Almost all of the most famous buildings throughout the world are constructed and or decorated with natural stones of some sort. It has long been a tradition to use rock in its many forms to build structures for a variety of uses.
Everything from some of the first homes we made to live in, to the buildings that were a common meeting place for some purpose or another. Coliseums, museums, grand castles, and many other structures have been made using stone.
The Taj Mahal was completed in 1648 is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is actually a mausoleum made for the third wife of the Muhgal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is considered a stunning representation of Mughal architectural design that combines Persian, Turkish, Islamic, and Indian styles for its interior and exterior design.
It has been dubbed the Jewel of Indian art. Its domed exterior is made using white marble. Marble elements can also be found in various places on the interior of the mausoleum as well as in the gardens that surround the mausoleum.
The exterior of the United States capital building is made from sandstone that was quarried from Aquia, Virginia. It was first to be designed by a French engineer named Pierre Charles L'Enfant. He refused to produce actual plans for his design and was dismissed. President George Washington then held a competition that was won by a doctor named William Thornton.
The actual construction began in 1793 and the building and all its added extensions was not completed until 1868 due to many problems that included the war of 1812. There were many improvements that were made throughout the years. It is one of the most visited buildings in America.
The construction of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy was begun about 70 A.D. during the reign of the emperor Vespasian and completed in 80 A.D. during the reign of Titus.
The Colosseum is an entirely free standing structure and its exterior was built using travertine. Watching gladiators was among the most popular spectacles that were held at the Colosseum.
It is thought to have been able to accommodate up to 50,000 people or more. In later years it was used for other things besides public events. In recent years the Colosseum has underwent a lot of repair to help stabilize the structure. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.
