India

Sun Temple, Konark

Source: Wikimedia Commons - Photo credit: Mohamed A.

An architectural grandeur of the 13th century, Sun Temple is situated at Konark which is about 35 kms away from the famous temple town Puri in Odisha (earlier Orissa) state in India. Temple is in ruins but this masterpiece of its time has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive from Puri to Konark town along coast line of Bay of Bengal itself adds a charm to the journey to this magnificent temple.

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Pietra Dura

Source: Wikimedia Commons - Photo credit: MyotisSI

Pietra dura is a technique of inlaying of pieces of coloured stones resulting into some images representing a decorative art. This art is very old, appearing in Rome in 16th century. Subsequently, it reached Florence to attain the status of a fully developed art. The final product after inlaying is mostly a unique polished surface and continues to be a major attraction in stone carving.

In India, many historical buildings like The Taj Mahal and Agra Fort at Agra and Red Fort at Delhi exhibit this art where marble and semi-precious stones have been used.

Other countries also have used this art for various purposes.

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Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

                                            Source: Flickr - Photo credit: col.hou

Located at the southern bank of Vaigai River, the ancient city of Madurai in southern India has earned the name of 'Athens of the East'. Dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, the largest and the oldest Meenakshi Amman Temple is central to this lotus-shaped city and a great attraction to those who love Dravadian architecture. The master piece of rulers from 16th to 18th centuries, the magnificent architecture and beautiful sculptures continue to be the source of spirituality and peace even today.

The Temple has nearly 33,000 sculptures, attracting 15,000 visitors every day (25,000 on Fridays) and getting a revenue of Rs. sixty million annually. 

No wonder the massiveness and grandeur of the architecture placed it as one of the top 30 nominees for the 'New Seven Wonders of the World'.