Kalta Minor, Khiva

Kalta Minor in Khiva, Uzbekistan

Massive, unfinished minaret at Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassah (1852 – 1855). Symbol of Khiva. The tower is glazed with tiles forming intricate patterns. The minaret is 29 m tall, although initially it was planned to be 70 m tall. Construction works were interrupted in 1855 and have not been restarted since then.

Merv

Ruins of Merv, Turkmenistan

Once magnificent oasis city on Silk Road. The settlement was established in the 3rd millennium BC but flourished in the 8th century – 1221 when it briefly was one of the largest cities worldwide. Today are seen remnants of four-walled cities close to each other. Today are seen remnants of several walled citadels close to each other – Erk Kala, Gyaur Kala, and the medieval Sultan Kala.

Palmyra

Ruins of Palmyra, Syria

Important ancient city – caravan stop. Existing since at least the 2nd millenia BC, abandoned after the 16th century AD. Now impressive ruins remain – temple of Ba’al (the 1st – 2nd century AD), decumanus with arch, theater and others. City had its own alphabet.

A-Ma Temple

A-Ma Temple, Macau

Taoist temple, built in 1488. It is possible that this temple gave its name to Macao.

Belfry of Cagsawa Church

Ruins of Cagsawa Belfry and Mayon volcano, Philippines

Ruins of belfry – the only remnant of Cagsawa village after it was covered with hot ashes in 1814. Some 200 people died in the church.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square, Nepal

The gorgeous central part of a historical city, the former capital city of Malla. The floor of the square is tiled with red bricks and the square is surrounded by ornate buildings. Most of the current buildings are from the 17th century, but the history of this ancient town is much longer. Here are found 55 larger temples and 136 interesting courtyards. Heavily damaged during the earthquake on April 25, 2015.

Mahasthangarh

Ruins of Mahasthangarh, Bangladesh

Ruins of the ancient capital of Pundravardhana. This city was founded in the 3rd century BC or earlier. Now remain impressive fortifications that were in the use until the 18th century AD as well as hundreds of mounds with remnants of ancient structures. Walls of the city enclose an area 1,523 m by 1,371 m large. Ramparts are 11 – 13 m tall.

Angkor Wat

Five central towers of Angkor Wat

Considered to be the single largest religious complex in the world, built in the ancient capital of Khmers in the early 12th century. Considered to be one of the greatest achievements of humankind in architecture. Initially built as a Hindu monument, later converted into a Buddhist temple complex. Temple is adorned with more than 1 thousand m2 of high-quality bas-reliefs.

Bukit Timah Monkey Man

The virgin Bukit Timah rainforest and city of Singapore in the background

1.64 km² large patch of rainforest in the middle of major city, one of the few places in the world with natural rainforest in the city. This is well preserved fragment of rainforest with more than 840 species of plants and more than 500 species of fauna.