In your home, you may use your granite countertop as a cutting board, but granite can withstand much more than your metal utensils. Having been around for hundreds of millions of years and forming the base of all land continents, granite’s ability to withstand the toughest of conditions is a testament to its durability. Naturally, granite has been a cornerstone of high-level art and architecture for thousands of years. Where, you ask? Let’s get our travel hats on and check out 3 mind-blowing granite structures that have stood the test of time.

 

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Brihadeeswarar Temple

Tanjore, India

Believed to be the world’s first temple constructed exclusively of granite, the Brihadeeswarar Temple celebrated its 1,000th birthday back in 2010. Rajaraja Chola I of the Chola Dynasty built the temple in dedication to the Hindu deity, Shiva.

Amazing Facts

• At its highest point, the tower measures 216 ft.
• A giant statue of a sacred bull, Nandi, sits at the entrance. The 16ft x 13ft structure is carved from a single stone.
• The circular structure at the apex of the temple is also carved from a single stone. It’s estimated to weigh around 80 tons.

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Mount Rushmore

Keystone, South Dakota

Construction began on Mount Rushmore in 1927, with the presidents’ faces chiseled between 1934 and 1939. Though the project was popular, construction ceased in 1941 due to a lack of funding. When all was said and done, each of the four former presidents’ heads was 60 ft tall.

Amazing Facts

• Mount Rushmore covers 1,278.45 acres.
• Originally, the monument was going to show the four former presidents from head to waist. A lack of funding nixed the plan.
• Almost 3 million people visit Mount Rushmore every year.

 

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The Red Pyramid

Dahshur, Egypt

One of the three major pyramids in Egypt, the Red Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world at its time of completion around the 26th century BC. The structure wasn’t always red. In fact, white Tura limestone used to cover the outer layer of the pyramid, until it was taken during the Middle Ages. Very little of the limestone remains.

Amazing Facts

• The Red Pyramid is the 3rd largest granite structure in the world.
• It measures 344 ft high.
• The pyramid contains almost 160 layers of stone.

 

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If you’re looking for a granite countertop that will last a lifetime, there’s no need to travel to the far reaches of the world. Get you granite countertops right here in the Omaha and Kansas City areas by visiting a Midland Marble & Granite gallery, or calling today.