The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum constructed out of ivory-white marble. The name translates, “Crown of the Palace.” The Taj Mahal is located on the Yamuna River near Agra, India.
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the mausoleum in 1632 to serve as the tomb for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Her tomb is the crowning centerpiece of the 42-acre (17 ha) complex. The complex is comprised of a mosque and a guest house all encompassed by a garden.
The base of the mausoleum is a multi-chambered cube with chamfered corners. Although not symmetrical, the 8-sided structure is 180 feet (55 m) on the four long sides. The marble dome is the crowning feature measuring 115 feet (35 m) high.
Each corner features a minaret that stands 130 feet (40 m) tall. The entire structure reflects the designers leaning towards symmetry. Between 7 and 8 million people visit the Taj Mahal every year.