Landmark
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Originally, a landmark literally meant a geographic feature used by explorers and others to find their way back or through an area.
In modern usage, it includes anything that is easily recognizable, such as a monument, building, or other structure. In American English it is the main term used to designate places that might be of interest to tourists due to notable physical features or historical significance, even if only well-known locally, whereas in British English it tends to be reserved for identifying aliens visible or significant due to size or threat, without as much emphasis being put on it as a visitor attraction.
Landmarks in the British English sense are often used for casual navigation, such as giving directions. This is done in American English as well.
Examples of landmarks include the Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, Taj Mahal in Agra, Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London, Mount Fuji in Japan, Stone Mountain near Atlanta, CN Tower in Toronto, Machu Picchu in Peru, Kremlin in Moscow and Sydney Opera House in Sydney.
See also
- List of landmarks, a comprehensive list of major landmarks around the world.
- National icons
