If you were always fascinated with the phenomena of pyramids, read on. In fact, there are a few countries around the globe that have pyramids besides the ones we all know and love in Egypt. As you know, pyramids are structures with triangular surfaces, coming to a point on top (remember drawing those in math class? I have notepads full of pyramid doodles. Little did I know back then that there were more pyramids than those in Egypt). Pyramids are located all over the world - it's fascinating to me that this building style appeared globally, throughout time. 

5 Cool Pyramids Around the World

Nsude Pyramids, in Nigeria

In Africa, you can find many different types of pyramids...not only in Egypt. In fact, far into the South, in Nigeria, you can find the unique Nsude Pyramids. They were built by Igbo culture many years ago and had one function – to glorify the God Ala/Uto, who was believed to live at the top. Also, they not made from stone, like Egyptian pyramids. Nsude ones were made out of clay or mud. 

Qin Shi Huang pyramid mausoleum, at Xi'an city in China

There are many square flat-topped mound tombs all across the China, and they were all build to honor great Chinese leaders. But this one is the most amazing one. The First Emperor Qin Shi was buried under a large mound outside modern day Xi'an. This is probably the most famous pyramid tomb in China. It is all full of terracotta statues that symbolize the whole army guarding the dead Emperor. It is spectacular to look at - definitely worth a visit.

Pyramid of Cestius, at Rome in Italy

Did you know that Romans also build pyramids? And in fact, you can totally find one just in their capital city of Rome! It was built as a tomb for a wealthy Roman under the sway of all things Egyptian. That Roman’s name was Cestius, so logically, the pyramid got his name. This is clearly a monument of the real Egyptomania that grasped Rome around 30 BC. 

Borobudur, near Magelang, Central Java in Indonesia

People in Indonesia also were familiar with the concept of pyramids, and built a temple with a widely attractive shape. Borobudur is amazing to look at and magnificently constructed. You will definitely enjoy walking around it. The temple is decorated with more than 2,000 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, making it not only unbelievable to look at, but also be the world’s largest temple for Buddha. 

Great Pyramid of Cholula, in Mexico

The Great Pyramid of Cholula is not only the largest archeological site of a pyramid (temple) in the New World, it is also the largest pyramid known to exist in the world today! Located in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico, and was started in the 3rd Century, BC and added on to for over a thousand years. The pyramid is seen as a dedication to the god Quetzalcoatl – the ancient Mexican god that look like a huge dragon or a snake.