Believed to be one of the oldest fortified sites in the world, the Citadel of Aleppo in Syria has seen continuous use for over 5,000 years. The structure we see today took form during the 12th century under the Ayyubid dynasty, but archaeological evidence reveals layers dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.
Positioned atop a hill in the center of Aleppo, this fortress served as a stronghold for multiple civilizations, from the Greeks to the Ottomans. Despite damage during recent conflicts, the Citadel remains a powerful testament to ancient defensive architecture.
Sometimes inspiration can be found in the most unlikely places. Take the humble bridge. How much thought do we give to a thing that simply transports us from one place to another? Necessity and practicality are words rarely associated with beauty, but our selection of 10 of the world’s best bridges could make you see these majestic structures through new eyes.