Top 10 must-see famous statues

These must-see famous statues are some of the most recognizable structures in the world.

See also: Underwater statue of Christ in Malta

See also: Travel quiz: Famous statues of the world

For this list we're ranking the most impressive and widely known statues, with size, scope and construction all taken into account.

10. The Thinker

This bronze sculpture by French artist, Rodin, stands in the gardens of Philadelphia's Rodin Museum and is often used to represent the study of philosophy and its impact on humanity. Rodin first began what would become 'The Thinker' in 1880 but the contemplative work was not finished until 1904. The statue is a memorable image and one that often serves as inspiration for poets, artists, writers and musicians.

9. The Motherland Calls

This one is notable as the tallest female statue in the world, serving as a symbol of Russian pride and rivalling the famed 'Worker and Kolkhoz Woman' sculptures. 'The Motherland Calls' represents Russia's victory in Stalingrad during WW2. Using a combination of concrete and wire rope, sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich and structural engineer, Nikolai Nikitin, collaborated on the project which depicts a warrior woman with a sword in her right hand and a welcoming gesture with her left. The statue remains an impressive piece of work to this day.

8. Terracotta Army

While many statues are impressive because of their volume, the Terracotta Army is impressive based on its sheer quantity. this collection of horses, warriors and chariots was buried with China's first emperor with the intent of offering him protection during his journey to the afterlife. Since its 1974 discovery the third century BC terracotta has earned international appreciation.

7. Leshan Giant Buddha

This Tang dynasty structure is certainly impressive, standing at 233 feet tall and carved out of a cliff face in southern China. It's the largest stone statue of Buddha in the world and is said to have taken so much material out of the cliff during its construction that the currents of the surrounding rivers were changed. The statue was created with a drainage system to try and reduce any weathering damage.

6. Venus de Milo

There are plenty of iconic Greek sculptures out there but this one might well be the most famous. The Venus de Milo was likely constructed around 100 BC and is representative of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and desire. The most famous aspect of the Venus de Milo is certainly her absent limbs, which actually has nothing to do with its construction but rather its condition. The statue was discovered like this on the Greek island of Milos prior to it being displayed in the Louvre in Paris. The damage has gone on to serve as the statue's most memorable characteristic.

5. Statue of Liberty

This gigantic and iconic statue serves not only one of the most easily recognised sculptures in the entire world but also as a national symbol of freedom. The statue was designed in copper and was gifted to America by the people of France in 1886. The date of American Independence is inscribed on Lady Liberty's tablet of law. Meanwhile the shattered shackles of oppression lie at her feet, representing the country's tolerance of immigrants within its borders.

4. Michelangelo's 'David'

The biblical figure of King David has been cast by many sculptors over the course of history but it's Michelangelo's marble depiction of him that is probably the most well-known in the world. The biblical king's reputation as a wise and fearsome warrior was well documented, in stories like his battle with Goliath.

3. Moai

These mysterious and ominous statues serve as the stoic guardians of Easter Island, a Pacific island near the Polynesian triangle. The Moai statues are defined by their large and imposing heads which sit on top of sturdy bodies carved from volcanic rock. The statues were carved by the indigenous people of Easter Island who see the statues as their most precious resource.

2. Christ the Redeemer

This huge symbol of Christianity is one of the most easily recognisable statues in the world. Its sheer size and scope are impressive when seen from land, sea and air. So much so that Christ the Redeemer has been listed as one of the new seven wonders of the world.

1. Great Sphinx of Giza

This great mythological creature traditionally possesses the body of a lion and the head of a human. The Great Sphinx of Giza, like most Egyptian sphinxes doesn't have wings is the most regal and iconic of all the sculpted sphinxes in the world. It also stands as the largest monolith at over 241 feet long and 66 feet high. The human face of the great sphinx is said to represent that of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh.