The world’s top landmarks are like the main business cards of a country or city. They seem to act as magnets, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world. And each of these landmarks can amaze in its own way. However, not necessarily because they are so beautiful and majestic.
It’s just that in most cases, we firmly believe in things that are nothing more than legends or misconceptions. AdmiGram.com has prepared a selection of the most interesting and common myths about the world’s most famous landmarks. Even we were surprised by these facts!
The most common myths about world’s top landmarks
© Dario Morandotti / Unsplash
The Egyptian Pyramids stand in the middle of the desert. Many of us think that the Egyptian Pyramids are located somewhere far, far away in the midst of an endless desert, and that reaching them would take at least a day or two. In reality, the Pyramids are on the outskirts of Cairo, no further than your supermarket.
The Colosseum in Rome is an arena for gladiator battles. Hollywood films about gladiator battles in the Colosseum are incredibly exciting. But in reality, the Colosseum was built for chariot races, performances, and socially significant events. Gladiator battles and naumachiae were not held there as frequently as one might think.
© Heidi Kaden / Unsplash
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the most inclined. When we talk about the Leaning Tower of Pisa, our imagination conjures up an almost toppling ancient structure. In reality, the lean of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is only 3° 54′. But the unique skyscraper, Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi, has an incline of 18°. That’s a true record.
The Great Wall of China is visible from space. Even today, with tools like Google Maps having been around for almost 20 years, many people still believe that the Great Wall of China is so monumental and massive that it’s the only structure visible from space. The reality is that everything is visible from space.
© Jean Estrella / Unsplash
Machu Picchu is an unknown lost Inca city. The fact that the modern world only discovered this New Wonder of the World in 1930 doesn’t mean that the local residents of Peru were unaware of Machu Picchu. It’s just that to them, these were ‘ordinary ruins’ with no value or interest.
London Bridge is the Tower Bridge. In reality, these are two completely different bridges. Tower Bridge, the most iconic one, is located near the Tower of London and was opened in 1894. London Bridge is the one that connects the London districts of the City and Southwark, separated by the River Thames, and was opened in 1973.
© Jovyn Chamb / Unsplash
The Taj Mahal is made of white marble. The white marble used to clad the palace can transmit light to a considerable depth and change color depending on the lighting. However, underneath the marble, there are 13-foot (4-meter) walls made of brick and red sandstone. The marble thickness is only 6 inches (15 centimeters).
The Louvre is the world’s largest museum. The Louvre is indeed one of the most captivating and delightful museums in the world, but it’s not the largest. The Hermitage in St. Petersburg holds that distinction. It would take 8 years to thoroughly explore all of the Hermitage’s halls and exhibits.
© Drif Riadh / Unsplash
The Grand Canyon was carved by ancient rivers. The Grand Canyon does look like the ancient banks of colossal, rushing rivers from ages past. However, the canyon’s formation is a result of strong winds and natural erosion. The Colorado River had more of a cosmetic influence on the canyon’s landscape.
St. Peter’s Basilica is the world’s largest cathedral. Many mistakenly believe that the heart of the Vatican is the world’s largest cathedral. Few are aware of its competitor, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Côte d’Ivoire. Interestingly, it was constructed based on the model of St. Peter’s Basilica but can accommodate a much larger number of worshipers.
image on top: Ruben Hanssen / Unsplash
