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Incredible Places and Buildings Carved Out of Rocks

Ajanta and Ellora Caves, India

Rock-cut architecture has given us a treasure of many wonderful buildings and structures all over the world. Various astonishing places have been carved out of rocks. This historical or ancient work of art has been a priceless treasure. Some carved structures are several thousand years old, while others are comparatively more modern. From caves and cliffs to monoliths, you may find all kinds of artwork emerging from rocks. There are innumerable places and buildings that are made from rock cuttings, but some places hold a special place in the history of architecture. Check out some of the most incredible examples of rock-cut architecture.

Ancient Rock City of Matera, Italy

This ancient city was carved out of natural rocks and caves in the area. This was done some 9,000 years ago, but people still live in the same houses. People from the Neolithic age lived in houses that were called ‘Sassi di Matera.’ As these houses were carved out of caves, it is hard to distinguish between the natural rock formations and the architectural piece. Once considered a ghost town, the city is now a major tourist attraction.

Po Win Daung Caves, Myanmar

Po Win Daung hills have several caves that are historical treasures of the 14th century. From such old times, several Buddha statues and wall-carved Buddhas now act as pillars in these caves. After Myanmar (formerly called Burma) came into existence, humans inhabited this place. There are about 4,000 murals in these caves. A covered staircase directs people to the main cave shrine. Carved Buddhas look like sentinels and pillars at various places inside the caves.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves, India

Ajanta and Ellora Caves, India

Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, India are stunning examples of rock-cut architecture. The temples of Ajanta are marvelously carved out of rocks. Its caves were created from hollowed granite cliffs. These caves include sanctuaries and monasteries. The excavations contain Buddhist-style sculptures and paintings. You may find all religious artwork at this location. On the other hand, Ellora caves were carved from Charanandri hills. Ellora’s religious artwork is a mix of both Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Its caves have intricately carved shrines.

Abu Simbel Nubian Monuments, Egypt

The temple of Abu Simbel, carved out of sandstone cliffs, has four colossal statues of famous Egyptian kings. These statues lit up when sunlight enters the innermost sanctuary twice a year. Originally created in 1960s, the complex has now been fully relocated.

Yungang Grottoes, China

Tungang Grottoes include around 51,000 statues and more than 50 caves, which are wonderful examples of rock-cut architecture. These are based in Shanzi province of China. If you happen to visit this place, these beautiful cave structures would let you witness a wide variety of statues that display a stunning artwork. After winding all this up, you may have a detailed look at the giant Buddhas that appear to be providing their blessings to you. A big portion of the cave artwork was stolen back in the 20th century. The wooden temples were burned down, and thus, the site needed protection. Now, Yungang Grottoes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cappadocia Cave Houses, Turkey

Cappadocia, a province of the Republic of Turkey, has some strange and scrubby landscape. The place has various volcanic rock formations known as Fairy Chimneys. There is also a wide range of rock-cut underground buildings and even cities. Many of these buildings are churches carved out of soft tufa rocks. There are nice, decorative arches and columns in these churches.

Golden Temple of Dambulla, Sri Lanka

If you take a look at this temple in Sri Lanka, you might not believe it to be carved out of a giant rock. This marvelous temple used to be a set of caves, and it was given a shape in 89 BC. During prehistoric times, these caves were used for some kinds of pre-Buddhist ceremonies. Varieties of religious images were painted inside the caves on the walls and ceilings. These images or cave statues were based on the Buddhist concept, history of Sri Lanka and some Hindu Gods. At the cave’s entry point only, you may see a tall Buddha statue that has been carved out of a rock. Thus, this temple offers a good reflection of rock carvings of varied kinds.

Al-Hijr, Saudi Arabia

Also called Madain Saleh, Al-Hijr has various dwellings carved out of sandstone rocks. Al-hijr has received its name from these rock-carved dwellings only. Al-Hijr actually means a rocky place. It has a state-of-the-art architecture you would rarely get to see in other rock-cut artwork. Al-Hijr’s splendid features include water wells, inscriptions and cave drawings. Along with these features, there are monumental tombs that are very well preserved at this place. You would literally find the place worth visiting if you love rock carvings and architecture.

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