The world is filled with magnificent structures that stand as monuments to human ingenuity, engineering, and determination. Among these, walls—whether built for defense, as a boundary, or simply as a marvel of architecture—remain among the most impressive. In this article, we explore the top 10 biggest walls in the world, each representing a unique chapter in history and architecture.
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1. The Great Wall of China
Length: 21,196 km
Location: China
The Great Wall of China is by far the most iconic and well-known wall in the world. This massive fortification stretches over 21,196 kilometers and was constructed over centuries by various Chinese dynasties to protect the Chinese Empire from northern invaders, especially the Mongols. Made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, the Great Wall winds through mountains, valleys, deserts, and plateaus, making it not only the longest wall in the world but also a symbol of China's strength and resilience.
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2. The Sacsayhuamán Walls
Length: 600 meters
Location: Peru
The Sacsayhuamán Walls are an Incan marvel located just outside the ancient city of Cusco. These walls, made from large stones that fit together with extraordinary precision, extend over 600 meters. The stones, some weighing over 100 tons, were transported from quarries located miles away. This feat of engineering continues to baffle scientists and archaeologists today. Sacsayhuamán served both as a fortress and a religious site, and its massive walls are considered one of the finest examples of Incan construction techniques.
3. The Berlin Wall
Length: 155 km
Location: Germany
Although it no longer stands, the Berlin Wall was once a powerful symbol of division between East and West during the Cold War. Built in 1961 by the German Democratic Republic, the wall was intended to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the West. Stretching over 155 kilometers, the wall was reinforced with watchtowers, barbed wire, and a heavily guarded no man's land. Its fall in 1989 was a significant event in world history, marking the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.
4. The Western Wall
Length: 57 meters
Location: Israel
The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is a significant religious site located in the Old City of Jerusalem. This ancient limestone wall is part of the larger structure that once supported the Second Temple, a holy site for Jews. Today, the Western Wall is a place of prayer and pilgrimage for millions of Jews worldwide. Though much shorter in length than others on this list, the Western Wall's spiritual significance and historical value make it one of the most important walls in the world.
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5. The Anastasian Wall
Length: 56 km
Location: Turkey
The Anastasian Wall, also known as the Long Wall of Thrace, was built in the 5th century to protect the Byzantine Empire from northern invasions. Located near modern-day Istanbul, the wall stretches approximately 56 kilometers and was one of the largest defensive walls in the ancient world. Built during the reign of Emperor Anastasius I, the wall was primarily constructed from stone and earth and played a crucial role in the defense of Constantinople.
6. The Walls of Ston
Length: 7 kilometers
Location: Croatia
The Walls of Ston, located in southern Croatia, are often referred to as the "European Great Wall." These impressive stone walls stretch over 7 kilometers and were built to protect the valuable salt pans of the Republic of Ragusa. Dating back to the 14th century, the Walls of Ston remain one of the longest surviving fortifications in Europe. Visitors today can still walk along portions of the wall, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and Adriatic Sea.
7. The Hadrian’s Wall
Length: 117 kilometers
Location: United Kingdom
Hadrian’s Wall was constructed by the Romans in 122 AD to protect the northern border of Roman Britain from invading tribes. Spanning 117 kilometers from coast to coast, the wall was a significant Roman military defense. Remnants of the wall can still be visited today, with some sections remarkably well-preserved. It stands as a reminder of the Roman Empire's extensive reach and their military prowess in securing their territories.
8. The Walls of Babylon
Length: Unknown
Location: Iraq
The Walls of Babylon were part of the ancient city of Babylon, one of the most famous cities in Mesopotamian history. These walls, attributed to King Nebuchadnezzar II, were considered impenetrable and were part of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though much of the original structure has been lost to time, archaeological findings have provided insight into its grandeur, with some portions of the wall still visible in modern-day Iraq.
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9. The Aurelian Walls
Length: 19 kilometers
Location: Italy
The Aurelian Walls were built in the 3rd century to protect the city of Rome from barbarian invasions. Stretching over 19 kilometers, the walls were constructed under Emperor Aurelian and later expanded by several of his successors. These massive stone walls encircled Rome, ensuring its defense during turbulent times. Today, large portions of the Aurelian Walls remain standing and are considered a significant part of Rome’s historical landscape.
10. The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
Length: 248 kilometers
Location: Korea
The Korean DMZ is a strip of land running across the Korean Peninsula, established as a buffer zone between North and South Korea. While not a traditional wall, the DMZ serves as one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world, with barbed wire, electric fencing, and armed guards stationed along its length. The DMZ is 248 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide, symbolizing the ongoing conflict and separation between the two Koreas since the Korean War.
These monumental walls not only mark physical boundaries but also represent significant moments in world history. From ancient times to the modern era, they have served as fortifications, places of worship, and even symbols of division and unity.
