towers

The taller of the famous due Torri (two towers) of Bologna, the Asinelli Tower was completed in 1119. Its 498 steps can be climbed for great views of the city.

The historic complex around the Desert View Watchtower stands on Navajo Point near the eastern edge of Grand Canyon National Park, where the Colorado River makes a great bend to the north.

Monastic gate, now used as a belfry for the Cathedral Church of St James (qv). Built under Abbot Anselm between 1120 and 1148; Romanesque. Restored by LN Cottingham in 1846/7. Barnack stone.

Nicknamed the "Forty Pillars Mosque" (its porch has 20 slender columns, which reflect in the adjacent pool), the unique Bolo Hauz Mosque in Bukhara was built in 1712.

This interesting faux castle in Worcestershire, completed in 1799, is an architectural folly designed by James Wyatt for the 6th Earl of Coventry.

The internationally recognizable symbol of London, Big Ben (officially named the Clock Tower) is part of the Houses of Parliament. Designed by Pugin, the attractive Gothic Revival tower was completed in 1859.

Rising 237 feet above a ruined mosque complex, this early Indo-Islamic tower is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It has a unique fluted design and is decorated with intricate reliefs and verses from the Quran.

The Giralda is one of three remaining Almohad minarets in the world (the other two are in Morocco). The beautiful structure became the bell tower of Seville Cathedral after the Reconquista.

One of Europe's great icons, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of Pisa Cathedral. Although most famous for its astonishing lean, the tower is also notable for its magnificent Romanesque architecture.

The bell tower of Santa Maria Maggiore, an attractive structure of brick with polychrome discs, dates from 1377. It is the highest tower in Rome at 240 feet (75 m).