Most Beautiful Building in the World?

[MrPresident]

What do you consider the most beautiful building in the world? This can be any man-made structure from any part of the world, the choice is yours. Pictures are actively encouraged.

 

[nihilistic]

The current longest bridge in the world:
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

 

[D' Artagnan]

The question is too vague : you can't compare let's say the Great Pyramids with a skyscraper, or a bridge, or a cathedral, or some classic architectural building etc.

IMO, you should have separated the Q in periods (Ancient, Medieval-Renaissance and Modern) or in types (skyscrapers, theatres,...)
Just my 2 €urocents

 

[MrPresident]

Originally posted by D' Artagnan
The question is too vague : you can't compare let's say the Great Pyramids with a skyscraper, or a bridge, or a cathedral, or some classic architectural building etc.

They are all man-made structures and are therefore comparable. If you cannot bring youself to choose just one building then choose a top five or a top ten.

 

[allhailIndia]

For sheer architectural beauty--- The Taj Mahal

For sheer engineering skill---The Great Wall of China.

 

[metalhead]

The Hagia Sophia.

 

[Pangur Bán]

Originally posted by metalhead
The Hagia Sophia.

Certainly, the inside is very beautiful.

 

[nihilistic]

Originally posted by allhailIndia
For sheer architectural beauty--- The Taj Mahal

For sheer engineering skill---The Great Wall of China.

I'm nowhere qualified to argue architectural beauty, but I think the Great Wall is more of a testament of endurance than of skill.

 

[thestonesfan]

I haven't seen anything fancy in real life, but the Versaille Palace looks really breathtaking.

I hope to someday see the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Cathedral; I think those are stunning.

As for the Pyramids and the Great Wall, they aren't exactly artistically appealing. Amazing feats in themselves, but they just don't aesthetically compare to even a modest Cathedral.

 

[Stapel]

Gaudi's Temple Sagrada Familia. I have visited it 4 times now. It is very interesting to see it 'grow'.

I agree with the Stones Fan: a pyramid is dull. On top of that: only when you know nothing about construction, you will create a pyramid shaped building.

 

[thestonesfan]

Still, I would love to see the pyramids. Just to feel the years in them, if nothing else.

 

[funxus]

I really like the Opera House in Sydney. And in general I like skyscrapers. We don't really have any in Sweden, and I don't think I've ever been as amazed over architecture as when I stepped out of the subwaystation in New York.

 

[JonathanValjean]

For me, it would be the Palace of Versailles, followed by the Taj Mahal.

 

[Fr8monkey]

I may be a little corny; but the most beautiful buliding in the world is seeing my house after a 12 hour shift.

 

[JonathanValjean]

Originally posted by Fr8monkey
I may be a little corny; but the most beautiful buliding in the world is seeing my house after a 12 hour shift.

I happen to like corny jokes!

 

[SunTzu]

Versailles is beautiful, i have some pictures around here somewhere of it, i'll scan them and post them if i can

 

[Stapel]

Hmmm, many people think Versailles is beautiful. In my opinion it is too much. Like......... kitsch.

 

[CruddyLeper]

Beauty is in the mind of the viewer. For me it is the Taj Mahal - although I must admit Sydney Opera House gives it a run for the money.

 

[DaEezT]

I don't care much about the beauty of a building, but how about this

 

[test_specimen]

The Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Make sure you visit in spring, when there is still snow on the Sierra Nevada, it makes an impressive background. The inside is also beautiful.