Famous memorials can be found all over the world, irrespective of the country or culture the consensus is that they are a way to remember a person or event by creating a statue or sculpture. Usually famous memorials attract a large number of tourists who wish to pay respects to those who lost their lives.
Taj Mahal
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is a huge palace made from white marble and situated in Agra district of India. The mausoleum, which attracts nearly 8 million visitors every year, was ordered to be built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal after she died during childbirth. Both the emperor and Mumtaz are buried in tombs at the Taj Mahal.
9/11 Memorial
Arguably one of the most covered news stories of the 21st century, 9/11 was a terrorist attack that occurred in September 2001. The tragic event claimed the lives of nearly 3000 people, when hijacked planes flew into the World Trade Centre. The area in New York is now a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives and stands as a place of remembrance and reflection for those to pay their respects. The memorial, which was opened exactly 10 years after the attack, features two 1 acre pools that contain the largest man made waterfalls in North America.
Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza, another wonder of the world, were erected in Giza, Northern Egypt between 2550 to 2490 BC. The Pyramids named after the Pharaohs for whom they were built – Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure – are grand in stature. Pharaohs, the royals of Ancient Egypt, were buried in these pyramids with their most prized possessions so that they could take their wealth to the afterlife with them and live the same rich lifestyle.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Also known as the Holocaust Memorial, the unique landmark is dedicated to the Jewish people who’s lives were taken by the Nazi genocide during the second world war. Based in the centre of Berlin, the non conventional take on a memorial, opened in 2005 and was designed by New York architect Peter Eiselman after winning a competition.
The site, which covers 19000 square metres, is made of a series of concrete blocks of different heights and is placed on a slight slant. Visitors record feeling disorientated whilst navigating around the memorial and the simple, abstract design is a place for quiet reflection. There is also an underground information centre which tells of the stories of the victims through film, photographs and biographies.
Memorials at home
There are many ways at home that you can remember loved ones that you have lost, such as planning a memorial service. Although a funeral plan is not inclusive of an allowance towards a memorial, Capital Life is here to offer advice and support in the different aspects of your funeral. Contact us or call us on 0800 411 8683 and we will be happy to help.
We can also assist with Wills, Inheritance Planning, Probate, and LPAs.