15 Striking Architectural Styles and Their Stories
Do you prefer the grandeur of baroque or the simplicity of neoclassical?
Discover the fascinating stories behind some of the world’s most amazing architectural styles. From megalithic monuments to sleek art deco buildings, these structures tell tales of history, culture, and innovation. Here are 15 styles to look out for, along with their top spots to visit and the questions you should avoid asking.
Megalithic structures date back to the tenth millennium BCE and were built for various purposes such as cultural memorials or sites of worship and ritual procession. Famous examples include Stonehenge in England and Gobekli Tepe in Turkiye.
The classical style, popular from the 5th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, was characterized by elegant proportions, sculpted pediments, and symmetrically ordered columns. Athens, Delphi, and Rome are great places to admire classical architecture.
Gothic architecture emerged in northern France in the 12th century and can be seen in cathedrals with rib vaults, pointed arches, and stunning stained glass. Avila, Siena, and Prague are known for their Gothic buildings.
Moorish architecture combines Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic influences and is characterized by symmetrical courtyards, horseshoe arches, and ornate decoration. Granada’s Alhambra is a prime example of Moorish architecture.
Ming architecture, from China’s Ming Dynasty, features symmetrical palace complexes with multiple courtyards, wooden pagodas, and dragon motifs. Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall are excellent examples.
The baroque style, popular between 1625 and 1675, showcased theatrical lighting, extravagant decoration, and gaudy domes. Dresden, Versailles, and Puebla are known for their baroque buildings.
Mughal architecture in India blended Persian, Indian, and Islamic influences to create palaces, mosques, and mausoleums with vaulted gateways and intricate decorations. Agra’s Taj Mahal and Red Fort are must-see Mughal monuments.
Neoclassical architecture emerged as a response to the baroque style, emphasizing simplicity and symmetry. Washington DC’s neoclassical buildings, including the White House and US Capitol, are iconic examples.
The art deco style, popular in the 1920s and 1930s, celebrated luxury and progress with geometric designs, bright colors, and industrial motifs. New York, Mumbai, and Havana have impressive art deco buildings.
Brutalist architecture, popular from the 1950s to the 1980s, features plain concrete structures with exposed elements. London’s South Bank and Boston City Hall are notable examples of brutalist buildings.
Mesoamerican architecture, seen in Mexico and Central America, includes stepped pyramids and ritual ball courts. Chichen Itza and Tikal are famous examples.
Byzantine architecture is characterized by thick walls, round arches, and golden mosaics. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and Ravenna’s churches are stunning Byzantine structures.
Hindu architecture showcases colorful temples adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Khajuraho and Hampi in India are known for their magnificent Hindu temples.
Ottoman architecture features horseshoe arches, beautiful tilework, and elegant minarets. Istanbul’s mosques and palaces showcase exquisite Ottoman design.
Renaissance architecture is marked by light and well-proportioned buildings inspired by ancient Greece. Florence, Rome, and the Loire Valley are known for their Renaissance structures.
- Megalithic: Haunting structures built for various purposes
- Classical: Elegant temples and sculptures of ancient Greece and Rome
- Gothic: Cathedrals with pointed arches and intricate detailing
- Moorish: Ornate courtyards and geometric decorations
- Ming: Beautifully symmetrical Chinese palaces and pagodas
- Baroque: Excessive and luxurious buildings of the Catholic Church
- Mughal: Palaces and fortresses blending Islamic and Indian influences
- Neoclassical: Simple revival architecture inspired by ancient Greece
- Art Deco: Glamorous and geometric buildings of the jazz age
- Brutalist: Unapologetically plain and concrete structures
- Mesoamerica: Stepped pyramids and ritual ball courts
- Byzantine: Thick walls and shimmering golden mosaics
- Hindu: Colourful temples with intricate carvings and sculptures
- Ottoman: Horseshoe arches and intricate tilework
- Renaissance: Light and well-proportioned buildings with elegant interiors
Whether you’re a fan of ancient history, admire ornate decorations, or appreciate sleek modern designs, the world offers a wide variety of architectural styles to fascinate and inspire. So, which style captures your imagination?