4Kalta Minor Minaret, Khiva, Uzbekistan

Dazzling blue and green tiles cover the entire Kalta Minor Minaret in Khiva, Uzbekistan.

As impressive as it is, construction actually stopped in 1855 when the ruler of the time died, leaving this short minaret to stand at a ‘mere’ 85 feet (26m) instead of the original estimated 240-360 feet (70-110m). Glazed tiles and majolica, a tin-glazed earthenware, make up the intricate patterns. Located in front of the largest madrasah school in Central Asia (now a hotel), the barrel-shaped minaret stands out against the surrounding sand-coloured buildings.

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