A Canadian building was named among the world's most beautiful — and no, it's not the CN Tower

When it comes to famous buildings in Canada, the CN Tower tends to hog the spotlight.

Maybe your mind jumps to the Parliament buildings in Ottawa, the Royal Ontario Museum or Casa Loma in Toronto, or Montreal's iconic Habitat 67. You might think of the Gooderham Building (aka Toronto's Flatiron Building), the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, or one of the grand old railway hotels like the Banff Springs or Château Frontenac.

But a new global ranking just gave some long-overdue love to a Canadian landmark that's much less flashy — and way more meaningful.

Time Out has named one Canadian site among the most beautiful buildings in the world, and it's not the one with a revolving restaurant. Instead, it's a powerful, solemn space just steps from Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa.

If you're thinking about places to visit in Canada, this spot might not have been on your list — but it probably should be.

Coming in at No. 23 on the list, Canada's National Holocaust Monument was recognized for both its striking design and emotional impact.

According to Time Out, this is one of the "most pleasing, fascinating and impressive buildings" on the planet, and when you take a closer look, it's easy to see why.

Doublespace Photography for National Capital Commission

The monument — officially titled "Landscape of Loss, Memory and Survival" — was designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind.

It was created to honour the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, along with millions of other victims of Nazi persecution — and to recognize the resilience of survivors who built new lives in Canada.

Its structure is made up of six concrete and mesh triangles that form a Star of David when viewed from above.

The monument is made up of six concrete and mesh triangles that form a Star of David when viewed from above.Doublespace Photography for National Capital Commission

One plane rises toward the future, while another descends into a reflective space featuring photo murals and raw concrete walls. The entire design tells a story of suffering, survival and resilience.

The space isn't just symbolic — it's also massive, with room for 1,000 people to gather. Murals by Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky are embedded in the walls using a photo-transfer technique that ensures they'll last for generations.

Photo-transfer murals are embedded in the monument's concrete walls.Doublespace Photography for National Capital Commission

Landscape architect Claude Cormier surrounded the monument with a Boreal forest-inspired setting that changes with the seasons, meant to represent the survivors who made new lives in Canada.

The timing of this recognition is significant. Earlier this month, the monument was defaced in what was described as a "hate-motivated incident" by the Ottawa Police Service. The words "FEED ME" were painted in large red letters across the monument's facade. A city lawyer has since been charged in connection with the incident, and community leaders — including the prime minister — condemned the act as antisemitic and unacceptable.

Still, the monument stands as a reminder of what it was built to honour — and protect. In a year when acts of hate are on the rise globally, it's especially powerful to see a place built to preserve memory recognized as one of the world's most beautiful buildings.

The Peace Tower is visible atop a staircase inside the monument.Doublespace Photography for National Capital Commission

Time Out's list spans ancient wonders and modern masterpieces alike.

The Taj Mahal in India topped the list, followed by Iceland's rocket-shaped Hallgrímskirkja and the iconic Pyramids of Giza.

The Canadian monument stood out for its deeply moving purpose — and for proving that beauty can be found not just in form, but in meaning.

Here's the full ranking:

1. Taj Mahal, India
2. Hallgrímskirkja, Iceland
3. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
4. Fallingwater, United States
5. Ad-Dayr, Jordan
6. Fondation Louis Vuitton, France
7. Trinity College Library, Ireland
8. Great Mosque of Djenne, Mali
9. Nasir Ol Molk Mosque, Iran
10. The Twist, Norway
11. Sagrada Familia, Spain
12. Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, Bangladesh
13. Pantheon, Italy
14. Palmenhaus at Schonbrunn Palace, Austria
15. Bát Tràng Ceramic Community House, Vietnam
16. Museum at Eldridge Street, United States
17. Santuario de Las Lajas, Colombia
18. Museum of Old and New Art, Australia
19. Maggie's Centre, St James's Hospital, United Kingdom
20. Baháʼí Temple of South America, Chile
21. Futuna Chapel, New Zealand
22. Komera Leadership Centre, Rwanda
23. National Holocaust Monument, Canada
24. Enryaku-ji, Japan

So whether you're a local or just planning your next road trip, this quiet corner of Ottawa might just be one of the most beautiful places you didn't know you needed to see.

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