15 Incredible Facts About the World’s Most Famous Landmarks

The world is full of iconic landmarks – but how much do you really know about them? Here are 15 incredible facts that will surprise you!

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was originally considered an eyesore by many Parisians. In fact, it was only meant to stand for 20 years!

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal changes color throughout the day – appearing pink in the morning, white during the day, and golden in the evening.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu remained unknown to the outside world until 1911 when it was rediscovered by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham.

Statue of Liberty

Did you know the Statue of Liberty was originally copper-colored? Over time, it turned green due to oxidation.

Colosseum

The Colosseum in Rome could hold up to 50,000 spectators, and in ancient times, it was even flooded for naval battles.

The Great Wall of China

Many believe the Great Wall of China can be seen from space, but that’s actually a myth. However, it stretches over 21,000 kilometers!

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is more than 5,000 years old, and the mystery of how its massive stones were transported remains unsolved.

Burj Khalifa

The world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, is so high that you can watch the sunset twice – once from the ground and once from the top!

Big Ben

Big Ben is not a tower! Many people think it refers to the famous London landmark, but it’s actually the name of the clock inside Elizabeth Tower.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The famous tilt is still changing! Restoration efforts have straightened it slightly, but the tower continues to shift over time.

Christ the Redeemer

The iconic statue in Rio is struck by lightning an average of 3–6 times per year. In 2014, one of its fingers was damaged in a major storm.

Petra

The stunning rock city of Petra remained unknown to the outside world for over 600 years until it was rediscovered in 1812.

Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore was originally planned to feature full-body statues of the presidents, but budget constraints meant only their heads were completed.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre was originally a fortress! It was built in the 12th century to defend Paris before becoming a royal palace and later the world’s most-visited museum.

Niagara Falls

Due to erosion, Niagara Falls is actually moving backward. Over the last 12,000 years, it has shifted about 10 kilometers!