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The Great Wall of China was built with a unique inorganic-organic composite mortar that has better strength and resilience than lime mortar. Image Credit: Rex Features

From the Gateway of India to the Golden Gate Bridge, you probably know all of the world’s landmarks mentioned in today’s puzzle. But even though they are world renowned, they hold secrets.

Click start to play today’s Crossword and name the cities where famous landmarks are located.

Here are five iconic places around the globe, and surprising facts about them. Remember, we won’t reveal the cities they’re based in – that’s for you to identify.

1. Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower France
The Eiffel Tower Image Credit: AFP

French Civil engineer Gustave Eiffel designed the tower – that’s well known. But did you know he included an apartment on the third floor of the tower, for his private use? American inventor Thomas Edison visited him there once! It’s now open to the public. Another fun fact: the tower has its own official paint colour: Eiffel Tower Brown. It was originally a reddish hue, but was later repainted its current colour.

2. Big Ben

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The Elizabeth Tower, which houses the Great Clock and the 'Big Ben' bell, is seen above the Houses of Parliament, in central London, Britain August 14, 2017. Image Credit: Reuters

Contrary to popular belief, Big Ben is not the name of the tower, but its bell! The tower’s name has been Elizabeth Tower since 2012, when it was renamed to honour the current English Queen.

3. The Great Wall of China

The grout used to hold the bricks of the gargantuan wall (pictured above) together was made with – drumroll please – sticky rice! It’s true; since 500 AD, the Chinese have used sticky rice soup mixed with slaked lime to make an inorganic-organic composite mortar that has better strength and resilience than lime mortar. Unfortunately, the Great Wall didn’t do a very good job protecting the nation – Mongolian emperor Genghis Khan breached it and controlled portions of it during his reign.

4. Leaning Tower of Pisa

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The Leaning Tower of Pisa Image Credit: AFP

The tower originally began tilting in the north direction, but when it was made higher, the weight caused it to shift south. Former Prime Minister of Italy Benito Mussolini tried to fix it by having holes drilled into its base and filling them with cement. Unfortunately, it made things worse, and caused the tower to tilt even further.

5. The Sphinx

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The Sphinx of Giza in front of the Great Pyramids Image Credit: Rex Features

Ironically, the Sphinx is not actually a Sphinx. In the legend, sphinxes had wings, the body of a lion and the face of a woman – the one in Egypt has no wings, and has the face of a man. It was also not as sandy as it is today. The structure was originally painted bright red, yellow and blue.

Did you know these facts about the world’s beloved landmarks? Play today’s Crossword and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.