5Cosmati Pavement, Westminster Abbey, London, England, UK

The Cosmati Pavement in London’s Westminster Abbey is a true feat of art. This 603-square-foot (56sqm) mosaic floor lies in front of the High Altar and was built in 1258 by King Henry III as a centrepiece of the abbey.

Headed up by Franciscan friar Odoricus and his team of workmen from Rome, the abstract design marks its difference from other 13th-century pavements in the complex. Inlaid pieces of semi-precious stone include purple porphyry, green serpentine and opaque-coloured glass – with some pieces thought to be recycled from ancient Roman ruins.

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