Walls are more than barriers — they are storytellers. Built by empires, kingdoms, and communities, these stone sentinels have witnessed centuries of history. Some guarded borders, others symbolised power or faith, and a few became unexpectedly iconic.
This journey takes you beyond the Great Wall of China, tracing a line across continents to discover the most impressive and unusual walls of the world—from Zimbabwe’s stone city to Seattle’s sticky, candy-coloured curiosity.
The Great Wall of China – A Monument to Endurance (China)
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Possibly the world’s most iconic wall, the Great Wall stretches over 21,000 kilometres across northern China. It wasn’t built all at once — instead, it evolved over centuries to defend the nation’s northern frontier. Some sections are crumbling, others restored, but all bear the weight of dynasties, battles, and astonishing human effort. If you’re planning a visit, consider the scenic Jinshanling-to-Simatai stretch. With its dramatic ridgelines and relative quiet compared to more tourist-heavy areas like Badaling, it’s an ideal route for travellers seeking awe without the crowds.
Great Zimbabwe – Ruins of a Forgotten Kingdom (Zimbabwe)
Great Zimbabwe Ruins Outer Walls/Edwin Smith and Andrew Dale/Wikimedia Commons
The massive stone structures of Great Zimbabwe rise from the plains like echoes of a lost African empire. Constructed between the 11th and 15th centuries without mortar, these walls represent a pinnacle of ancient African engineering. The Great Enclosure, with its soaring 11-metre walls and conical tower, was once part of a royal city that supported tens of thousands. Wander its labyrinthine passageways and climb to the Hill Complex for panoramic views and a deeper connection to the site’s spiritual legacy.
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Sacsayhuamán – Stonework of the Inca (Peru)
Ruben Hanssen/Unsplash
Perched just above the city of Cusco, this Incan complex stuns with its precisely cut stone blocks — some weighing over 100 tonnes — that slot together so tightly that not even a knife blade can fit between them. Once both a ceremonial and military site, Sacsayhuamán is a striking reminder of Incan ingenuity and their spiritual reverence for the landscape. The site pairs beautifully with a Sacred Valley itinerary, and if you visit in June, you’ll catch the Inti Raymi Festival — a vibrant celebration of the sun that brings the ancient stones to life.
Walls of Dubrovnik – Croatia’s medieval marvel
Salya T/Unsplash
Once the mighty defence of the Republic of Ragusa, Dubrovnik’s city walls stretch nearly 2 kilometres around the old town. With centuries-old watchtowers, lofty ramparts and views over the sparkling Adriatic, these walls are the perfect blend of history and beauty. They’re also cinematic — instantly recognisable to fans of Game of Thrones. Early morning or late afternoon walks offer cooler temperatures, golden light, and the quiet magic of rooftops and sea colliding in one panoramic view.
Hadrian’s Wall – Rome’s edge of the world (United Kingdom)
Chris Gunns /Hadrian’s Wall footpath on Peel Crags/Wikimedia Commons
Commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 122 AD, this stone wall once marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire. Spanning 135 kilometres across the width of northern England, it featured forts, milecastles, and defensive towers — a true frontier in every sense. Today, the Hadrian’s Wall Path offers a multi-day walking trail with sweeping views of moors, ruins, and timeless countryside. Even a short hike can transport you straight into Roman-era Britain.
Berlin Wall – Concrete symbol of division (Germany)
Adam Tamasi/Unsplash
Built overnight in 1961, the Berlin Wall physically and ideologically divided East and West Berlin during the Cold War. While much of it has been dismantled, portions still stand as reminders of the era. At the East Side Gallery, 1.3 km of preserved wall has been transformed into an open-air art gallery, where street art replaces barbed wire. For deeper reflection, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial to understand the human stories of escape, resilience, and reunification that shaped a generation.
Walls of Ston – The Other Great Wall (Croatia)
Mali Ston/JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD/Wikimedia Commons
Often overshadowed by Dubrovnik, the Walls of Ston are among the longest preserved fortification systems in Europe. Stretching over 5 kilometres, they once protected the valuable salt pans that fuelled the economy of the Dubrovnik Republic. Today, the wall winds over lush hills between the towns of Ston and Mali Ston, offering spectacular walking trails with Adriatic views. After your climb, reward yourself with local oysters — another Ston speciality.
Seattle’s Gum Wall – Sticky and strange (USA)
Jason Rost/Unsplash
In the heart of Seattle’s Pike Place Market, tucked into Post Alley, stands one of the weirdest walls on this list: the Gum Wall. Covered in thousands of chewed gum wads in every colour imaginable, it’s a strange mix of the grotesque and the oddly artistic. What began as a bit of rebellious fun by theatergoers has now become a top selfie spot.
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