The world is so full of amazing natural wonders and immense, beautiful structures that it's hard to decide which is the best. Chosen for their unique stories and fascinating history, these are most certainly five of the world's top sites.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum, which was built in 1633 on the site of some magnificent gardens by the Yamuna River. Part of the reason it is such a special attraction is the sad story behind its origins. It was constructed to commemorate the life of Arjumand Bano Begum, who died at the age of 39. She was married at the age of 21 to Prince Khurram, who, two years after her death during childbirth, set about the task of building a spectacular memorial for her.
The Taj Mahal, set in some of the most stunning gardens in the world, is truly a site to see before you die.
2. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower was built as a show-piece item by Gustav Eiffel for the 1889 World Fair. Eiffel designed the structure to prove that the engineer could have a more fundamental role than the architect. The Eiffel Tower lasted for 40 years as the tallest building in the world.
What makes the tower so special is the lattice metalwork which was originally designed to show the advances in metallurgy for construction. It's the defining feature of the spire and because of the design it can withstand incredibly strong winds. When you are in the tower, you don't feel you are in a building. It's special mostly because it provides visitors with exquisite views of one of the world's most beautiful and romantic cities.
3. Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest wonders of the world and in 1987 was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The very first part of the wall was built around 2,000 years ago. It was first designed as a defence barrier against military attacks and stretches over 5,500 miles in total, covering deserts, mountains and countryside. The wall is steeped in rich military history, as well as providing important transport links. It has become a significant attraction due to its historical significance and grandeur.
4. St Paul's Cathedral, London, UK
In 1666, as a result of the great fire of London, the 'old' St Paul's was burnt to the ground. Little remains of the original building because in its place the new St Paul's Cathedral was built by Christopher Wren in the late 17th century. For 500 years, the dome dominated the London skyline and it has played host to many famous events such as the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana. The iconic dome is often seen in images of London and can be found on many postcards. St. Paul's is special to Londoners and visitors as it is a symbol which represents the great history of the city.
5. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the pyramids form a very special part of human history. These vast constructions hold a great deal of mystery and intrigue, which is one of the reasons they are so popular and revered. They are thought to be the tombs of some of Egypt's great ancient Pharaohs. How the people of these ancient times constructed structures of such size and perfect symmetry is still in part a mystery.