10 Famous Monuments That Put the “Old” in “Old School”
Here’s what they had to say about being vintage and iconic.
Emma Lifvergren
Copywriter
February 22, 2024
Recently in pop culture news, a certain Bachelor (cough Joey cough) visited Malta, an 8,000-year-old island, and commented insightfully on its immaculate “old school vibe.” First, I thought, “that’s...an interesting way to put it.” Then I decided to interview some other world-famous sights to get their thoughts on their ✨old school✨ status.
PS please imagine there’s an “ish” at the end of some of the below dates. I’m not an ancient historian, just someone who can Google stuff. Also please imagine that these structures are sentient.
Paris
“Thrilled to be first on this list and life in general.” — Eiffel Tower, completed in 1882 A.D.
Tokyo
“I’m always reinventing myself. Like Madonna.” — Sensoji Temple, first built in 941 A.D. then burned down. Several times.
London
"Big Ben and Westminster are always side eyeing me bc I’m new but I can’t help it that I’m popular.” — The London Eye, completed 1999 A.D.
Mexico City
"I’m huge, I’m 500 years old, and I'm built on top of an Aztec temple. Anything else?”
— Metropolitan Cathedral, completed in 1813 A.D.
Lisbon
"The trolley and Belem Tower get a lot of hype but I’m Jesus, so.” — Cristo Rei statue, completed 1959 A.D.
Munich
"Admire me in all my Gothic splendor. Then go get a giant pretzel.” — Frauenkirche, completed in 1488 A.D.
Barcelona
"My therapist helped me realize it’s okay to be a work in progress.” — La Sagrada Familia, started in 1882. Still not complete.
Rome
"I’m super impressive and extra historical!” — the Colosseum, completed in 80 A.D.
Athens
"That’s cute.” — the Parthenon, completed in 432 B.C.E.
Giza
"lol hold my beer.” — the Pyramids, completed in 2490 B.C.E.
Retro is the new ancient! If you want to take your own deep dive into the ~vintage~ world of an iconic place (but do it on a budget, because you’re a money saving legend) check out our City Experience trips.
About the Author
Emma Lifvergren is a writer at EF Ultimate Break by day and a food enthusiast, bookworm, and cat mom to Ruby the rest of the time. Emma has been to 16 countries, including a semester in Paris while attending UMass Amherst, where she graduated with a degree in journalism. She enjoys pop culture, crafting semi-nonsensical blogs, and personifying inanimate objects.
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