View allAll Photos Tagged architecture--the
The Cathedral of Zamora is a Catholic Cathedral located above the right bank of the Duero River. It remains surrounded by its old walls and gates. Built between 1151 and 1174, it is one of the finest examples of a Spanish Romanesque architecture. The bell tower, with a height of 45 meters, was added in the 13th century in a Romanesque style.
"This digital oil painting, modeled after a photograph of a street in Taormina, is a vibrant display of the typical terracotta colors that dominate the beautiful architecture of Sicily’s small towns. The scene is alive with the warm hues of the buildings, their rustic charm accentuated by the play of light and shadow. The narrow street, lined with these traditional structures, leads the viewer’s eye towards the heart of the town. Today, these quaint towns are bustling with tourists, adding a lively contrast to the timeless appeal of the architecture. The painting beautifully captures the essence of Sicily, making it a visual treat for the viewer."
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Courtyard of the Doge's Palace, Venice Italy.
The Doge's Palace is an iconic symbol of the wealth, power, and complex governance of the former Venetian Republic, as well as being a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture.
The Courtyard. Palazzo Ducale, is closed by the junction between the Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica, which used to be the Doge’s chapel. At the center of the courtyard stand two well-heads dating from the mid-16th century.
♥ Thank you very much for your visits, faves, and kind comments ♥
Am Westufer des alten Zollhafens reiht sich ein Bürogebäude an das andere. Auch hier haben die Projektentwickler und Architekten auf eine außergewöhnliche Architektur Wert gelegt. Die schlanke klassische Form des Rheinturms hebt sich deutlich von der Büro Architektur ab.
Mehr Fotos und Berichte von meinen Fotowalks, Touren und Berichten: www.maco-activetours.de
On the western bank of the old customs port, one office building is lined up after another. Here too, the project developers and architects placed emphasis on exceptional architecture. The slim, classic shape of the Rhine Tower stands out clearly from the office architecture.
More photos and reports from my photo walks, tours and reports: www.maco-activetours.de
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B8dbyen
The White Meat City from the 1930s is considered a masterpiece in functionalist architecture.
The relief depicting a bull was made by the sculptor J. Utzon-Frank.
A very direct movie from 1936 about the activities in the Meat District: filmcentralen.dk/museum/danmark-paa-film/film/kodbyen
The United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel, completed in 1962, is the distinguishing feature of the Cadet Area at the United States Air Force Academy north of Colorado Springs. It was designed by Walter Netsch of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill of Chicago. Construction was accomplished by Robert E. McKee, Inc., of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Originally controversial in its design, the Cadet Chapel has become a classic and highly regarded example of modernist architecture. The Cadet Chapel was awarded the American Institute of Architects' National Twenty-five Year Award in 1996 and, as part of the Cadet Area, was named a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 2004.
-wiki.
photo rights reserved by B℮n
Betlemi Street in Tbilisi is a charming, historic neighborhood in the Old Town, at the foot of the Narikala Fortress. The neighborhood is known for its narrow, winding streets, colorful wooden balconies, and traditional Georgian architecture. The wooden balconies reflect a style that dates back to the 19th century. The street takes its name from the nearby Betlemi Churches, which play an important role in Tbilisi’s religious history. The neighborhood exudes a picturesque atmosphere and takes visitors back in time, with old houses often adorned with wrought iron railings and weathered staircases. The mix of religious and cultural sights, such as the Betlemi Churches and hidden courtyards, makes it a favorite spot for both tourists and locals who appreciate the city’s historic charm. The higher parts of the neighborhood also offer beautiful views of Tbilisi. Centrally located in this district, Upper Betlemi Church is a historic Georgian Orthodox church perched high on the slopes of the Old Town. Also known as the Church of the Nativity of Christ, this church was originally built in the Middle Ages and has been renovated several times since then, reflecting Tbilisi’s dynamic history. The simple yet beautiful stone architecture is typical of Georgian religious buildings, and the serene atmosphere inside provides a place of peace and reflection for both worshippers and visitors. The church is part of the larger Betlemi complex, which includes a lower church and a monastery, all of which are important religious sites in Tbilisi.
The view from Upper Betlemi Church in Tbilisi is breathtaking. Situated on a hill in the Old Town, this church offers panoramic views of the entire city. You can see the winding Kura River flowing through Tbilisi and the mix of historical and modern architecture that makes the city so special. From this height, you can also see iconic landmarks such as the Narikala Fortress, Metekhi Church, the famous funicular and the imposing Sameba Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. The golden dome of the cathedral gleams in the sun, standing majestically against the Tbilisi skyline. The view is particularly beautiful at sunset, with the golden glow enveloping the city in a warm, magical atmosphere. This view, along with the rest of the Old Town, enhances the special charm of this historical site and offers an impressive panorama that shows both the modern and traditional sides of the city.
De Betlemi-straat in Tbilisi is een charmante, historische wijk in de oude stad, aan de voet van het Narikala-fort. Deze buurt staat bekend om zijn smalle, kronkelende straatjes, kleurrijke houten balkons en traditionele Georgische architectuur. De houten balkons weerspiegelen een stijl die teruggaat tot de 19e eeuw. De straat dankt haar naam aan de nabijgelegen Betlemi-kerken, die een belangrijke rol spelen in de religieuze geschiedenis van Tbilisi. De wijk ademt een pittoreske sfeer en brengt bezoekers terug in de tijd, met oude huizen die vaak versierd zijn met smeedijzeren hekwerken en verweerde trappen. De mix van religieuze en culturele bezienswaardigheden, zoals de Betlemi-kerken en verborgen binnenplaatsen, maakt het een geliefde plek voor zowel toeristen als locals die de historische charme van de stad waarderen. Vanuit de hoger gelegen delen van de wijk heb je bovendien een prachtig uitzicht over Tbilisi. De Upper Betlemi-kerk, centraal gelegen in deze wijk, is een historische Georgisch-Orthodoxe kerk die hoog op de hellingen van de oude stad staat. Ook bekend als de Geboortekerk van Christus, werd deze kerk oorspronkelijk in de middeleeuwen gebouwd en is sindsdien meerdere keren gerenoveerd, wat de dynamische geschiedenis van Tbilisi weerspiegelt. De eenvoudige maar prachtige stenen architectuur is typisch voor Georgische religieuze gebouwen, en de serene atmosfeer binnen biedt een plek van rust en reflectie voor zowel gelovigen als bezoekers. De kerk maakt deel uit van het grotere Betlemi-complex, waaronder een lagere kerk en een klooster, die allemaal belangrijke religieuze bezienswaardigheden vormen in Tbilisi.
Republic Square, Yerevan, Armenia.
Republic Square is the central square of the city, created under the guidance of architect A. Tamanian in 1926. It was called Lenin Square until 1991. The square is well-known for its monumental national architecture. The square's shape is combined of two geometrical figures: an oval and a trapeze. Five buildings are included in the architectural complex.
From the east and west, the House of the Government of Armenia and the House of the Ministries are symmetrically located. On the wall of the House of the Government overlooking the square is the city chiming clock. The building includes some traditional decor elements. The columns and arches on the facades of the buildings are covered with subtle carving of ancient Armenian nature. The composition is completed with the building of Marriott Armenia Hotel, the House of Communication and the building of the Museum with fountains, which are lit at night, in front of them. The oval part of the square is distinguished by its beautiful mosaic decoration.
This building dates from 2005. Architect is Erick van Egeraat (EEA, Erick van Egeraat associated architects).
This building has won the 2007 Rietveldprize for architecture. The building is named after a famous Dutch internist and it is used for medical education. The architect was inspired by this and one can clearly see the blood veins going through the building (the red stairs), the bones in the restaurant (this white pillars) and the lungs (the glass centre).
Published:
- Hijmans van den Berghgebouw, Onderwijscentrum, 30/10/2014
Whatever you think of its (Palladian style) architecture, the church of San Giorgio Maggiore is a striking landmark visible from many areas of Venice. Seen here early one October morning, at high tide and in very calm conditions.
The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel is a triumphal arch in Paris, located in the Place du Carrousel. It was built between 1806 and 1808 to commemorate Napoleon's military victories of the previous year. The more famous Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, across from the Champs Élysées, was designed in the same year; it is about twice the size and was not completed until 1836. It is also an example of Corinthian style architecture
The monument is 19 m (63 feet) high, 23 m (75 feet) wide, and 7.3 m (24 feet) deep. The 6.4 m (21 feet) high central arch is flanked by two smaller ones, 4.3 m (14 feet) high, and 2.7 m (9 feet) wide. Around its exterior are eight Corinthian columns of marble, topped by eight soldiers of the Empire.
Althorne, Essex – St Andrew’s Church
These are more examples of Essex Churches that show the Architecture, the Interiors, the Exteriors and especially the Stained Glass Windows that I have taken over the last year or two. Have included Commonwealth War Graves as a mark of respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Althorne is a small village about 9 miles from Maldon, Essex. St. Andrew’s church was built in the late 14th century, it had modifiations in the 16th. The nave is late 14th, the West Tower is circa 1500, the chancel, early 16th and the South Porch 1800’s. It was restored in the 20th century, much of the Chancel Arch, most of the Chancel windows were replaced. It is built of flint and stone-rubble. There are two bells in the tower, one from 1480 and the other 1638 but not in use.
There is a brass plaque on the north wall in memory of three boys who drowned in the River Crouch on Easter Monday 1919, a very sad incident.
There hangs above the south door a Georgian coat of arms of the House of Hanover. The is a fine sculptured font of seven panels and a number of brass panels decorate the walls. One dedicated to William Hyklott, 1508 “which paide for the werkmanship of the wall of this churche”
Le bâtiment Las Palmas à Rotterdam,
ancien entrepôt de la Holland-America Line, a été transformé en un complexe culturel et de bureaux. Il a été conçu par l'architecte Van den Broek en 1953, puis rénové en 2007 par Benthem Crouwel Architecten, qui a ajouté une structure en « penthouse » au sommet. Aujourd'hui, il abrite notamment le Nederlands Fotomuseum (Musée national de la photographie des Pays-Bas) et un espace culturel appelé LP II, tout en conservant son atmosphère industrielle.
Architecture : Le bâtiment conserve son aspect industriel tout en ayant été modernisé avec des éléments comme un « penthouse » flottant au sommet, conçu par Benthem Crouwel.
The Las Palmas building in Rotterdam, a former Holland America Line warehouse, has been transformed into a cultural and office complex. Designed by architect Van den Broek in 1953, it was renovated in 2007 by Benthem Crouwel Architecten, who added a penthouse structure to the roof. Today, it houses, among other things, the Nederlands Fotomuseum (National Photography Museum of the Netherlands) and a cultural space called LP II, while retaining its industrial character.
Architecture: The building retains its industrial appearance while being modernized with elements such as a floating penthouse on the roof, designed by Benthem Crouwel.
I love the way the light illuminates the Baroque-like structure! Look at the range of purples, pinks and blues.
I remember the first time I saw a yellow, black and white striped Monarch caterpillar munching the edges of a Crown Milkweed. I could literally hear the chewing and see the chunks being eaten away!
Yes, it's a favorite of the Monarch Butterfly and essential in its life cycle. And apart from that, it's gorgeous! And large... many times larger than our familiar backyard milkweed.
Check out its architecture... the curling Baroque struts that support its crowning golden stamen. It's delicate coloring, from pink on the outside petals to a deep robust purple along the supporting struts. Such delicacy and yet such strength all designed to attract and entice. To assure its reproduction and future life!
Calotropis gigantea, Asclepiadaceae
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Butterfly Garden
This image showcases a stunning street view in Palermo, Sicily, taken from an ultra-low angle that accentuates the grandeur of the historic architecture. The primary focus is on the Palermo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Palermo), an iconic landmark that exemplifies the cityâs rich cultural heritage. The cathedral's design is a harmonious blend of various architectural styles, including Norman, Moorish, Gothic, and Baroque influences, reflecting the diverse civilizations that have shaped Palermo over centuries.
The left side of the image features a row of ornate palazzi, likely dating back to the Renaissance or Baroque periods. These buildings exhibit traditional Sicilian architectural features, such as arched windows, intricately carved stone details, and iron balconies. The street itself exudes a timeless charm, with its cobblestone pavement and warm-toned facades that are characteristic of Mediterranean urban settings.
Palermo's historical significance is deeply tied to its role as a cultural crossroads in the Mediterranean. Founded by the Phoenicians and later ruled by the Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish, the city has absorbed influences from each era. The Palermo Cathedral, originally built in 1185, stands as a testament to this layered history. Its evolution over the centuries, with additions from different periods, embodies the city's dynamic past.
Culinary traditions in Palermo are equally rich and diverse, with street food playing a central role. Visitors to the area might enjoy sampling dishes such as arancini (stuffed rice balls), pane e panelle (chickpea fritters served in a sandwich), and the famous cassata siciliana, a traditional dessert. The cityâs vibrant food markets, such as Ballarò and Vucciria, provide an immersive experience into Palermoâs gastronomic culture, which, much like its architecture, reflects a tapestry of influences from its multicultural history.
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Fénis, Val d'Aosta, Italia.
Fénis es un municipio italiano de 1.792 habitantes que se encuentra ubicado en el Valle de Aosta.
El pueblo de Fénis se sitúa en el principal valle de la región. Sin embargo, la mayoría de su territorio se halla en un valle lateral, cuyo nombre es val Clavalité, un valle selvaje cubierto de bosques, y en el cercano valle de Saint-Julien. El val Clavalité conserva una selva de 2.236 hectaréas, que cubre el 32,7% del territorio del municipio.
Fénis es muy famosa por su castillo, unos de los más importantes de Valle de Aosta por su extraordinaria arquitectura. El castillo es una de las principales atracciones turísticas del Valle.
Fénis is an Italian municipality of 1,792 inhabitants located in the Aosta Valley.
The town of Fénis is located in the main valley of the region. However, the majority of its territory is located in a side valley, whose name is val Clavalité, a jungle valley covered with forests, and in the nearby Saint-Julien valley. The Clavalité Valley preserves a forest of 2,236 hectares, which covers 32.7% of the municipality's territory.
Fénis is very famous for its castle, one of the most important in Valle d'Aosta for its extraordinary architecture. The castle is one of the main tourist attractions in the Valley.
Que la Estrella de la Navidad nos guie y proteja con su luz durante el 2021!
Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo 2021 para todos!
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May the Christmas Star guide and protect us with its light during 2021!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2021 to all!
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La cúpula del Baptisterio de Parma.- Italia
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de Wikipedia: es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptisterio_de_Parma
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El baptisterio de Parma (en italiano, battistero di Parma) es un baptisterio —edificio destinado al rito del bautismo cristiano— italiano del siglo XIII que está situado junto a la catedral de Parma y se considera estilísticamente como un punto de unión de la arquitectura románica y la arquitectura gótica.
El baptisterio fue encomendado al arquitecto y escultor lombardo Benedetto Antelami (ca. 1150 – ca. 1230), del que poco se sabe, que inició la decoración en 1196, de acuerdo con una inscripción que se conseva sobre el portal.
La datación de la obra terminada es bastante compleja y solo recientemente ha sido apoyada por algunos documentos. En 1216 el alzado alcanzaba solamente hasta el segundo orden de la loggia, donde se dispuso una cobertura temporal plana. El precioso mármol rosa de Verona dejó de llegar por diferencias políticas con Ezzelino da Romano, señor de Verona, y hasta 1249 fue posible retomar la construcción de los registros superiores del baptistero.
La conclusión se produciría hacia 1270, ya muerto Antelami, cuando el edificio fue consagrado solemnemente. Al parecer, sin embargo, el proyecto de Antelami fue continuado hasta su conclusión.
...
La cúpula
La cúpula está dividida en gajos. Dieciséis nervaduras, de mármol rosa de Verona, irradian hacia fuera desde el centro de la cúpula, cada una de ellas terminando en una columna, a su vez, superpuesta sobre otra hasta alcanzar el suelo.
La autoría de las pinturas, ejecutadas con la técnica rápida de la témpera, no consigue acuerdo de los eruditos que las han estudiado: unos las datan en los años 1260 de maestros con modos bizantinos, otros optan por una datación hacia finales del 1200 de un taller dirigido por Grisopolo que se hacía llamar "pictor Par(men)sis".
Las figuraciones de la cúpula se dividen en seis bandas horizontales concéntricos. Comenzando en la parte superior:
la primera banda representa el cielo rojo del eterno amor ;
la segunda banda tiene un fondo azul (el Empireo) con rombos, cada una de ellos con una estrella: es la representación del cielo nocturno estrellado de Jerusalén con una invocación al Paradiso;
la tercera banda tiene los doce apóstoles y los cuatro evangelistas;
la cuarta banda, en el gajo sobre el altar, presenta a Cristo in trono, y a la izquierda la Madonna y a la derecha San Juan Bautista; en los otros trece espacios están varios profetas;
la quinta banda contiene doce episodios de la vida de san Juan Bautista, y de cuatro santos;
en la sexta banda (los arcos) se representan escenas de la vida de Abrahan, los cuatro elementos naturales (agua, aire, tierra, fuego), las cuatro estaciones y la Virgen.
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Dome of the Baptistery of Parma.- Italy
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from Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptisterio_de_Parma
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The Baptistery of Parma (Italian: Battistero di Parma) is a religious edifice in Parma, northern Italy. Architecturally, the baptistery of Parma Cathedral marks a transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles, and it is considered to be among the most important Medieval monuments in Europe.
The city council of Parma commissioned Benedetto Antelami to build the baptistery in 1196. The outside of pink Verona marble is octagonal. The inside contains sixteen arches, forming alcoves each containing a painted scene. All these are 13th and 14th century frescoes and paintings. The most striking part of the Baptistery, however, is its painted domed ceiling. Sixteen rays come out of the center of the ceiling, which each correspond to the arches.
However, problems were posed over time as the paintings were not true frescoes. The paint would start to come off the walls and would be literally hanging on. Due to this, the Baptistery had to be painstakingly consolidated and restored with syringes and spatulas.
translation from spanish version:
The baptistery was entrusted to the Lombard architect and sculptor Benedetto Antelami (ca. 1150 - ca. 1230), of which little is known, who began the decoration in 1196, according to an inscription that is preserved on the portal.
The dating of the finished work is quite complex and has only recently been supported by some documents. In 1216 the elevation reached only up to the second order of the loggia, where a flat temporary cover was arranged. The precious pink marble from Verona stopped arriving due to political differences with Ezzelino da Romano, lord of Verona, and until 1249 it was possible to resume the construction of the upper registers of the baptistero.
The conclusion would take place around 1270, Antelami already dead, when the building was solemnly consecrated. Apparently, however, the Antelami project was continued to completion.
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The dome
The dome is divided into segments. Sixteen ribs, made of pink Verona marble, radiate outward from the center of the dome, each ending in a column, in turn, superimposed on another until reaching the floor.
The authorship of the paintings, executed with the rapid technique of tempera, does not get the agreement of the scholars who have studied them: some date them in the 1260s by masters with Byzantine modes, others opt for a dating towards the end of 1200 of a workshop directed by Grisopolo who called himself "pictor Par (men) sis".
The figures of the dome are divided into six concentric horizontal bands. Starting at the top:
the first band represents the red sky of eternal love;
the second band has a blue background (the Empireo) with rhombuses, each one with a star: it is the representation of the starry night sky of Jerusalem with an invocation to Paradiso;
the third band has the twelve apostles and the four evangelists;
the fourth band, in the segment above the altar, presents Christ on the throne, and on the left the Madonna and on the right Saint John the Baptist; in the other thirteen spaces are various prophets;
the fifth band contains twelve episodes from the life of Saint John the Baptist, and four saints;
in the sixth band (the arches) scenes from the life of Abraham, the four natural elements (water, air, earth, fire), the four seasons and the Virgin are represented.
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Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and is considered to be the key for worship in the country.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was initiated by the late president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who wanted to establish a structure which unites the cultural diversity of Islamic world, the historical and modern values of architecture and art. His final resting place is located on the grounds beside the same mosque. The mosque was constructed from 1996 to 2007. It is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the eighth largest mosque in the world. The mosque site is equivalent to the size five football fields approximately.
As the country's grand mosque, it is the key place of worship for Friday gathering and Eid prayers. During Eid it can be visited by more than 40,000 people.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's design and construction 'unites the world', using artisans and materials from many countries including Italy, Germany, Morocco, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, China, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece and United Arab Emirates. More than 3,000 workers and 38 renowned contracting companies took part in the construction of the mosque. Natural materials were chosen for much of its design and construction due to their long-lasting qualities, including marble stone, gold, semi-precious stones, crystals and ceramics. It was built by the Italian company Impregilo.
The design of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has been inspired by Persian, Mughal and Moorish mosque architecture, particularly the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco being direct influences. The dome layout and floorplan of the mosque was inspired by the Badshahi Mosque and the architecture was inspired by Persian, Mughal and Moorish design. Its archways are quintessentially Moorish and its minarets classically Arab. The design of the mosque can be best described as a fusion of Arab, Persian, Mughal and Moorish architecture.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has many special and unique elements: The carpet in the main prayer hall is considered to be the world's largest carpet made by Iran's Carpet Company and designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi. This carpet measures 5,627 m2 (60,570 sq ft), and was made by around 1,200-1,300 carpet knotters. The weight of this carpet is 35 ton and is predominantly made from wool (originating from New Zealand and Iran). There are 2,268,000,000 knots within the carpet and it took approximately two years to complete.
The 96 columns in the main prayer hall are clad with marble and inlaid with mother of pearl, one of the few places where you will see this craftsmanship.
The Basilica of Saint-Denis (French: Basilique royale de Saint-Denis, now formally known as the Basilique-cathédrale de Saint-Denis) is a large former medieval abbey church and present cathedral in the commune of Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris. The building is of singular importance historically and architecturally as its choir, completed in 1144, is widely considered the first structure to employ all of the elements of Gothic architecture.
The basilica became a place of pilgrimage and a necropolis containing the tombs of the French Kings, including nearly every king from the 10th century to Louis XVIII in the 19th century. Henry IV of France came to Saint-Denis to formally renounce his Protestant faith and become a Catholic. The Queens of France were crowned at Saint-Denis, and the royal regalia, including the sword used for crowning the kings and the royal sceptre, were kept at Saint-Denis between coronations.
Park Pavilion The Hoge Veluwe National Park, Otterlo, NL 2012-2019-
De Zwarte Hond - design agency for architecture, urban design and strategy
The Park Pavilion of De Hoge Veluwe National Park, designed in collaboration with Monadnock, is a striking landmark in the middle of the forest that acts as the base for a day there. The pavilion houses a restaurant, park shop and education and reception areas.
De Hoge Veluwe National Park is not only a 5,400-hectare nature reserve, but also home to the Sint-Hubertus hunting lodge and the Kröller-Müller Museum. Visitors can enjoy nature, art and architecture. The Park Pavilion adds an extra experience. It has been made a natural part of the landscape and the park experience. A large glass façade over the entire length offers a magnificent view of the beautiful surroundings. Behind the glass wall is the central space, a large ‘living room’ with a stylish staircase in the centre and a fireplace at the end. Just like the building itself, the interior makes a connection with the surrounding landscape. When visitors enter the high space with its curved walls, there’s a big surprise: the glass wall offering an ever-changing view of the Veluwe scenery. Above the visitors’ heads, the vaulted ceiling extends the entire length of the space. Nine chandeliers project a magical pattern onto the ceiling, based on an algorithm of the sun shining through the leaves. Size: 3360 m²
Ronda was first settled by the early Celts, but its subsequent Roman and then Moorish rulers are reflected most prominently in its architecture. The forces of Catholic Spain took control of the town in 1485, during the Reconquista.
Ronda is situated in a very mountainous area about 750 metres (2,500 ft) above mean sea level. The Guadalevín River runs through the city, dividing it in two and carving out the steep, 100 plus meters deep El Tajo canyon upon which the city perches.
Three bridges, Puente Romano ("Roman Bridge", also known as the Puente San Miguel), Puente Viejo ("Old Bridge", also known as the Puente Arabe or "Arab Bridge") and Puente Nuevo ("New Bridge"), span the canyon. The term "nuevo" is a bit of a misnomer, as the building of this bridge commenced in 1751 and took until 1793 to complete. The Puente Nuevo is the tallest of the bridges, towering 120 metres (390 ft) above the canyon floor, and all three serve as some of the city's most impressive features.
(Wikipedia)
cool Chicago architecture ... the tri-lobed Lake Point Tower, completed in 1968 but doesn't look its age
This image cannot be used on websites, blogs or other media without explicit my permission. © All rights reserved
The magnificent Basilica della Salute, built as a tribute to the Virgin Mary for saving the city from a devastating plague in the 17th century. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of Venice, and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
The basilica stands on a narrow strip of land between the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal, offering a stunning view of the Piazza San Marco and the Doge’s Palace. It is supported by more than a million wooden piles, and its façade is decorated with 125 statues of saints, angels, and biblical figures.
Excerpt from www.amo.gov.hk/en/historic-buildings/monuments/hong-kong-...:
Tung Lin Kok Yuen is situated at No. 15, Shan Kwong Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, being a Buddhist monastery founded in 1935 by Lady Clara Ho Tung and her husband Sir Robert Ho Tung. The name of the monastery was derived from the couple’s name Sir Robert Ho Tung and Lady Clara (Dharma name Lin Kok).
Lady Clara was a Buddhist and lay patron who had a passionate desire to spread the wisdom and practice of Buddhism as well as to promote the education of women. She founded the Po Kok Free School and the Po Kok Buddhist Institute in Hong Kong in the early 1930s to provide education for women and training for nuns. After Tung Lin Kok Yuen was first built, it housed both the School and the Buddhist Institute. As it is located in the residential area of Happy Valley, Tung Lin Kok Yuen marked the emergence of an urban monastery model in Hong Kong, as contrasted to the traditional monastery setting in the mountains.
With its arrowhead-shaped building plan, Tung Lin Kok Yuen’s appearance resembles a “giant ship” symbolising one of Mahayana Buddhism’s concepts of ferrying all beings to the “other shore”, or in other words enlightenment itself. The architect responsible for the building design was Fung Tsun, and Venerable Shi Ai Ting provided extensive advice for details which embody the Buddhist doctrine. While Tung Lin Kok Yuen adopted Western structural forms, it retained traditional Chinese designs in both its interior and exterior decorations such as flying eaves, brackets and glazed tile roofs. Following the traditional Chinese layout for a Buddhist monastery, it had a Skanda Hall, the Grand Buddha Hall and a Tripitaka Library in designated sequence. On each side of the Grand Buddha Hall were the Dharma Bell and the Dharma Drum. Behind the Grand Buddha Hall there was a courtyard which was redeveloped in 1954 into a three-storied Lin Kok Memorial Building. This was also designed by Fung Tsun to be integrated with the original building in the same style of architecture. The first floor of the Lin Kok Memorial Building now houses the Bhaisajyaguru Buddha Hall.
Tung Lin Kok Yuen was declared a monument in 2017.
Abbess Roding, Essex – St Edmund’s Church
These are more examples of Essex Church images that show the Architecture, the Interiors, the Exteriors and especially the Stained Glass Windows that I have taken over the last two or three years.
Abbess Roding is a village approx 11.3 miles from Harlow on the A1060. There appears to have been a church on the site probably going back to the 12th century and the dedication to St Edmund indicates that but the present church (Nave) was built in 14th cent. The walls are of flint rubble but again quite a lot of restoration has been done. The Chancel is of 14th-15th cent origin, the Tower and Porch, these were rebuilt in the late 1860’s.
The Stain Glass and Oak Screen are both of 15th century manufacture. The pulpit, described by Pevsner, has an uncommonly fine tester (a small roof like structure above pulpit, for rebounding the sound back into the church). There is a memorial tablet to the Capel family, again from the 15th cent along side tablets to two different rectors of the parish and one in memory of those who fell in World War 1.
There is also an oak carved Altar Screen (Reredos), this was carved by Miss Capel-Cure in 1938 along with other items.
This is the second of two posting, the first five are shown in the album Essex Churches…
The Baptistery of Parma is a religious edifice in Parma, northern Italy. Architecturally, the baptistery of Parma Cathedral marks a transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles, and it is considered to be among the most important Medieval monuments in Europe.
The city council of Parma commissioned Benedetto Antelami to build the baptistery in 1196. The attachment of the citizens to the project was tactile. Men put stones in the foundation to commemorate their families.
The outside of pink Verona marble is octagonal with four tiers of open loggias. Eight turrets crown the top of the building. In May 2022 the tallest underwent a 3D aerial scan to support conservation work.
The lowest part of the baptistery is encircled with bas-relief sculptures of animals, fabulous beasts, sea monsters, centaurs, mermaids, and unicorns.
The "Portal of the Virgin" faces north and overlooks the Piazza del Duomo. It is named after the figure of the Virgin and Child in the lunette above it. The door is decorated with scenes of the Adoration of the Magi and an angel instructing Joseph to flee to Egypt. The Bishop used to make his solemn entrance through here. The "Portal of Judgment" faces west. The lunette above depicts the Redeemer sitting on a throne. The "Portale della Vita" or Door of Life faces south, and the scene in its lunette shows a man eating honey in a tree.
The most striking part of the Baptistery is its painted domed ceiling. The vault is divided into six concentric horizontal bands, with a different series of frescoes in each. The red circle in the middle represents the upper heaven. Sixteen rays come down from the keystone, each corresponding to an arch. The lower part of the interior contains sixteen arches, forming alcoves each containing a painted scene. All these are 13th and 14th century frescoes and paintings, many as ex votos.
The large, octagonal baptismal basin stands the center. Made of Verona marble, it was designed for baptism by immersion. A baptismal font, located in the south-western niche, has been used for baptism by affusion since the 14th century. An altar in marble is located in the eastern apsidal niche. Above the altar, in the semi-dome, is a "Christ in Glory" surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists and two angels.
Excerpt from Wikipedia:
The Old Student House (Finnish: Vanha ylioppilastalo, colloquially called Vanha, "the old one"; Swedish: Gamla studenthuset) is the former student house of the Student Union of the University of Helsinki, located in central Helsinki, Finland, near the crossing of Aleksanterinkatu and Mannerheimintie.
The building was designed by Axel Hampus Dalström and was completed in 1870. It represents the neo-renaissance style of architecture.
The student house was originally built at the edge of the city centre, so the students' parties would not disturb other citizens. The construction was funded by a collection from the citizens. In dedication of this collection, the façade of the building bears the Latin inscription Spei suae patria dedit ("Fatherland gave to its hope"). Nowadays, the student house is located in the inner centre of Helsinki, near the Three Smiths Statue.
Near the student house is located the New Student House, completed in 1910. At that point the Old Student House got its current name.
Old Student House contains many famous Kalevala themed works of art, such as Akseli Gallen-Kallela's mural Kullervo Rides to War and Robert Wilhelm Ekman's 390 cm tall painting Väinämöinen's Play.
photo rights reserved by Ben
Gergeti Trinity Church, located in Georgia, is situated on a mountain top near the village of Gergeti, near Stepantsminda Kazbegi in the Caucasus, at an altitude of about 2,170 meters. This area is popular with hikers and photographers for its breathtaking views and historical value. The Georgian Orthodox church was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is an important national symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Behind Gergeti Trinity Church lies Kazbek (in Georgian: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), with an altitude of 5,054 meters one of the highest and most famous mountains in Georgia and the Greater Caucasus. Although the mountain is hidden in this photo, Kazbek is known for its impressive presence and mythological significance. Kazbek is an extinct stratovolcano. The name Mkinvartsveri means the icy peak in Georgian. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and adventurers. The standard route for climbing usually starts from Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church as the starting point. Kazbek is often covered in snow and ice, which adds to the spectacular and mysterious appearance of the region. On clear days, the summit offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Caucasus.
This photo shows Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most iconic and spiritual sites in Georgia, with the imposing Mount Kuro in the background. The church, which is located at an altitude of approximately 2,170 meters, was built in the 14th century and served as both a religious and defensive center. Please notice the stepherd dog on the left side of the monastery, a faithful companion of the monastery priests. The location of the monastery makes it particularly special: it stands on a secluded hill with panoramic views of the Caucasus and the nearby village of Stepantsminda. In times of war, the church was used as a shelter for valuable relics, including the famous Mtskheta Cross. Mount Kuro, visible in the background, rises to 3,980 meters and forms a dramatic and rugged frame for this sacred structure. The snow-capped peaks and steep cliffs underline the solitude and grandeur of this place. Today, Gergeti Trinity Church is a popular destination for pilgrims and travelers. The climb to the church can be done on foot, on horseback or by 4x4, and once at the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views over the mountains and valleys of the Caucasus.
De Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen in Georgië, bevindt zich op een bergtop bij het dorp Gergeti, nabij Stepantsminda Kazbegi in de Kaukasus-regio, op ongeveer 2170 meter hoogte. Het eerste zonlicht van de ochtend op de voorgrond van de foto versterkt het mystieke karakter van de locatie, terwijl de besneeuwde bergtoppen en de donkere silhouetten van de kerk de dramatische sfeer van het landschap benadrukken. Dit gebied is geliefd bij wandelaars en fotografen vanwege het adembenemende uitzicht en de historische waarde. De indrukwekkende besneeuwde toppen van de Kazbek op de achtergrond worden verlicht door de gouden gloed van de opkomende zon. De Georgisch-orthodoxe kerk is gebouwd in de 14e eeuw en is een prachtig voorbeeld van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk is een belangrijk nationaal symbool van Georgië en trekt jaarlijks veel pelgrims en toeristen. Achter de Gergeti Trinity Church ligt de Kazbek (in het Georgisch: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), met een hoogte van 5.054 meter een van de hoogste en bekendste bergen in Georgië en de Grote Kaukasus. Hoewel de berg op deze foto verscholen is, staat Kazbek bekend om zijn indrukwekkende aanwezigheid en mythologische betekenis. Kazbek is een uitgedoofde stratovulkaan. De naam Mkinvartsveri betekent de IJzige Top in het Georgisch. De berg is populair onder bergbeklimmers en avonturiers. De standaardroute voor de beklimming begint meestal in Stepantsminda, waarbij de Gergeti Trinity Church als startpunt dient. Kazbek is vaak bedekt met sneeuw en ijs, wat bijdraagt aan de spectaculaire en mysterieuze uitstraling van de regio. Op heldere dagen biedt de top een prachtig panoramisch uitzicht over de Kaukasus. Deze foto toont de Gergeti Trinity Church, één van de meest iconische en spirituele plekken in Georgië, met de imposante Mount Kuro op de achtergrond. Mount Kuro, zichtbaar op de achtergrond, stijgt tot 3.980 meter en vormt een dramatische en ruige omlijsting van dit heilige bouwwerk. Aan de linkerkant van het klooster is een herdershond te zien, een trouwe metgezel van de kloosterpriesters. De besneeuwde pieken en steile rotsen onderstrepen de eenzaamheid en grootsheid van deze plek.
photo rights reserved by Ben
The Gergeti Trinity Church, located in Georgia, is situated on a mountain top near the village of Gergeti, near Stepantsminda Kazbegi in the Caucasus region, at an altitude of about 2,170 metres. The first light of dawn in the foreground of the photo enhances the mystical character of the location, while the snow-capped peaks and the dark silhouettes of the church emphasize the dramatic atmosphere of the landscape. This area is popular with hikers and photographers for its breathtaking views and historical value. The impressive snow-capped peaks of Mount Kazbek in the background are illuminated by the golden glow of the rising sun. The Georgian Orthodox church was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is an important national symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Behind the Gergeti Trinity Church lies Kazbek (in Georgian: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), with an altitude of 5,054 meters one of the highest and most famous mountains in Georgia and the Greater Caucasus. Although the mountain is hidden in this photo, Kazbek is known for its impressive presence and mythological significance. Kazbek is an extinct stratovolcano. The name Mkinvartsveri means the Icy Peak in Georgian. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and adventurers. The standard route for the ascent usually starts from Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church serving as the starting point. Kazbek is often covered in snow and ice, which adds to the spectacular and mysterious appearance of the region. On clear days, the summit offers beautiful panoramic views of the Caucasus.
Gergeti Trinity Church is a 14th-century church in Georgia, located at an altitude of 2,170 meters near the village of Gergeti. It is located near Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), overlooking the majestic Mount Kazbek in the Caucasus. The church is an important symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Due to its remote location, it offers spectacular and mystical views of the mountains.
De Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen in Georgië, bevindt zich op een bergtop bij het dorp Gergeti, nabij Stepantsminda Kazbegi in de Kaukasus-regio, op ongeveer 2170 meter hoogte. Het eerste zonlicht van de ochtend op de voorgrond van de foto versterkt het mystieke karakter van de locatie, terwijl de besneeuwde bergtoppen en de donkere silhouetten van de kerk de dramatische sfeer van het landschap benadrukken. Dit gebied is geliefd bij wandelaars en fotografen vanwege het adembenemende uitzicht en de historische waarde. De indrukwekkende besneeuwde toppen van de Kazbek op de achtergrond worden verlicht door de gouden gloed van de opkomende zon. De Georgisch-orthodoxe kerk is gebouwd in de 14e eeuw en is een prachtig voorbeeld van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk is een belangrijk nationaal symbool van Georgië en trekt jaarlijks veel pelgrims en toeristen. Achter de Gergeti Trinity Church ligt de Kazbek (in het Georgisch: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), met een hoogte van 5.054 meter een van de hoogste en bekendste bergen in Georgië en de Grote Kaukasus. Hoewel de berg op deze foto verscholen is, staat Kazbek bekend om zijn indrukwekkende aanwezigheid en mythologische betekenis. Kazbek is een uitgedoofde stratovulkaan. De naam Mkinvartsveri betekent de IJzige Top in het Georgisch. De berg is populair onder bergbeklimmers en avonturiers. De standaardroute voor de beklimming begint meestal in Stepantsminda, waarbij de Gergeti Trinity Church als startpunt dient. Kazbek is vaak bedekt met sneeuw en ijs, wat bijdraagt aan de spectaculaire en mysterieuze uitstraling van de regio. Op heldere dagen biedt de top een prachtig panoramisch uitzicht over de Kaukasus.
Angkor Wat ("Capital Temple") is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, with the site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m2; 402 acres).
It was originally constructed as a Hindu temple of god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple toward the end of the 12th century. It was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura (Khmer: យសោធរបុរៈ, present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and eventual mausoleum. Breaking from the Shaiva tradition of previous kings, Angkor Wat was instead dedicated to Vishnu. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.
Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru, home of the devas in Hindu mythology: within a moat and an outer wall 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) long are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the centre of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas adorning its walls.
photo rights reserved by Ben
Gergeti Trinity Church, located in Georgia, is situated on a mountain top near the village of Gergeti, near Stepantsminda Kazbegi in the Caucasus, at an altitude of about 2,170 meters. This area is popular with hikers and photographers for its breathtaking views and historical value. The Georgian Orthodox church was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is an important national symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Behind Gergeti Trinity Church lies Kazbek (in Georgian: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), with an altitude of 5,054 meters one of the highest and most famous mountains in Georgia and the Greater Caucasus. Although the mountain is hidden in this photo, Kazbek is known for its impressive presence and mythological significance. Kazbek is an extinct stratovolcano. The name Mkinvartsveri means the icy peak in Georgian. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and adventurers. The standard route for climbing usually starts from Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church as the starting point. Kazbek is often covered in snow and ice, which adds to the spectacular and mysterious appearance of the region. On clear days, the summit offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Caucasus.
This photo shows Gergeti Trinity Church, one of the most iconic and spiritual sites in Georgia, with the imposing Mount Kuro in the background. The church, which is located at an altitude of approximately 2,170 meters, was built in the 14th century and served as both a religious and defensive center. Please notice the stepherd dog on the left side of the monastery, a faithful companion of the monastery priests. The location of the monastery makes it particularly special: it stands on a secluded hill with panoramic views of the Caucasus and the nearby village of Stepantsminda. In times of war, the church was used as a shelter for valuable relics, including the famous Mtskheta Cross. Mount Kuro, visible in the background, rises to 3,980 meters and forms a dramatic and rugged frame for this sacred structure. The snow-capped peaks and steep cliffs underline the solitude and grandeur of this place. Today, Gergeti Trinity Church is a popular destination for pilgrims and travelers. The climb to the church can be done on foot, on horseback or by 4x4, and once at the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views over the mountains and valleys of the Caucasus.
De Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen in Georgië, bevindt zich op een bergtop bij het dorp Gergeti, nabij Stepantsminda Kazbegi in de Kaukasus-regio, op ongeveer 2170 meter hoogte. Het eerste zonlicht van de ochtend op de voorgrond van de foto versterkt het mystieke karakter van de locatie, terwijl de besneeuwde bergtoppen en de donkere silhouetten van de kerk de dramatische sfeer van het landschap benadrukken. Dit gebied is geliefd bij wandelaars en fotografen vanwege het adembenemende uitzicht en de historische waarde. De indrukwekkende besneeuwde toppen van de Kazbek op de achtergrond worden verlicht door de gouden gloed van de opkomende zon. De Georgisch-orthodoxe kerk is gebouwd in de 14e eeuw en is een prachtig voorbeeld van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk is een belangrijk nationaal symbool van Georgië en trekt jaarlijks veel pelgrims en toeristen. Achter de Gergeti Trinity Church ligt de Kazbek (in het Georgisch: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), met een hoogte van 5.054 meter een van de hoogste en bekendste bergen in Georgië en de Grote Kaukasus. Hoewel de berg op deze foto verscholen is, staat Kazbek bekend om zijn indrukwekkende aanwezigheid en mythologische betekenis. Kazbek is een uitgedoofde stratovulkaan. De naam Mkinvartsveri betekent de IJzige Top in het Georgisch. De berg is populair onder bergbeklimmers en avonturiers. De standaardroute voor de beklimming begint meestal in Stepantsminda, waarbij de Gergeti Trinity Church als startpunt dient. Kazbek is vaak bedekt met sneeuw en ijs, wat bijdraagt aan de spectaculaire en mysterieuze uitstraling van de regio. Op heldere dagen biedt de top een prachtig panoramisch uitzicht over de Kaukasus. Deze foto toont de Gergeti Trinity Church, één van de meest iconische en spirituele plekken in Georgië, met de imposante Mount Kuro op de achtergrond. Mount Kuro, zichtbaar op de achtergrond, stijgt tot 3.980 meter en vormt een dramatische en ruige omlijsting van dit heilige bouwwerk. Aan de linkerkant van het klooster is een herdershond te zien, een trouwe metgezel van de kloosterpriesters. De besneeuwde pieken en steile rotsen onderstrepen de eenzaamheid en grootsheid van deze plek.
Refectory of St. John the Divine
The refectory of the monastery is a rectangular brick building which contains a dining hall for the brethren as well as several kitchens and pantries. The Church of John the Theologian adjoins it from the east. The outside is segmented by pilasters and displays window surrounds reminiscent of traditional Eastern Orthodox church architecture. The refectory was erected in 1713, taking the place of the original wooden refectory. Its interior was overhauled in 1827 and 1837 and the restoration work was undertaken from 1976 to 1981.
«Трапезний храм святого апостола і євангеліста Іоана Богослова — це єдина сакральна споруда, яка залишилася неушкодженою при руйнуванні Михайлівського золотоверхого монастиря у 1937 році.
До середини 1970-х років її використовували як спортивну залу. У 1976-1981 році пам’ятку відреставрувати під керівництвом архітекторки Валентини Шевченко. Були відтворені перекриття, розібрано прибудову 1780-х років на південному фасаді трапезної зали, зроблено ґонтовий дах у формах української ренесансно-барокової архітектури середини XVII — початку XVIII століття.
Після реставрації в трапезній відкрили Музей кераміки Державного архітектурно-історичного заповідника «Софійський музей».
З відновленням Незалежності України, на початку 1990-х років храм повернули релігійній громаді. Церква Іоана Богослова стала одним з перших храмів Києва, де богослужіння звершувалося українською мовою.
З відкриттям у 1992 році в стінах зруйнованого Михайлівського монастиря Київської Духовної Академії та Семінарії, трапезна церква стає академічним храмом Київських духовних шкіл.
У 1997-1998 роках, трапезний храм Іоана Богослова став першою спорудою, яку відреставрували в архітектурному ансамблі Свято-Михайлівського Золотоверхого монастиря. Також у цей час святині повернули історичний вигляд, перекривши дах і бані ґонтом — покрівним матеріалом з клинчастих дощок.
Зараз церква Іоана Богослова є академічним храмом Київської богословської академії та семінарії Православної церкви України.»
Тетяна Асадчева, «Вечірній Київ».
Another night photography shot. Quite difficult to shoot without a tripod which I don't own right now. Had to increase the ISO to get in details which adds more grain. The lens I used is a manual lens so focus was also one issue. But still I like this shot!
Well this is a shot of a Chhatri, an elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian Rajasthani architecture. The term "chhatri" means umbrella or canopy. You CC welcome!
Wedding cerimony.
This church is both a cathedral and a basilica, and an exceptional example of the Gothic Revival style in Canadian architecture.
The Gothic Revival style, which originated in Europe, had its roots in the architectural forms of the Middle Ages.
It emerged in Canada in the early 19th century and found its expression in the addition of Gothic elements, such as pointed windows, buttresses and a perpendicularity of aspect.
In 1978 the City of Ottawa recognized the Cathedral as an historic monument. Later, in 1990, It was deignated as Canadian historic site.
Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre-Dame_Basilica_(Montreal):
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (French: Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal) is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church in the historic Old Montreal district of Montreal in Quebec, Canada. It is located at 110 Notre-Dame Street West, at the corner of Saint Sulpice Street. It is situated next to the Saint-Sulpice Seminary and faces the Place d'Armes square.
The interior of the church is amongst the most dramatic in the world and regarded as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. The vaults are coloured deep blue and decorated with golden stars, and the rest of the sanctuary is decorated in blues, azures, reds, purples, silver, and gold. It is filled with hundreds of intricate wooden carvings and several religious statues. Unusual for a church, the stained glass windows along the walls of the sanctuary do not depict biblical scenes, but rather scenes from the religious history of Montreal. It also has a Casavant Frères pipe organ, dated 1891, which comprises four keyboards, 99 stops using electromagnetic action and an adjustable combination system, 7000 individual pipes, and a pedal board.
Approximately 11 million people visit Notre-Dame Basilica every year, making it one of the most visited monuments in North America. In 2023, Notre-Dame was named the 6th most beautiful building in the world by Angi, a home service publication which analyzes TripAdvisor reviews. The publication ranked Notre-Dame de Paris second and Barcelona's Sagrada Família first.
The basilica of Santa Anastasia, which retains the name of a pre-existing church from the Lombard era dedicated to the fourth-century martyr Anastasia of Sirmium, is a masterful example of Italian Gothic architecture. The building stands at the terminal section of the ancient decumanus maximus, Verona's main Roman road continuation of the Via Postumia,[9] next to the smaller, deconsecrated church of St. Peter Martyr. At the end of the 13th century, the Dominican order settled there, to whom is owed the construction of the Gothic basilica, also dedicated to St. Peter Martyr, a Dominican native of Verona and patron saint of the city along with St. Zeno.[10] A great contribution to the construction of the church is owed to the Della Scala family, Lords of Verona, through generous donations and testamentary bequests that financed its lengthy construction.[11] Work continued until the end of the 16th century, never reaching completion of the façade.[12] In the right transept of the church is the Pellegrini Chapel, famous because it contains what is considered Pisanello's masterpiece, the St. George and the Princess, frescoed on the outer wall above the entrance arch.[13]
--- Wikipedia
What an amazing architecture !! The Amsterdam Centraal railway station simply amazed me for its fascinating presence.....
A delightful scene from the jetty in Amsterdam, Netherlands
From the Ante-Chapter-House a curved passage leads to one of the most admirable areas of Spanish Renaissance architecture: the Chapter-House of the Cathedral. It was begun in 1558 under the direction of the architec Hernán Ruiz II and was finished by Asensio de Maeda in 1592.
The layout of this area is elliptical so that all the members of the cathedral chapter were perfectly visible at their meetings where the problems of the spiritual and material government of the church were brought up and discussed. The oval vaulting in one simple unit helps the voice to carry and has exceptional acoustics. The need for hearing and seeing required in the meetings of the numerous clergy was thus satisfactorily solved, but at the same time the wall decoration of the Chapter-House consists of a complex series of pictures and figures to emphasize the virtues expected of those who came to meet there so that their exchange of ideas and opinions would take place in an atmosphere of harmony and concerd. The walls therefore show a moral code for the canons to observe in their chapter meetings. The composition of pictures and figures designed by the canon Francisco Pacheco includes a seies of sculptures ans paintings with Latin inscriptions referring to the meanings of the images. All this decoration appears in the second section of the Hall, and the first to be seen between the pedestals of the columns are painted versions of the Virtues, among which Justice, Charity, Faith, Compassion and Hope can be identified. These virtues are female figures, some of which represent Saints at the same time, such as St Barbara, St Katherine, St Lucy and St Agnes. These paintings were carried out by Pablo de Céspedes in 1592.
The authors of the large vertical reliefs between the columns are Juan Bautista Vázquez el Viejo and Diego de Velasco who made them approximately between 1582 and 1582. They show The Assumption of the Virgin, Two Miracles of St John the Evangelists, The cleasing of the Temple, The Heavenly Father with the Vintagers, The seven Angels calling the Damned, The Ectasy of St John Evangelist and The Allegory of the Mystic Lamb. The rectangular reliefs were carried out by Marcos Cabrera around 1590 and show The last Sermon of Jesus Christ, Daniel in the Lions´Den, Christ´s Baptism, The Storm in the Sea of Tiberias, The Parable of the Sower, Christ,s Agony in the Garden, St Peter contemplating the unclean Animals and Christ washing the Feet of the Apostles.
In the vault there is a magnificent series of paintings by Murillo who was commissioned by the Chapter in 1667. In a splendid carved frame everything centres on La Inmaculada, which may be considered among the most beautiful the artist made of the subject. Painted on circular canvases around the vault there is a series of eight Seville Saints who can be identified by the name on the signs. They are San Hermenegildo, San Fernando, San Leandro, San Isidoro, San Laureano, Santa Justa, Santa Rufina and San Pio. The Chapter-House centres on a magnificent mahogany armchair which was carved by the sculptor Diego de Velasco in 1592. Before it there is the secretary´s bench, also of excellent design by the same artist.
hispalis.net/turismo_y_cultura/monumentos/catedral/capitu...
San Martín de Tours - Frómista
The church of San Martín has a basilica plan, formed by three naves of different sizes separated by composite pillars. The main or central nave is wider than the two lateral ones, and all three end in semicircular apses. In the case of this church, the basilica plan is combined with the shape of a Latin cross, with the octagonal dome located on the transept. In this specific architecture, the passage from square to round structure (dome) is made through the horns and not through the pendentives as will happen later in Gothic architecture.
Wikipedia
A true architectural wonder, the Basilica of Our Lady of Victory stands as a tangible symbol of one man's unshakable faith and devotion to his patroness, Mary. It is a place of wondrous beauty, radiating hope to all those who arrive at its doors in desperate need. Its hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and mosaics dazzle the senses and evoke awe in even the hardest of hearts. But, above all, the Basilica is a gift of thanks. A gift, offered by Msgr. Nelson Baker, V.G., to his helpmate, Our Lady of Victory, for more than 50 years of inspiration and spiritual assistance.
The Gift
The year was 1921. Although Father Baker was 79 years old, he was still a visionary with great dreams -- and he had one more that needed attention. At a routine parish council meeting, the humble priest shocked all in attendance as he calmly unveiled ambitious plans for a shrine that would rival any within the U.S. Speaking before an astonished crowd, Father Baker outlined his desire for the finest materials and artists to come together for a true masterwork -- a way of paying homage to the Blessed Mother who provided him with so much throughout the years. Astounding all with his infectious vigor, construction was begun almost immediately.
Knowing that he had not set aside a penny for the new shrine's building did not seem to upset him either, as Father Baker was confident that Our Lady of Victory would again look kindly upon him -- and She did. The "Padre of the Poor" sent out a call of support and it was answered by thousands of citizens from around the nation, happy to support such a divine project. Some contributed through the Association of Our Lady of Victory, Father Baker's pioneering direct-mail fundraising club (via per-brick sponsorships of $10), while countless others sent offerings both large and small.
By late1925, construction of the great Sanctuary of Our Lady of Victory was completed and the first Mass was held there on Christmas of that year. Amazingly, when it opened the following year, the Basilica had no debt, having been completely paid for at a cost of $3.2 million. On May 25, 1926, a very special consecration ceremony took place. Attended by thousands of local dignitaries, priests, nuns, and well-wishers, the event was presided over by Father Baker, Bishop William Turner of the Diocese of Buffalo, and Cardinal Patrick Hayes. Within two months an even higher honor was bestowed upon the shrine as it was officially designated a Minor Basilica via an apostolic decree from Pope Pius XI. Father Baker's greatest dream had been realized: the gift had been given
Through the Years
Although the Basilica has seen many years, it has not seen too many changes. Only three events have altered the original design of the shrine significantly.
In 1941, a freak and violent lightning storm caused major damage to the Basilica's original twin towers. Father Baker's first successor, Msgr. Joseph Maguire, led the efforts to refurbish the structures, replacing the marble towers with the lower, enclosed, copper-dome-tipped towers that can be seen today.
The only other change to the Basilica's exterior took place some 60 years later. Piles of snow and ice caused by the harsh winter of 2001-2002 took its toll on the National Shrine, forcing Msgr. Robert Wurtz to replace the shrine's greenish-hued roof. When the Basilica was first built, the dome and the roof were made of a shiny copper, but, over time, those features turned green due to prolonged exposure to the elements (the same chemical change seen on the Statue of Liberty). A new copper roof was put up, and although, it doesn't match the other greenish highlights, the structure will begin to turn colors in upcoming years and is expected to blend right in with the other sections of copper in about 50 years.
Father Baker Comes Home
March 11, 1999, was a date which would see a profound change in the shrine, and in the minds of thousands of Western New Yorkers. It was on that day, that Father Nelson Baker came home.
In July 1998, Msgr. Robert Wurtz, pastor of OLV Parish announced that the earthly remains of Father Baker would be transferred from nearby Holy Cross Cemetery into his most beloved of creations, the OLV Basilica. The move, which was ordered by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome, would help raise awareness of Father Baker, his mission, and his legacy. On that brilliant morning in March, Father Baker's casket, carried by six men who were raised by the Padre of the Poor himself, was placed in a sarcophagus within the Grotto Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, found on the southern end of the Basilica's transept. A truly unique area, the Grotto is hewn out of black lava rock from Mount Vesuvius in Italy. At the time of its construction, Father Baker insisted on finding a material that was untouched by humans to pay tribute to the vision of Our Blessed Lady to St. Bernadatte in Lourdes, France. It is estimated that nearly 6,000 people passed through the Basilica's doors that day just to honor the humble priest and all of his accomplishments.
Today & Beyond
In 2001, a celebration 75 years in the making was held as the OLV Parish celebrated the National Shrine's Diamond Jubilee. As the 75th Anniversary of consecration approached, a committee of parishioners and OLV Institutions' staff members banned together to plan a truly special day. On May 26, a special Mass was followed by a dinner party, at which hundreds of dignitaries, clergy members, and friends came together to celebrate the OLV Basilica and its saintly founder, Father Nelson Baker.
Today, the Basilica continues to draw close to 2,000 visitors every month. Pilgrims and well-wishers of all faiths from every state gather to offer prayers to Father Baker, enjoy a calm moment of reflection, or just to admire the breath-taking architecture. The future will no doubt hold even more promise, as Father Baker advances down the long Path to Sainthood. Beatification (the next step and the second of three in the process), would, in itself, cause attendance to jump, while canonization is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Lackawanna and its wondrous shrine.
Simply stated, the OLV Basilica is what it is: a shrine of unparalleled beauty, a place for all to dream, hope and believe in. But it is also this: a gift offered by a humble servant to a provider of great things, the Blessed Mother. It is, and ever will be, a symbol of Father Baker's steadying faith and a dream that was very much worth dreaming.
Joyau de l’architecture gothique flamboyante, l’église Saint-Maclou allie éclat et élégance.
Comme le veut la tradition normande, l’église Saint-Maclou possède une tour lanterne, mais celle-ci a la particularité de servir de clocher. Sa flèche de 83m de haut est l’œuvre de Jacques-Eugène Barthélémy et est édifiée de 1868 à 1872.
A jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture, the Saint-Maclou church combines brilliance and elegance.
As is the Norman tradition, the Saint-Maclou church has a lantern tower, but this one has the particularity of serving as a bell tower. Its 83m high spire is the work of Jacques-Eugène Barthélémy and was built from 1868 to 1872.
The Zollverein Coal Mine Complex in Essen (More images in my series Zollverein) is one of the most impressive surviving examples of industrial culture from the modern era.
With their design of the central shaft facilities for Shaft XII, built between 1928 and 1932, Fritz Schupp and Martin Kremmer created the single most important part of the complex, both technically and architecturally. The industrial monument has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
The site of the Zollverein coal mine and coking plant stands symbolises industrial history and structural transformation in the economy. Here, Schupp and Kremmer created a high-performance industrial complex with clear aesthetics and a high degree of functionality. Symmetry, axiality and gradation of scale – the organising principles of the modernist formal idiom – came into their own here in a new context.
The curtain wall façades, designed in the style of New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) and made of a steel framework inset with clinker bricks, earned the colliery the reputation of being “the most beautiful coal mine in the world”, even back in its working days. Clearly visible from afar, the 55-metre-high double winding tower rises above the other buildings as an icon of mining architecture and a symbol for the entire Ruhr region. Years later, Fritz Schupp built the Zollverein Coking Plant, which went into operation in 1961, in the same style as the coal mine complex. In its day, the mine was regarded as the largest and most efficient one in the world. An era came to an end when the coal mine ceased operations in 1986 and the coking plant in 1993. A total of 600,000 people were employed here and coal was last extracted from a depth of 1,000 metres.
In the context of the International Building Exhibition (IBA) Emscher Park, the facility, which is protected as a historical monument, was promoted as a model project; the first phase of refurbishment began in 1989. Today, the Zollverein complex is the central anchor point of the Route of Industrial Heritage – a 400-kilometre-long trail along the industrial and cultural heritage of the Ruhr region. Based on a master plan by Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA in collaboration with the architectural firm of Heinrich Böll, the site was transformed with conversions and new buildings by Norman Foster and SANAA into a site for culture, business and education. Today, the Zollverein is a popular tourist destination that is home to the Ruhr Museum, the Red Dot Design Museum, the Zollverein Monument Trail, and the new Folkwang University of the Arts with its design department, plus the studios and ateliers of four dozen creative companies.
The Zollverein Coal Mine Complex in Essen (More images in my series Zollverein) is one of the most impressive surviving examples of industrial culture from the modern era.
With their design of the central shaft facilities for Shaft XII, built between 1928 and 1932, Fritz Schupp and Martin Kremmer created the single most important part of the complex, both technically and architecturally. The industrial monument has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
The site of the Zollverein coal mine and coking plant stands symbolises industrial history and structural transformation in the economy. Here, Schupp and Kremmer created a high-performance industrial complex with clear aesthetics and a high degree of functionality. Symmetry, axiality and gradation of scale – the organising principles of the modernist formal idiom – came into their own here in a new context.
The curtain wall façades, designed in the style of New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) and made of a steel framework inset with clinker bricks, earned the colliery the reputation of being “the most beautiful coal mine in the world”, even back in its working days. Clearly visible from afar, the 55-metre-high double winding tower rises above the other buildings as an icon of mining architecture and a symbol for the entire Ruhr region. Years later, Fritz Schupp built the Zollverein Coking Plant, which went into operation in 1961, in the same style as the coal mine complex. In its day, the mine was regarded as the largest and most efficient one in the world. An era came to an end when the coal mine ceased operations in 1986 and the coking plant in 1993. A total of 600,000 people were employed here and coal was last extracted from a depth of 1,000 metres.
In the context of the International Building Exhibition (IBA) Emscher Park, the facility, which is protected as a historical monument, was promoted as a model project; the first phase of refurbishment began in 1989. Today, the Zollverein complex is the central anchor point of the Route of Industrial Heritage – a 400-kilometre-long trail along the industrial and cultural heritage of the Ruhr region. Based on a master plan by Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA in collaboration with the architectural firm of Heinrich Böll, the site was transformed with conversions and new buildings by Norman Foster and SANAA into a site for culture, business and education. Today, the Zollverein is a popular tourist destination that is home to the Ruhr Museum, the Red Dot Design Museum, the Zollverein Monument Trail, and the new Folkwang University of the Arts with its design department, plus the studios and ateliers of four dozen creative companies.
Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jogyesa:
Jogyesa (Jogye Temple) is the chief temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The building dates back to the late 14th century and became the order's chief temple in 1936. It thus plays a leading role in the current state of Seon Buddhism in South Korea. The temple was first established in 1395, at the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty; the modern temple was founded in 1910 and initially called "Gakhwangsa". The name was changed to "Taegosa" during the period of Japanese rule, and then to the present name in 1954.
Jogyesa is located in Gyeonji-dong, Jongno-gu, in downtown Seoul. Natural monument No. 9, an ancient white pine tree, is located within the temple grounds. Jogyesa Temple is located in one of the most popular cultural streets in Seoul, Insa-dong, near the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
The Jogyesa Temple used to be known as Gakhwangsa Temple which was founded in 1395. During the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945), the temple become one of the strongest fortresses of Korean Buddhism. Gakhawangsa Temple emerged as the temple of the resistance to Japanese efforts to suppress Korean Buddhism. In 1937, a movement for the establishment of a Central Headquarters began which was successful with the building of the Main Buddha Hall of Jogyesa Temple in Seoul in 1938.
The temple became known as Taegosa Temple in 1938 and by its current name of Jogyesa Temple in 1954. The name Jogyesa Temple was chosen to denote the structure's status as the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (Buddhist sect which combines and integrates the Korean Zen and Textual Schools of Buddhism). The Jogye Order has 1700 years of history and is the most representative of Korean Buddhism Orders. The Jogye Order is based on the Seokgamoni doctrine and teachings of the Buddha, and it focuses on the mind and nature of this.
The Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) was constructed in 1938 of pine wood from Baekdu Mountain, and it's always filled with the sounds of chanting. In the main temple courtyard there are two trees which are 500 years old, a White Pine and a Chinese Scholar tree.
The White Pine tree is about 10 meters high and gave the nearby area “Susong-dong” its name (Song means 'pine tree'). This tree was brought by Chinese missionaries during the Joseon Dynasty. This pine tree sits besides the Main Hall, and its branch towards the Main Hall is only partially alive. One side of this tree is adjacent to the passage, while the other side sits next to the building. Therefore, because the area is inadequate for the tree to grow, the Lacebark pine is not preserved well and since the Lacebark pine is a rare tree species and is valuable in biology, it is designated and protected as a Natural Monument.
The Chinese Scholar tree, which is 26 meters tall and four meters in circumference, silently stands watch over the temple grounds.
Jogyesa Temple's features is a mix of traditional temple and palace architecture. The lattice designs found on the doors and windows of the Daeungjeon are unique in their own right. The temple also features the Geuknakjeon (Hall of Supreme Bliss) in which the Amitabha Buddha is enshrined, the Beomjongnu, a structure where a bell which enlightens the public with its sound is housed, and an information center for foreign nationals.
The Temple also has colorful matsya (Sanskrit for "fish") which is sacred to Hindu-Buddhists as it is one of the avatar (incarnation) of Hindu deity Vishnu which has been described in detail in Matsya Purana and 6th BCE Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya.
To enter the temple, visitors must pass through the Iljumun or "one pillar gate". The Iljumun is an entry that represents is the division that separates the mortal world from the world of Buddha.
Many beautifully restored residential halls and palaces are on the ground of Bang Pa-In. Without doubt, Bang Pa-In is one of the best kept old palace ground in Thailand and it is a pleasant experience to walk around the placeMost of the buildings are in 19th century European style. A striking construction, both outside and inside is the Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun Residential Hall, built in Chinese architecture. The residence is likely the finest Chinese architectural building in Thailand
This charming Victorian is on the tour, named Queen of the May because that was the month construction was completed... and it is obvious what a queenly residence it is. This design is by Archimedes Russell, a professor of architecture at Syracuse University who has much of his work listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This house displays the era's extravagant details and strong coloring. After WWI such statements fell out of favor, and one after another, these stunning "painted ladies" were garbed in more modern colors. It is wonderful to see so many of them being returned to their origins. (Elm Street is a particulary good area to see many stunning homes which are not listed in the tour brochure.)
The self-guided walking and driving tours of Malone include a number of historic churches and many fine homes featuring Greek Revival and Victorian-style architecture. The beautifully restored homes include many Queen Anne-style homes, "The Queen of the May" at 100 Elm Street was featured on the cover of the 1992 book, America's Painted Ladies.
Brochure available from: Malone Chamber of Commerce
This is the new 54,000 square metres large concert, congress and hotel complex in Malmö. The building consists of a composition of cubic volumes that are mutually twisted and given different sizes to meet the directions and building heights of the surrounding city. The façades are designed with a homogeneous expression to make the composition appear as one architectonic sculpture.
The new cultural centre becomes an open, expressive and dynamic building that is manifold in both its activities and its architecture. The point of departure for the building design is the modern Scandinavian architectural tradition with the clear functional organisation and the accessible and open ground floor lay-out. The building becomes the focal point and a landmark for Malmö – a place where the spirit of the city, the diversity and the intimacy is given an architectonic expression.