Fast Fact
The sculpture of Gomateshwara, situated in Karnataka, Indian, is the biggest monolithic sculpture on the globe. Designed in the Tenth millennium A.D., it is one of the most recognized Jain statues on the globe. The phrase ‘monolith’ has been based on the historical Ancient phrase monolithos, significance ‘single stone’. So, a monolith basically is a geological development that consists of only one, components. There are a large number of monolithic structures all across the globe, and some of them are so enormous that we can only but appreciate them with awe. Some of these monoliths have been attractively changed by characteristics. The organic procedures of enduring, break down, etc., have led to the development of some of the biggest organic monolithic statues, the attractiveness of which is unique, even with man-made ones.
It is similarly exciting that, over the years, man has also been able to work on some of these monoliths, and make some of the most extraordinary structural works of art, designed out of only one, large prevent of stone. What is even more significant about these monolithic historical monuments and edifices is the point that, because they have been hewn out of only one stone, many of them have been able to hold up against the problems of time and stay unchanged in situ.
Largest MonolithsMonolithic stone structures are typical geological functions. Some of them have become incredibly popular the globe over. Here are some of the biggest monoliths in the world:
Ayers Rock
Location: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Central AustraliaHighest Point: 348 m above ground level
Also known as Uluru, this is one of the most popular natural icons of Australia. It is made of sandstone and is sacred to the Australian Aborigines. Interestingly, one can witness subtle changes in its color, which occur simultaneously with the movements of the Sun.
Peña de Bernal
Location: San Sebastián Bernal, Querétaro, MexicoHighest Point: 350 m above the ground level
The monolith has been dated to the Jurassic period, and is believed to have been formed some 100 million years ago. There is a little chapel halfway up the rock, which is a famous pilgrimage site.
Rock of Gibraltar
Location: British overseas territory of Gibraltar, on the Iberian PenisuslaHighest Point: 426 m above the ground level
The upper portion of this limestone monolith is a huge nature reserve and has about 250 endangered Barbary macaques. The rock is also popular among tourists for its numerous tunnels constructed by the British army, over a period of 200 years, in order to store their arms and ammunition and also to serve as their hospitals and barracks.
Towers of Paine
Location: Torres del Paine National Park, Chilean PatagoniaHighest Point: 2,500 m above the ground level
The three towers of Paine are the highlight of the Torres del Paine National Park. They are colossal monoliths made of granite, and have acquired their peculiar shape due to constant glacial activities in the region.
El Capitan
Location: Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.AHighest Point: 900 m above the ground level
This is yet another granite monolith, situated to the north of the Yosemite Valley. It is one of the favorite spots of rock climbers and appears on the reverse of the United States quarter dollar coin, one of the issues from the America the Beautiful Quarters series.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Location: Rio de Janeiro, BrazilHighest Point: 396 m above sea level
The monolith consists of quartz and granite. Its shape resembles that of refined loaf sugar, hence the name. A cable car takes tourists to the peak of the mountain from where, one can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of some of the most spectacular beaches in Brazil.
Ben Amera
Location: Desert of Mauritania, near the Western Saharan borderHighest Point: 400 m above the surrounding plain
This is considered to be the third largest monolith in the world, but is comparatively less studied than the other monolith which are more popular. Not many tourists visit this natural wonder hidden in the desert of Mauritania, probably due to the difficult route that leads to it. There are also some other monoliths located in its vicinity.
Devil’s Tower
Location: Black Hills, Crook County, northeastern WyomingHighest Point: 1,559 m above sea level
Declared as a United States National Monument in 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt, this monolithic igneous intrusion is actually the core of an ancient volcano, which has been exposed due to erosional processes. It is one of the most popular and important sites for traditional climbing. Several other monoliths such as the Zuma Rock in Nigeria and the Mount Augustus in Australia also occupy a significant place with respect to the geology of the world.
Man-made Monolithic Structures
Kailash Temple
Location: Ellora, Maharashtra, IndiaWhat: Shrine of Lord ShivaDate: 8th century A.D.Type of Stone: Basalt
Church of Saint George
Location: Lalibela, Amhara Region, EthiopiaWhat: ChurchDate: 12th century A.D.Type of Stone: Red volcanic Rock
The Great Sphinx
Location: Giza, EgyptWhat: StatueDate: 2500 B.C.Type of Stone: Sandstone
Descent of the Ganges
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, IndiaWhat: Bas-reliefDate: 7th century A.D.Type of Stone: Granite
Sigiriya
Location: Matale District, Central province, Sri LankaWhat: FortressDate: 5th century B.C.Type of Stone: Limestone
Axum Stele
Location: Axum, EthiopiaWhat: ObeliskDate: 4th century A.D.Type of Stone: Granite
The ability of man to use and modify colossal monoliths and create artistic masterpieces out of them is indeed astonishing. The numerous monolithic edifices, which have been created by people over hundreds and thousands of years, not only stand tall in the pages of history, but also hold a significant place even today.