Whether created by man or shaped by nature over thousands of years - the world is shaped by monuments of various kinds. There are world-renowned monuments, as well as more hidden ones that impress with their individual history.

Here you will find 6 monuments around the Worldthat you should definitely know.

Antelope Canyon in Arizona

When most people hear the name Arizona, they think of the famous Grand Canyon. Yet the state has so many national monuments that are no less impressive and worth a visit! Among them is Antelope Canyon: few geological formations are as picturesque and impressive as this one. It is known for its undulating structure and beams of light that shine directly into the canyon's openings, creating an almost supernatural appearance. The sandstone formations of the Monument Valley Plateau are also almost surreal. The majestic rocks in the middle of the deep red desert have been the backdrop in hundreds of movies and are worth every trip.

Taliesin West in Scottsdale

The Taliesin West in Scottsdale has been not only an architectural masterpiece but also a retreat and school for star architect Frank Lloyd Wright, allowing visitors today an intimate glimpse into his life. After purchasing several hundred acres of land in the then-rural foothills of northeast Scottsdale, Wright began to envision a landscape of flat buildings that would reflect the incredible expanse of the desert. Always mindful of using natural materials, Wright built Taliesin West largely of "desert masonry." Through this method of construction, Wright hoped to preserve as much of the desert environment as possible. He spent every winter at his self-created home in Scottsdale until his death in 1959. "Taliesin," by the way, is Welsh for "shining eyebrows." In fact, from the right perspective, the structure looks like the eyebrows of the mountain behind it, the star architect thought, and used that detail to his advantage. In 2019, the Taliesin West was officially added to the list of the UNESCO-World Cultural Heritage. 

The amphitheatre in Phaselis

The city of Phaselis, founded in 693 BC, was then considered one of the most important port cities of the early Lycian Union. The trade in perfume, rose oil and wood ensured the city its wealth, which it also knew how to perpetuate with buildings. The remains of these ancient sites, among others, can already be found on the coast of the small peninsula. Ruins such as the historic amphitheatre, baths and the remains of individual shops can still be found today. The still very well preserved amphitheater of the city is even today used for performances on Phaselis Art Day.

The Oheka Castle on Long Island

On Long Island, visitors will not only find particularly beautiful lighthouses and beaches, but also a castle! With its 125 rooms and 10,000 square meters of land, Oheka Castle is the second largest mansion ever built in the US and also a monument to a bygone era. The stately mansion was built in 1914 by a German entrepreneur at a cost of $11 million at the time. After serving as a military academy among other things over the years, Oheka Castle underwent a lavish $40 million renovation in the mid-1980s and now hosts travelers from around the world as a hotel. Today, the property is also home to an 18-hole golf course, several greenhouses, stables and orchards. For a particularly stately place to stay at Oheka Castle, check out the Gatsby Suites. Their design was inspired by the golden 1920s on Long Island, as described in the classic novel "The Great Gatsby". This magnificent Gold Coast mansion, majestically situated on the highest point of Long Island, tells the elegant sophistication of a chateau in France and a rich history that is distinctly American.

Fort de Soto in St. Pete/Clearwater

South of the St. Pete/Clearwater region, Fort de Soto is a natural paradise that attracts locals and travelers alike. Visitors can swim in the warm Gulf of Mexico to their heart's content, soak up the sun on the expansive beaches - even with dogs - fish, kayak and more. In addition, you'll also find old ruins of a former military fortress here. From 1898 to 1910, a U.S. Army military base was active on the offshore island, hence the name "Fort de Soto". Today, the remains of the military base are an open-air museum that can be visited.

Samson mine in St. Andreasberg

The Samson mine was put into operation in 1521 after the proclamation of mining freedom for St. Andreasberg and thus celebrates 500 years of mining freedom this year. The former silver ore mine is one of Germany's most important mining monuments. The 810 m deep shaft is the last one of its kind in the Harz mountains that is still open. An impressive highlight of a guided tour in the Samson mine is a faithfully reconstructed artificial wheel with a diameter of 12 m, which is used to drive the driving art. The driving art is the last of its kind today. It is made of steel cables and is still used regularly down to a shaft depth of 190 metres. St. Andreasberg belongs to the Braunlage region, the heart of the Harz Mountains. Here, visitors to Samson will find accommodation such as the StrandBerg tower houses, where you can look out over the town on three floors through the floor-to-ceiling glass facades. After a cold stay underground, the in-house sauna provides relaxing warmth and peace.