Venice and its lagoon were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 in recognition of its extraordinary cultural heritage. Its architectural riches are almost incalculable; here are just six of the city’s most significant buildings. 　　Earlier versions of the descriptions of these buildings first appeared in 1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die, edited...

　　 　　 In the Netherlands, architecture is art. In this list, you’ll find buildings inspired by famous paintings and buildings that resemble paintings themselves. Once you learn about Café de Unie, the Berlage, and more, you won’t be able to help but plan your next visit to Rotterdam. 　　Earlier versions of the descriptions of these buildings first appeared...

　　 　　Though the word castle has been applied to some prehistoric structures, the evolution of what we know today as the archetypal castle began accelerating in the 9th century in Europe. But some came much earlier, including one in this list. Here are six of the most notable castles in Italy. 　　Earlier versions of the descriptions of...

　　 　　Earlier versions of the descriptions of these churches first appeared in 1001 Amazing Places You Must See Before You Die, edited by Richard Cavendish (2016). Writers’ names appear in parentheses. 　　The Palatine Chapel was built on the instigation of the Holy Roman emperor Charlemagne to act as a religious focal point for his imperial capital city of Aachen....

　　 　　 From the last of the Seven Wonders of the World left standing to a presidential gaffe that inspired a huge new project, these are only a few of the incredible historical places worth exploring in Egypt. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about these pyramids, temples, and houses. 　　Earlier versions of the descriptions of these buildings...

　　 　　Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.The 20th century saw the fall of many monarchies and their replacement by republican forms of government around the world. There are still a significant number of countries and smaller political units that retain monarchies, however. These six countries are some of the smallest kingdoms of the world. Some are led by hereditary rulers, and others by...

　　 　　 Palaces turned into parks, a great hall built to celebrate the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and a subtle architectural argument against censorship—all places that you can’t miss in Beijing. 　　Earlier versions of the descriptions of these buildings first appeared in 1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die, edited by Mark Irving (2016). Writers’...

　　 　　 There’s more in Connecticut than you may think. Here are the buildings you need to see on your next trip, from the Modernist Glass House to the now-renovated Breuer House II. 　　Earlier versions of the descriptions of these buildings first appeared in 1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die, edited by Mark Irving (2016). Writers’ names...

　　 　　Transit stations are often a place to be passed through on the way to somewhere else. Several, though, are notable enough to warrant a visit. 　　Earlier versions of the descriptions of these transit stations first appeared in 1001 Amazing Places You Must See Before You Die, edited by Richard Cavendish (2016). Writers’ names appear in parentheses. 　　Union...

　　 　　 When you’re in Los Angeles, you need to visit more than just the beach. Don’t miss these six breathtaking buildings, from the Disney Concert Hall to Case Study House No. 22. 　　Earlier versions of the descriptions of these buildings first appeared in 1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die, edited by Mark Irving (2016). Writers’...

　　 　　Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.A national flag is one of the most instantly recognizable symbols of a country’s identity. Usually people can tell which flag belongs to which country, especially given the prominence of flags at international sporting events, such as the World Cup and the Olympics. Sometimes, however, confusion can arise when two or more flags closely resemble each other....

　　 　　 Madrid officially became the capital of Spain during the reign of King Philip III, which ran from 1598 to 1621. This long history as Spain’s first city is reflected in these seven buildings, though with a bias toward buildings of the 21st century. 　　Earlier versions of the descriptions of these buildings first appeared in 1001 Buildings You...