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The Iron Lady is the most common nickname for the Eiffel Tower.

 

While the name, the “Eiffel Tower”, entered the common language at the time of its inauguration, its female nature appeared more gradually over the 20th century. Of course, it can be traced back to the fact that the noun “tour” or tower in French is feminine. And if we add a bit of anthropomorphism, we can see that the monument’s four pillars, also known as legs or feet, are covered with a lacy “skirt”, from the mesh structure enhanced with fine decorative arches between the pillars.

As a symbol of the arrival of iron, industry and science, the Eiffel Tower can also be seen to be in an atypical conversation with another lady of Paris, her Gothic older sister and symbol of religion, Notre-Dame.

 

In the 1930s, when the Tower was nearing 50 years old, various nicknames flourished in the press and publications: “the Tall Lady”, “the Tall Beautiful Lady”, then “the Tall Iron Lady”, sometimes, remarking on her age, it was “the Old Iron Lady”... However, it was simply “the Iron Lady” which stuck and was picked up particularly by the press.

 

Text source: Tower’s official website.

Iconic architectural wonder of Kuala Lumpur standing at 88 floors .

Thank you very much for your visit and comments my friends..

The Church of St. Anthony of Padua (Turkish: Sent Antuan Kilisesi), alternatively known as Sant'Antonio di Padova Church or S. Antonio di Padova, is the largest Catholic church in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located on İstiklal Avenue in the Beyoğlu district.

The original Church of St. Anthony of Padua was built in 1725 by the Italian community of Istanbul but was later demolished and replaced with the current building which was constructed on the same site. The current basilican church, along with the adjacent residential buildings (known as the St. Antoine Apartmanları) was built between 1906 and 1912 in Venetian Neo-Gothic style, again by the city's Italian community (mostly made up of people of Genoese and Venetian descent, the community amounted to about 40,000 at the start of the 20th century). The building was designed by the Levantine architect Giulio Mongeri, who also designed other important buildings in Turkey, such as the Maçka Palas in Nişantaşı and the Neo-Byzantine Karaköy Palas bank building in Karaköy (Galata), Istanbul, as well as the first headquarters of the Türkiye İş Bankası in Ankara.

Pope John XXIII preached here for 10 years while he was the Vatican's ambassador to Turkey before being chosen as pope. He is known as "the Turkish Pope" because of his fluency in Turkish and his oft-expressed love for Turkey and for Istanbul in particular. A statue of him is installed in the church's courtyard.

Since 2016 a legal battle has raged over the church which has been put up for sale by a man claiming to act for the site's legal owner. According to news reports, Sebahattin Gök obtained a power of attorney from the owners of the land and then attempted to sell it before lawyers acting on behalf of the Vatican took steps to prevent the sale.

This is the Maison du Roi, located in Brussels' Grand Place. Interestingly, despite its name, no king ever lived there; it served as an administrative office. The current building is a 19th-century reconstruction with neo-Gothic details, housing the Museum of the City of Brussels, where you’ll find the Manneken Pis costume collection. Fun fact: during the Middle Ages, the site was actually a bread market before becoming an administrative center. While its ornate façade amazes visitors today, its simple origins don’t take away from its beauty—they just make it even more intriguing.

This morning I wandered through the streets and came across this stunning medieval gateway. It's incredible to think how many have passed under this historic arch throughout the centuries. The worn stones and the statue nestled within the alcove are a testament to the town's rich past. Bunting stretches across the street, adding a cheerful splash of color to this ancient scene.

I had to watch for incoming surf and splash as I got low and close to the sea wall. No wonder the giant chain is rusty!

 

Fort Point has been called "the Gilbratar of the West Coast", and "one of the most perfect models of masonry in America." Construction began during the height of the California Gold Rush (1853) and was completed in 1861. Although its guns never fired a shot in anger, Fort Point has witnessed Civil War, obsolescence, earthquake, bridge construction, reuse for World War II, and preservation as a National Historic Site.

In the late 1930s, plans for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge also involved plans for the demolition of Fort Point. Chief Engineer Joseph Strauss recognized the architectural value of the Fort and created a special arch which allowed the construction of the bridge to occur safely over Fort Point.

WAT ARUN THE TEMPLE OF DAWN

WAT ARUN IS ONE OF WORLD'S RENOWN ICONIC LANDMARKS.

THE TEMPLE DERIVES ITS NAME FROM THE HINDU GOD ARUNA. EMBODIED AS THE RADIATIONS OF THE RISING SUN. THE FIRST GLIMMERS OF MORNING LIGHT REFLECT AGAINST THE TEMPLES PEARLY IRIDESCENCE GIVING IT A MAJESTIC APPEAL.​

A BUDDHIST TEMPLE HAS EXISTED AT THIS SITE SINCE

THE AYUTTHAYA KINGDOM. 1351–1767 AD.

It's one of the most spectacular and recognizable Thai landmarks. Idyllically situated amongst picturesque river scenes, capturing the stunning contrast with the surrounding modern cityscape.

Capture the essence of Nuremberg's literary legacy in this mesmerizing photo of the library. Framed by arches, the building stands as a testament to history, while the metro glides beneath, weaving the past with the present. An intriguing blend of architectural grandeur and urban vitality, this snapshot invites you to explore the intersection of tradition and modernity in a city where stories unfold with every passing train.

This shopping center’s name comes from the old Justice Palace Building of Medellín, which was heavily based on Romanticism elements and was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The unique location of the Palace, placed strategically in the heart of the downtown area of Medellín, opens its doors to visitors where everything from shoes, clothes, and even souvenirs can be purchased at one of its 400 shops. The National Palace is topped with a sky light.

 

This architectural wonder was built in 1925 by the Belgium architect Augustín Gooavaerts and is located along the Carabobo Urban Walkway.The National Palace was previously the site of important government entities in Antioquia.

 

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I hope you enjoy my photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. :o)

 

“Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.” Don McCullin (1935)

I was slowing moving along with the crowds - and they were BIG crowds - inside the Vatican Museums. It was almost impossible to stop and admire closely at the many art pieces displayed along the way. All of a sudden I saw a glimpse of this special part of the Vatican Museums that was so serene and left almost completely empty, like a sanctuary, because public access was prohibited beyond a certain point. It was in stark contrast to the noises of the crowds that I was experiencing. I had no idea of what this mysterious hallway was called, but just couldn't resist sneaking out of the crowds and taking this photo, and very, very quickly too, before re-joining the crowds:-)

 

It was a very unique moment of peace in my mind.

 

Taken at the Vatican Museums, Vatican City, as part of a series of shore excursions during my Mediterranean cruise

 

It was in the afternoon, and when I wandered around the Galleria Umbeto I in Naples I was impressed by the sheer space and ambiance of the interior of the arcade, the sunlight through the beautiful glass roof, and the exquisite architecture all around it.

 

Taken at Galleria Umberto I, Naples, Italy, as part of a series of excursion tours during my Mediterranean Cruise

 

Galleria Umberto I is a public shopping gallery in Naples, South Italy. It was built between 1887–1891, and was the cornerstone in the decades-long rebuilding of Naples — called the risanamento (lit. "making healthy again") — that lasted until World War I. It was designed by Emanuele Rocco, who employed modern architectural elements reminiscent of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. The Galleria was named for Umberto I, King of Italy at the time of construction. [Extract from Wikipedia]

 

Taken as sun was setting behind the Burj Khalifa, just after a sandstorm had passed through. This gave the building the bronze color compared with it's normal blue grey tint.

International Financial Centre is a skyscraper. Tip is 415.4m (1,362.9ft.) The view from here is breathtaking and each illumination glitters like diamonds.

✨ When your rooftop view is pure Gothic perfection. The Duomo di Milano showing off with all those intricate details like it’s no big deal. 😍🔥

 

🌟 Fun fact: This beauty took nearly six centuries to complete! Talk about dedication. 💪⛪

 

#MilanMagic #DuomoDiMilano #GothicMasterpiece #ItalyVibes #ArchitecturalWonder #TravelGoals #MilanoMoments #RoofTopViews #MarbleMarvel

To say that the interior of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is impressive would be an obvious understatement, given that it remains one of the two largest churches in the world. It is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. Along the base of the inside of the dome is the inscription of Matthew 16:18-19, in letters 8 ft. (2.5m) high:

 

TV ES PETRVS ET SVPER HANC PETRAM AEDIFICABO ECCLESIAM MEAM. TIBI DABO CLAVES REGNI CAELORVM

 

You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

 

The afternoon rays from one of the windows of the dome add a touch of divinity and peace to this Vatican Icon.

 

Taken at St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, as part of a series of shore excursions during the Mediterranean cruise in 2014

   

This photo shows a very interesting part of the facade of Casa Batlló, in Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona, Spain, taken as part of a series of excursion tours during my Mediterranean Cruise

 

This is a renowned building located in the center of Barcelona and is one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces. A remodel of a previously built house, it was redesigned in 1904 by Gaudí and has been refurbished several times after that. Like everything Gaudí designed, it is only identifiable as Modernisme or Art Nouveau in the broadest sense. The first floor, in particular, has unusual tracery, irregular oval windows (nicknamed "House of Yawns") and flowing sculpted stone work. There are few straight lines, and much of the façade is decorated with a colorful mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles (trencadís). In 2005 Casa Batlló became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[Extract from Wikipedia]

 

The Basilica of Oudenbosch, located in the Brabant village of Oudenbosch, is an impressive Catholic church renowned for its remarkable architecture. Built between 1865 and 1880, the basilica is an almost exact, smaller replica of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, with influences from the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa or simply the Tower of Pisa (on the right) is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of The Pisa Cathedral (on the left), known worldwide for its unintended tilt to one side. The tower's tilt began during construction, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure's weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed, and gradually increased until the structure was stabilized (and the tilt partially corrected) by efforts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Construction of the tower occurred in three stages across 199 years, from 1173 to 1372.

 

These two buildings, together with two other religious edifices close-by (The Baptistery and The Monumental Cemetery - not included in this photo), are the dominant components of Square of Miracles, formally known as Cathedral Square, which in 1987 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [Source: Wikipedia]

 

Taken at Square of Miracles, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy as part of a series of excursion tours during my Mediterranean Cruise

 

The Duomo di Firenze, the Cathedral of Florence, was built between 1296 and 1436. Its official name is The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore. This Gothic style cathedral is one of the largest in the world. Its imposing dome, attributed to the most important architect of the early Renaissance Filippo Brunelleschi, still dominates the city. This, together with two other buildings, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence.

 

The Duomo is huge - unfortunately this is as wide as I can get with my lens:-)

 

Taken at Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy, as part of a series of excursion tours during a Mediterranean Cruise

 

I was intrigued by these simple looking columns with the mosaic ceilings at the entrance of the Park...they are not strictly symmetrical, and therefore unconventional from the architectural perspective, but with an exquisitely artistic touch.

 

Taken at the main entrance of Park Güell, Gràcia, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain as part of a series of shore excursions during my first Mediterranean cruise

 

Park Güell was designed by Antoni Gaudí, the renowned Spanish Catalan architect with his unique and revolutionary artistic approach through inspiration from organic shapes found in nature. He put into practice a series of new structural solutions rooted in the deep analysis of geometry and its shapes. The park was built between 1900 and 1914 and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. In 1984, UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site under “Works of Antoni Gaudí”. [Extract from Wikipedia]

 

Von der Southbank im charmanten Stadtteil Borough eröffnet sich dieser atemberaubende Blick auf die imposante Skyline der City of London. ️✨ Die majestätischen Wolkenkratzer wie das Shard, der Walkie-Talkie und der Gherkin verschmelzen mit der Themse zu einer faszinierenden Kulisse.

 

Ein perfekter Moment, um das Zusammenspiel von moderner Architektur und urbanem Flair einzufangen – die Essenz Londons in einem Bild! 💙 Egal, ob bei Tag oder Nacht, dieser Ort erzählt Geschichten von Geschichte und Moderne.

 

#LondonSkyline #CityOfLondon #SouthbankViews #BoroughLondon #LondonPhotography #UrbanLandscape #ArchitecturalWonders #RiverThames #SkylineLove #Cityscape

The Lotus Flower ArtScience Iconic Museum

 

The most Environmentally-Sensitive museum over-the-top Marina Bay Sands Resort,a Dynamic Interplay between Arts & Sciences.

It was designed by the renowned architect Moshe Safdie while its asymmetrical structure was conceived by ARUP,a constructive firm (SHAPING a Better World),founded 70 years ago,by Sir Ove Arup,an English engineer.

 

Its design does look like the aquatic Lotus flower and collects Rain and Light as if it were real and wanted to stay alive.

 

It is structured into two major parts.The base of the ArtScience Museum,embedded in the earth and surrounded by the Bay’s water and a giant lily pond,and a flower-like steel structure made of 10 petals,which floats above the landscaped pond base.The petals,or fingers as some refer to them,rise towards the sky and each one of them is crowned by a skylight which draws in daylight penetrating the base and illuminating the galleries within.

 

Its dish-like roof collects rainwater and drains it through an oculus,creating a waterfall through the centre of the museum and then flows into an interior reflective pond.It's really great inside and outside.Visitors enter the musem through a free-standing glass pavillion and large lifts and escalators convey them to the lower and upper galleries.The 6,000 square metres museum & cultural centre welcomed its first visitors in 2011.

 

Sheldon Adelson,chairman of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which developed Marina Bay Sands,named it :

 

"The Welcoming Hand of Singapore"

 

Great architects,designers,planners,engineers & technical specialists inspired by nature & turning daring concepts into architectural wonders ...

   

This is the Nativity Façade (East Side) of Gaudí’s Unfinished Masterpiece Sagrada Família, which is a very unconventional looking church building in Barcelona Spain.

 

The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (English: Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family) is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926). Although incomplete, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in November 2010 Pope Benedict XVI consecrated and proclaimed it a minor basilica, as distinct from a cathedral which must be the seat of a bishop. Construction of Sagrada Família had commenced in 1882 and Gaudí became involved in 1883, taking over the project and transforming it with his architectural and engineering style, combining Gothic and curvilinear Art Nouveau forms. Gaudí devoted his last years to the project, and at the time of his death at age 73 in 1926 less than a quarter of the project was complete. Construction passed the midpoint in 2010 with some of the project's greatest challenges remaining and an anticipated completion date of 2026, the centenary of Gaudí's death. [Source: Wikipedia]

 

Burj Khalifa, Dubai.... this is the tallest building in the world.

 

Handheld shot taken from a car window at 10000 ISO and 1/20 sec... sometimes I don't quite have the time to get out and put the camera on a tripod, but I think my trusted Canon did a pretty good job here given the circumstances

One of my favourite places in Malaysia, Putrajaya! It is a highly planned city with high-tech infrastructure and lots of buildings with awe-inspiring architecture. They preserved the lush green, not making it a concrete jungle which makes it World's first intelligent garden city. You feel like in an ultra modern environment and at the same time, so close to nature too. Even though the city's ambience is superb, we rarely see people outside. You will see some cars here and there but feel like the place is so empty. That was so different experience. It will definitely make the visitors wonder about the people's effort and brilliance! Not only the buidings but also the bridges, street lights... everything will fascinate the tourists!

Just got back from my first Mediterranean cruise.

 

To say the interior of St. Peter's Basilica is impressive would be an obvious understatement. I was also mesmerized by the sight of the crepuscular rays adding a touch of divinity and peace to this Vatican Icon.

 

Taken at St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, as part of a series of shore excursions during the Mediterranean cruise in 2014

 

Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's Basilica is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and remains one of the largest churches in the world. St. Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic sites. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom". Construction of the present basilica, replacing the Old St. Peter's Basilica of the 4th century AD, began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626. [extract from Wikipedia]

 

Behold the grandeur of Nuremberg Castle as captured in this awe-inspiring photo of the majestic watchtower. Rising tall within the castle walls, this guardian of history offers a commanding view of the city below. Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of medieval architecture and imagine the tales whispered by stone walls. Let this image transport you to an era where the watchtower stood sentinel, witnessing the passage of time and preserving the secrets of Nuremberg's storied past.

I captured this scene of the nave in Wells cathedral in Wells, Somerset, UK, whilst on a high places tour of the building. The scissor arches in the center of the scene are magnificent to behold from this vantage point.

Captured in Greenwich, London, this image frames a stunning 18th-century masterpiece of neoclassical design and architectural ensemble. The right rises the tower dome of the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul. On the left, the elegant tower dome of the Painted Hall complements the scene. Beyond, the Thames River meanders towards the iconic Canary Wharf skyline.

 

Bridge that connects two Islands

The impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman

'The Trunk'

Featured in this photograph is the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, one of the modern construction wonders of the world.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Jumeirah

Photographed from a recent open-heli door session with Canon 5DMk3 and Canon TS-E 24mm lens.

A Piazza di Santa Croce é uma praça histórica no centro de Florença, Itália. Situada em frente à Basílica de Santa Croce, uma das mais importantes igrejas góticas da cidade, a praça destaca-se pela sua beleza arquitetónica e significado cultural.

 

A praça é ladeada por edifícios históricos, incluindo a Basílica de Santa Croce, que acolhe os túmulos de figuras ilustres como Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo e Galileu Galilei. A praça também é conhecida pelo seu mercado de artesanato e souvenirs, onde os visitantes podem encontrar produtos tradicionais da Toscana.

 

A Piazza di Santa Croce é um local popular entre turistas e um ponto de encontro para os habitantes locais, oferecendo uma atmosfera vibrante e uma perspetiva única sobre a história e a cultura de Florença.

Last trip to the United Kingdom

It was in the afternoon, and when I was wandering around the Galleria Umberto I in Naples I was impressed by the sheer space and ambiance of the interior of the arcade, the sunlight through the beautiful dome, and the exquisite architecture all around it. I took the opportunity of having a real cup of Cappuccino at one of the cafes in the mall, while watching people with shopping bags leisurely walking by, tourists taking photographs and other people taking gelatos at the ice cream parlor.

 

Taken at Galleria Umberto I, Naples, Italy, as part of a series of excursion tours during my Mediterranean Cruise

 

Galleria Umberto I is a public shopping gallery in Naples, South Italy. It was built between 1887–1891, and was the cornerstone in the decades-long rebuilding of Naples — called the risanamento (lit. "making healthy again") — that lasted until World War I. It was designed by Emanuele Rocco, who employed modern architectural elements reminiscent of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. The Galleria was named for Umberto I, King of Italy at the time of construction. [Extract from Wikipedia]

 

Big temple - Tanjor

✨ “Step into a masterpiece! ️ Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte is truly a hidden gem. ✨ The ornate altar is nothing short of breathtaking, with its intricate baroque details and golden angels embracing a sense of divine serenity. 🌟

 

Whether you’re here to seek peace, appreciate stunning architecture, or simply soak in the beauty of history, this place is a must-see. 🙏

 

📍 #Rome #SantAndreaDelleFratte #BaroqueBeauty #HiddenGemsOfItaly #ChurchesOfRome #ArchitecturalWonders #SacredArt #TravelToRome #ItalianHeritage #SpiritualJourney #EternalCityVibes”

Evening in Český Krumlov, Czech Republic—a moment of stillness and old-world beauty.

Hồ Thuỷ Tiên, Huế, VIetnam

Goliath. visually explores the theme of scale, emphasizing the contrast between the immense size of urban architecture and the relative smallness of individual human experience within these spaces. It is a study in contrasts: solidity and void, opacity and transparency, enormity and minutiae. Goliath. ultimately raises questions about the individual's place in the architectural colossus of the urban landscape.

You won't believe the mind-blowing sights I encountered at the majestic Sagrada Familia in Barcelona! 😍 Brace yourselves for an architectural masterpiece that will leave you awe-inspired! 🏰💫

 

As I stood beneath the heavenly ceiling, I couldn't help but feel like I was transported to another dimension. The pillars stretching towards the sky, supporting the intricately designed ceiling, were a sight to behold. And oh, the colors! 🌈 It was as if the sun itself had decided to paint the ceiling with its vibrant rays, creating a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of hues. 😱🌞

 

Gaudi's genius truly shines through every inch of this breathtaking basilica. The Sagrada Familia is a testament to his extraordinary vision and innovative approach to architecture. It's no wonder it has become an iconic symbol of Barcelona. ✨

 

Exploring the Sagrada Familia feels like embarking on a journey through time and creativity. Every detail tells a story, and I couldn't help but get lost in its enchanting charm. From the intricate carvings to the stained glass windows, it's a sensory overload that will leave you craving for more. 😮🌌

 

But here's a friendly tip for you: make sure to book your tickets in advance to skip the long queues and make the most of your visit. Trust me, it's worth it! Plus, you'll get ample time to capture some Insta-worthy shots like the one I've shared here. 💖

 

So, if you find yourself in Barcelona, don't miss the chance to witness the magic of the Sagrada Familia. It's a feast for the eyes and a treat for the soul. Prepare to be amazed, my friends! 😄✨

#SagradaFamilia #BarcelonaAdventures

#GaudiMagic

#InstaWorthy

#ArchitecturalWonder #BarcelonaSights

#SagradaFamiliaTour

#ExploreBarcelona

#barcelonacity #barcelona #visitbarcelona #igbarcelona

Český Krumlov enchants with its winding alleys, Renaissance charm, and riverside beauty. Overlooking the town, the grand Český Krumlov Castle stands as a testament to centuries of Bohemian history and architectural splendor.

Gothic elegance meets blue skies in the heart of Prague. Every corner of this city tells a story—this one whispered in stone and spires.

 

iPhone 11S

Tokyo Skytree, a beacon of modern engineering, towers over the vibrant district of Sumida in Tokyo, Japan. Standing at an impressive 634 meters, it is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world, completed in 2012. This broadcasting and observation tower is a testament to Japan’s cutting-edge architectural prowess and resilience, designed to withstand earthquakes and typhoons. The structure's design is inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, with a sleek, futuristic twist. Its base features a tripod structure that gradually transforms into a cylindrical shape as it ascends, symbolizing the seamless fusion of old and new.

 

The tower is adorned with LED lights that change colors, creating a mesmerizing spectacle against the night sky. This captivating illumination draws both locals and tourists, making it a popular destination in the city. The surrounding area, known as Tokyo Skytree Town, is a bustling hub of activity, featuring shopping malls, an aquarium, and a planetarium. The tower's observation decks offer breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo, extending as far as Mount Fuji on clear days. The lower deck, situated at 350 meters, provides a 360-degree view, while the upper deck, at 450 meters, features a thrilling glass floor.

 

Tokyo Skytree is more than just an architectural wonder; it is a cultural landmark that hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year. Its strategic location near Asakusa, a historic district known for the Senso-ji Temple, makes it a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Visiting Tokyo Skytree offers a unique opportunity to experience the essence of Tokyo's vibrant culture and cutting-edge architecture, making it a must-visit destination.

Licensing available through Getty Images: www.gettyimages.com/license/174454420

 

Reposting the facade of this fantastic building. Have a great weekend everyone!

 

This is part of the front portal sculpture of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia. This unique and inspiring building in the middle of Barcelona was started in the late 1800's and is still under construction. Here is a historic photo of the cathedral taken in the 1880's when the surrounding area was still a pasture: www.gaudiallgaudi.com/images/1904d.JPG and another early photo: www.gaudiallgaudi.com/images/1898d.JPG and detailed information here: www.gaudiallgaudi.com/AA012.htm.

  

~ Here is a link to the Great Buildings site: www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Sagrada_Familia.html with many photos.

 

~ This link gives a detailed explanation of the elements of this (front) portal, section by section: www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/spain/barcelona/sagrada/sagra...

 

Sagrada Famila is one of my favorite buildings in the world. Gaudi's designs were inspired by nature's soft curves and organic lines (rather than straight-edged geometric shapes) ..... the flow of water, the growth pattern of plants. He spent a lot of time in nature all his life and is a national treasure of Spain.

 

Next time I go to Barcelona I will have to go inside, but the day I was there I was worn out by the drive from France on those wild Spanish highways (!!!) www.flickr.com/photos/44548980@N00/345574349/in/photostream/

and didn't have it in me to wait the long line to get into this magical structure. Even just seeing the outside was a dream come true, however. Next time, I will go inside!

  

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