PHOTO: The Mingun Pahtodawgyi was given doors before it was abandoned altogether. (Courtesy of Thinkstock)

Could you imagine what Rome would be like if the construction of the Coliseum was never finished? Or Egypt’s first pyramid, the Pyramid of Djoser was left incomplete? Unlike these iconic monuments, not all of earth’s treasures were meant to gleam as successful masterpieces; some, like the next five landmarks were left as blank canvases where the spectator is left to ponder about their existence and put their imagination to work. 

Despite the fact that their progression slowly came to an end, in their imperfection lays rich histories and architectural accomplishments that rival the greatest landmarks of the world. Proving that although they were abandoned by their creators, their ability to stun their visitors is unfinished business they were destined to do.

 South Dakota: Crazy Horse Memorial

The plan seemed ingenious: to carve the mountains of the Black Hills into one of the United States’ most profound war heroes. But what seemed good in theory resulted in an unfinished monument distinguishably etched with Crazy Horse’s face.  As a leader of the Oglala Lakota, the Native American became increasingly territorial when the government decided to infringe on his tribe’s land.

Raising all hell, he became victorious in a serious of wars including the Battle of Little Big Horn, until his death in the late 1870s.  Yet, the Crazy Horse Memorial seems to be losing its ongoing battle since 1948 because even to this day there is no sign of when it will be finally completed.

France: Beauvais Cathedral

Even in its incompletion, the Beauvais Cathedral represents the engineering feats conquered during the Middle Ages. It was to become the grandest functioning gothic sanctuary when its construction began in 1225, surpassing all limits as the tallest in the world. 

Still, this determination did not prevent mishaps from reoccurring, which included the pieces of the vaulting falling apart and the collapsing of one of the towers.  However, the Beauvais Cathedral remains a remarkable wonder, especially because it flaunts a ceiling that is elevated at a record-breaking 48.50 meters, the highest of its kind.

Egypt: Pyramid of Neferefre

Egypt’s pyramids symbolize the architectural accomplishments commissioned by powerful pharaohs, but the Pyramid of Neferefre is notable for being the one they never quite got around to finishing. The pyramid was intended to be a step pyramid before its construction came to an abrupt stop when the young pharaoh passed away. 

Instead, bricks of mud were used to transform the funerary structure into a mastaba under the instruction of his brother. It wasn’t until the 1970s that archeologists became interested in digging deeper into the site, to which they discovered decomposed clues to Neferefre existence, including parts of his body.

India: Bara Kaman

From the very beginning, the Bara Kaman sparked controversy, and as its 12 arches remain mysteriously intact, they provide flashes of the past that leads to quite an unforgettable story.  The monument was built under the direction of Ali Adil Shah II that it would be the most revered building in the town.  But why it remains incomplete is a question that may never be answered. 

Some say Ali Adil Shah II was murdered by his father to prevent ongoing construction, while others believe they did not want the building to diminish the appeal of the Gol Gambaz.  Whatever the reason, its monolithic arches still compel visitors to imagine how more striking Bara Kaman would have been if it was ever completed.

Myanmar: Mingun Pahtodawgyi

Not even the earthquake of 1839 could cause this colossal monument from crumbling, although the cracks the Mingun Pahtodawgyi acquired make its appearance more unique.  The stupa was built in 1790 on the assumption that it would be one of the greatest Buddhist shrines of its time, towering at an astounding 500 feet. 

Nevertheless, King Pahtodawgyi was uneasy about the project since he believed that its completion would cause his death, so the project officially came to an end. This may be the reason why the Mingun Pahtodawgyi looks like the home of some unearthly being by the way a doorway is carved into the center of the rock, inviting onlookers to take a bold step inside.