Architecture is one of the most fascinating and diverse forms of human expression. From ancient ruins to modern skyscrapers, it reflects the creativity, ingenuity, and cultural values of the societies that built them.

This gallery shows some of the buildings that have impressed me in my travels. It certainly doesn’t include every great building in the world – just those that I found to be interesting or those that had a story behind them. I have tried to showcase a variety of architecture, from grand to humble, an opportunity to explore diversity and appreciate the beauty and complexity of different styles.

At one end of the spectrum, grand architecture represents the pinnacle of human achievement. Whether it’s the soaring spires of Gothic cathedrals or the sleek lines of modernist buildings, these structures are often awe-inspiring in their scale and ambition. They reflect the aspirations of the societies that built them, whether it’s to create a monument to a deity or to showcase technological prowess.

At the other end of the spectrum, humble architecture can be just as fascinating and inspiring. From traditional cottages to remote huts, these structures reflect the ingenuity and resourcefulness of people who had to work with limited resources. They often have a charm and character that is all their own, and can provide valuable insights into the daily lives of the people who built them.

By capturing the details and unique features of different structures, a photo essay like this can also provide a window into the history, culture, and values of the people who built them. Whether it’s the intricate carvings on a medieval cathedral or the colorful lighting on a public building, each architectural style has its own story to tell.

Sod Roofed House in Norway – The roofs on buildings like this offer places for birds to nest and insects to breed. The vegetation on these roofs also helps to soak up rainwater, and may even reduce annual runoff by 40 to 90 percent.

Norwegian Stave Church – A stave church is made of timber, and the construction is made out of poles (“staver” in Norwegian), hence the name. Most of the remaining stave churches in Norway were built between 1150 and 1350.

Montgomery Hall, Swanbourne Hospital, Western Australia – This former hospital for the Insane is a grim reminder of the brutal way people with mental illness were once treated in the 20th Century

Tudor Era Houses Lavenham, UK – In Tudor times, Lavenham was said to be the fourteenth wealthiest town in England, despite its small size. Its fine timber-framed buildings and beautiful church, built on the success of the wool trade, make it a fascinating place to explore today

Former ANZ Bank – Port Fairy, Victoria, Australia – This old bank is one of the most important and distinctive buildings in Port Fairy.

Church of the Saviour On The Spilled Blood, St Petersburg – This five-domed dazzler is St Petersburg’s most elaborate church, with a classic Russian Orthodox exterior and an interior decorated with some 7000 sq metres of mosaics. Officially called the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, its far more striking colloquial name references the assassination attempt on Tsar Alexander II here in 1881.

St Basil’s Cathedral Moscow – The Cathedral is actually nine separate chapels of different styles. In an attempt o purge the Soviet Union of signs of imperialism,. Stalin ordered this cathedral to be demolished but it was saved by a Russian architect who according to some tales, defended the structure from Stalin by “barricading himself in the church with a machine gun.”

The Gatehouse, Park Guell, Barcelona, Spain – Parc Guell is one of Spanish architect, Antonio Gaudí’s most iconic works. He designed and built the 12-hectare landmark just before the outbreak of World War One, and it officially opened as a public park in 1926.