10 World-Class Monuments That Have Their Twins. And They Look Just as Spectacular!
There are some iconic monuments that we would all love to see one day. No wonder then that they have become so-called ‘tourist traps.’ However, some of them have got their twins which, although less known, look as spectacular as the more famous 'sibling'. And once you are there you don’t really have to complain about pushing your way through the crowds.
#1 Taj Mahal (India) – Bibi Ka Maqbara (India)
Taj Mahal is perhaps one of the most famous mausoleums in the world. The construction works took 22 years until in 1654 the structure was complete. It was founded by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to become the tomb of his favorite wife, who died in childbirth. The building's front is made of stunning bright marble.
Bibi Ka Maqbara is located about 1000 km south of Taj Mahal. This tomb was built for Shah Jahan's first wife. And it is really similar to Taj Mahal.
#2 Giant's Causeway (Northern Ireland) – Cape Stolbchaty(Russia)
Giant's Causeway is a rock formation consisting of 37,000 basalt columns made as a result of volcanic eruption. According to an Irish legend, the structure was built by a giant who wanted to walk to Scotland to defeat his rival. Unfortunately, the Scottish giant turned out to bee to strong and the Irish one had to destroy the causeway while escaping home.
Cape Stolbchaty is located in the Kuril islands. It is famous for columns looking just like the ones in Giant's Causeway.
#3 Colosseum (Italy) – Pula Arena (Croatia)
The Colosseum in Rome is by far one of the most famous landmarks. Its construction was completed in 80 AD. It could take in as many as 50,000 spectators. Every year it is visited by 6 million tourists.
The Pula Arena has got three levels. Its construction finished in 14 AD. There was room for up to 23,000 people. It offers a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea.
#4 Stonehenge (England) – Callanish (Scotland)
Stonehenge is a mysterious megalithic structure, stirring a lot of interest and controversies among scientists and tourists of course. It was built gradually for about 1,000 years. We still don’t know what purpose it actually served. Most likely it was a venue to worship the sun.
Callanish in Scotland is a circle of megaliths constructed in Neolithic age. It might have been a prehistoric astronomy center or a place to worship the spirits of the ancestors.
#5 Golden Gate Bridge (the USA) – Ponte 25 de Abril (Portugal)
The red Golden Gate Bridge is the most famous landmark of San Francisco. It was first used in 1937 and today you need to pay $7 to drive over it.
Ponte 25 de Abril is another suspension bridge, also painted red. The highway it carries connects Lisbon with Algarve. There are several viewpoints from which you can admire the structure. To drive over the bridge you have to pay EUR 1.85.
#6 Big Ben (Great Britain) – Peace Tower (Canada)
Big Ben is a neo-gothic clock tower, perhaps the most important London's landmark. It is part of the Palace of Westminster, tolling on the hour. In 2012 it was renamed Elizabeth Tower to mark the 60th anniversary of the reign of Elizabeth II.
Peace Tower in Ottawa (Canada) is a part of the Canadian Parliament. It was also built in the neogothic style. Inside there are 53 bells which you can hear during important national celebrations.
#7 Venice (Italy) – Colmar (France)
Venice normally has far too many tourists. Every year 25-30 million people come to see it. As a result the streets are crowded and the queues to see the sights are way too long.
The Alsatian Colmar will stun you with its paves streets and half-timbered architecture. One of its districts is commonly referred to as 'Little Venice'. The town is also famous for its delicious wine.
#8 The Acropolis of Athens – The Library of Celsus
The Acropolis of Athens is on a hill that was inhabited as early as in 4,000 BC. This is a complex of temples and sanctuaries. The buildings were erected one after another over the years. The Acropolis is the most famous Greek monument visited by 3 million tourists yearly.
The Library of Celsus can be admired in Ephesus, Turkey. The building was completed in 117 and it would hold as many as 12,000 scrolls. Its facade is intricately decorated.
#9 Machu Picchu (Peru) – Isla del Sol (Bolivia)
Machu Picchu is the best preserved Inca citadel located on 2,090 – 2,430 meters above the sea level. In 2007 it was recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. No wonder then that there are thousands who want to visit it.
Isla del Sol is located on the Titicaca Lake. There are still about 2,000 people living there, mainly Indians.
According to Incas' believes, the creator of the world, Viracocha, was born on the coast of the island.
You can still see the remains of some Incas buildings there.
#10 The Statue of Christ the Redeemer (Brazil) – The Statue of Christ the King (Portugal)
The Statue of Christ the Redeemer is 38 meters tall and is located at the peak of Corcovado mountain in Rio de Janeiro. The statue commemorates the 100th anniversary of Brazilian independence. It was officially opened in 1931
The Statue of Christ the King is part of a sanctuary. The sculpture itself is 28 meters tall. It was erected on a high pedestal. At its feet there is a viewpoint from which you can admire the city of Lisbon and the Bridge of the 25th of April.
