 Top 10 Greatest Historical Buildings That Took The Longest Time To Build There are some buildings around the world that are simply spectacular. In some, the architecture is eye-catching and tells the story of a civilization. Others are geometrical marvels. The accuracy of design and construction are the most attractive features of these buildings. There are some others that are standing works of art. They have amazing sculpture on the outside and colorful murals on the inside. We visit them to behold their magnificence. One thing that most of these buildings and structures have in common is that they were built over a very long period of time. Here are 20 buildings and structures that took the longest time to build. 1. The Colosseum in Rome. This is a very famous Roman structure. It is well known to be the location where the legendary gladiators would fight. The Colosseum took 10 years to finish. Construction began in AD 70 and ended in AD 80. Its original purpose was to be a venue for celebrating military victories. According to experts, the venue could hold a crowd of between 50,000 and 80,000. It stood more than 620 feet long and 157 feet high. It also had tunnels under the arena, arches, elevators and hydraulic systems. It was an engineering feat of excellence. 3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is one of the most beautiful and curious structures today. Located in Pisa, the Leaning Tower took 199 years to be completed. It was designed by Bonanno Pisano when he wanted it to be straight. However, today it leans 3.99 degrees. It has a collection of 297 steps that lead from the bottom to the top. 4. St. Peter's Basilica. Located in Vatican City, Rome, this is one of the most impressive church buildings in the world. It took a total of 144 years to build. In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine commissioned its construction. Within its walls, you can find the murals painted in the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, as well as 100 tombs under the Basilica. 5. The Great Pyramid of Giza. Located in the Egyptian desert, this is the greatest pyramid in the country and one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Construction of this mammoth building began in 2580 BC, and ended in 2560 BC, for 20 years, slave laborers, and the most intelligent engineers of the time labored to build this pyramid for Faro-Gufu. Not only is it one of the tallest structures in the world, the Great Pyramid of Giza and the two neighboring pyramids match a star formation right above them. The accuracy is within millimeters. 6. Saxe Hoelman. Located in Cusco, Peru, this is a building constructed by the ancient Incan Empire. It took them a total of 63 years to complete it. Their architecture is marvelous. They did not use any mortar to join up the building blocks. Instead, they carved the blocks such that they interlocked very tight. Considering the technology of the time, Saxe Hoelman is an engineering marvel. 7. Saint Basil's Cathedral. Moscow is the capital city of Russia. It is also the home of this colorful cathedral. Its construction began in the year 1555 and the cathedral took 123 years to complete. It was ordered to be built by Ivan the Terrible. Many know Saint Basil's Cathedral for its colorful minarets all over the cathedral complex. It was designed by architects known as Barma and Postnick. 8. The Taj Mahal. Men do many things for the women they love. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor decided to go above and beyond for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. He decided to build her a palace that celebrated her beauty. This palace was the Taj Mahal. Construction began in 1632 and the palace took 21 years to construct. 20,000 workers accomplished this labor of love for the Shah and his wife. 9. The York Minster Cathedral. Built in medieval times, this is the one of the biggest cathedrals of the era. It took 252 years to complete. Construction began in 1220 and ended in 1472. The cathedral proudly displays the largest stained glass in one structure. It is 520 feet long. There are three towers in the York Minster Cathedral. Each is 200 feet long. The cathedral displays the best of medieval architecture. 10. Chichen Itza. This is an ancient Mayan building complex. Located in South America, Chichen Itza took 400 years to construct. The first block was laid in AD 600 and the last one was laid in AD 1000. The Mayans had a vibrant culture and impressive architecture. Chichen Itza indicates both of these qualities. The building complex has a tall pyramid in its center. This one was designed such that it amplified the sound of a speaker located in its middle. Moreover, during a vernal equinox, a shadow of a slithering serpent was cast upon the steps of the pyramid. Chichen Itza is a mysterious yet fascinating building. 11. St. Paul's Cathedral. Construction of this building began in 1675. Located in London, England, it is a majestic building showcasing classical architecture. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and it has a unique feature known as the Whispering Gallery. It is said that if you whisper on one side of the wall in this gallery, your words will be heard on the other side yet the wall is 112 feet thick. For more updated videos from now, click on the bell button below to get notified.