More Wonders TO DISCOVER

Five architectural structures built many centuries ago are stunning sights for the traveler today.

Stonehenge, the Colosseum and the Taj Mahal—if you’ve visited these world-famous structures on your travels, you’ve got memories you’ll always keep. But other architectural sights surviving from long ago are waiting to dazzle you even if you don’t know their names. Each of the five listed here, for example, showcases engineering ingenuity that was way ahead of its time.

GREAT WALL OF INDIA, INDIA.

The Great Wall of China is one of the seven wonders of the world, but the Great Wall of India is a sight (and site) to behold as well. Also referred to as the Kumbhalgarh Wall or Kumbhalgarh Fort, this wall in the desert of Rajasthan extends 22 miles around the perimeter of the 3,600-foot-tall fort, from which you’ll get a spectacular view of the Aravalli Hills (and some top-notch shots for the ’gram). The wall itself has seven gates of entry (referred to as pols) and at most points measures about 15 feet in width. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Building began in the 15th century under a ruling of Rana Kumbha, leader of the kingdom of Mewar, and it was made of sturdy stone blocks that have withstood the test of time. In 2023: You can visit this remote-yet-worth-it tourist attraction during an Indian getaway, where you’ll see its more than 300 temples, palaces, gardens and cannon bunkers.

THE ARK OF BUKHARA, UZBEKISTAN.

Dating back to the 5th century A.D., this is the oldest structure in the city of Bukhara, as well as one of its most spectacular. Until 1920, when it was partially destroyed in an attack, this fortress was where the region’s rulers resided, serving essentially as a “city within a city” for royal life. The design of this citadel was supposedly inspired by the constellations, which explains the seven stone pillars for the seven-star constellation Ursa Major. In 2023: Most of the fortress is in a state of ruin and is closed off to visitors, but one portion contains restored areas that are open; there’s an archaeological museum, a reception and coronation court, a local history museum and a mosque, along with the Throne Room, many a traveler’s favorite.

GREAT MOSQUE OF CÓRDOBA, ANDALUSIA, SPAIN.

This religious landmark in the heart of southern Spain was built in the 8th century as a way to solidify the Muslim presence in the Iberian city of Córdoba. It took only a year to construct, but underwent drastic renovations and additions in the centuries that followed. It’s referred to by locals as Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, and its architectural design is a marriage of Islamic and Christian styles, featuring some distinctive features including hypostyle double arches in the main prayer area made of granite and marble, high vaulted ceilings gilded in gold and a dome above the mihrab, a room in a mosque that identifies which wall faces Mecca. There were (and still are) orange trees lining the courtyard too, a symbol of agriculture. In 2023: Cordoba is two hours south of Madrid by train. Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is open to visitors most days of the week, with a break midday for prayers. For a truly immersive experience, attend a Mass in Spanish on any day except Sunday.

CHURCHES OF LALIBELA, ETHIOPIA.

America has Mount Rushmore; Ethiopia has these 11 monolithic cave churches that in the 13th century were carved into rock. They’re named for King Lalibela, who according to legend set out to construct a new symbol of Jerusalem along the Jordan River that would be more welcoming to Christians. These structures weren’t constructed traditionally, built block by block from the bottom up, but rather were excavated from monolithic blocks underground. A sophisticated chiseling technique made possible doors, windows, columns and multiple stories. In 2023: Locals attend the Churches of Labilela for daily prayers, walking up and down narrow passageways and mazes that connect the entrances of each of the churches. This means that visits from everyone else must be timed appropriately during prayer intermission, but tourists are welcome, even encouraged.

DERAWAR FORT, PAKISTAN.

The Cholistan Desert, situated in the province of Punjab, Pakistan, is becoming a hot tourist destination, one that requires a stop at the Derawar Fort. This grandiose structure was built from stone in the 9th century. Its walls are more than 4,000 feet high, and one can’t miss its 40 bastions, which can be seen from throughout the desert. Carvings etched into the interior and exterior of the fort show off the craftsmanship of the era, and walkable brick passageways lead to different rooms and stories. In 2023: The interior of the Derawar Fort isn’t in the best condition; some bricks have fallen or cracked. But the exterior is stunning, especially during the golden hour when the sun sets on the sand.