TOP 7 secrets of famous landmarks

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

There are several architectural masterpieces widely known in the world even to those who have never seen them in reality. It would seem that most of them know everything, from external characteristics to the history of creation. But upon closer examination, quite interesting, unusual facts and details are associated with some of them.

1. Apartment equipped on the Eiffel Tower on the last floors

The creator of this architectural masterpiece, Gustave Eiffel, built and equipped an apartment for himself on its last floors. It was mainly intended for the reception of visitors and recreation. It was here that he met Thomas Edison. The apartment consists of two bedrooms, a bathroom, a living room and a kitchen.

And, of course, the view from the apartment window is stunning. Now the apartment is a museum, which houses two wax figures - the Eiffel himself and Thomas Edison.

2. The Statue of Liberty and the broken chain at her feet

The United States received the Statue of Liberty as a gift from the French for the centenary of the revolution. The statue is a symbol of democracy, freedom and the eradication of slavery in the country. In this regard, she has one addition - a broken chain lying at the feet of the statue. Tourists usually don't see her.

3. Great Sphinx and its original appearance

This statue is the oldest in the whole world. Immediately after construction, it was completely covered with brightly colored paint, which in some places has survived to this day. Several fragments remain behind the ear. In addition, he had a nose and a special beard for ceremonies. Now parts of it are in two museums - in Cairo and Britain.

According to some assumptions, the sphinx originally had a lion's head. Human was whipped to him much later. This explains the discrepancy between the proportions of the statue. Her head is too small compared to her body.

4. The time capsule located in Mount Rushmore

Gutzon Borglum, an architect, planned to build the Hall of Chronicles in the rock during the construction of the famous monument. The room was supposed to be secret. In the future, in it, people could find here the main documents with reliable information about American history. He even carved a cave just behind Lincoln's head in the mountain.

Soon the architect died, so the work remained at the initial stage. More than half a century after Borglum's death in 1998, copies of important documents and presidential memoirs were sealed in this cave, transforming it into a kind of time capsule.

5. Leaning Tower of Pisa: the process of creation

There are many secrets associated with the leaning tower, known in all corners of the world. Everyone knows that it is tilted, but almost no one knows who the author of the structure is. First of all, such information did not become common property due to the fact that construction work was carried out about two hundred years ago.

Historians habitually believe that the development belongs to Bonanno Pisano. But there is also a more plausible version. Some believe that Diotisalvi was the author. It was this architect who worked on the baptistery project, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the tower. Both buildings are designed in the same style.

6. "Golden Gate" and the color of this bridge

This bridge can be seen in many photographs. Before it was built, all the subtleties were discussed and agreed with the American Navy for a long time. They agreed, but wished to be painted with black and yellow stripes for better visibility in foggy weather. But the winner was Irving Morrow, the architect.

He convinced that it would be better if the structure was painted in a dark orange. The result is a very beautiful and clearly visible bridge.

7. Big Ben: the name of a well-known British landmark

This name has nothing to do with the general structure in the form of a tower. But only to the huge bell that is in it. Until the fall of 2012, the structure was officially called the "Clock Tower of Westminster Palace". Then it was renamed "Elizabeth Tower". It is this name that is still relevant now.

Why the bell is called Big Ben, no one knows for sure. According to one version, it was named so in honor of the person who led the process of its casting. He was big enough and everyone was referring to him as Big Ben. Another version is connected with the fact that the bell was named after Benjamin Count, a boxer, heavyweight champion.