A monolith is a single massive piece of rock. It can be formed by natural processes, such as erosion or volcanic activity, or by humans. Some of the largest monoliths in the world are truly awe-inspiring sights to behold.
Here is a list of the 14 largest monoliths in the world, in no particular order:
- Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan, Egypt
This massive unfinished obelisk is located in the ancient Egyptian city of Aswan. It is believed to have been commissioned by Pharaoh Hatshepsut, but was abandoned for unknown reasons. The unfinished obelisk is still attached to the bedrock, and it is believed that it would have been the largest obelisk in the world if it had been completed.
- Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA
Stone Mountain is the largest exposed granite monolith in the world. It is located just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Mount Augustus, Western Australia
Mount Augustus is a large inselberg, or island mountain, located in Western Australia. It is the second largest monolith in the world, and is sacred to the Aboriginal people of the region.
- Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith located in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, and is sacred to the Aboriginal people of the region.
- Sigiriya, Matale District, Sri Lanka
Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and is known for its stunning views and well-preserved ruins.
- Devil’s Tower, Wyoming, USA
Devil’s Tower is a large igneous rock formation located in Wyoming, USA. It is a sacred site to many Native American tribes, and is also a popular tourist destination for hikers and climbers.
- Rock of Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia
The Rock of Guatapé is a massive granite monolith located in the town of Guatapé, Colombia. It is a popular tourist destination for hikers and climbers, and also offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Ben Amera, Mauritania
Ben Amera is a large granite monolith located in the Mauritanian desert. It is one of the most remote monoliths in the world, and is rarely visited by tourists.
- Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sugarloaf Mountain is a large granite monolith located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and is popular with tourists for its stunning views and cable car rides.
- Moai Statues, Easter Island, Chile
The Moai statues are a series of large carved stone statues located on Easter Island, Chile. They are one of the most mysterious and iconic archaeological sites in the world.
- Baalbek Stone Quarry, Lebanon
The Baalbek Stone Quarry is a massive quarry located in the city of Baalbek, Lebanon. It is home to some of the largest cut stones in the world, including three massive megaliths known as the Trilithon.
- Tora Bora, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan
Tora Bora is a large cave complex located in the Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan. It is known for its rugged terrain and its role in the War in Afghanistan.
- Mount Roraima, Venezuela
Mount Roraima is a large tabletop mountain located on the border of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. It is known for its unique flat-topped summit and its stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.
- Pão de Açúcar, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Pão de Açúcar, or Sugarloaf Mountainsharemore_vert