Famous Sites - World | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Wall Street

• Located in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
• Renowned financial district and the home of the New York Stock Exchange.
• Symbolizes the American financial industry.

Big Ben

• Iconic clock tower located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, England.
• Officially known as the Elizabeth Tower.
• Famous for its accuracy and melodious chimes.

Downing Street

• Situated in London, England.
• Official residence of the British Prime Minister.
• Number 10 Downing Street is the most well-known address, serving as the Prime Minister's office and residence.

The Oval

• Cricket ground located in Kennington, London.
• Considered one of the most historic cricket venues in the world.
• Hosts international matches and is the home ground for the Surrey County Cricket Club.

Vatican City

• Independent city-state located within Rome, Italy.
• Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope.
• Home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

Whitehall

• Major street in Westminster, London, known for its government buildings.
• Houses several key institutions, including the Houses of Parliament and various government departments.
• Also known for the Cenotaph war memorial and the Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street.

Taj Mahal

• Located in Agra, India.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Great Wall of China

• Extensive fortification system in northern China.
• Built to protect the Chinese states and empires from invasions.
• Spans approximately 13,000 miles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Eiffel Tower

• Iconic iron lattice tower in Paris, France.
• Built as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's Fair.
• One of the most recognizable structures globally and a symbol of France.

Sydney Opera House

• Located in Sydney, Australia.
• World-renowned performing arts center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Distinctive sail-like design and hosts various cultural events.

Statue of Liberty

• Situated in New York Harbor, United States.
• Gift from France to the United States.
• Symbolizes freedom and democracy and is a popular tourist attraction.

Machu Picchu

• Ancient Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
• Abandoned and hidden until its rediscovery in 1911.
• Considered a marvel of Inca architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pyramids of Giza

• Located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt.
• Ancient structures built as tombs for pharaohs.
• The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest and oldest of the three pyramids.

Petra

• Historical city in Jordan.
• Known for its rock-cut architecture and ancient water conduit system.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and featured in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

The Colosseum

• Situated in Rome, Italy.
• Ancient amphitheater used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
• A marvel of Roman engineering and a popular tourist attraction.

The Great Barrier Reef

• Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
• World's largest coral reef system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Known for its biodiversity and popular for diving and snorkeling.

Mount Everest

• Tallest peak in the world, part of the Himalayas.
• Located between Nepal and China.
• Draws mountaineers from around the globe and is a challenging climb.

Acropolis of Athens

• Ancient citadel situated on a rocky hilltop in Athens, Greece.
• Home to several iconic buildings, including the Parthenon.
• A symbol of ancient Greek civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Louvre

• Located in Paris, France.
• World's largest art museum and a historic monument.
• Houses thousands of works, including the iconic painting, the Mona Lisa.

The Kremlin

• Historic fortified complex in Moscow, Russia.
• Houses several government buildings, including the residence of the Russian President.
• Contains cathedrals, palaces, and the iconic Red Square.

The Alhambra

• Fortress complex situated in Granada, Spain.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Moorish architecture.
• Features stunning palaces, gardens, and the Generalife summer palace.

The Great Sphinx of Giza

• Located near the pyramids in Giza, Egypt.
• Monumental statue of a lion's body with a human head.
• Associated with the pharaoh Khafre and an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt.

The Parthenon

• Ancient temple on the Acropolis of Athens, Greece.
• Dedicated to the goddess Athena.
• Exemplifies classical Greek architecture and is a symbol of Western civilization.

The Golden Gate Bridge

• Iconic suspension bridge located in San Francisco, United States.
• Spans the Golden Gate strait, connecting the city to Marin County.
• Recognized as one of the modern wonders of the world.

The Serengeti National Park

• Located in Tanzania and extends into Kenya.
• One of Africa's most famous national parks, known for its wildlife and annual migration of wildebeest.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular safari destination.

The Amazon Rainforest

• Located in South America, covering multiple countries including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.
• The world's largest tropical rainforest and a vital ecological resource.
• Home to diverse flora, fauna, and indigenous communities.

The Grand Canyon

• Located in Arizona, United States.
• Massive gorge carved by the Colorado River.
• Renowned for its breathtaking beauty and geologic significance.

The Sistine Chapel

• Located in Vatican City, Italy.
• Chapel within the Apostolic Palace and famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
• A sacred place for Catholic ceremonies, including the papal conclave.

The Amazon River

• Second-longest river in the world, flowing through South America.
• Known for its vast volume of water and rich biodiversity.
• Plays a crucial role in the region's ecology and indigenous cultures.

The Angkor Wat

• Temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
• Largest religious monument globally and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Built in the 12th century and represents Khmer architecture.