The Kremlin — whose name translates to “fortress in the city” — is the most recognizable symbol of Russia. Within its 68 acres is the Grand Kremlin Palace, the official residence of the Russian leader. Designed by Konstantin Thon and completed in 1849, the Grand Kremlin Palace is considered a masterpiece of Russian architecture. More than 700 rooms fit into its 269,000 square feet.

Officially named Cheong Wa Dae, which translates to “pavilion of blue tiles,” South Korea’s presidential residence was originally a royal villa built in 1104. During the Japanese occupation of the country in the early 20th century, the governor-general of Korea used it as his residence, and it continued to serve that purpose after the Republic of Korea was founded following the occupation.

At an astounding 750,000 square feet, Prague Castle holds the Guinness World Record for largest ancient castle. At the behest of Prince Borivoj, construction on the castle and its grounds — which included a palace, a monastery, and three churches — began in the ninth century. Over the years, the castle has undergone invasions, fires, and various restorations. Today, it is the official residence of the Czech president.

One of the world’s largest residences for a head of state, the Rashtrapati Bhavan mixes Indian and Western architectural styles with a distinctive red- and cream-colored sandstone facade. It was originally built to be the home of the British viceroy during the era of colonial rule and was completed in 1929. The 340-room mansion covers a sprawling 200,000 square feet, with courtyards that divide it into separate wings.

The Élysée Palace has served as the French president’s official residence since 1873. The 300-year-old, 365-room palace in the heart of Paris was once the home of royalty, fitted with a spectacular garden and park complex. It was built as a summer residence for the Count of Évreux and later served as a dance hall, a furniture warehouse, and a home for Napoleon.

Built in the 1950s and designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, the Palácio da Alvorada in Brasilia is a modern marble-and-glass building that has three floors totaling more than 75,000 square feet. Its simplistic symmetrical style is further highlighted by the use of water; exterior pools create a perfect mirror image and reflect light throughout the structure.

Hanoi’s Presidential Palace is a reminder of Vietnam’s French colonial past. Designed by Auguste Henri Vildieu and completed in 1906, the building is a prime example of the European Beaux-Arts style. Its bright yellow exterior mirrors the tropical mangos that grow on the surrounding trees. Despite its ornate exterior, it is decidedly more modest than many other presidential residences, as it contains “only” 30 rooms.

Palazzo del Quirinale has overseen centuries of history from its perch atop the highest of the Seven Hills of Rome, after which it is named. Once the home of popes and kings, it is now one of the official residences of the Italian president. Quirinale, as it is known familiarly, was originally designed as a summer escape for Pope Gregory XIII in the 16th century.

Argentina’s Casa Rosada, or Pink House, serves as both the seat of the national government and the president's executive office, though the president’s official residence is the Quinta de Olivos. Facing the house is the Plaza de Mayo, where people can gather to watch presidential speeches from the home’s balcony. First Lady Eva "Evita" Peron famously held court there in the 1940s and '50s.

Before it was known simply as the White House, the U.S. President’s place of residence went by several other names. Initially denoted on early maps as the President’s Palace, the White House was officially named the Executive Mansion in 1819, in order to avoid any monarchical undertones. It was President Theodore Roosevelt who officially renamed it the White House in 1902.