Throughout history, humanity has been constructing towers since ancient times. Take, for instance, the city walls of ancient Jericho, where an impressive stone tower stood tall, harmonizing with the walls.
As civilizations continued to flourish, the necessity for watchtowers became evident; these structures were incorporated into fortifications to offer a secure vantage point for guards to vigilantly survey their surroundings.
Over the course of the last two millennia, an assortment of towers emerged, ranging from bell towers and clock towers to minarets and communication towers. Now, let’s explore some of the world’s most renowned towers.
14. CN Tower
The CN Tower, situated in the bustling Downtown Toronto, is an iconic symbol of Canada. This remarkable communication tower was constructed between 1973 and 1976 by the railway company known as “Canadian National”.
Soaring to a height of 553.33 meters (1,815.4 ft), it proudly held the title of the world’s tallest structure for more than three decades, until it was eventually exceeded in height by the Burj Dubai.
13. The Two Towers of Bologna
The two renowned towers in Bologna, Italy should not be mistaken for the Lord of the Rings movie. These towers were named after the families who were acknowledged for building them from 1109 to 1119.
The Asinelli Tower, standing at a majestic height of 97.2 meters, proudly claims the title of being the tallest tower in Bologna. On the other hand, the Garisenda Tower originally reached a length of 60 meters but was reduced to 48 meters in the 14th century for safety reasons.
12. Minaret of Jam
The Minaret of Jam, situated in a secluded region of western Afghanistan, originated in the 12th century when it was constructed as an integral component of a mosque.
Unfortunately, the mosque was swept away by a sudden flood, and some time afterwards, the surrounding area of the minaret suffered destruction at the hands of the Mongols.
Given these adverse circumstances, along with the harsh and unwelcoming climate, it is truly remarkable that the tower, towering at a height of 62 meters (203 feet), remains standing to this day.
11. Belem Tower
The construction of the Belém Tower in the early 16th century served a crucial purpose of safeguarding the city of Lisbon.
This magnificent tower played a pivotal role as it became the departure point for numerous brave explorers embarking on voyages to uncover novel trade routes.
Over time, the Belém Tower has evolved into a significant symbol commemorating Portugal’s Age of Discovery, representing the nation’s rich history of exploration and innovation.
10. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower holds immense significance as a symbol of Paris and France, captivating the hearts of millions worldwide. Originally designed by Gustave Eiffel, it was initially crafted as a majestic entrance arch for the prestigious International Exhibition of Paris in 1889.
Its towering stature, standing tall at 300 meters (984 feet), granted it the title of the world’s tallest structure until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930.
Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has beckoned an astounding 200 million visitors, making it the most sought-after paid monument on the entire planet.
9. Three Pagodas
Situated approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) northwest of the historic city of Dali, The Three Pagodas stand as remarkable Buddhist monuments that have withstood numerous human-caused and natural disasters, making them an exceptional testament to China’s rich heritage.
Among these pagodas, the middle one, constructed between 824-840 AD under the rule of King Quan Fengyou, reaches an impressive height of 69.6 meters (227 feet), firmly establishing itself as one of the tallest pagodas in the entire country.
The remaining pair of pagodas, erected around a hundred years later, stands at a notable height of 42.19 meters (140 feet).
8. Svanetian Towers
Svaneti, the remote northern province of Georgia, holds a captivating charm with its nurtured cornfields, picturesque villages, and ancient towers. These well-known towers were constructed as a protective measure against both marauding northern tribes and treacherous avalanches.
Typically, each Svan family owned their individual tower, serving as a haven for all those who ascended its rope stairs, which could be conveniently lifted behind them.
Moreover, these towers played an essential role in coping with the unforgiving snowstorms that frequented the region. Remarkably, some of these Svanetian towers trace their origins back to the 9th century AD, standing as silent witnesses to the province’s rich history.
7. Galata Tower
The Galata Tower, located in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey, is a captivating stone tower from the medieval era. Standing tall at a height of 67 meters (220 ft), it proudly showcases a cone-capped cylinder that truly stands out in the city’s horizon.
Constructed in 1348 as a defense structure for the Genoese colony in Constantinople, this tower continues to captivate visitors with its rich history.
Today, its upper floors house a delightful restaurant and café, offering patrons a breathtaking view of Istanbul and the magnificent Bosphorus.
6. San Gimignano
San Gimignano, known as the medieval version of Manhattan, is a charming village situated in the beautiful region of Tuscany. What makes this village truly unique are its 14 magnificent stone towers, which have earned it great fame.
During its prosperous heyday, San Gimignano boasted over 70 towers, constructed with the purpose of defending the town from potential enemy invasions. However, with the arrival of the devastating plague in 1348, the city’s strength and influence slowly dwindled.
Surprisingly, this decline proved to be a blessing in disguise, as it deterred potential enemies and consequently preserved many of the city’s iconic towers.
5. Axum Stelae
Axum, situated in northern Ethiopia, served as the original capital of the kingdom of Axum, which held significant power in naval and trade affairs in the region from approximately 400 BC to 1000 AD.
The town of Axum boasts remarkable monuments, particularly the stelae, which stand as testament to the Aksumite civilization. Among them stands King Ezana’s Stele, towering at 24 meters (79 ft) in height.
Additionally, a stele measuring 24.6 meters (81 ft) tall, previously removed by the Italian army, was returned to Ethiopia and reinstated in 2008.
These stelae, believed to have been constructed between 300-500 AD, are believed to have functioned as funeral markers for Axum’s ancient rulers, potentially serving as tombs for these remarkable figures.
4. Spiral Minaret
The Spiral Minaret, also known as the Malwiya Minaret, forms an integral part of Iraq’s Great Mosque of Samarra. This magnificent mosque proudly stands as one of the largest in the world. Originally, the minaret was connected to the mosque through a splendid bridge.
Constructed between 848 and 852, this remarkable tower was crafted from sandstone and boasts a truly awe-inspiring feature – an ascending spiral conical design that sets it apart from other minarets.
Standing tall at a height of 52 meters (162 ft), it holds a place of distinction. However, in 2005, this majestic structure fell victim to destruction when insurgents detonated explosives, causing the top section of the minaret to crumble into a pile of bricks and clay.
3. Leaning Tower of Pisa
The renowned Pisa Tower, known worldwide, underwent a construction process that spanned approximately 177 years. Initially, the building of the tower commenced in 1173, but encountered a setback as it started to sink due to an inadequately constructed foundation.
The project was consequently abandoned for nearly a century.
However, when construction finally recommenced, the engineers devised an ingenious solution by constructing higher floors with one side intentionally taller than the other, effectively compensating for the tower’s tilt.
Eventually, the tower was successfully completed during the latter half of the 14th century. Today, since 2001, the famous Pisa Tower welcomes visitors once again, granting them the opportunity to climb its 296 steps.
2. Qutb Minar
The Qutb Minar is a remarkable architectural marvel located in India. It was ordered to be built by Qutb al-Din Aybak, who was the very first Muslim ruler of Delhi in 1193. Inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan, Aybak desired to create something even more grandiose.
Unfortunately, he passed away before its completion, leaving only the base finished. Nonetheless, his successors took charge of continuing the construction and eventually in 1386, the topmost storey was successfully added.
Standing at an impressive height of 72 meters (237.8 feet), this minaret is truly a sight to behold. As you ascend the 379 steps that lead to the top, it becomes clear why it holds the esteemed title of being the tallest brick minaret in the world.
1. Big Ben
The iconic Big Ben Clock Tower, which turns 150 this year, proudly stands as an esteemed tourist destination in London. Interestingly, the name “Big Ben” doesn’t simply pertain to the brilliant structure itself, but rather to the colossal 13-ton bell residing within it.
This bell was named after the visionary behind its creation, Sir Benjamin Hall. Remarkably, this tower ranks as the third largest freestanding clock tower across the globe.
