Top Must See Sights of the World

The World's Top Must See Sights

Santa Maria Dei Miracoli Church - Italy — This out of the way church is a ten minute walk from the Rialto Bridge in Venice and is breathtaking in its beauty. This marble church is more thatn 500 years old and was built in the time of the War of the Roses.

Eiffel Tower - France — This 324 meter high structure which dates back to the late 1800s and has 1665 steps, was built for the Exposition Universelle which was held in the French capital Paris and took more than two years to constructl. It may be somewhat rusty but it is certainly awe inspiring! Join more than 6 million annual visitors who travel there to climb to the top. www.eiffel-tower.com

Colditz Castle - Germany — Older travellers may be aware of Colditz Castle through the famous television series that held viewers enthralled by the bravery and sheer inventiveness of its inmates incarcerated there. The castle, liberated by the US forces during World War 2 is now home to a museum that successfully details the accounts of would be escapees. Guided tours of the castle are available daily. www.schloss-colditz.com

Sydney Opera House - Australia — Designed by Jorn Utzon, this magnificent structure stands at Bennelong Point is overlooked by the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The construction began in 1957 and was completed in August 1973 costing over £43 million. It is the home of the Australian Ballet, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Opera Australia and many others. There are guided tours available with opportunities to take a look backstage and walk on the concert hall stage. www.sydneyoperahouse.com

Leaning Tower of Pisa - Italy — One of the most recognised structures in the world, second only to the Eiffel Tower, this wonkily majestic piece of history has been altered and worked on for almost its entire life. It's architect is unknown as is its general construction history due to its lack of documentation. We do know that building work began in 1173 and was, almost from the start, not strictly straight. After almost a century the construction was finaly completed. The tower has been closed to the public since 1988. www.opapisa.it

Niagara Falls - Canada — American Falls, Bridal Falls and Canadian/Horseshoe falls form a colection of waterfalls located mostly in Canada although a third are actualy within US territory. They are the second largest fall after Victoria in South Africa. It is a combination of water volumn and height that makes these falls so magnificent. There are taller falls but with a restricted water flow which do not attract the 12 million tourists that Niagara does. The falls are used for drinking water and for hydro electric power generation. The fall have been illuminated each evening since 1925.

Louvre Museum - France — The museum is arguably the most famous art museum in the world, during 2005 it had over 7m visitors. Dating back to 1190, the museum has become the centre of the Da Vinci Code and its fame has reached even more people because of that. The Mona Lisa has been it's most famous exhibit. It is a magnificent former royal palace gracing the river Sein. It was first open as a public museum during the French Revolution. 'The Grand Louvre Project' - finished in 1997 - saw the completion of restructuring and the unveiling of a glass extension and the Pei glass pyramid marking the entrance. A new extension of glass and alluminium surrounding gardens is underway with a view to allow the large amount of works currently in storage to be on public view by 2009.