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Architectural Tourism: 13 Can’t Miss Sights and Structures

by Andy Hayes

You might be wondering if there is even such thing as architectural tourism or not.  I’m not sure there is, but what I do know is that monuments, buildings, and other structures are often a iconic part of many travel destinations.  Who doesn’t love examining a century-0ld carving up close, or gazing at some of man’s more modern engineering marvels?  So here are a few of the sights that have been really special to me in one way or another.

Why 13?  Well, 13 has always been an unlucky number, and avoided architecturally whenever possible.  So it’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, because it was so difficulty to narrow this list down to just 13.  It could have easily been 31, or 101. I’ll stop at 13 as a nod to those other amazing and special structures that didn’t make the cut.

But there’s one piece of architectural tourism definitely missing.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, the one structure that I’d give anything to go back in time and see is the Library of Alexandria.  As a writer, I’m also a voracious reader, and I can’t imagine what chaos and wonder happened inside the one of the first major libraries in history and the largest library of the ancient world.  Sigh.

Without further ado…

Architectural Boat Tour on the Chicago River, United States

It might be cheesy and touristy, but I think the architectural tourism cruise by riverboat on the Chicago River is fantastic.  Walking around the downtown area gives you so many fantastic views of the skyscrapers reaching up into the skies, but wow the river view provides an entirely different perspective.  You also learn a lot about how the downtown area developed and why the city has such an incredible skyline, so it’s well worth it.

Tip: The best view of the Chicago Skyline is actually from Adler Planetarium.  Head out there, then turn around. Especially at night; it’s incredible and helps you appreciate how amazing Chicago really is.

Petra, Jordan

Petra has been called both “one of places you have to see before you die” and “a rose-red city half as old as time” — it’s hard to argue with words like that.  Built around 6BC (yes, BC!), it was one of the first known cities to use complex drainage systems to cope with floods and the inhabitants basically built an oasis in the desert.   The ancient city, despite being built practically into the mountains, is not coping too well with the stress over over-tourism and other natural elements.  I can’t help but draw the parallels and I wonder if either Petra or our modern day oasis, Dubai, will stand the test of time.

Bath Circus, England

Oh, yes.  Georgian architecture – some of the timeless beauty you’ll see across the UK.  It’s actually a combination of styles, mostly Neoclassical, but grouped  under the term Georgian after the names of the ruling kings of the era: George I-IV.  My number one favourite place to see and experience Georgian architecture is at Bath Circus: a 360 panorama of what I can only describe as architecture porn.  It is beautiful.

Tip:  Other good places to see Georgian architecture in the UK include York and Edinburgh.  While you’re in Bath, though, make reservations for an early morning tour of Stonehenge.  It is without a doubt magical and not far away.

Angkor Wat Complex, Cambodia

I still am astounded by the Angkor Wat Complex of templates, one of my many fascinations with Cambodia.  Without visiting, it is hard to appreciate the immense size of this ancient city, bigger than today’s modern suburbia.  You enter the gates, massive stone faces looking down upon, you, and you drive for miles and miles and miles before reaching a temple.

I laugh as I write this: my friend and I saw the large river near the main Angkor Wat temple (pictured above) and assumed the temple was placed here for the plentiful water source.  In fact, this massive “river” is actually the moat around the temple.  (It’s so big you can’t see the end of it.)  Utterly incredible.

Tip:  It might sound fun, but biking Angkor will only result in sunburn and dehydration – get a tuk tuk or a driver.  Be sure to explore all the temples, such as Bayon (the temple of faces) or Banteay Srei, with its amazing carvings.

Potala Palace, Tibet

Potala Palace has good credentials:  it was the residence of the Dalai Lama until 1959 and in the ancient world, it was a skyscraper, with a copper foundation to help support it from earthquakes.  It’s survived many attacked and pillaging and still holds enormous volumes of priceless antiques and treasures.

Tip: Don’t miss the park and pond behind the palace.  And there’s a quota system current in use; make sure you read up on it (or ask you guide or travel concierge) to avoid disappointment!

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

It’s no secret that when I want Brazilian beaches, I go to Buzios not Rio.  But you can’t not miss Christ the Redeemer, who towers over the city.  Come for the architectural tourism, stay for the video – sugar loaf mountain never looked so good.  On a sunny day, you may feel just a touch closer to God.

Tip: Time your visit for sunset.  It is an inspirational experience you will not soon forget.

Millau Bridge, France

It’s hard to believe that man has built a bridge so high and so massive it stretches into the clouds.  The picture above isn’t a computer drawing – that’s really what the Millau Bridge or Millau Viaduct looks like in person.  It’s an incredible span that connects the motor over a large gorge.  It’s an engineering marvel and also art, all at the same time.

Tip: Other amazing bridges I love include  The Forth Rail Bridge in Scotland, the Brooklyn Bridge in New York (perfect for an afternoon walk), and the San Francisco Bridge, just to name a few.

Hanging Temple, China

When the going gets tough, the architects get tougher.  That’s what happened in China when this gorgeous temple, restored in 1900, was built.  It might look like it’s hanging on some flimsy posts, but in fact the various sections of the building are well connected into the rockface.  Why hanging?  Well it provides protection from floods and good shelter from the elements, but most importantly:  it’s quiet.

Tip:  Another great architectural sight in China is the Terra Cotta Warriors in the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in  Xi’an.

Chapelle Saint Michel d’Aiguilhe, France

This is truly one of France’s hidden delights.  The picture looks imposing, but don’t worry: there are only 268 steps to reach the top of this clifftop chapel near Le Puy-en-Velay in South central France.   It was supposedly built as a celebration for the Pilgrimage of Saint James.

Tip: Other great chapels in France include my two Parisian favourites, Saint Chapelle (for the stained glass) and Notre Dame (classic Iconography).  And if you like d’Aiguilhe, you’ll love Mont St Michel, which floats in the sea at high tide off the coast of Normandy.

Chrysler Building, New York, United States

I’d be remiss without an entry from Manhattan, the old guard world capital for modern architecture.  I just love this city, and the skyline by day or night is breathtaking.  My personal favourite is the Chrysler Building, with  its fabulous Art Deco spire.  Ironically, the best view of it is from the Empire State Building, which is another must-see experience, though you can go up in the Chrysler (depending on the security restrictions of the day which seem to blow with the wind).

Tip: Other New York favourites of mine The Statue of Liberty is well worth the visit, even if you can’t go up inside.  Otherwise, just walk the city’s avenues.  Look up.  Marvel.

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Ah, yes, Cesky Krumlov.  One of Europe’s most charming villages; just look at it – is there any wonder that UNESCO declared the entire place a world heritage site?  Wander the streets and admire the buildings from as many angles as possible, then spend your evenings enjoying the authentic Czech food and locally produced beer.  At times it will feel  too good to be true.

Tip:  Other great sites for Czech architecture are Telc (the main square is dreamy), Bruno (ah, the cathedral!), and of course, Prague if you can stand the crowds.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

This ancient temple is a classic piece of architectural iconography.  The symmetry and clean lines are really amazing, especially with recent restorations.  Don’t miss the other Mayan temples in the area, such as the Temple of Warriors, which doesn’t get as much press but still glorious.

Tip:  The Pyramids of Egypt are no less glorious than Mexico’s.  Make sure both are on your bucket list if you haven’t been already.

Red Square, Moscow, Russia

They say it takes all kinds to make a world, and the colourful and almost comedic symbols of Russian architecture are best found in the Red Square in Moscow.  The name “Red Square” doesn’t come from the colour of the bricks or the buildings, but rather that the itsRussian name (krasnaya) at one time meant both ‘red’ and ‘beautiful.’

Tip:  There’s so much to see here, but stop and reflect on the history that has occurred here.  If this square could talk…

What’s your favourite monument, sight, or structure from the ancient or modern world?

Photo Credits: jeffhot, king chimp, ell-r-brown, scornish, treasurethosehast, over_kind_man, tibchris, satbir, sacred destinations, zingaro, midweekpost, wendalicious

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