Churche of Chiloe in Chile

Churche of Chiloe (UNESCO World Heritage) in Chile

The Churches of Chiloé are a group of churches located in the  Chiloé Archipelago within Chile, constructed from native wood, in a fusion of indigenous and European cultural traditions. The ecclesiastical architecture used in the Churches of Chiloé stems from the tradition from the Jesuit Peripatetic Mission of the 17th and 18th centuries, and later in 19th century carried on by the Franciscans.

The Churches of Chiloé exemplify the blending of nature and architecture, with the use of natural materials to remain in harmony with the natural landscapes. Jesuit missionaries of the Society of Jesus arrived in the Chiloé Archipelago around 1608, sending members to evangelize to the native people and eventually began constructing these churches for its missionaries. The structures the Jesuits built were in the tradition of the indigenous people, using materials and methods found in the region, whose people were farmers and fishermen. The Jesuits were expelled in 1767, and the missionary work was taken over by the Franciscan order, until colonial rule ended.

Over 100 of these churches were constructed, though only 50 to 60 remain today. The churches are built along the shores of Chiloé Archipelago, which stretches from Chacao Canal to the Corcovado Gulf. The architecture is remarkable for the porticos, tower façades, and hints of Classical, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles, incorporating the indigenous traditions as well.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial in USA

Mount Rushmore National Memorial at South Dakota,USA

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Mount Rushmore is located near Keystone in South Dakota, USA. It is one of the most iconic monuments representing the United States internationally. Set against the impressive granite background of the Black Hills the huge sculptures of America’s four iconic United States presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln – stand out in a rare display of historic grandeur.
These 60-foot high carvings, 500-feet feet up the hills, were sculpted by the well-known Danish-American Gutzon Borglum and later by his son, Lincoln Borglum. The Mount Rushmore Memorial covers 1,278 acres and is about 5,725 feet above sea level.

The idea of creating the sculpture was the brainchild of Doane Robinson, a well-known South Dakota historian. Robinson believed that a mammoth carving on the Black Hills in South Dakota would attract much tourist interest in the state. He worked with John Boland, President Calvin Coolidge, Congressman William Williamson, and other leaders to secure funding. Needles was the site initially suggested to house these mammoth monuments. Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor, however believed that Mount Rushmore was a better choice due to its excellent quality granite. Robinson had initially envisaged it to feature local western heroes such as Lewis and Clark, and Buffalo Bill Cody but once again Borglum stepped in and suggested that the sculpture be given a Pan-American focus.

Construction work started in 1927, and the sculpture was completed in 1941. Gutzon Borglum’s death in March 1941 left the sculpture to an uncertain fate but his son Lincoln Borglum took over till the end of work in October 1941. Nearly three million visitors are known to visit Mount Rushmore annually.

The construction of the sculpture at Mt. Rushmore cost $989,992.32 in all. The cave behind the sculpture is called the “Hall of Records” and was initially intended to house the historic relics associated with the monument but could not be completed due to lack of funding. Mount Rushmore has been over seen by the National Park Service since 1933, even as the sculpture was being constructed

The Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace – The residential abode of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh

The Buckingham Palace was built way back in 1702 and the palace also served as the residence of Queen Charlotte. Ever since its inception, the palace has undergone renovations a number of times but the original architectural grandeur has remained intact.

Today, Buckingham Palace is the residential abode of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. Not only this, the palace also serves as the administrative headquarters of the British monarchy. The palace also serves as the venue where Her Majesty meets and entertains guests.The 45-minute change of guards ceremony at the Buckingham Palace is witnessed by thousands of locals and tourists each year.

As far as art and paintings are concerned, the Buckingham Palace in London has one of the world’s richest collections of art work. These are displayed in the State Rooms and great works of art from legends like Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Poussin and Claude can be seen at the palace.

The grandiose State Dining Room located to the west of the palace is a room worth visiting where many distinguished persons have dined in the past with Her Majesty.

There is also the Music Room where guests are introduced to the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. The Music Room was the place where The Prince of Wales, The Princess Royal, The Duke of York and Prince William were christened.

The regal and grandiose Drawing Room and the marvelous Bow Room are worth visiting. The Bow Room was built for King George IV to serve as a library but it never materialized.