Tower of Hercules, Spain

 Tower of Hercules is an ancient Roman lighthouse on a peninsula about 2.4 kilometers from the centre of Corunna, Galicia, in north-western Spain.

 The Tower of Hercules is an ancient lighthouse that stands at the opening of La Coruña harbor on the northwestern coast of Spain. The lighthouse stands along the sea route from the Mediterranean Sea to northwestern Europe.

The Tower of Hercules is notable for being one of few examples of a surviving Greco-Roman lighthouse, and the oldest of its kind that has remained in use, though it has undergone construction. The lighthouse stands along the coast as a symbol for the lasting power of the Romans and their impressive architectural knowledge. The structure has withstood the wear and tear of the winds and waters of the coast, and even devastating earthquakes couldn’t knock it down.

Many legends have surrounded the Tower of Hercules, claiming mythical origins. The tower’s namesake, Hercules, is said to have won a fight with a giant, and buried its head and weapons at the site. Other mythologies of the structure include a Gaelic Celtic legend, in which King Breogán had the site built to stand as a beacon to his sons. For this legend, a statue of the king continues to guard the lighthouse.

Built in the 1st century AD by the Romans, likely during Trajan’s rule, the tower was known as Farum Brigantium, after the lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt’s island, Pharos. However, the tower has gone through many names over its long history. Roman explorers arrived in La Coruña’s port of Brigantium around 61BC, and began to colonize the area. The port was important for defense and trade, guarding the entrance to the Bay of Biscay. The area had been a dangerous one for ships, dubbed the Coast of Death by the early Roman seamen. Though the presence of lighthouse has helped to increase safety, the orientation of the light house seems to have been constructed to aid travelers coming from the area that is now the United Kingdom, rather than those coming from the mainland of Europe.

The tower has been restored several times over its history, and probably had some reconstructions in around 1684. Later, the tower was again restored during the 18th century by Eustaquio Giannini, a naval engineer, who altered the form of the tower and added 21 meters in height to the once 34-meter tall tower. Construction on the tower was continued by Giannini’s brother, Jose Giannini from 1799 to 1806.

Though it still functions today, the lighthouse was not used continuously throughout history, with a long period of disuse – probably after the Viking invasions. The tower itself may still have been used during this time. The town around the tower thrived during the 11th or 12th century, and the townspeople used the structure as a defensive observation post. The town grew rapidly in the 14th and 15th centuries, and the tower was heralded as an icon of the city.

The site was excavated in the 1990s, and historians were able to discover more information about the tower’s history, particularly regarding its Roman origins.

Fin Garden (Bagh-e Fin)

Fin Garden (Bagh-e Fin) in Kashan, Iran

Fin Garden (Bagh-e Fin) is a historical Persian garden, located in Kashan, Iran. The garden contains Kashan’s Fin Bath, famous for being the site of the murder of Amir Kabir, a Qajarid Prime Minister under Naser al-Din Shah. Kabir was assassinated by someone at Fin bathhouse, who was sent by King Nasereddin Shah in 1852. The garden was probably first created during the Safavid era, though there were renovations later in history.

Completed in 1590, Fin Garden is the oldest extant garden in the country. Fin Garden features long reflecting pools, cypress trees, and plenty of Safavid era tile work. The garden’s fountains and bathhouses are remarkable for their water features and advanced system that functioned without the construction of mechanical water pumps. The central pavilion is notable for its art and décor that reflects the style of the period. Inside, a museum houses ancient ceramic statues, coins, and Persian rugs. Architectural styles include those from Safavid, Zandiyeh, and Qajar eras.

Palace of Fontainebleau

Palace of Fontainebleau – The royal residence used by French kings and royal families

The Palace of Fontainebleau, or Chateau de Fontainebleau, is a royal residence used by French kings and royal families. Beginning in the 12th century, the chateau was used as a medieval hunting lodge by King Louis VII. Located in the forests of the Île-de-France, Fontainebleau was the perfect choice for a residence not far from the capital in Paris.

In the 16th century, François I recreated the lodge, transforming it into the Renaissance palace it is today. Beginning in 1528, the project of embellishing the royal residence began with the earliest builder, Gilles le Breton, including his work on the Cour Ovale in the eastern part of the complex.

The architecture and art of the Palace of Fontainebleau inspired artistic evolution. François I brought artists from Italy, who spread the Renaissance to France. Rosso Fiorentino was the artist who created many of the palace’s frescoes and stuccos from 1533 to 1540. Fiorentino worked in the Mannerist style and his work incorporated themes from Greco-Roman mythology. Francesco Primaticcio also created frescoes, along with Romantic bronzes, the Cortile of the Belvedere and the Palazzo della Valle.

After François I, construction on the palace was continued by successors, even through the 19th century. Today, the palace is made up of five courtyards surrounded by buildings and filled with gardens. The grounds feature the Forest of Fontainebleau and many gardens, like the Grand Jardin on the east side. Originally consisting of flower beds and a canal, the gardens later became Parterre du Tibre, and today are primarily lawns with flowers along the borders.

The Palace of Fontainebleau now houses the Ecoles d’Art Americaines, an art school for American students. Tours are available of certain parts of the palace, like the Grands Appartements (including the Papal Apartment), the chapels, museums, and galleries.

Malbork Castle in Poland

Malbork Castle – World’s Largest Brick Gothic Castle, Poland

Malbork Castle, also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork is a monastery, built in 1276 by a crusading military order. The medieval brick castle complex is constructed in the unique Teutonic Order style. The Teutonic order was a Catholic religious order of Germany, made up of crusaders known as the Teutonic Knights. The knights named the castle Mary’s Castle (Marienburg), after their patron saint.

Malbork is a town in northern Poland, though the castle was built in the 13th century when the region was part of Prussia as a fortified monastery. In 1309, the Grand Master moved to Malbork from Venice, making the Malbork Castle the seat of the Grand Master. At this point, the monastery was expanded. Malbork Castle is now the largest castle in the world in surface area, as well as the largest brick building in Europe.

There are three castles on the compound – the High Castle, the Middle Castle, and Lower Castle, as well as various moats and towers. Visitors to the castle can pay an extra fee to climb one of the towers, offering great views of the grounds.

The castle has been damaged several times and restored again throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. It was damaged during WWII and then restored again. There are some original parts of the castle left. Restoration efforts have paved the way for conservation practices around the world. The restorations have been used as a way to conserve the techniques for medieval building construction and medieval art, making Malbork Castle a monument to conservation itself.

Audio guide tours of the castle are available in several languages, or you can hire a guide to show you around the building to get the most out of your time there.

La Sagrada Familia

Exemplary Art and Architecture at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain

La Sagrada Familia, or its full name Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia in Catalan (in English meaning “Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family”) is an awe-inspiring work of art and architecture located in Barcelona, Catalonia in Spain. The work of the distinct and one-of-a-kind artist and architect, Antoni Gaudi, a native of Catalonia, La Sagrada Familia is one of the city’s major draws, along with other work by Gaudi.

La Sagrada Familia is a Catholic basilica, initially the concept of Josep Maria Bocabella, a Catalan who visited the Vatican and was inspired to bring some of that back home. Construction began on the church’s crypt on March 19, 1882, with architecture designed by Francisco de Paula del Villar, with a plan to become a Gothic revival church. Villar retired from the project a year later on March 18, 1883, and Gaudi took over from there, transforming the church into his own unique style until his death in 1926. When Gaudi died, La Sagrada Familia was less than a quarter of the way completed.

After his death, Domenec Sugranes i Gras continued the work, followed by a series of other architects. Gras worked according to Gaudi’s plans, but during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, many of the plans were destroyed in a fire.

Construction on the basilica continues even today. Currently heading the project is Jordi Bonet i Armengol, who began using modern technology in the design and construction. Stones that had formerly been shaped by hand are now being shaped by machines.

The design of La Sagrada Familia features interpretations of many architectural styles, including Gothic and Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism and Noucentisme, though Gaudi took his architectural design to levels never seen before or after. Gaudi’s design plans for 18 spires – though not all have been built thus far. The 18 spires represent the Twelve Apostles, the four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ – the tallest spire.

The design also features three major façades, representing the Nativity scene facing east, the Passion scene on the west, and the Glory façade will face south when it is completed. The Nativity façade was the first to be constructed from 1894 and 1930. It shows the scene of Jesus’ birth, and faces the rising sun. The Passion façade is much simpler, depicting the crucifixion of Jesus, and faces the setting sun. The Glory facade is the largest and newest, only beginning construction in 2002. The Glory façade, while generally outlined by Gaudi, was intended by the architect to evolve and be shaped by later designers long after his death. The final facade will feature the Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Heavenly Virtues, and is dedicated to the Final Judgment and the Celestial Glory of Jesus.

Work on the Sagrada Familia is estimated to finally be complete in 2026 – 100 years after its mastermind, Gaudi’s death. Other estimates place the date of completion in 2028.

Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam

The Hoover Dam is an arched dam in the Colorado River’s Black Canyon. Constructed from concrete during the Great Depression in the 1930s, the dam is considered an engineering marvel, though many lives were lost during its construction. The builders had to overcome many challenges to make the dam possible. The dam was built to control water flow to prevent floods, and also to generate hydroelectric power. The dam is also known as Boulder Dam, but was originally named for President Herbert Hoover, who was president during the early construction of the dam.

Visitors to the Hoover Dam are often amazed at its size and power. Tours are available for the power plant and also to go into the dam.

Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon is a system of canyons in northern Mexico, which were formed from several rivers that eventually all flow into the Rio Fuerte. The six canyons in Copper Canyon, when combined, are larger than the Grand Canyon. The Copper Canyon was named for the coppery colored rock from which the canyons are carved.

Aside from the canyons, there are hot springs and a wide variety of wildflowers which decorate the Copper Canyon at times. Hiking, biking, and driving are popular ways to get around Copper Canyon to experience all it has to offer. In addition, the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifica (ChePe for short) is a popular way to view the canyon, as it runs alongside Canyon Urique offering great views along the way.

Visitors to Copper Canyon may also be able to see some people of the Raramuri (or Tarahumara) tribe of native Americans, who are famous for their incredible endurance when running.

Aachen Cathedral, Germany

Aachen Cathedral, Germany – Also known as ‘Imperial Cathedral’ or Kaiserdom is Oldest Roman Catholic Church in Northern Europe.

Aachen Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church, known as the Imperial Cathedral or the Royal Church of St. Mary at Aachen . Built in the Middle Ages, it is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe. Constructed by Charles the Great, known also as Charlemagne, the cathedral was built beginning around 792, and was later was consecrated by Pope Leo III. The cathedral was renovated and expanded at a few points during the Middle Ages to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. The remains of Charlemagne rest inside a vault within the cathedral.

 The cathedral is noted for its ornate mosaic ceilings and décor, stained glass windows, and architecturally complex exterior with various architectural styles from different periods. The palatine chapel has an octagonal basilica, a cupola, and vaulted ceilings, inspired by the style of the eastern Holy Roman Empire.

 Inside the cathedral is the golden shrine of the Virgin Mary, which contains the relics of Mary’s cloak, baby Jesus’ swaddling clothes, St. John the Baptists beheading cloth, and Christ’s loincloth. Every seven years, these relics are displayed during the Great Aachen Pilgrimage.

 The massive door to the Aachen Cathedral is called Wolf’s Door. Legend has it that the people of Aachen tricked the devil by giving the soul of a wolf instead of a human as repayment for the funds to build the cathedral. The angered devil then slammed the door so hard that his thumb got caught and ripped off.

Lake Superior (Great Lakes in North America)

Lake Superior (Great Lakes in North America) is the largest freshwater lake in the world

Part of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is the largest of this major group of lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area (but not by volume). The lake is situated along the border between the United States and Canada, with borders in the Canadian province of Ontario and the US states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Lake Superior offers 2,726 miles (4,387 kilometers) of coastline, including the islands, lending it and the rest of the Great Lakes region the nickname “the third coast”.

There are several islands in Lake Superior, the largest of which is Isle Royale, which is part of Michigan. This island has its own lakes and even 400 of its own islands. Isle Royale is part of the National Parks Service. Additional islands in Lake Superior include Madeline Island in Wisconsin, Michipicoten Island in Ontario, and Grand Island in Michigan. Grand Island is home to a national recreation area in the Hiawatha National Forest.

Other popular places to visit around Lake Superior include the Sleeping Giant in Ontario, which are mesas on the Sibley Peninsula formed to look like a sleeping giant, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the first official National Lakeshore in the country, and the forested Pukaskwa National Park in Ontario.

The Lake Superior area offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as observing wildlife including bears, moose, lynx, and grey wolves.

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.

Doñana National Park in Spain

Wetlands at Doñana National Park in Spain

Doñana National Park is situated along the banks of the Guadalquivir River and the delta where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Consisting of various areas of marshland and swamps, lagoons, sand dunes, streams, scrub woodland, and maquis, the park is a habitat to diverse plant and animal life, including several threatened and endangered species. Spanish lynx, Adalbert’s eagle, marbled teal, and white-headed duck are among the threatened species residing within the park.

Doñana serves as one of the largest habitats for herons in the Mediterranean, and serves as a winter migration destination for over 500,000 waterfowl. The park also serves as a breeding ground for various animals including egrets and waders.

As such an important wildlife habitat, there have been many conservation efforts put into effect at the park. The World Wildlife Fund works to protect parts of the park, including the ecosystem of the marshes, which is threatened by irrigation for agricultural use as well as tourism. There has also been a suggestion that the lost city of Atlantis was located around the swamps of Doñana.

Engelsberg Ironworks in Sweden

Engelsberg Ironworks   Best-preserved example of Swedish ironworks.

Engelsberg Ironworks is a historical industrial complex located in Sweden, which features administrative and residential buildings from the 17th to 19th centuries. This well-preserved example of a traditional Swedish ironworks was built in 1681, and grew into a modern ironworks from 1700-1800. Sweden has long been known for its superior iron, becoming a leader in iron production in the 1700s to 1800s, remaining the economic leader in the iron industry for two centuries.

The ironworks was started by local peasants in the 13th century, alongside their agriculture pursuits. After the water-wheel became used, the iron industry took off in the late Middle Ages, growing rapidly. Pig-iron production, created by primitive smelting furnaces, was initially restricted to peasants.

Production steadily increased and the complex expanded during the 18th century as a result of improving technology. About 50 buildings were built around the complex, some decorated with Gustavian paintings. Houses include the master gardener’s house (built in 1790), a brewery (1829),and an inspector’s house, an office building, stables and smiths’ cottages. The complex provides a picture of the Swedish accomplishments in their historical traditions and equipment as well as the way of life in terms of society and culture in Sweden during this time period. Some of the ironworks machines continue to work today, giving visitors a view into how the mill once functioned.

Holy Trinity Column in Czech Republic

Holy Trinity Column at Olomouc, Czech Republic

The Holy Trinity Column is a Baroque style monolith in the city of Olomouc in the Czech Republic. Constructed from 1717 to 1754, the column was intended to honor and praise God for ending the Plague, which had killed many people, and ended just two years before the tower’s construction began. The structure, also known as a plague column or Marian column, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Holy Trinity Column is one of the most impressive examples of its kind because of its grand size, including a chapel housed within the base, and elaborate decorations, and the use of stone and gilded copper.

Olomouc was once the capital of Moravia, before it became Czechoslovakia and later the Czech Republic. The builders of the Holy Trinity Column mostly came from Olomouc, and much of the artwork that decorates the column has symbolic connections to the city. Many of the craftsmen who worked on the column suffered various misfortunes and died before the work could be completed. The sculptures were completed by a local artist, Ondrej Zahner. The style they created eventually became known as Olomouc Baroque.

The completed column was consecrated during a ceremony on September 9, 1754, which the Empress Maria Theresa and her husband Francis I attended. The Prussian military attacked Olomouc in 1758, causing some damage to the column. Though the column was soon repaired, a stone shot was added to the column to symbolize the history of the monument. The Holy Trinity Column stands as a testament to the religious traditions and history of the city of Olomouc.

The column sits atop a circular base with a hexagon stacked on top of it. The ground level contains a chapel, and has a pedestal at each point of the hexagon, each with a statue of a saint. The same concept is used on the middle tier and the top tier. Each of the major saints from the Baroque period are featured, along with the virtues. From the top tier extends a pillar, which stands 10 meters (33 feet) tall. The pillar is decorated with various sculptures of the Virgin Mary and angels, Jesus on the cross, a globe, and the Archangel Michael, and a dove representing the Holy Spirit.