Amazing architecture is one of the oldest forms of art expressed through skillful construction by man. From ordinary shelters to huge or enormous buildings, mankind has proved its powerful existence through this magnificent structure.
From one end of the world to another, no place on the face of the globe is left without the marks of its supremacy out of all living beings.
Buildings are man-created structures that had been serving as places for living, as educational institutions, as religious temples, or as a monument. With the passage of time, man has excelled in this area as now we can see huge skyscrapers being constructed.
Centuries-old buildings are still found to exist due to the great material, efforts, and ideas vested into their construction. These ancient buildings are now being preserved as our valuable heritage.
TOP TEN MOST OLDEST BUILDINGS IN THE WORLD
This article is about to take you to some of the ancient eras, which reflect the human potential regarding the great architecture it has created. Following are the top ten oldest buildings of the world, and all are worth visiting once in life:
10. DHAMEK STUPA, INDIA
As old as 500 CE, this Stupa was constructed in remembrance and to commemorate the teachings and activities of Buddha. This building was originally built by the great King Ashoka in 249BCE, but later it was replaced by Dhamek Stupa.
It is located at Sarnath which is almost 13 kilometers away from Uttar Pradesh India. It looks like a massive mound surrounded by huge stones. Near this site, there is also a pillar with the Ashoka’s edict being engraved over it. This pillar is, therefore, famous as “Ashoka’s pillar.”
9. SANCHI STUPA, INDIA
The ninth oldest building in the world is also situated in India at Sanchi. India had remained the center of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Therefore, it also has great ancient structures.
The Sanchi stupa was also constructed during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It is constructed over the old relics of Buddha using a semicircular brick structure. It has four huge gateways which are carved beautifully.
8. THRACIAN TOMB OF KAZANLAK, BULGARIA
This ancient heritage is so old that it has been on the UNESCO’s list of protected World Heritage since 1979, to preserve it. It is located in the heart of Bulgaria in a town named Kazanlak.
It is a tomb that consists of a long corridor with a burial chamber in circular shape both are adorned with ancient murals of a Thracian couple. This monument was constructed in the 4th century BCE.
7. PARTHENON, GREECE
Greek soil has served as the grounds for the world’s oldest civilization. The temple of the Parthenon is also one of the oldest architecture in the world which was constructed in 447BC when the Athenian empire has reached its peaks of power over Greece.
It was constructed in the honor of the Maiden goddess of Greece, Athena. It is an emblem of an Athenian era and the transitions it had faced over the years.
6. MINOAN PALACE OF KNOSSOS, GREECE
The great palace of Knossos is also situated in Greece during the Early Bronze Age. However, his palace was excavated and restored in the early 20th century. Various scripts were found from the excavation which revealed that this palace was inhabited by Mycenaean Greeks who later abandoned the place.
5. GREAT PYRAMID OF GIZA, EGYPT
Thinking of Egypt reminds you of three great Pyramids situated in the midst of the state. Whereas the great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest pyramid, considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
It was constructed during the reign of Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu in a time span of 10-20 years approximately. It was originally constructed 481 meters high and was classified as the tallest man-made building of that time.
4. PYRAMID OF DJOSER, EGYPT
The pyramid of Djoser is the 4th oldest building in the world. It was even constructed earlier than the pyramid of Khufu. It was constructed in the 27th century BC where the Pharaoh Djoser was buried hence named after it. It was the first-ever pyramid constructed using six mastabas.
It was originally 62 meters high with the base of 109m into 125m, polished by white limestone. It is situated in Saqqara necropolis Egypt.
3. TARXIEN TEMPLES, MALTA
Temples of Tarxien is the 3rd most ancient building in the world. They are situated in Tarxien Malta. Constructed in 3150 BC now taken under the protection of UNESCO World Heritage. The whole structure consists of three separate temples attached to one another. Out of these, the first temple was built in 3100 BC, which is the oldest of all.
2. LA HOUGUE BIE, JERSEY
The historic building of La Hougue Bie of Jersey is regarded as the 2nd oldest building in the world. It was built in 3500 BC and later excavated in 1925. It is the site the largest and most preserved one in a whole of Western Europe.
Much of its part was used during World War II and served as the lookout points or underground bunkers. This structure is almost 18.6 meters long and about 12.2 meters high.
1. TUMULUS OF BOUGON, FRANCE
The great Tumulus of Bougon is the oldest building in the world consisting of Five Neolithic barrows which are situated in Bougon, France. It was discovered and excavated in 1840 generating the interest of various scientists. Its origin dates back to the prehistoric era of 4800 BC, making it the most ancient building structure in the history of humanity.
