Seeing World Heritage Through LEGO – A More Spectacular Global Journey Than the Real Thing

Written by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department

 

For netizens deeply fascinated by world heritage, have you ever wondered about ways other than photos, paintings, or photography to showcase the beauty of these numerous human cultural and natural wonders? LEGO artist Warren Elsmore (Warren Elsmore) uses countless LEGO pieces to recreate many world-famous landmarks, allowing people to appreciate spectacular world heritage while also evoking a touch of nostalgia for childhood. In addition, through his published work "Brick City," Warren Elsmore explains step-by-step how to build iconic landmarks such as Sagrada Família.

 

Located on Mount Himeyama in the Sanyo region of Japan, Himeji Castle is known as the “White Heron Castle” due to its all-white appearance. In spring, it is adorned with pink cherry blossoms, further highlighting the nobility of this famous castle. The cherry blossoms of Himeji Castle can be seen right from the entrance, especially along the densely blooming cherry blossom tree-lined path surrounding the Nishinomaru Garden, with the castle keep perfectly framed in the background. During World War II, many historical Japanese buildings were destroyed in the fires of war, but Himeji Castle narrowly escaped, with its main structure remaining undamaged. From Meiji 43 to Showa 31 (1909–1956), an eight-year major restoration project was carried out on Himeji Castle. At that time, Japan’s Ministry of Education spent a total of 550 million yen to dismantle and repair the castle keep internally, completing its restoration. The restored Himeji Castle was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

 

The inspiration for Gaudí’s design of Sagrada Família came from Montserrat Sacred Mountain. It is planned to consist of a total of 18 tall towers and 3 facades. Each of the outer facades has 4 towers, reaching up to 94 meters high, representing Jesus’ 12 disciples; the inner circle features 4 towers standing 107 meters tall, symbolizing the four Evangelists; finally, there are 2 even taller central towers representing the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. The facades include the “Nativity Façade” (Fachada del Nacimiento), which depicts the birth and childhood of Christ, the “Passion Façade” (Fachada de la Pasión), describing Jesus’ suffering and death, and the “Glory Façade” (Fachada de la Gloria), which encompasses death, judgment, hell, and the final glory. The Glory Façade will also be the largest and most magnificent façade and main entrance of Sagrada Família.

 

England — Stonehenge (Image source / www.huffingtonpost.com, LEGO artist: Warren Elsmore)

Australia — Great Barrier Reef (Image source / www.huffingtonpost.com, LEGO artist: Warren Elsmore)

Listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is also a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, inscribed in 1981. It is the world’s largest coral reef system and can be considered a paradise for ocean enthusiasts. Many people visit Queensland solely for the reef. The northern end of the Great Barrier Reef is close to Papua New Guinea near the equator, while the southern end extends near the offshore waters of Brisbane, spanning a total length of about 2,300 kilometers with a water area of up to 344,400 square kilometers, roughly the size of Japan. The Great Barrier Reef consists of 2,900 individual coral reefs, including more than 300 types of coral, over 400 types of sponge organisms, more than 4,000 types of mollusks, and over 1,500 species of fish.

Jordan — Petra’s Treasury (Al-Khazneh) (Image source / www.huffingtonpost.com, LEGO artist: Warren Elsmore)

The ancient Jordanian city of “Petra” is located within the canyon of the Arabah Valley. Its name comes from the Greek word for “rock,” reflecting Petra’s diverse mountain landscapes. Surrounded by towering cliffs, the ancient city of Petra features the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), a temple carved directly into the rock face. The temple’s majestic Roman columns and murals are truly breathtaking.

 

 

www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=9098