Iconic structures
On this page, I'm trying to list a building, structure, or monument for each country. These structures are the most iconic - recognizable, representative, symbolic, whatever - in their respective countries. Since I'm interpreting "country" broadly here, including places that aren't fully independent, the list now runs to well over 250 landmarks.
It's based on a discussion thread at alternatehistory.com.
It's based on a discussion thread at alternatehistory.com.
Spires
Modern structures whose main purpose is to create a very tall landmark.
Skyscrapers
Tall modern buildings that are occupied all the way up.
Tombs
For guarding the remains of the dead and proclaiming their greatness to the living.
Statues
Monumental depictions of people and animals, from life size to colossal.
Gates and arches
Monuments to walk under.
Other monuments
Structures built to commemorate people and ideas, to unite communities, to express power, or - more recently - to serve as nice backdrops for tourists' photos.
Churches
Christian houses of worship.
Mosques
Muslim houses of worship.
Mixed religious structures
Structures that are sacred to more than one religion, owing to the back and forth of wars and politics.
Buddhist temples
Buddhist houses of worship. Because of the fluid boundaries between Eastern religions, other groups may revere these temples as well.
Hindu temples
Hindu houses of worship.
Other temples
Houses of worship for the ancient gods.
Castles
Fortified residences of medieval Europe.
Other fortifications
Walls, fortresses, towers, and bunkers.
Palaces
Homes for kings, shahs, emperors, sultans, and nawabs.
Government
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.
Bridges
Things for crossing other things.
Lighthouses
Your candle on the water.
Other transportation
Structures to keep you moving.
Energy
Structures built to harness power.
Entertainment
Structures built for fun.
Education
Schools, museums, and other places of learning.
Houses
There are many famous private houses, but only a few are considered emblems of their respective countries.
Agriculture and industry
Structures for making things.
Cityscapes
Sometimes, the most iconic landmark is not a single structure, but an entire built landscape - a square, a street, a whole city.