People travel the world to witness the splendid beauty of iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the ancient ruins of the Colosseum. What do these historic buildings have in common? They are all constructed primarily from natural stone. 

Stone is one of the oldest building materials in the world, valued for its strength and durability. In ancient times, it was chosen for its abundance as a natural material that was readily available and reliable. However, there is much more to this material than meets the eye, and there are compelling reasons why architects still choose to use it. The enduring aesthetic appeal of stone lies in its dignified grandeur derived from its stability and solidity. Due to the high cost and labor involved, natural stone was primarily used in Europe for constructing commercial and public buildings that symbolized political and economic power. The structures on this list demonstrate stone's ability to shape-shift; it can be used in its raw form or polished for a sleeker effect. It's no wonder that it's the chosen material for important monuments and buildings such as places of worship, castles, and palaces, as it will outlast almost any other material. 

Casa Milà, Barcelona, Spain, 1913

Casa Milà is an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned architect Anton Gaudí. This must-see landmark in Barcelona combines a limestone facade with organic architecture, preserving the beauty of its natural stone. It is a true gem that showcases Gaudí's genius before he constructed the Sagrada Família basilica." 

2. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy, A.D. 80

The Colisseum, an amphitheater in Rome, epitomizes ancient engineering ingenuity. It was constructed with limestone under the reign of the Flavian emperors. The amphitheater in its heyday was the venue for gladiator games, dramas, and even executions — holding up to 50,000 spectators. Nowadays, it’s a must-see tourist attraction with visitors from all over the world.

 3. Church of San Giovanni Battista, Mogno, Switzerland, 1996

In 1986, an avalanche devastated a 17th-century church in the quaint Swiss village of Mogno. In response, architect Mario Botta envisioned a modern replacement—the Church of San Giovanni Battista. This contemporary design incorporates stone walls, a glass roof, and sleek lines, showcasing Botta's innovative use of materials and design philosophy. 

4. Taj Mahal, India, 17th Century

The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of love for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is known for its symmetrical lines and its use of various materials, such as brick-in-lime mortar, red sandstone, marble, and precious or semi-precious stones, which come together to create an architectural masterpiece.

5. Washington Monument, Washington, D.C., 19th Century

The Washington Monument is the tallest structure in America's capital city. It is an architectural stone masterpiece crafted from over 36,000 marble stones. 

Worldwide, there are too many architectural stone structures to count, certainly more than we can fit into this list. From ancient wonders to modern marvels, each structure tells a story about the design principles and cultural preferences of the time.

To learn more or to discuss your next project, contact us at knowyourstone.com