Can You Identify This World Famous Structure?

Built in the middle of the 17^th century. This iconic structure is one of the most instantly recognizable on Earth. The main building is 171m high, while the entire site covers an area of 17 hectares. 

The building is covered in incredibly intricate carvings and detailing. In fact, many consider it to be one of the most beautiful structures ever built. Legend has it that the craftsmen who created it were put to death following its completion to ensure they were never able to ‘repeat such a beautiful feat’. 

In reality, they were probably just made to sign iron-clad contracts that stopped them recreating their artworks on other structures. 

Altogether, around 28 different types of gemstones were embedded into the building's walls. Over the years, many have been stolen by invading armies and vandals. However it is still possible to see some jewels gleaming in the marble. 

All of these highly skilled craftsmen didn’t come cheap and the total cost of the build was a staggering $956 million. The main work on the site took around 22 years to complete, although refinements and improvements continued for another decade after that. 

Translated into English, its name means ‘Crown of Palaces’ and it’s unarguably one of the most spectacular royal structures ever created. Over 1,000 elephants were used to transport heavy materials to the site and around 20,000 laborers were required to get them all into place. 

It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1983 for being “The jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.” Every year, between 7 and 8 million people visit the site and in 2007, it was named one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. 

So have you guessed which monumental structure we’re talking about?

Located in the Indian city of Agra, in the north of the country, the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The site also includes a mosque and a guest house as well as extensive formal gardens.