20 Architectural Marvels You’ve Never Heard

This museum dedicated to Islamic art and culture is housed in a striking, modernist building designed by the renowned architect Fumihiko Maki. The Aga Khan Museum's minimalist design, combined with its serene reflecting pools and light-filled spaces, creates an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.

While Dubai is famous for its ultramodern architecture, the buildings along Dubai Creek remain relatively unknown. These structures incorporate both futuristic designs and elements of traditional Arabic architecture, creating a unique skyline that contrasts the more famous Burj Khalifa.

This obelisk in Boston commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolution. Standing at 67 meters (221 feet), the monument was built to honor the soldiers who fought in the battle. Its simple yet powerful design, combined with its historical significance, makes it one of Boston’s most understated architectural marvels.

Located on the island of Oahu, the Aloha Tower is a distinctive landmark that blends elements of Moorish, Spanish, and Art Deco design. Originally built in 1926, it served as a lighthouse, and its clock tower remains an iconic symbol of Honolulu’s waterfront today.

The Glass Building in Moscow is an unconventional structure made almost entirely of glass. The sleek, modern design, combined with the reflective surfaces of the building’s glass exterior, offers an intriguing contrast to Moscow's more traditional Soviet-era architecture.

Jantar Mantar is a collection of astronomical instruments located in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and it holds the title of the world’s largest stone observatory. The site includes massive instruments used to measure time, predict eclipses, and track celestial bodies. The innovative and visually stunning structures have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A masterpiece of modernist architecture by Le Corbusier, Villa Savoye epitomizes the International Style and revolutionized residential design. Located just outside Paris, this white, boxy villa is elevated on stilts and features open floor plans, flat roofs, and large windows, which continue to influence architectural design today.

Though it’s well-known in Europe, Neuschwanstein Castle is less famous worldwide. This fairy-tale castle perched high in the Bavarian Alps served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Its breathtaking location, elaborate interiors, and dramatic towers make it one of the most enchanting castles in the world.

This fantastical palace in the Sintra mountains blends elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline architecture with whimsical touches that give it a fairy-tale quality. The striking color combinations and its perched position above the town of Sintra make Palácio da Pena one of the most visually stunning landmarks in Portugal.

Located in a former clay pit, the Eden Project in Cornwall consists of massive geodesic domes housing biomes that recreate tropical and Mediterranean climates. The sustainable architecture, which emphasizes harmony with nature, has made the Eden Project a global leader in environmental design and a must-see for eco-conscious travelers.

The Great Mosque of Djenné is the largest mud-brick building in the world and an exceptional example of Sahelian architecture. Built entirely from sun-dried mud bricks, the mosque’s distinctive minarets and ornate wooden beams make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the region’s Islamic culture.

Originally designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in 1968, the Futuro House is a modular, prefabricated house with a striking, saucer-like shape. Its futuristic design is a testament to the space-age ideals of the 1960s. Though only around 100 of these houses were built, some still remain in use as homes, museums, and art installations

Tucked 101 meters (331 feet) beneath the earth's surface in the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Chapel of St. Kinga is an extraordinary subterranean marvel. Carved entirely out of salt, including the chandeliers, altars, and sculptures, the chapel is an otherworldly space that blends art, religion, and geology in a truly unique way.

Though it is slowly becoming more famous, the Sagrada Familia remains one of the most unique architectural projects in the world. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, this surreal basilica in Barcelona has been under construction since 1882 and is still unfinished. With its organic shapes, towering spires, and imaginative facades, it's one of the most extraordinary examples of modernist architecture.

Though the Alhambra is famous among architecture enthusiasts, it’s often overshadowed by more widely-known landmarks. This Moorish palace complex, perched on a hill in Granada, features intricate Islamic art and design. The stunning courtyards, fountains, and tilework are a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Nasrid dynasty.

Shenzhen’s Ping An Finance Centre is an ultra-modern skyscraper that stands as one of the tallest buildings in the world. At 599 meters (1,965 feet), it is an engineering feat, combining cutting-edge design with functionality. The tower is not only a marvel of engineering but also an expression of China’s booming economic growth.

Rising above the Port of Hamburg, the Elbphilharmonie (Elbe Philharmonic Hall) is a striking concert hall and cultural center. Its undulating glass structure sits atop a historic warehouse, creating a modern contrast with the surrounding industrial buildings. The architectural design by Herzog & de Meuron earned the building widespread acclaim for its innovative use of space and striking design.

While India is known for its ancient temples, the Lotus Temple stands out due to its modern design. Shaped like a lotus flower, the Bahá'í House of Worship is made of 27 marble-clad petals and is set amidst lush gardens. The temple’s serene atmosphere and unique design make it one of the most photographed buildings in India, though it remains less famous outside the country.

Often called the "Las Setas" (the mushrooms), the Metropol Parasol is an enormous wooden structure in the heart of Seville’s old town. Designed by German architect Jürgen Mayer, the structure is the largest wooden building in the world. Its unique, honeycomb-like design provides shade to the square below and features a stunning rooftop with panoramic views of the city.

Though technically famous, La Sagrada Familia remains one of the most awe-inspiring yet underappreciated structures in the world. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, the basilica is still under construction after more than 140 years. Its intricate facades, towers, and the integration of nature into architecture make it an unparalleled work of art.