As I've begun to make these lists and study on some of the greatest monuments in the world, I keep wanting to add more categories. Therefore I've decided to include the categories of towers, castles, stadiums, and statues to my blog. In this study I'm going to focus on the greatest towers, which are to be separated from skyscrapers. Many of these towers are included among the tallest standing structures in the world.
Towers are generally thin structures that are built very tall and serve a general purpose as an observational lookout. This was first incorporate as a military tactic among ancient walls and castles. Now they are mostly built as city lookouts or monumental points of tourism. Obelisks and minarets have similar structures yet their purpose is different in that they are built as monuments of honor, such as the Washington Monument for example. In this post I will exclude one of the most famous of towers, The Eiffel Tower, because I have already listed it as my favorite modern wonder.
My Top Ten Favorite Towers
Honorable Mention: Washington Monument
Culture: American
Year Constructed: 1884
Designed by: Robert Mills
Purpose: Classical Monument
Height: 555 feet
Location: Washington DC
Significance: Since the structure of an obelisk is very similiar to that of a tower or a minaret I decided to include this iconic monument in this list of towers. It is by far the most famous of obelisks in the world. Standing at a resounding 555 feet, it surpassed the Cologne Cathedral as the tallest standing structure in the world in 1884. It was later surpassed by the Eiffel tower in 1889. To this day it remains the tallest stone structure and obelisk in the world. It is an iconic symbol of Washington DC and American government.
10. Ostankino Tower
Culture: Russian
Year Constructed: 1967
Designed by: Nikolai Nikitin
Purpose: Observation, Telecommunications, Tourism
Height: 1772 feet
Location: Moscow, Russia
Significance: During the height of the Soviet Union it was built int 1967 and surpassed the Empire State Building as the tallest standing structure in the world. (Which it was later surpassed by the CN Tower in 1976). To this day it remains the tallest standing structure in Europe and the 8th tallest structure in the world. It was built as an observation and telecommunications tower, but also a commemoration to mark the 50th year anniversary of the October Revolution.
9. Minaret of Jam
Culture: Afghanistan
Year Constructed: 1190
Commissioned by: The Ghurid Dynasty
Purpose: A religious monument
Height: 203 feet
Location: Ghor Province, Afghanistan
Significance: It is an ancient structure that is believed that have been once a part of a mosque honoring the Ghurid dynasty and the spread of Islam. What makes the tower so unique is it's inscriptions, coloring, and geometric shapes. The tower displays artistic calligraphy throughout it's structure quoting passages from the Qur'an. It is world landmark yet also in danger of corrosion and collapse.
8. Great Mosque of Samara
Culture: Abbasid Caliphate (Iraqi)
Year Constructed: 851
Comissioned by: Al-Mutawakkil
Architectural Style: Abbasid
Height: 162 feet
Location: Samarra, Iraq
Significance: It was built in 851 by the Abbasid Caliphate as one of the largest mosques in the world. It's iconic feature was the spiral tower connected to it, which stands to this day as an ancient wonder of the Middle East. This minaret was constructed of sandstone and incorporates a unique design of a wide spiraling staircase. The mosque itself was destroyed in 1278 after the Hulagu Khan invasion of Iraq. All that remains is the outer wall and this iconic tower.
7. CN Tower
Culture: Canadian
Year Constructed: 1976
Designed by: WZMH Architects
Purpose: Observation, Tourism, Telecommunications
Height: 1815 feet
Location: Toronto, Canada
Significance: Upon it's construction in 1976 it surpassed the Ostankino tower as the tallest standing structer in the world. A title it would retain until the Burj Kalifia was completed in 2010. It still remains the 7th tallest standing structure in the world and is considered one of the 7 wonders by the American Society of Civil Engineers. It dominates the Toronto skyline and has become one Canada's most iconic monuments.
6. Oriental Pearl Tower
Culture: Chinese
Year Constructed: 1994
Designed by: Jiang Huan Chen, Lin Benlin, Zhang Xiulin
Purpose: Telecommunications, Hotel, Observation, Tourism, Restaurant
Height: 1535 feet
Location: Shanghai, China
Significance: Upon it's construction in 1994 it became the tallest standing structure in China until it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center. To this day it is the 5th tallest tower in the world. It's design is very modern and unique from other modern towers. It's most iconic features are the giant two spheres that make up the base and the top. The base also has a tepee support structure unlike other towers. It soars over the booming Shanghai skyline alongside the Shanghai World Financial Center.
5. Qutb Minar
Culture: Indian
Year Constructed: 1220
Designed by: Delhi Sultanate
Material: Red Sandstone and Marble
Height: 240 feet
Location: Delhi, India
Significance: It is an ancient middle-eastern wonder, inspired by the Minaret of Jam. It is the 2nd tallest brick minaret in the world after Fateh Burj. The tower is a part of the Qtub Complex, a series of tombs and monuments which honor Indian sultans. Inside the tower there is a circular staircase that leads to the top. The bottom columns have intricate designs and calligraphy with passages from the Qur'an. It is a striking landmark of Indian culture.
4. Galata Tower
Culture: Turkish
Year Constructed: 1348
Designed by: Ottoman Empire
Architectural Style: Romanesque
Material: Stone
Height: 219 feet
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Significance: Upon it's construction in 1348 it was the tallest structure in the capital city Istanbul of the Ottoman Empire. It was built as a replacement of another tower and part of an expansion of the then city of Constantinople. It is built of stone and offers a lookout point throughout the large city and peninsula. It is one of the most historical and iconic landmarks in the present city of Istanbul.
3. Canton Tower
Culture: Chinese
Year Constructed: 2009
Designed by: Mark Hemel & Barbara Kuit
Height: 1954 feet
Location: Guangzho, China
Significance: Upon it's completion in 2009 it became the tallest tower in the world, until it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree in 2014. It is now the 2nd tallest tower and the 5th tallest freestanding structure behind the Burj Khalifa, Shanghai Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and Abraj al Bait. Is is a modern day wonder as it towers over the booming city of Guangzho, China. It has multiple uses as an observation point, telecommunications, tourism, and even a restaurant. The tower has a unique twist and waist structure with a wider base and top than it's middle. It has became a modern day landmark of Chinese culture.
2. Leaning Tower of Pisa
Culture: Italian
Year Constructed: 1372
Designed by: Bonanno Pisano
Architectural Style: Romanesque
Height: 183 feet
Location: Pisa, Italy
Significance: It is perhaps one of the most iconic towers in the world, famous not for it's height or design yet rather it's irregular slant. This infamous architectural error was noticed during construction as the foundation of one side of the tower was too soft, thus began the slight tilt. The tower was eventually stabilized however the tilt remains as one of it's most iconic features. Looking beyond it's tilt, the tower is actually quite a remarkable structure of Romanesque-classical pillar style. It's actually a part of the Pisa Cathedral, which is often overlooked by it's iconic leaning bell tower.
1. Tokyo Skytree
Culture: Japanese
Year Constructed: 2014
Designed by: Nikken Sekkei
Architectural Style: Neo-futuristic
Height: 2080 feet
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Significance: Upon it's completion in 2014 it became the tallest tower in the world, and 2nd tallest standing structure, behind only the Burj Khalifa. It's primary purpose is as a major broadcast site for Japanese telecommunication companies. However it also has multiple purposes for tourism, observation, and offers a restaurant. The design is an embodiment of Japanese style and extremely futuristic. It's defining feature is it's unique exterior lattice, which is painted in white yet often illuminated thru LED lights. The display of it's ever changing lights, it's incredible structure and height makes this one of the most awe-inpsiring monuments in today's modern world.
Towers are generally thin structures that are built very tall and serve a general purpose as an observational lookout. This was first incorporate as a military tactic among ancient walls and castles. Now they are mostly built as city lookouts or monumental points of tourism. Obelisks and minarets have similar structures yet their purpose is different in that they are built as monuments of honor, such as the Washington Monument for example. In this post I will exclude one of the most famous of towers, The Eiffel Tower, because I have already listed it as my favorite modern wonder.
My Top Ten Favorite Towers
Honorable Mention: Washington Monument
Culture: AmericanYear Constructed: 1884
Designed by: Robert Mills
Purpose: Classical Monument
Height: 555 feet
Location: Washington DC
Significance: Since the structure of an obelisk is very similiar to that of a tower or a minaret I decided to include this iconic monument in this list of towers. It is by far the most famous of obelisks in the world. Standing at a resounding 555 feet, it surpassed the Cologne Cathedral as the tallest standing structure in the world in 1884. It was later surpassed by the Eiffel tower in 1889. To this day it remains the tallest stone structure and obelisk in the world. It is an iconic symbol of Washington DC and American government.
10. Ostankino Tower
Culture: Russian
Year Constructed: 1967
Designed by: Nikolai Nikitin
Purpose: Observation, Telecommunications, Tourism
Height: 1772 feet
Location: Moscow, Russia
Significance: During the height of the Soviet Union it was built int 1967 and surpassed the Empire State Building as the tallest standing structure in the world. (Which it was later surpassed by the CN Tower in 1976). To this day it remains the tallest standing structure in Europe and the 8th tallest structure in the world. It was built as an observation and telecommunications tower, but also a commemoration to mark the 50th year anniversary of the October Revolution.
9. Minaret of Jam
Culture: AfghanistanYear Constructed: 1190
Commissioned by: The Ghurid Dynasty
Purpose: A religious monument
Height: 203 feet
Location: Ghor Province, Afghanistan
Significance: It is an ancient structure that is believed that have been once a part of a mosque honoring the Ghurid dynasty and the spread of Islam. What makes the tower so unique is it's inscriptions, coloring, and geometric shapes. The tower displays artistic calligraphy throughout it's structure quoting passages from the Qur'an. It is world landmark yet also in danger of corrosion and collapse.
8. Great Mosque of Samara
Culture: Abbasid Caliphate (Iraqi)
Year Constructed: 851
Comissioned by: Al-Mutawakkil
Architectural Style: Abbasid
Height: 162 feet
Location: Samarra, Iraq
Significance: It was built in 851 by the Abbasid Caliphate as one of the largest mosques in the world. It's iconic feature was the spiral tower connected to it, which stands to this day as an ancient wonder of the Middle East. This minaret was constructed of sandstone and incorporates a unique design of a wide spiraling staircase. The mosque itself was destroyed in 1278 after the Hulagu Khan invasion of Iraq. All that remains is the outer wall and this iconic tower.
7. CN Tower
Culture: Canadian
Year Constructed: 1976
Designed by: WZMH Architects
Purpose: Observation, Tourism, Telecommunications
Height: 1815 feet
Location: Toronto, Canada
Significance: Upon it's construction in 1976 it surpassed the Ostankino tower as the tallest standing structer in the world. A title it would retain until the Burj Kalifia was completed in 2010. It still remains the 7th tallest standing structure in the world and is considered one of the 7 wonders by the American Society of Civil Engineers. It dominates the Toronto skyline and has become one Canada's most iconic monuments.
6. Oriental Pearl Tower
Culture: Chinese
Year Constructed: 1994Designed by: Jiang Huan Chen, Lin Benlin, Zhang Xiulin
Purpose: Telecommunications, Hotel, Observation, Tourism, Restaurant
Height: 1535 feet
Location: Shanghai, China
Significance: Upon it's construction in 1994 it became the tallest standing structure in China until it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center. To this day it is the 5th tallest tower in the world. It's design is very modern and unique from other modern towers. It's most iconic features are the giant two spheres that make up the base and the top. The base also has a tepee support structure unlike other towers. It soars over the booming Shanghai skyline alongside the Shanghai World Financial Center.
5. Qutb Minar
Culture: Indian
Year Constructed: 1220
Designed by: Delhi Sultanate
Material: Red Sandstone and Marble
Height: 240 feet
Location: Delhi, India
Significance: It is an ancient middle-eastern wonder, inspired by the Minaret of Jam. It is the 2nd tallest brick minaret in the world after Fateh Burj. The tower is a part of the Qtub Complex, a series of tombs and monuments which honor Indian sultans. Inside the tower there is a circular staircase that leads to the top. The bottom columns have intricate designs and calligraphy with passages from the Qur'an. It is a striking landmark of Indian culture.
4. Galata Tower
Culture: Turkish
Year Constructed: 1348Designed by: Ottoman Empire
Architectural Style: Romanesque
Material: Stone
Height: 219 feet
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Significance: Upon it's construction in 1348 it was the tallest structure in the capital city Istanbul of the Ottoman Empire. It was built as a replacement of another tower and part of an expansion of the then city of Constantinople. It is built of stone and offers a lookout point throughout the large city and peninsula. It is one of the most historical and iconic landmarks in the present city of Istanbul.
3. Canton Tower
Culture: Chinese
Year Constructed: 2009
Designed by: Mark Hemel & Barbara KuitHeight: 1954 feet
Location: Guangzho, China
Significance: Upon it's completion in 2009 it became the tallest tower in the world, until it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree in 2014. It is now the 2nd tallest tower and the 5th tallest freestanding structure behind the Burj Khalifa, Shanghai Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and Abraj al Bait. Is is a modern day wonder as it towers over the booming city of Guangzho, China. It has multiple uses as an observation point, telecommunications, tourism, and even a restaurant. The tower has a unique twist and waist structure with a wider base and top than it's middle. It has became a modern day landmark of Chinese culture.
2. Leaning Tower of Pisa
Culture: Italian
Year Constructed: 1372
Designed by: Bonanno Pisano
Architectural Style: RomanesqueHeight: 183 feet
Location: Pisa, Italy
Significance: It is perhaps one of the most iconic towers in the world, famous not for it's height or design yet rather it's irregular slant. This infamous architectural error was noticed during construction as the foundation of one side of the tower was too soft, thus began the slight tilt. The tower was eventually stabilized however the tilt remains as one of it's most iconic features. Looking beyond it's tilt, the tower is actually quite a remarkable structure of Romanesque-classical pillar style. It's actually a part of the Pisa Cathedral, which is often overlooked by it's iconic leaning bell tower.
1. Tokyo Skytree
Culture: Japanese
Year Constructed: 2014
Designed by: Nikken Sekkei
Architectural Style: Neo-futuristicHeight: 2080 feet
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Significance: Upon it's completion in 2014 it became the tallest tower in the world, and 2nd tallest standing structure, behind only the Burj Khalifa. It's primary purpose is as a major broadcast site for Japanese telecommunication companies. However it also has multiple purposes for tourism, observation, and offers a restaurant. The design is an embodiment of Japanese style and extremely futuristic. It's defining feature is it's unique exterior lattice, which is painted in white yet often illuminated thru LED lights. The display of it's ever changing lights, it's incredible structure and height makes this one of the most awe-inpsiring monuments in today's modern world.
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