Top 5 White Marvels Of The World

White, a colour that represents peace and purity, has always inspired creative minds in the world of architecture. Even as there have been innumerable colours and shades to choose from, the style, simplicity and grandeur of the colour white has always teased the creativity of the best minds in architecture.

PropGuide lists five iconic white structures across the world whose sheen continues to illuminate the world of architecture to this day.

Taj Mahal (India)

Often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal, built in Agra in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is a mix of Persian, Turkish and Indian design techniques. A landmark building depicting the Mughal finesse, it is a tomb for Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in labour. Famous as an architectural marvel across the world, the Taj Mahal is known as a symbol of love. This white marble mausoleum, which has not only inspired architects but also poets and other craftsmen over centuries, had taken 16 years (1632-48) to get constructed.

(Dreamstime/Sergeychernov)

White House (The US)

The iconic White House in Washington DC, which would be the centre of the world power in the years to come, was conceptualised by Irish architect James Hoban in 1792. The building, which took eight years (1793-1801) to build, has been home to all Presidents of the US since John Adams (the second US President; George Washington, the first President, had selected the site for the building). According to the official site of the White House, the white-painted Aquia sandstone structure, which has seen several renovation exercises since, “requires 570 gallons of paint to cover its outside surface” to keep it pearly white.

(Dreamstime/Joe Ravi)

Sacré-Cœur (France)

Designed by Paul Abadie, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, or Sacré-Cœur, is located at the highest point in Paris. The entire city can be viewed while standing on this building. The Travertine stone structure built in the Romano-Byzantine style was completed in 39 years (1875-1914) and saw six more architects succeeding Abadie, who had originally won the bid to design this 85-metre-long and 35-metre-wide 'House of God' after defeating 77 other architects.

(Dreamstime/Ewa Walicka)

Villa Savoye (France)

A structure that has survived several demolition plans, Villa Savoy was designed by Le Corbusier & Pierre Jeanneret, and built in Poissy, Yvelines, in 1928 as a retreat house. It became a state property in 1958. The structure, an early example of an international architectural style that originated during 1920-30s, was built using reinforced concrete. An official French monument, the structure marks not only the beginning of Swiss architect Le Corbusier's latter designs but has also inspired construction across the world. The building has white exteriors and shades of subtle colours inside.

(Dreamstime/Algie Said)

Faisal Mosque (Pakistan)

Often referred to as the National Mosque of Pakistan, the building, which has the look of a Bedouin's tent, is named after the late King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, the financer of the construction. This modern-artwork – the piece of work doesn't have traditional domes and arches –built in 1986, earned Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay the Aga Khan award. Constructed at a cost of about $120 million, the Faisal Mosque is the fourth-largest mosque in the world – spread over 54,000 sq ft. The structure has a white marble cover and can accommodate 2,50,000 worshippers simultaneously.

(Dreamstime/Naiyyer)