FX.co ★ 5 unknown ancient architectural marvels

Meenakshi Temple, India

This breathtaking temple with elaborate ornament is considered a miracle of Indian architecture. The Meenakshi Temple is a 2,500-year-old historic temple that mesmerizes sightseers with its magnificence and grandeur. It is a major pilgrimage destination for millions of believers who come from all over the world. Inside the Meenakshi temple, there are countless sculptures decorating the walls and ceilings. Each of them has a unique pattern. Some of them depict mythological creatures or illustrate historical events. They demonstrate how skillful ancient architects were.

Borobudur, Indonesia

Borobudur Temple is a preserved Buddhist monument in Indonesia that attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists. They are in awe of its magnificence and size. It took about 2 million stone blocks to build this ancient building. The unique architectural design of the temple will definitely take your breath away. The walls of Borobudur are covered with images carved in stone, which represent the story of Buddha. Aside from that, the images illustrate the centuries-old history of Indonesia. Another unusual feature of the temple is that there are lots of holes in the walls. According to legend, it is a symbol of liberation from worldly attachments and the path to achieving nirvana. Despite thorough research by scientists, there is no exact data on the time of construction of the temple. Borobudur Temple is estimated to be around 6 or 9 centuries old.

Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali

The Great Mosque of Djenné is one of the wonders of Africa and one of the most unique religious buildings in the world. Its most distinguished feature is that it is made from clay. Experts consider it the largest clay structure in the world. Over the years, the Great Mosque has become the centerpiece of the religious and cultural life of Mali. It is also a symbol of Djenne's architectural heritage and cultural identity. Thousands of pilgrims gather here every year to pray and communicate with other believers. Inside the mosque, there are many halls and rooms decorated with carved wooden patterns and exquisite ornaments. However, under the influence of nature and because of vandals, the Djenne Mosque is gradually being destroyed. The authorities of Mali are making a lot of efforts to preserve this ancient relic in its original form.

Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Iran

Built in the 17 century, this mosque is a rare pearl of Iran's architectural heritage. Its splendor and sophisticated ornament will make any viewer admire it. The Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque has a stunning design. The domes of the building, decorated with mosaics and exquisite geometric patterns made of bricks and ceramic tiles, showcase the greatness and beauty of Iranian culture. There is no courtyard or minarets in this mosque. It was constructed as a private mosque for women living in harems. There was no need for a courtyard. To get to the prayer hall, the women passed through an underground corridor winding around the main mosque. The mixture of modest shape and rich interior and exterior ornaments made the mosque one of the most recognizable tourist sites of Isfahan.

Leshan Giant Buddha, China

In the Chinese city of Leshan, there is the tallest statue of Buddha in the world. Its height is 71 m, which is equivalent to a building of 23 floors. The stone image of the Buddha is the main attraction of Leshan. The history of the construction dates back to the 8 century. At that time, Buddhist monk Hai Tong began working on it. After his death in 803, the statue was properly built. This majestic monument is perfectly preserved and continues to amaze tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.