Ushaiqer Heritage Village, located approximately 200 kilometres northwest of Riyadh, offers a journey into the architectural and cultural history of the Najd region. This labyrinthine settlement of ochre-coloured mud-brick houses, some dating back centuries, was once a vital stop for pilgrims. Its narrow, shaded alleys wind between traditional dwellings, many featuring distinctive triangular windows and carved wooden doors. While some buildings have been restored, others stand in a state of arrested decay, creating an atmospheric exploration of a bygone era. The site also includes a small museum displaying local artefacts, providing context to the evocative surroundings.

After 169 years of construction, the cathedral of Antwerp finally dominated Antwerp’s skyline in 1521 with a height of 123 metres. It was and still is the biggest Gothic building of the Benelux. The Cathedral is a huge treasury of works of art. Eye-catchers include two masterpieces by Rubens: The Raising of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross.

Rising 324 metres above Paris, the Eiffel Tower was unveiled in 1889 as part of the World’s Fair celebrating 100 years since the Revolution. Though controversial at first for its unusual, industrial look — many Parisians felt it clashed with the city’s classic architecture and called it an eyesore — it quickly became the city’s defining symbol. Today, nearly 7 million visitors a year come for the views, to snap that classic photo, and to experience standing atop one of the world’s most unforgettable landmarks.