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.

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.

Yosemite National Park in USA

Yosemite National Park in USA

Yosemite was one of the first wilderness parks established in the United States, and today is the third most visited in the country with about 4 million annual visitors. Yosemite offers scenic landscapes, giant sequoias, and outdoor adventures like hiking, climbing, camping, and kayaking. While Yosemite has many waterfalls to check out, Yosemite Falls is the tallest waterfall in North America at 739 meters (2,425 feet). Half Dome is a famous landmark of Yosemite National Park, which visitors can climb the 8.2 miles to the top.

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.

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.

Museum Island at Berlin, Germany

The Bode Museum in Museum Island at Berlin, Germany

The concept of the Museum Island is based on plans from the German architect, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, and established during the Age of Enlightenment. The 5 major museums are part of Berlin State Museums, and include:

Altes Museum

Neues Museum

Alte Nationalgalerie

Bode Museum

Pergamon Museum

Altes Museum, meaning Old Museum, was built from 1824 to 1828 and is the oldest museum on the island. Altes Museum houses Greek and Roman art, and the top floor holds exhibitions. Neues Museum, meaning New Museum, was built from 1843 to 1847, but was destroyed in WWII, rebuilt and reopened in 2009. Neues Museum houses archaeological artifacts, and Egyptian and Etruscan sculptures – notably a bust of Queen Nefertiti. Alte Nationalgalerie, meaning Old National Gallery, was built beginning in 1866 and houses art from the 19th century. Construction on the Bode Museum began in 1897. It opened in 1904, and had been called Kaiser-Friedrich Museum. Bode Museum exhibits sculptures and late Antique and Byzantine art, with paintings dating up to 1800. The Pergamon Museum is a museum of ancient architecture. It was constructed from 1909 to 1930 and includes reconstructions of the Pergamon Altar (Greek altar) and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon. The museums have varying designs, each one’s architecture is designed to reflect the works it houses.

Durmitor National Park

Durmitor National Park in Montenegro, Europe

Durmitor National Park is a natural area of northern Montenegro in Europe. The park’s features include mountains, canyons and gorges, rivers, and underground streams formed by glaciers as they melted during the Quaternary period. Main features of the park include Mount Durmitor plateau and the valleys and canyons of the Tara River, considered one of the last wild rivers in Europe. The Tara River Canyon is home to the deepest gorge in Europe at 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) deep.

The park has a wide altitude range from the mountain peaks to the canyon floors, creating multiple microclimates, like Mediterranean and alpine. There are three major geo-morphological features: canyons, mountains, plateaus.

The area is heavily forested, with pine forests that include the rare black pine, and the 400-year-old trees often reach 50 meters (160 feet) in height. There are 18 glacial lakes, the largest of which is the Black Lake, which feeds both the Tara River and the Komarnica River.  Durmitor National Park is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, such as the brown bear, wolf, wild boar, wild cat, chamois, and various species of eagle.

Durham Castle in England

Durham Castle at northeast England in UK

Durham Castle is a Norman castle located in northeast England in the United Kingdom. Built under the order of William the Conqueror beginning in 1072, the castle now houses University College of Durham.

After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the Normans sought to show their power in northern England and protect themselves from local threats, as well as invasions from the Scots and Danes. This castle was built to house the Bishop of Durham, who would follow orders from the king from the castle. The Earl of Northumberland Waltheof supervised the construction until he rebelled against the king and was later executed in 1076. The Bishop of Durham, Walcher then took control, becoming the first Prince-Bishop of Durham, giving Durham a unique status. The castle was eventually donated to the University of Durham by Bishop Edward Maltby in 1837.

Major features of the castle include a motte (mound) and an inner and outer bailey (walled areas). Records are unclear as to whether the castle was first a wooden structure or stone. The tower was likely originally wood, but many buildings were made from stone. Also, there may have been an Anglo-Saxon structure there prior to the castle. The relics and remains of three saints can be found at the castle.

Since 1840, Durham Castle has been home to University College, Durham. The general public can take tours of Durham Castle, and about 100 students reside in the castle dorms. The Great Hall serves as a dining area. The castle also holds the library, conference rooms, offices, and other school facilities.

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.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in Japan

Cenotaph through which the Atomic Dome can be seen at Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima, Japan.

On August 6, 1945, during World War II, military forces dropped the first atomic bomb in world history over the Japanese city of Hiroshima, killing a total of about 140,000 people. About half were killed instantly, and the other half died later from the bomb’s effects. The only building left in the wide area destroyed by the bomb was the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, now called the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome, which stood directly below the point of explosion. The structure has been preserved to remain exactly the way the bomb left it.

The area surrounding the dome has since been transformed into the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which includes the dome, monuments to the victims, and a museum. Notable monuments in the park include a concrete arch protecting a cenotaph (or empty tomb) that contains the names of the bomb victims. Through the arch, the Peace Flame and the A-Bomb Dome are visible, in perfect alignment. The Peace Flame burns continuously, and will continue until the world is free from nuclear warfare. There is also the Children’s Peace Monument, dedicated the children who lost their lives in the bombing. Children from around the world send thousands of paper cranes to Hiroshima, which are displayed around the monument. The Children’s Peace Monument contains one of three peace bells that visitors can ring for world peace.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is also situated within the park, and offers a history of the war and the decision to bomb Hiroshima, as well as many personal stories, memorabilia, and photos from the bombing. The museum also works to promote the message of world peace and end nuclear warfare.

Historic Centre of Macau in China

Visitors at the Historic Centre of Macau in China

Macau is a port city with an unique history and modern mix of cultures. Once a Portuguese colony, Macau was under Portuguese administration from the mid-sixteenth century until 1999, when it fell under Chinese rule. Macau had been inhabited by Chinese fishermen and seafaring merchants, who established fishing villages. Portuguese traders arrived and settled in the port as part of its trade route, making Macau a prosperous port town. A population influx in 1949 brought many Chinese refugees, and Macau then became a Chinese territory administered by Portugal. Today, the city of Macau is considered a Special Administrative Region of China, and displays a fusion of cultures coexisting and connecting.

The port of Macau is an important and long-lasting point of international trade – the trade of goods as well as culture. The Macau Historic Centre exhibits the merging of East and West, with architecture, technology, and culture influenced by both the Portuguese and Chinese inhabitants. Its streets are European, yet Asian, a development of something entirely unique to Macau.

Two zones in the Historic Centre, with about 25 historical buildings with architecture influenced by both Portuguese and Chinese styles were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Visitors to the Historic Centre of Macau can take the Macau Heritage Walk circuit to view examples of some of the earliest Western architecture in Asia, including styles from the Renaissance, Baroque, and neoclassical periods. Though these are in Western style, they incorporate characteristics from Chinese culture, including Chinese murals. Temples and homes in the Chinese style are also found in the historical city center.

The Guia Fortress, which includes a fort, a chapel, and a cemetery, were built around 1622 to 1638. The lighthouse on site is the oldest lighthouse in South China.

Other notable historical sites include several churches, including the ruins of Saint Paul’s church, though the façade is all that remains. The A-Ma Temple, situated in Barra Square, is a Taoist temple that may have contributed to the name of the city Macau. Dom Pedro V Theater was the first Western theater in China, constructed in the neoclassical style. The Moorish Barracks are also neoclassical design, featuring verandas and granite work. Macau Historic Centre includes several town squares, a library, many churches, and historical homes.