Travelers have this year snubbed the Sydney Opera House in favour of a Canberra monument, according to the most popular choices as ranked on travel site Tripadvisor's list of the Top 10 Landmarks in Australia.
Perhaps it is a consequence of the recent Anzac Centenary celebrations, but this year's Tripadvisor followers decision is surely unexpected. Sydney Opera House is no more Australia’s most beloved landmark, having been replaced in top position by Canberra's Australian War Memorial, built in 1941 to remember the soldiers who have died or participated in wars.
Last year's winner Sydney Opera House still remains ahead of the majestic Harbour Bridge, forming a Sydney based duo that both rank ahead of Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.
Australia's top landmarks
1. Australian War Memorial, Canberra
2. Opera House, Sydney
3. Harbour Bridge, Sydney
4. Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne
5. Block Arcade, Melbourne
6. Port Arthur Historic Site, Port Arthur
7. Fremantle Prison, Fremantle
8. Kings Park War Memorial, Perth
9. Australian Parliament House, Canberra
10. Queen Victoria Building (QVB), Sydney
Australia's landmarks don't make the international top 10, topped by the famous Inca's lost city Machu Picchu.
Italian Australians will be glad to see though that Italy shows up TWICE in this international top 10. In fourth position we find the Saint Peter's Basilica - the famed church in Rome, which is the symbol of the Vatican State, one of the biggest church in the world and famous for the Dome realized by Michelangelo.
Milan is also very appreciated by tourists and it stands up on 10th position, thanks to The Duomo. It is a city of the North of Italy well-known for being the Italian capital of fashion and finance. The Church was constructed in 1387 and it is a masterpiece of gotic architecture, even thought in reality it reflects many different styles. Recently a massive restoration has been undertaken and so it is finally possible to admire the landmark in its beauty
World’s Top Landmarks
1. Machu Picchu, Peru
2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
3. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
4. St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Italy
5. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
6. Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
7. Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood, St Petersburg, Russia
8. The Alhambra, Granada, Spain
9. Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington D.C. United States
10. Milan Cathedral (Duomo) Milan, Italy
