You have heard of the Pyramids, the Great Wall of China and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Over the centuries, many cultures have created remarkable structures that the rest of the world marveled at. There are many that you probably never even heard of before.
Here are some underappreciated wonders of the world. Did you know about them?
1. Banaue Rice Terraces
Rice is one of the most important crops in the world. It accounts for 21% of all calories consumed around the world.
A lot of rice is grown in the Farmed Rice Terraces in The Philippines. This is a remarkable structure that was built around the time of Christ. Many experts claim that if the steps were laid next to each other, they would stretch halfway across the glove. According to many Filipinos, it is the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
2. Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval
The Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval is an exquisite palace in Paris. Ferdinand Cheval, a local postman began building it in 1869. It took him several decades to complete this masterpiece.
The most remarkable thing about this building is that it was built by a man with no formal training in masonry or architecture. The Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval has been an inspiration for artists around the world for decades. In 1969, the building was classified as a historical monument by André Malraux, the French Minister of Cultural Affairs.
3. Transfiguration Church
The Kizhi Transfiguration Church in Russia is a wonder beyond words. It is over a hundred feet tall, yet it was built without a single nail. How was it constructed? All we know is that it was built with thousands of logs, which were imported from the center of Russia. The rest of the dome’s history will forever remain a mystery.
One legend claims that it was built by a single carpenter, who used a single axe. The carpenter reportedly threw his axe into the ocean after he was completed, stating “there was not and will be not another one to match it”.
4. Tower of Hercules
While the stories of Hercules were born in Greek mythology, they have touched people all over the world. While the Roman Empire ruled Europe, they constructed a monumental lighthouse in the mythical demigod’s honor. The Tower of Hercules sits in Coruña, Galicia, a city in Northern Spain.
The Romans built the lighthouse to last for eternity. They did a phenomenal job, because it is still in use today. The United Nations World Heritage Convention reports that the structure has been renovated:
“The Tower, built on a 57 metre high rock, rises a further 55 metres, of which 34 metres correspond to the Roman masonry and 21 meters to the restoration directed by architect Eustaquio Giannini in the 18th century, who augmented the Roman core with two octagonal forms.”
5. Standing Stone of Callanish
Everyone has heard of the Stonehenges in Wiltshire, England, but few people have heard of the Standing Stone of Callanish, Scotland. This structure is very similar in structure, but has not received nearly as much attention.
Ironically, the Standing Stone of Callanish is older than the Stonehenges. They are over 5,000 years old and were an important place for rituals for over 2,000 years. It is unclear why the specific location was chosen, but the Historic Foundation of Scotland speculates that it had something to do with astronomic activity near this site.
6. Eight Foot Great Dane
Major, an eight foot great dane from Wales, is the world’s biggest dog. He even towers above other great danes. This is odd, because the great dane species doesn’t even make the list of the ten largest dog breeds in the world. His owner, Brian Williams, says people come from all other the world to look at him:
“He is the biggest-hearted dog in the world. He is such a fantastic animal. People love seeing him. They play with him all day.”
Conclusion
We live in a world full of wonders and mystery. There are plenty of wonders that you never even heard of. Do you hope to visit them someday?
Featured photo credit: Pexels / Raul via pexels.com
