Which monumental buildings are visited most in the world? This list is based on the data of tourism agencies and the monuments’ administrations themselves, before the global pandemic of 2020-21.
Number 1 is the Cathedral of Nôtre-Dame in Paris. It received more than 12 million people every year, until the fire of April 2019 interrupted its stream of visitors.
This is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a World Heritage Site and (as they say) one of the few monuments that can be seen from outer space. The Great Wall of China receives 9 million visitors a year.
The Opera House in Sydney receives 7.5 million visitors every year. Its construction began in 1957 and ended in 1973. The architectural monument cost 102 million dollars and 10,000 workers helped build it.
With 6.7 million people a year, the Eiffel Tower is the fourth most visited monument in the world. It’s an icon commemorating the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC (United States)
The Lincoln Memorial in the Washington Mall is a tribute not only to President Abraham Lincoln but to freedom in general. This monument welcomes 6 million people every year.
Colosseum, Rome (Italy)
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1980 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Roman Colosseum receives 5.1 million visitors each year.
Statue of Liberty, New York City (United States)
Built in 1886, this is one of the most emblematic historic monuments. The statue’s original name is ‘Liberty Enlightening the World.’ It’s visited by 4.3 million people every year.
The Alhambra in Granada receives 3.5 million people every year. It’s a Nasrid fortress and palace whose courtyards and gardens have been considered a benchmark of beauty and elegance throughout the world.
Pyramids, Cairo (Egypt)
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the original Seven Wonders of the World. It is also the only original Wonder still standing. The pharaoh Cheops of the fourth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt ordered its construction. The monument was completed in 2570 B.C. and today it receives 3 million visits a year.
This imposing set of buildings was erected by the Muslim emperor Shah Jahan of the Mughal dynasty. He had it built in honor of Arjumand Banu Begum, his favourite wife, who died during the birth of her 14th child. The Taj Mahal receives more than 2.5 million tourists a year.
