Literally meaning >the crown of buildings< the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of the 35 m tall domed marble mausoleum and its integrated complex of structures began around 1632.The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finalized five years later around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. Taj Mahal is widely considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles, and in 1983 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Photo taken in August 2011
Participants: Helene and Frederik
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