Here are nine interesting facts about architecture that may keep you up at night:
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. It is also the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.
The Pantheon in Rome is a well-preserved ancient Roman temple. It is the oldest standing domed structure in the world and is considered a masterpiece of Roman architecture.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris was originally intended as a temporary structure for the 1889 World's Fair. It was so popular that it was allowed to remain standing and has since become one of the most iconic structures in the world.
The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. It took over 16 years to build and was completed in 1973.
The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world and is visible from space. It was built over 2,000 years ago to protect the Chinese empire from invaders.
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India is a white marble mausoleum built in the 17th century. It is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world, standing at over 828 meters (2,722 feet). It took over six years to build and was completed in 2010.
The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia are the tallest twin towers in the world. They were completed in 1998 and were the tallest buildings in the world until 2004.
The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain is an unfinished Roman Catholic church designed by Antoni Gaudí. It has been under construction since 1882 and is not expected to be completed until 2026
