Famous landmarks - part 1

Here are some famous landmarks and how long it took to have them built, and the year when they were finished, as well as the main builder:

Leaning Tower of Pisa  - 199 years – 1172 – Bonanno Pisano

-          although it was originally designed to be straight, the towers leans at about 3.99 degrees. In total it has 297 steps leading to the top of it.

St Peter’s Basilica, Rome – 144 years – 1506 – Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno and Bernini

-          the original basilica of St Peters was built by Emperor Constantine in the 4^th century. The building is home to more than 100 tombs, 91 of which belong to previous popes. There are 551 steps if you want to climb to the top of the cupola, from where you can get a panoramic view of Rome.

St Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow – 123 years – 1555 – Barma and Postnik

-          the Cathedral’s full name is ‘The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat.’ It was originally commissioned by Ivan the Terrible.

St Paul’s Cathedral, London – 36 years – 1675 – Sir Christopher Wren

Buckingham Palace, London – 23 years - 1702 – John Nash and Sir Aston Webb

-          It was originally built as Buckingham House in 1702. The first monarch to live in the palace  was Queen Victoria. However during World War II, while King George VI was King, the palace suffered 9 bomb hits.