The main wonders of the ancient world stick in our heads; the Taj Mahal, Pyramid of Giza, etc. But there are thousands more incredible places to visit. Middle goes back in time to discover some wonderful ancient buildings...
Bara Imambara, Lucknow
The Bara Imambara, in Lucknow, India, is a large complex of buildings such as a mosque, gateways, wells and many courtyards. The entrance hall is said to be one of the largest rooms in the world, with a ceiling 15m high and built without external wooden or metal framing. The roof was put together by interlocking bricks without using beams or girder, and the main gate is visible from every window in the hall. The building also has an a-maze-ing connection of tunnels throughout the building, designed especially to keep intruders away.
Palace Of Parliament, Romania
Bucharest's Palace of Parliament is truly an unsung architectural wonder. Built be hated communist dictator Nicholae Ceausescu, the place was constructed in 1984 with 12 stories (an additional 8 underground), and over 3,100 rooms covering 330,000 square metres. The whole project cost around 3.3 billion euros, with one fifth of central Bucharest having to be raised.
Great Mosque Of Djenne, Mali
This awe-reflecting structure built in 1907, in present-day Mali, Africa, is a mosque made in entirely of mud. It's constructed of sun-baked earthen bricks, sand and a mud-based plaster. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Sundano-Sahelian architecture style and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
The mosque's three minarets are decorated with bundles of rodier palm, which doubles as scaffolding for the annual repairs. Unfortunately the brutal African summers bring out cracks in the walls and, according to Quora user Abishek Lamba, the locals get together and make clay made from mud and water from a nearby pond.
Derawar Fort, Pakistan
The Derawar fort in modern-day Pakistan is a spectacular 9th-century building which is a standout attraction in the Cholistan Desert. Built by king Rai Jajja Bhati, the fort was later bought by Sadeq Mohammad Khan I in 1733 and rebuilt to its current look. Apart from it's amazing grandeur, it seems like it is sadly on the verge of collapse.
Again such interesting topics. It's great to see faraway places especially in lockdown as the author's descriptions makes the reader feel they are there.