The Most Beautiful Roof in the World: A Breathtaking Display of Architectural Beauty
Voting rules: Choose the roof you think is the most beautiful!
Jun 16, 2023 10:17 (Updated on Dec 5, 2023 05:53)
Welcome to StrawPoll's latest and most visually stunning ranking yet: "What is the most beautiful roof in the world?" We've scoured the globe to bring you a collection of awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping rooftops that showcase the perfect blend of architectural mastery and artistic expression. From ancient temples to modern marvels, these roofs will challenge your perception of traditional design and leave you breathless. So, prepare to embark on a journey of discovery and let your voice be heard! Cast your vote for your favorite or suggest a hidden gem that deserves a spot on our list. Together, we'll uncover the world's most magnificent rooftops and crown the ultimate winner. The sky's the limit, so let the voting begin!
What Is the Most Beautiful Roof in the World?
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158votesThe dome of St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most beautiful roofs in the world with its intricate designs, frescoes, and statues.DescriptionSt. Peter's Basilica, located in Vatican City, is one of the most beautiful architectural structures in the world. It is a renowned symbol of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, serving as the primary papal shrine and the burial site of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The basilica stands prominently in St. Peter's Square, and its grandeur and architectural magnificence attract millions of visitors annually.
- Architectural Style: Renaissance and Baroque
- Height: 137 meters (452 feet)
- Area: 21,095 square meters (227,060 square feet)
- Facade Material: Travertine stone
- Dome Diameter: 42 meters (138 feet)
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful Catholic church in the world
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful church
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular dome
- Position 7 of 10 in Most beautiful architectural structure in the world
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243votesThe Taj Mahal's white marble dome surrounded by four smaller domes is an iconic symbol of India's architectural beauty.DescriptionThe Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
- Construction Period: 1632-1653
- Architectural Style: Mughal
- Materials Used: White Marble, Red Sandstone
- Height: 73 meters (240 feet)
- Length: 75 meters (246 feet)
Taj Mahal, India in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful architecture in the world
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful home in the world
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful World Heritage Sites
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful temple in the world
- Position 4 of 10 in Most romantic view in the world
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous hotspot
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324votes
Canaan · CC BY-SA 4.0Sagrada Familia, Spain
Antoni GaudíThe towering spires and intricate details of Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece make the roof of Sagrada Familia a true work of art.DescriptionThe Sagrada Familia is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece located in Barcelona, Spain. It is a basilica that is often considered one of the most beautiful and iconic structures in the world. The construction of Sagrada Familia started in 1882 and is still ongoing, with an estimated completion date set for 2026. It was designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who dedicated over 40 years of his life to this project before his death in 1926. Gaudí's unique style, blending Gothic and Art Nouveau elements, is clearly visible in every aspect of this magnificent structure.- Nave Width: 60 meters (197 feet)
- Exterior Facades: Three (Nativity, Passion, and Glory)
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Construction Start Year: 1882
- Expected Completion Year: 2026
Sagrada Familia, Spain in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful architectural structure in the world
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418votesThe roof of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi features 82 domes of varying sizes, adorned with intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy.DescriptionThe Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a magnificent architectural masterpiece located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It serves as one of the world's largest and most beautiful mosques, combining modern and traditional Islamic architectural styles.
- Construction Period: 1996 - 2007
- Area: 22,412 square meters
- Capacity: up to 40,000 worshippers
- Minarets: 4 minarets reaching a height of 107 meters each
- Domes: 82 domes of various sizes
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, UAE in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful home in the world
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516votesThe iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House create a unique and stunning roof design that has become an international symbol of Australia.DescriptionThe Sydney Opera House is an iconic multi-venue performing arts center located in Sydney, Australia. It is renowned for its exceptional architectural design and is considered one of the most beautiful and distinctive buildings in the world. The structure is situated on Bennelong Point, overlooking the stunning Sydney Harbour, and has become a prominent symbol of Australia's cultural identity and architectural excellence.
- Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney, Australia
- Construction Period: 1959-1973
- Architectural Style: Expressionist
- Number of Venues: 7
- Number of Performance Spaces: 5
Sydney Opera House, Australia in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful architectural structure in the world
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67votes
ToucanWings · CC BY-SA 3.0The Palace of Versailles features a stunning array of gold-leafed roofs, intricate sculptures, and detailed frescoes that represent the pinnacle of French Baroque architecture.DescriptionThe Palace of Versailles, located in Versailles, France, is a majestic and opulent Château that was built as a symbol of absolute monarchy in the 17th century. It stands as a testament to grandeur and extravagance, showcasing exquisite architecture, stunning gardens, and intricate interior designs.- Size: The palace covers an area of approximately 67,000 square meters (721,206 square feet).
- Rooms: It houses a total of 2,300 rooms, including numerous lavishly decorated state apartments, grand salons, and private chambers.
- Hall of Mirrors: One of the most famous features of the palace is the Hall of Mirrors, a magnificent gallery adorned with seventeen arched windows and 357 mirrors.
- Gardens: The palace is renowned for its expansive gardens, covering an area of about 800 hectares (1,976 acres) and featuring meticulously landscaped lawns, ornamental flower beds, and stunning fountains.
- Royal Chapel: The palace includes a stunning Royal Chapel, designed in a Baroque style, featuring lavish decorations and intricate woodwork.
Palace of Versailles, France in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful palace in Europe
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful home in the world
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711votesThe golden dome of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is one of the most recognizable roofs in the world, with its intricate mosaic designs and calligraphy.DescriptionThe Dome of the Rock is an iconic Islamic shrine located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel. It is a significant religious site in both Judaism and Islam. The exterior of the dome is covered with stunning blue tiles adorned with intricate geometric patterns and verses from the Quran. The dome sits on a drum-like structure and is surrounded by an octagonal arcade with columns and arches. The interior of the dome features gorgeous mosaics and a rock known as the Foundation Stone.
- Location: Temple Mount, Jerusalem, Israel
- Architectural style: Islamic
- Height: 35 meters (115 feet)
- Diameter: 20 meters (66 feet)
- Materials: Marble, mosaic, ceramic tiles
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86votes
Σπάρτακος · CC BY-SA 3.0The Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey's roof, with its intricate carvings and soaring spires, is a testament to England's rich history and culture.DescriptionWestminster Abbey is a magnificent gothic-style cathedral located in London, England. With its stunning architecture and rich history, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful roofs in the world. The cathedral's roof is characterized by intricate detailing, soaring arches, and ornate decorations.- Style: Gothic
- Location: London, England
- Architecture: Intricate detailing, soaring arches
- Construction materials: Limestone, lead
- Height: Over 28 meters
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95votesThe ornate roofs of the Forbidden City's palaces and temples, with their intricate carvings and bright colors, represent the pinnacle of Chinese imperial architecture.DescriptionThe Forbidden City in China is a majestic palace complex consisting of numerous buildings with exquisite roofs. It is a symbol of imperial power and architectural brilliance.
- Name: The Forbidden City
- Location: Beijing, China
- Construction Period: 1406 - 1420
- Architectural Style: Chinese palatial style
- Size: approximately 180 acres
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108votes
Jebulon · CC0The intricate Islamic patterns and designs of the Alhambra's roofs, with their intricate tilework and calligraphy, represent the height of Moorish architecture in Spain.DescriptionThe Alhambra is a fortified palace complex located in Granada, Spain. It is renowned for its exquisite architecture and captivating beauty, showcasing the rich Islamic and Moorish heritage of Spain. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Spain.- Architectural Style: Islamic, Moorish
- Year Built: 13th century
- Size: Over 140,000 square meters
- Main Structures: Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, Court of the Lions
- Ornamentation: Intricate stucco, woodwork, tile work (azulejos), and calligraphy
Missing your favorite roof?
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Discussion
Ranking factors for beautiful roof
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Architectural designThe overall design of the roof should be visually pleasing and impressive, taking into account factors such as symmetry, balance, and proportionality.
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Craftsmanship and build qualityThe quality of materials used and the craftsmanship involved in constructing the roof play a significant role in determining a roof's beauty. A roof made with high-quality materials and attention to detail is generally more appealing.
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Cultural and historical significanceRoofs that possess cultural or historical significance are often regarded more highly due to the stories and heritage associated with them.
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Integration with surroundingsA beautiful roof should also complement and enhance its surrounding environment, whether natural or man-made.
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Color and patternThe use of color or pattern on the roof contributes to its overall visual appeal and beauty.
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Functionality and sustainabilityRoofs that are not only visually stunning but also functional and eco-friendly can be considered more beautiful as they thoughtfully blend aesthetics with practicality.
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Scale and proportionThe size of the roof in relation to the overall building and surrounding environment should be taken into account, ensuring it doesn't appear too small or overly dominating.
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Lighting and ambianceThe way a roof is lit, either naturally or artificially, can greatly enhance its beauty by highlighting its key features and creating a pleasant ambiance.
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Cultural and regional influencesA beautiful roof should also reflect the style and sensibilities of the region it belongs to. It should subtly or overtly incorporate traditional design elements and motifs without appearing too clichéd or derivative.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful roof in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or roof is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1984 views
- 196 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each roof once every 24 hours. The rank of each roof is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful roof in the world
Roofs have been an important part of architecture since the dawn of civilization. From humble thatched roofs to grandiose domes, roofs have not only served a practical purpose of protecting us from the elements, but have also been a symbol of cultural identity and artistic expression. The world is full of beautiful roofs, each with its unique style and story to tell. From the intricate tiles of the Taj Mahal to the sweeping curves of the Sydney Opera House, there are countless stunning roofs that have captured hearts and minds around the world. Join us as we explore some of the most beautiful roofs in the world and the fascinating stories behind them.
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