For those who want to learn more about the culture and history of other countries, there are buildings that you simply have to see. Here are the most beautiful sights from around the world that are well worth a visit.

 

1 St Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy

The imposing and opulent building of St Peter's Basilica in Rome attracts tourists from all over the world for good reason. Some of the many hundreds of works of art in the complex date back to the ruler Constantine in the 4th century. There are also numerous works from the Baroque and Renaissance periods, not least Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. St Peter's Basilica is a sanctuary of the Catholic Church, but the religious background is also or especially worth seeing as a cultural insight for non-Catholics, as it more than vividly reflects the tradition of pomp and splendour.

2nd Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

After his greatest victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, Napoleon promised his men that they would return home through the Arc de Triomphe. Construction on the largest and most famous triumphal arch in the world began the following year, but it was not completed until 1836. The 50 metre high arch is the traditional starting point for ceremonial processions.

3 Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

The castle rises on the basaltic heart of an extinct volcano and is an imposing collection of buildings dating from the 12th to 20th centuries. It reflects its changing role as a fort, palace, military base and prison. There is evidence of Bronze Age occupation at the castle, which took its name from a 7th century Celtic fort (Dun Eidin). The castle was a royal residence until 1603. Today the castle is the proud owner of the so-called Stone of Destiny, an ancient relic of ancient Scottish kings, which the English held until 1996.

 

4th Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

The famous leaning tower in the city of Pisa is just one of the breathtaking architectural masterpieces on the Campo dei Miracoli. Next to it is the Basilica, Italy's largest baptistery with perfect acoustics inside, and the Campo Santo cemetery, which contains Roman sarcophagi and sculptures. The buildings combine Moorish, Gothic and Roman elements.

5th Krak des Chevaliers, Syria

One of the most magnificent castles in the world, the Krak des Chevaliers was built by the Crusaders. After the conquest of Jerusalem and the Holy Land of the Muslims, they needed a strong fortress to defend their new territory. After the defeat of the Crusaders in 1271, the castle fell into the hands of the Arabs. People settled inside the building and resided there until the 1930s, when the castle was cleared and restored.

6th Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet

On Lhasa's highest peak stands the monumental structure of the Potala Palace, which is thirteen storeys high. Tibet's highest monk, the Dalai Lama, once resided here, giving the place spiritual power. After the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, the palace became a museum. It is a symbol of the Buddhist culture of Tibet. The first palace was built in 641 by Songsten Gampo and later integrated into the larger building you see today. There are two parts: the White Palace, which was built in 1645 by the 5th Dalai Lama, and the Red Palace from 1693.

7th Nôtre Dame, Paris, France

No other building represents the history of Paris as strongly as the Nôtre Dame church. It rises majestically on the Île de la Cité, in the heart of the city. Construction began in 1163 and was the start of 170 years of painstaking work. Numerous royal weddings and coronations have taken place in this building. The church is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

8th Westminster Abbey, London, England

Photo: Local_Profile

Since the 13th century, British monarchs have been buried here and royal weddings and coronations have been celebrated. With its diverse arrangement of architectural styles, the abbey is one of the most beautiful buildings in London. It serves as a church as well as a national museum, as the interior contains tombs and monuments to some of Britain's celebrities.

 

9 Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

Photo: Pilise Gábor

Founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, Trinity College is Dublin's oldest and most famous educational institution. Originally a Protestant school, it only began admitting Catholics in the 1970s. Among the most famous former students of Trinity College are Oliver Goldsmith, Samuel Beckett and Edmund Burke.

10th Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal) is considered the jewel of Muslim art in India and is a celebrated masterpiece of world cultural heritage. The construction of the mausoleum began in 1632 and took 22 years to dedicate to the deceased third wife of the ruler Shah Jahan (Mumtaz Mahal). The Taj Mahal displays traditional design of Persian architecture and early Mughal architecture.