensive borrowing and personal fortune and not the Bavarian public funds. Over 61 million people have visited the Neuschwanstein castle, with more than 6,000 visitors every day during summer.
8. Cathedral of Brasilia in Brazil
Perhaps the most unusual, yet interesting design in our list, it’s surprising to see this hyperboloid structure in our ranking. Nevertheless, its perfect angles and symmetry have without a doubt helped its score. It’s an undisputed fact that it’s a great complex to behold.