The Most Famous Building, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the building you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 5, 2024 06:26

Deciding which building holds the title of being the most famous can be as challenging as it is intriguing. Each structure carries its own historical significance and architectural marvel, fascinating a diverse audience worldwide. However, a consensus on which is the most recognized often varies widely among different cultures and personal experiences. By participating in a community-driven voting process, individuals have the opportunity to voice their opinions and contribute to a collective ranking. This engages a broader audience and enriches the overall understanding by revealing a wide array of perspectives. Such activity not only fosters global interaction but also highlights lesser-known architectural gems that deserve recognition.

What Is the Most Famous Building?

1

58
votes
The Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel

A symbol of France and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. It was built for the 1889 World's Fair and remains a popular tourist attraction.
The Eiffel Tower is an iconic iron lattice tower located in Paris, France. It stands as a symbol of both the city and the country, attracting millions of visitors every year. The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer, and was completed in 1889.

Height: 330 metres (1,083 feet)

Weight: 10,100 tonnes

Construction Period: 2 years, 2 months and 5 days

Material: Iron

Number of Steps: 1,665
2

24
votes
William Hodges · CC0

The Taj Mahal

A white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
The Taj Mahal is a stunning white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is widely regarded as one of the most magnificent buildings on Earth and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is a symbol of eternal love and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Year of Construction: 1632-1653

Architectural Style: Mughal architecture

Building Type: Mausoleum

Material: White marble
3

20
votes
The Empire State Building

A 102-story skyscraper located in New York City. It was completed in 1931 and was the tallest building in the world until 1970.
The Empire State Building is a world-famous skyscraper located in Manhattan, New York City. Standing at a height of 1,454 feet (443.2 meters), it held the title of the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years. It is considered an iconic symbol of the city and an architectural marvel of the 20th century.

Location: New York City, USA

Height: 1,454 feet (443.2 meters)

Floors: 102

Construction Period: 1930-1931

Architectural Style: Art Deco
4

13
votes
The Great Wall of China

A series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe. It is the longest wall in the world, stretching over 13,000 miles.
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe.

Length: 13,171 miles (21,196 kilometers)

Height: Varies between 15-30 feet (5-9 meters)

Width: Varies between 15-30 feet (5-9 meters)

Construction Material: Stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials

Age: Over 2,000 years old (construction began in the 7th century BCE)
The Great Wall of China in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful architectural structure in the world
- Position 9 of 10 in Most romantic places to kiss
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular seven wonders of the world
5

18
votes
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Colosseum

An amphitheater located in Rome, Italy. It was built in 80 AD and could hold up to 80,000 spectators for events such as gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an ancient Roman amphitheater located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It is considered one of the most iconic and beautiful man-made structures in the world, serving as a symbol of the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Built between 70-80 AD, the Colosseum was a monumental feat of engineering and architectural design.

Location: Rome, Italy

Date Built: 70-80 AD

Architectural Style: Roman

Purpose: Amphitheater for public spectacles, such as gladiatorial contests and mock naval battles

Shape: Elliptical
The Colosseum in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous landmark in Italy
6

8
votes
The Sydney Opera House

Jørn Utzon

A multi-venue performing arts center located in Sydney, Australia. It was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and completed in 1973.
The Sydney Opera House is a world-renowned performing arts center located in Sydney, Australia. It is considered one of the most iconic and beautiful man-made structures in modern architecture. The opera house serves as a prominent venue for various performing arts events such as opera, ballet, music concerts, and theater productions.

Location: Sydney, Australia

Architect: Jørn Utzon

Construction Period: 1959-1973

Total Roof Area: 1.8 hectares

Number of Performance Venues: 5
The Sydney Opera House in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular theater
7

8
votes
Vladimir Yaitskiy · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Burj Khalifa

A skyscraper located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the tallest building in the world, standing at 828 meters (2,716 feet) tall. It was completed in 2010.
The Burj Khalifa is a towering masterpiece and the tallest man-made structure in the world located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is an architectural marvel that symbolizes the ambition and vision of Dubai's development. The Burj Khalifa gracefully stretches up into the sky, standing as a modern wonder of engineering and design.

Height: 828 meters (2,722 feet)

Floors: 163

Construction Duration: 2004 - 2010

Cost: Approximately $1.5 billion

Architectural Style: Modern, Postmodern, and Islamic
8

10
votes
Benh LIEU SONG · CC BY 2.5

The Louvre

King Philippe Auguste

A museum located in Paris, France. It is one of the largest and most visited museums in the world, with over 38,000 objects on display. It is also home to the famous painting, the Mona Lisa.
The Louvre, also known as the Louvre Museum, is a historic monument and the world's largest art museum located in Paris, France. It is situated on the Right Bank of the Seine River, in the 1st arrondissement. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, a former royal residence and fortress. Today, it displays approximately 38,000 objects from prehistoric times to the 21st century over an area of 72,735 square meters.

Type: Art museum

Architectural style: Renaissance and Baroque

Year of completion: 1793

Visitors per year: Approximately 10 million

Collection size: Approximately 38,000 objects
9

6
votes
Jean-Pol GRANDMONT · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Vatican

The smallest independent state in the world, located within Rome, Italy. It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, which features Michelangelo's famous frescoes.
The Vatican is a prominent religious and cultural institution located within Vatican City, an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. It serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and is recognized as one of the most famous landmarks in the world.

Construction Period: Construction began in the 4th century and continued over several centuries, with ongoing renovations and additions.

Architectural Style: Primarily Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.

Area: The Vatican covers an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres).

St. Peter's Basilica: The Vatican houses St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest and most renowned churches in the world.

Sistine Chapel: Inside the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel showcases Michelangelo's famous ceiling frescoes, including the iconic 'Creation of Adam'.
10

5
votes
Someformofhuman · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Petronas Twin Towers

Cesar Pelli

A pair of skyscrapers located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They were completed in 1998 and were the tallest buildings in the world until 2004.
The Petronas Twin Towers, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, are an iconic pair of skyscrapers. They were once the tallest buildings in the world and remain a significant landmark in the city.

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Height: 452 meters (1,483 feet)

Floors: 88 each

Construction Period: 1992-1998

Architect: Cesar Pelli

Missing your favorite building?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous building

Historical importance

The role a building played in the history of its city, country, or the world can contribute to its fame. This can include buildings that have hosted significant events, served as headquarters for powerful groups, or have been the home of influential people.
Cultural impact

The building's impact on popular culture, such as its appearance in movies, television, or other media, should be considered. This influence can help spread awareness of the building and solidify its fame.
Aesthetic appeal

While this may be somewhat subjective, the overall beauty and visual appeal of a building can contribute to its fame. Striking or iconic silhouettes can make a building more recognizable and memorable.
Age and durability

Older buildings that have withstood the test of time may be more famous than newer constructions. Surviving natural disasters, wars, or other challenges can also contribute to a building's fame.
Size and scale

Large or tall buildings can be more likely to become famous due to their prominence on a city's skyline or the engineering feats required to construct them.
Relationship with the surrounding environment

A building that blends well with, or significantly contrasts, its surroundings can draw attention and become more famous. The way a building interacts with its setting can increase its visual appeal or symbolic importance.
Public accessibility

Buildings that are open to the public, either as attractions or functional spaces, can gain fame if they are frequently visited or serve a significant number of people.
Awards and recognition

A building that has received architectural awards, been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or achieved some other form of official recognition can gain fame through this distinction.
Story and symbolism

Sometimes, the story behind a building or the symbolism it represents can contribute to its fame. A building that embodies a nation's values, serves as a memorial, or signifies the achievement of a significant goal can gain fame through the power of its narrative.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous building. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or building is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2037 views
168 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each building once every 24 hours. The rank of each building is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous building

When it comes to famous buildings, there are countless options to choose from. From towering skyscrapers to ancient wonders of the world, buildings have long been a symbol of human ingenuity and creativity. One of the most famous buildings in the world is undoubtedly the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Completed in 1889 for the World's Fair, the tower was initially intended to be a temporary structure. However, its popularity and iconic design ensured that it would remain a permanent fixture of the Parisian skyline. Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited attractions in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. Other famous buildings include the Empire State Building in New York City, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, and the Taj Mahal in India. Each of these structures represents a unique piece of history and culture, reminding us of the incredible feats that humans are capable of accomplishing.