From the Great Wall of China to the Berlin Wall the world is full of looming creations we know as simple walls. Some were built to protect communities while others were built to oppress them. While some still serve great purposes, many of today’s greatest walls are merely historic relics and others were built specifically to serve as reminders of times past. Here are a few of the most amazing walls still in existence today.

10. Berlin Wall – Germany

The Berlin Wall loomed over the city of Berlin for 28 years, constantly reminding citizens of the horrors associated with the Cold War. A concrete version of the Iron Curtain, the wall stood from 1961 until 1989, when it was finally destroyed. November of 2009 will mark the 20^th anniversary of the destruction of this oppressive concrete beast.

9. Kremlin Wall – Moscow

The looming red brick wall that surrounds the Kremlin in Moscow has been standing for more than 700 years. The Kremlin Wall stretches 1.4 miles around the Red Square, contains 4 distinct medieval gateways, and has more than 20 looming towers. Some of Russia’s most famous dignitaries, including Stalin and Brezhnev, are buried in the necropolis at the Kremlin Wall.

8. The Western Wall – Jerusalem

The history behind the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, also known as al-Buraq, is somewhat convoluted. The Muslims consider al-Buraq to be a holy site because they believe Muhammad kept his horse there. The Jews consider it a place to mourn the destruction of the Jewish Temple. The Muslims and Israeli government, on the other hand, state that the Jews have no right to claim this site as a shrine.

7. Tzompantli – Mexico

In Mexico’s Chichen Itza ruins you’ll find Tzompantli, often referred to as the “Wall of Skulls.” Back in the days of the Mayan empire, the skulls of victims used for sacrificial rituals were placed on the wall. The wall itself is carved with hundreds of life-sized skulls as well as with pictures depicting other rituals.

6. Hadrian’s Wall – England

Hadrian’s Wall was originally built during the 2^nd century because the Roman emperor, Hadrian, was fed up with fighting. The wall reaches from the North Sea to the Irish Sea and was at one point the mark that represented the boundary line of the current Roman Empire. The wall can be toured by visitors following some of the area’s most popular hiking trails.

5. Medinet Habu – Egypt

The wall known as Medinet Habu is the last standing piece of what was once the Mortuary Temple of Ramsses III. Built during the 12^th century BC, the wall stands approximately 60 feet high and boasts more than 75,000 square feet of ornate historic depictions and decorations.

4. Great Wall of China – China

Construction on the Great Wall of China began around 221 BC and continued for more than 17 centuries. Currently believed to be around 3,900 miles long, the brick path seems to grow more every year as new sections are discovered. A large stretch of the wall was used for cyclers during the 2008 Summer Olympics.

3. Santa Maria delle Grazie – Italy

You may not be familiar with the wall known as Santa Maria delle Grazie but we’re pretty sure you’ve seen a depiction of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” at least once in your life. This astounding wall is the home to the original painting, which was completed in 1498. Despite the rest of the convent having been destroyed in 1943, this historic rendition has survived unscathed.

2. Green Monster – Boston

Sports fans appreciate the presence of the 37 foot high Green Monster at Fenway Park in Boston. The wall, despite having been destroyed by fire in 1934, has been rebuilt and reworked several times. The current wall is covered in hard plastic siding and touts a vintage scoreboard – remnants of the past.

1. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall – Washington, DC

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC may not be the oldest wall on our list but it is certainly a treasure to the millions of people who visit it each year. The construction of the wall was completed in 1982 and features the names of more than 58,000 Americans who either passed away or were marked MIA between 1959 and 1975 in Indochina.

Some are fun, some are awe inspiring, and some evoke a sense of pride or curiosity. Regardless of the outcome, we’re sure you’ll find each and every wall on this list worth visiting at least once in your life.

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Wealthy, expensive and cosmopolitan Zurich is the cultural capital of Switzerland. Though a glass of Petite Arvine or plate of rösti will set you back quite a bit in this modern, progressive metropolis (not quite as much as in Geneva mind you), Zurich is well worth the effort and price.

Sure, a basket of common goods in the city costs a lot. Switzerland is famous for the hit it takes on your wallet. Yet Tokyo, Osaka, Moscow, Hong Kong and yes, Geneva, rank above Zurich in this regard. So dismiss the frugal cynics and reflect on another characteristic of the city and Switzerland in general: quality of life. Zurich consistently ranks up there with the likes of Vienna, Montreal, Auckland and other Swiss gems like Geneva and Bern in the ever-elusive “best quality of life in the world” index. Tour the city and these ten must-see attractions to find out why.

10. Rietberg Museum

One of the best museums on the continent devoted solely to non-European art, the Rietberg is a paramount cultural institution in Zurich.

9. Schanzengraben

From the 13th century until the late 17th century, Zurich was a typical city-state, with extensive fortifications and ramparts. Today, traces of these Schanzengraben, as it were, exist throughout the old city. From Rennweg to Limmatquai, elements of medieval Zurich unfurl one by one to intrepid pedestrians.

8. Landesmuseum

The paragon museum of Switzerland is the de facto National Museum in Zurich. Known as Landesmuseum, the arts and culture facility is one of the most vital in the country and indeed, Europe as well. Take your time in this notable Zurich gem – your patience will be rewarded.

7. Grossmünster

Built in the Romanesque style, the Grossmünster is one of three principal church landmarks in Zurich. Singular for a major role in the Protestant Reformation, construction on the monastery church began in the year 1100. Built on a Roman cemetery, the Grossmünster has priceless historical import and strikes a dramatic pose from Lake Zurich.

6. Zoo

Since 1929 the Zurich Zoologischer Garten has been a leader in conservation and first-rate facility, as far as zoos go. With over 3,000 specimens on display, the zoo is a great place in the city for educational, wholesome family fun.

5. Fraumünster

Another vital city symbol, the Fraumünster dominates the Zurich skyline. The abbey of the same name dates back to the year 853, incredibly, and the church contains some impressive stained glass design work by none other than Marc Chagall.

4. Kunsthaus

Since the year 1910, Kunsthaus Zurich has been one of the most significant art museums in Switzerland and Europe. The collection of mostly Swiss-centric art is as impressive as the historic edifice itself, one of the most recognizable in the city.

3. Bahnhofstrasse

Like Fifth Avenue in Manhattan or Avenue Montaigne in Paris, Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse is more of a curiosity than a feasible, accessible place to shop for mainstream tourists. Easily one of the most expensive streets in the world, the major thoroughfare is awash with all the posh brand names, from Tiffany to Dior, Zegna to Bvlgari. All in all, a superb place to window shop and dream, perhaps not to score a bargain or haggle however.

2. Lake Promenade

This being Switzerland of course, Zurich has a lake and lush scenery galore to admire. Head outside the old city to the idyllic confines of Lake Zurich then, either on foot or via bicycle. Stroll, meander or just plain walk. The views are brilliant here.

1. Lindenhof

A hill and section of old Zurich, the Lindenhof is the historic home of a Roman castle and fortress. A wonderful recreation space for locals and visitors alike, the vehicle-free zone provides beautiful panoramas of Zurich.

Check out superb hotels in Zurich.

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