Monuments

Stone circle (megalithic monuments) Stone circle Prehistoric rings or arcs of standing stones whose purposes ranged from ritual and burial to calendrical and social functions; commonly found across Britain, Ireland and parts of E…

Stone of Scone (Stone of Destiny) Stone of Scone Historic carved sandstone block used in Scottish and British coronations; long-associated with Scottish kingship, English conquest, legends, thefts, and modern ceremonial use.

Stone structures (megaliths): forms, history and significance Stone structure Stone structures—often called megaliths—are prehistoric monuments built from large stones. This article describes their types, construction, distribution, cultural roles and notabl…

Stonehenge — Prehistoric stone circle and ritual landscape in Wiltshire Stonehenge Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle and earthwork on Salisbury Plain, England. Built 3100–1550 BC, it is a World Heritage site noted for its construction, astronomical alignme…

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial landscape in Wiltshire, England, featuring Stonehenge, Avebury and nearby earthworks, burial mounds and avenues; inscribed as a UNESCO World Her…

Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg) Strasbourg Cathedral A comprehensive overview of Strasbourg Cathedral: its architecture, history, major features, cultural role in Alsace and comparisons with other European cathedrals.

Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire — history, architecture and significance Sudeley Castle Sudeley Castle near Winchcombe, Gloucestershire: a late medieval and Tudor country house, site of royal residence, Civil War damage, notable burials and later conservation, with ga…

Sulayman Pasha Mosque (Cairo) Sulayman Pasha Mosque Early 16th‑century mosque in Cairo, built in 1528 by an Ottoman official; an example of early Ottoman influence on Egyptian urban and religious architecture.

Summer Palace (Beijing): imperial garden, landscape and history Summer Palace The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) in Beijing is a vast imperial garden dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it blends traditional Chinese landscap…

Summerlee Heritage Park — Industrial museum on the Summerlee ironworks site Summerlee Heritage Park Industrial heritage museum in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire. Interprets local iron, coal and engineering history with restored workshops, interactive displays, transport exhibits a…

Sun Yat-sen's Tomb — Mausoleum and Memorial Park in Nanjing Sun Yat-sen's Tomb The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing is a major memorial to the founding figure of modern China, set on Purple Mountain. It is an architectural blend of tradition and modernity and…

Sung Wong Toi — historic Song-era memorial in Kowloon, Hong Kong Sung Wong Toi Sung Wong Toi is a carved stone monument in Kowloon commemorating fleeing Southern Song royalty. It survives as a protected relic within Sung Wong Toi Garden and is a local cultura…

Suomenlinna: the sea fortress of Helsinki Suomenlinna Suomenlinna is an 18th‑century sea fortress built across six islands near Helsinki. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it combines military architecture, living neighborhoods and museum…

Sydney Harbour Bridge Steel‑arch bridge across Sydney Harbour linking north and south Sydney. Carries road traffic, trains, pedestrians and cyclists. Opened 1932; famous for its arch, BridgeClimb and ha…

Synagogue of Besançon: history, architecture and community role Synagogue of Besançon A 19th-century Moroccan-style synagogue in Besançon, France, built 1869–1871. Overview of its architecture, Sephardi rites, historical context, capacity and role in local Jewish li…

Table of UNESCO World Heritage Sites by Country Table of World Heritage Sites by country Guidance on structuring and interpreting a table of UNESCO World Heritage Sites by country, including typical columns, counting rules, uses, limitations and best practices for comp…

Taipei Grand Mosque The Taipei Grand Mosque is the oldest and largest mosque in Taiwan, serving as a religious, cultural, and community center in Taipei since an original building was erected in 1947.

Taj Mahal: history, architecture, significance and preservation Taj Mahal Comprehensive overview of the Taj Mahal: its origin, design, construction, cultural role, and conservation challenges for the 17th‑century Mughal mausoleum in Agra, India.

Takht Bhai Tehsil (Mardan District) Takht Bhai Tehsil Administrative tehsil in Mardan District, northwestern Pakistan, known for agriculture, local governance, and its proximity to the ancient Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist monastery (UNESCO).

Tarzan's Treehouse (Disneyland walk‑through attraction) Tarzan's Treehouse A walk-through attraction in Disneyland that retells the life of Tarzan inside a sculpted artificial tree, built as a themed Adventureland landmark and officially dubbed Disneyoden…

Taxali Gate — historic gateway of Lahore's walled city Taxali Gate Taxali Gate is a Mughal-era gate in the old walled city of Lahore, named after the royal mint. It marks a historic neighborhood near Heera Mandi and is part of conservation and urb…

Temple in Jerusalem (Holy Temple) Temple in Jerusalem The Temple in Jerusalem—called the Bet HaMikdash—was Judaism’s central sanctuary on the Temple Mount. This article outlines its layout, history from Solomon to Roman destruction, a…

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus Temple of Artemis Ancient Greek sanctuary in Ephesus dedicated to Artemis (Roman Diana), famed for monumental scale, elaborate sculpture and multiple reconstructions; counted among the Seven Wonders…

Temple of Castor and Pollux Ancient Roman temple in the Roman Forum dedicated to the twin gods Castor and Pollux; known for its ritual, civic roles and the three surviving Corinthian columns on its podium.

Temple of Hera at Olympia Ancient Greek temple at Olympia dedicated to Hera, built c. 600 BC. One of the earliest Doric peripteral temples; site of cult statues, the Heraia women’s races, and the Altar of H…

Temple of Jupiter (Capitolium) — Pompeii Temple of Jupiter (Pompeii) The Temple of Jupiter, or Capitolium, in Pompeii was the principal Roman temple on the forum, dedicated to the Capitoline Triad. It illustrates Roman religious architecture, civic…

Temple of King Kangsa Narayan Historic Hindu temple in Tahirpur, Rajshahi (northern Bangladesh), linked in local tradition to an early Durga Puja and valued for its regional religious, architectural and cultura…

Temple of Zeus at Olympia: architecture, art, history, and legacy Temple of Zeus at Olympia The 5th‑century BC Doric temple at Olympia housed Phidias' Statue of Zeus. This article explains its architecture, sculptural program, role in the Olympic festival, destruction, ex…

Templo Mayor — Great Temple of Tenochtitlan Templo Mayor The Templo Mayor was the principal temple complex of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. This article covers its design, religious role, destruction, and modern archaeology and museum.

Thames Barrier A movable flood barrier on the River Thames downstream of central London, designed to protect the city from storm surges and exceptionally high tides. It is one of the largest mova…

Thayumanaswami Temple, Rockfort (Tiruchirappalli) Thayumanaswami Temple, Rockfort Historic Shiva temple at the Rockfort complex in Tiruchirappalli, known for its Pallava origins, its place in Tamil Saiva literature, and the legend of Shiva as a mother (Thayumana…

The Alamo: Mission, Battle, and Symbol of Texas The Alamo Historic Spanish mission in San Antonio, site of the 1836 siege that became a Texas independence symbol. Covers origins as Mission San Antonio de Valero, the battle, architecture,…

The Convent (Gibraltar): Official Residence of the Governor The Convent (Gibraltar) Historic government house on Main Street, Gibraltar; home to the Governor since 1728. Noted for its layered architecture, ceremonial role, occasional public access and a local ghos…

The Little Mermaid (statue) in Copenhagen The Little Mermaid (statue) Bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen (1913) on a harbor rock in Copenhagen, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale; gift from Carl Jacobsen and subject of cultural significanc…

Monument to the Unknown Soldier, Baghdad The Monument to the Unknown Soldier A modern commemorative monument in central Baghdad honouring unknown war dead; designed by Marcello D'Olivo from a concept by Khaled al‑Rahal and completed during 1979–1982 as part…

Samaritan Museum, Mount Gerizim The Samaritan Museum Ethnographic and archaeological museum on Mount Gerizim near Nablus dedicated to the history, language and material culture of the Samaritan community since 1991.

The Strat (Stratosphere) — Las Vegas observation tower, hotel and casino The Strat The Strat is a Las Vegas hotel, casino and observation tower known for its 1,149 ft landmark tower, observation decks, thrill rides and skyline views; it anchors the north end of t…

Thruepang Palace Thruepang Palace is a historic royal dzong in Bhutan, an example of traditional Bhutanese fortress‑palace architecture with roles in regional administration, religion and royal his…

Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) — history, architecture, and significance Tiananmen Tiananmen, the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Beijing, is a 15th‑century ceremonial gate that served as the entrance to the Imperial City. It is a national symbol and a focal point for…

Tintagel Castle Ruined medieval fortress on Tintagel Head in Cornwall, linked to Arthurian legend and an earlier high-status settlement; now a popular archaeological and tourist site managed for i…

Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort (Rockfort Temple Complex) Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort A historic fort and temple complex built on an ancient monolithic rock in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, notable for its temples, military history, panoramic views and cultural signi…

Toghrol Tower (Tughrul Tower) — Seljuk funerary monument in Rey, Iran Toghrol Tower 12th‑century brick tower in Rey (Shahr‑e Rey), Iran, traditionally linked to Seljuk ruler Tughril Beg. Important example of medieval Seljuk brick architecture and a protected cultu…

Tokyo Skytree A 634 m broadcasting, observation and restaurant tower in Sumida, Tokyo, opened in 2012. Noted for its height, seismic design, two panoramic decks, broadcasting role and nightly il…

Tokyo Tower — landmark communications tower in Minato, Tokyo Tokyo Tower Tokyo Tower is a 333 m steel lattice tower in Minato, Tokyo, serving as a communications mast, observation decks, and tourist symbol since 1958; painted international orange and wh…

Toledo Cathedral — Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo Toledo Cathedral The Primatial Cathedral of Saint Mary in Toledo is a major 13th‑century High Gothic cathedral in Spain, notable for its architecture, chapels, art and historical role in Spanish re…

Tomb of Absalom (Yad Avshalom): monument in the Kidron Valley, Jerusalem Tomb of Absalom A striking ancient funerary monument in the Kidron Valley traditionally linked to Absalom, son of King David. Noted for its mixed classical and local architecture and its location…

Tomb of Nicanor: ancient burial cave and modern memorial site in Jerusalem Tomb of Nicanor An ancient burial cave in Jerusalem traditionally linked to Nicanor, reputed donor of the Temple doors; later used as a symbolic burial site by Zionist activists and a place of his…

Tomb of the Pharaoh's Daughter (Monolith of Silwan) Tomb of Pharaoh's daughter Ancient freestanding burial monument in the Kidron Valley necropolis of Jerusalem, called the Monolith of Silwan and traditionally linked to Solomon's Egyptian wife; identification…