One of the wonderful instincts of Homo sapiens is to memorialize their achievements or even failures by building monuments/statues that exhibit extraordinary works of art through the ages manifesting the best of the era. These world-famous statues situated across the human habitat perform the task of linking the past to the present bearing witness to the history of mankind. It will be a lifetime experience to visit and explore some of these famous statues shortlisted below just for you.
Great Sphinx of Giza: Egypt
Built around 2500 BC the Great Sphinx of Giza is the oldest and one of the most famous statues in the world. Carved from the bedrock of the Giza plateau it is a massive work of art that depicts a human head mounted on a massive lion’s body. The Sphinx is also one of the largest single-stone statues in the world with a measurement of 73m X 20m single ridge limestone. With the huge Pyramids in the background, the sight of this famous Statue is just heavenly, especially during sunset when the sky showers its golden sun rays over the massive structure. So the next time you are bound for Egypt make the Great Sphinx of Giza your must destination.
Terrace of the Lions, Delos Islands: Greece
Erected in the period before 600 BCE the terrace of the Lions found in the archaeological site of Delos Island is one of the most famous statues in the world which you must visit on your trip to Greece. As per legends Delos is said to be the birthplace of the ancient Greek sun god Apollo and the Terrace of the Lions preserves the memory of what was once an imposing series of stone lions built by the people of Naxos in honour of the god Apollo.
The original row is said to have been of 12 to 16 stone lions facing East towards the sacred lake of Delos where Greek Scholars of the time believed Apollo had been born. Many of the Statues have been destroyed by weather and other elements. The five remaining lion statues have been moved to a nearby museum for proper preservation. You can still stroll by the original location of the five remaining lion statues replaced now by marble replicas and take yourself to the glories of ancient times.
The Statues of Mount Nemrut: Turkey
Mount Nemrut in the Turkish Mountains is a popular destination among tourists because of its historical site that houses some of the most famous statues in the world dating back more than 2000 years. At a height of 7000 ft. Mount Nemrut on its top has a lot of massive statues of Greek and Persian gods which are intricately carved that give you an insight into the rich civilization of the then kingdom of Commagene. Mount Nemrut now has been declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site and is also confirmed as a National Park.
Moai, Easter Island: Chile
Your next destination should most appropriately be Chile to have a look at the most fascinating monolithic sculptures of the period from 1100 to 1500 AD found in the Easter Islands. Popularly known as Moai these statues of human heads counting almost 1000 in number are one of the strangest yet most famous sculptures in the world. These statues with heads jutting out of the land across the infinite grassland of the Easter Islands takes your imagination to the ancient human civilization of a distant past and make you wonder. It is maintained that most of these statues of heads jutting out have bodies buried inside the ground. So do not miss the fascinating journey through time across the Easter Islands and you are sure to have a lifetime experience.
The Statue of David: Italy
Sculpted between the years 1501-04 by Michelangelo, one of the greatest sculptors of the Renaissance era, the Statue of David is one of the finest and most famous sculptures/statues of the world. Carved out of marble this naked sculpture of David a biblical character was first unveiled in the year 1504 and is now located in a museum at Firenze, Italy. Be sure to join the huge number of tourist who visits the place every year to have a look at this world-famous statue.
Statue of Liberty: New York
The Statue of Liberty established in 1886 as a symbol of liberty and democracy is regarded today as one of the most popular sculptures and famous statues around the world. The Statue was gifted to the United States by the people of France. It is a huge structural marvel with a weight of 225 tons and a height of 305 ft. & 6 inches. There are 154 steps from the pedestal to the head of the statue. The Tablet in the hand of the statue indicates July 4, 1776, the date of the United States Declaration of Independence. The Statue’s copper torch originally was replaced with a 24-carat gold torch and can now be noticed from afar. When you are in New York take a ferry from Battery Park or Liberty State Park to reach the statute for a unique experience.
The Statue of Unity: India
The Statue of Unity is a Bronze statue of Sardar Vallabhai Patel located on an island close to Sardar Sarovar dam in Gujarat overlooking the Narmada River. At 182 meters in height, this statue is the tallest in the world, constructed to honour the architect of modern India who united 562 Princely states to make the Republic of India. Sardar Vallabhai Patel was also the First Deputy Prime Minister of Independent India and is fondly remembered as “the Iron Man of India’ because of his total & uncompromising commitment towards national Integration. You can have great insight into this great Indian Personality from the museum established at the foot of the statue, which showcases his lifetime achievements. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings from the viewing gallery made at a height of 150 meters.
The Statue of Christ the Redeemer: Rio De Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer is one of the most famous statues of the world built during 1922-31 in Rio De Janeiro. It is made of concrete and soapstone atop Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park overlooking the city of Rio De Janeiro. The statue weighs 635 metric tons, 30 meters in height excluding 8 meters pedestal with arms that stretch at 28 meters. The Christ the Redeemer statue is considered a cultural icon of Brazil and has also been voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You can opt for the most scenic train ride that reaches you directly to Christ the Redeemer to experience this marvel.
The Motherland Calls Statue: Russia
Another famous statue in the world built in Russia in honour of the battle of Stalingrad that you must visit is The Motherland Calls. This statue is an 85 meters tall statue of a woman walking with a raised sword calling on her son to stand up for the battle and is unique because of its unusual structure and challenging geometry. The statue stands on the bank of the river Volga on Mamayev Hill where a memorial in the memory of the heroes of the battle exists. The Battle of Stalingrad was fought for 200 days and to commemorate the period 200 stairs have been constructed to reach the statue which you must walk up. A visit to the Statue will certainly move you to salute the heroes who laid their lives so that others may live.
There are many more exceptional statues all over the world, we have grabbed a few of the best. So, on your next trip make to sure visit these and revel in their marvel and take an amazing picture or two. Is there a statue that you have listed as a favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
Also Read: Have You Visited These Historic Indian Buildings?
