h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, it goes without saying is one of the most incredible buildings I have ever seen. If you think it looks good in photographs then to behold it in the flesh is just awe-inspiring. The bright white marble, the immaculate symmetry.

The stories behind the construction from the fact that it was built for love through to the "fact" that Shah Jahan cut off all the main craftsmen's hands so that they could never create anything as beautiful, all adds to the mystery.

It is said that a black marble replica was intended for the opposite side of the river - to even think about what this may have looked like is astounding. It must win hands down.

The Bahá'í House of Worship in Delhi is also something else. It's shaped like a giant Lotus Flower and is one of the most serenelt peaceful buildings I have ever walked inside. It's amazing to look at (not dis-similar to the Sydney Opera House) and is as radiant as the Taj.

There are others too, but I'll have to get back to you!

Ok, now I might be derided for this and although I admit it probably isn't beautiful in an obvious sense, the Millennium Dome is one of my favourite contemporary buildings. The structure is sublime and seemingly so simplistic; the space it encloses is like none other I've ever visited and although the concept was flawed and it was generally mocked - to pull down such an incredible construction would be a travesty.