14 Awe-Inspiring Statues, Monuments Around The World
Scattered across the globe are statues and monuments that do more than just stand tall—they tell stories, honor legacies, and leave visitors in awe. Some have watched over cities for centuries, while others are modern marvels pushing the boundaries of art and architecture.
Wouldn’t it be incredible to stand before a masterpiece that has witnessed history unfold? From towering giants carved into mountains to delicate sculptures that defy gravity, these 14 awe-inspiring landmarks will leave you speechless.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
In Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer stands with arms outstretched. Perched on Mount Corcovado, this 98-foot-tall statue is popular in Brazil. Standing at its feet and taking in the panoramic view of Rio below is an unrivaled feeling and experience.
The Great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt
No one knows who built it and why, but for thousands of years, the Great Sphinx of Giza has silently guarded the pyramids. It’s one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring monuments in the world. With the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh, it still has an undeniable presence, though it lost its nose somewhere along the way.
Moai Statues, Easter Island
The Moai statues, scattered across Easter Island, are a testament to the ingenuity of the Rapa Nui civilization. Carved from volcanic rock in AD 1250–1500, these monolithic figures reach heights of up to 13 feet, some measuring up to 33 feet. While no one knows how the Moai were transported, scientists believe they were created to honor ancestors and chiefs.
The Statue of Liberty, USA
Lady Liberty arrived as a gift to America in 1886. She symbolizes freedom and hope. Climbing to the crown for a view of New York Harbor is a bucket list item, but even from the ground, her towering presence is something to behold.
The Terracotta Army, China
Imagine discovering an entire army underneath your feet. In 1974, Chinese farmers came upon a Terracotta Army of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. Each soldier had unique armor, weaponry, and facial features.
The Angel of the North, England
Soaring high into the sky is the Angel of the North, England’s most striking sculpture from its recent history. An angel of steel towers in the sky, representing strength. It has a way of making an impression whether you’re driving past it or standing beneath it.
The Motherland Calls, Russia
The Motherland Calls in Volgograd is one of the largest statues in the world. It stands taller than the Statue of Liberty and symbolizes the Soviet victory in World War II. This dramatic sculpture of a woman holding a sword is one of the most powerful monuments ever created because of its sheer size and emotion.
The Merlion, Singapore
The Merlion is half lion, half fish, and 100 percent Singapore’s quirky but beloved symbol. It symbolizes Singapore’s origins as a fishing village and the meaning of its name: ‘Lion City.’ Visitors love to take photos here, especially when the city skyline lights up behind it at sunset.
The Cavern of the Hands, Argentina
Some monuments are left behind as clues to times past. At the Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Bend Hands) in Argentina, handprints on cave walls date back 9,000 years or more. Such old markings give us a peek at early human life and creativity.
The Obelisk of Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Obelisk is Argentina’s most recognizable landmark and stands right at the heart of Buenos Aires. Commonly a meeting point and a symbol of the city’s history, it towers over the busy streets and is a symbol of pride in Buenos Aires.
The Leshan Giant Buddha, China
The Leshan Giant Buddha is a stone Buddha statue carved into a cliffside and is the largest in the world. It is over 230 feet tall and was built to calm the waters of a nearby river. Gazing up at its enormous, peaceful face, you cannot help but feel a bit of calm.
Stonehenge, England
Nobody knows just how or why it was built, but Stonehenge stands well over 5,000 years old. One of the greatest mysteries in the world is this circle of giant stones in England. It’s been said to be an astronomical calendar or a place of worship. Regardless of its purpose, it still captivates visitors who come to gawk at its ancient glory.
The African Renaissance Monument, Senegal
At 160 feet, this bronze statue in Dakar, Senegal is the tallest statue in Africa. It was finished in 2010 and represents the progress and future of Africa. The monument is controversial because of its cost and artistic style, but it is a powerful expression of African strength and unity.
Mount Rushmore, USA
Mount Rushmore, carved in the Black Hills of South Dakota, features the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The monument was completed between 1927 and 1941 by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and depicts the birth, growth, development, and preservation of the United States. Each face is about 60 feet tall, making the carvings one of the most impressive sculptures in the world.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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