Category: Cities

Our “Cities” articles focus on one particular city and attempt to tell the story of how its architecture has evolved over time.

Architecture of Copenhagen, Denmark

Posted on June 18, 2022March 31, 2024 by rcarney

Copenhagen is a city filled with history and impressive architecture. It’s one of the leading cities in Scandinavia, and it maintains a strong connection with its Viking Roots. Copenhagen has been the seat of the Kingdom of Denmark for over 600 years, and many different Danish Kings commissioned impressive structures throughout the city. Copenhagen contains a blend of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architecture, along with an abundance of new contemporary buildings. It’s a city with a strong past and a bright future, and anyone visiting Copenhagen is sure to be inspired by its historic buildings, its inviting people, and its laid-back Scandinavian Culture.

Architecture of Istanbul, Turkey

Posted on April 17, 2022September 25, 2022 by rcarney

Istanbul truly is one of the world’s greatest cities. It has a long and storied history, and many groups including the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the modern Republic of Turkey have all left their mark on the architecture of Istanbul. In addition to wonders like Süleymaniye and the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul is home to dozens of lesser-known but still significant buildings. Any fan of architecture is sure to enjoy Istanbul, and the city remains a crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, as it has been for thousands of years.

Architecture of Venice, Italy

Posted on January 12, 2022September 17, 2023 by rcarney

Venice is truly one of the most iconic and unique cities on earth. From its origins as a humble fishing village, Venice eventually grew into the grand capital city of the Republic of Venice – one of the wealthiest and most powerful maritime republics in Mediterranean history. Venice is the birthplace of Venetian Gothic Architecture and the Venetian Renaissance, and the city contains buildings from every major age in architecture. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth, and any fan of architecture is sure to be delighted by the splendor and brilliance of Venice.

Architecture of Lisbon, Portugal

Posted on November 21, 2021March 4, 2024 by rcarney

Lisbon is one of those cities where history and architecture are directly correlated with one another. Within Lisbon, you will find buildings from every major age in architecture. By far the most important event that left its mark on the city was the massive earthquake that struck Lisbon in 1755. This disaster killed thousands and left most of Lisbon’s History Center in ruins. But, from the ashes of the destruction came the new Baixa Neighborhood which stitched together and repaired the heart of Lisbon. Today Lisbon is a thriving city and the capital of one of Europe’s most visited nations.

Architecture of Prague, Czech Republic

Posted on September 24, 2021March 16, 2024 by rcarney

Prague is one the best-preserved cities in all of Europe. It miraculously survived the bombs of WWII that were prevalent throughout the continent, and much of its historic center looks the same way it did hundreds of years ago. Today Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and is home to over 1.3 million people. Prague is also one of those rare examples of a city that contains buildings from every major age in architecture. Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo architecture can be found throughout the city.

Architecture of Stockholm, Sweden

Posted on July 6, 2021March 4, 2024 by rcarney

Stockholm is the capital and largest city within Sweden. The city has a unique layout because it is dispersed on several different islands located between the Baltic Sea to the east and Lake Mälaren to the west. The city has a long history spanning the early middle ages to the modern era. This article will highlight some of the most important and culturally significant buildings within Stockholm, showing how the architecture of the city evolved from the early 12th century to the 21st century.

Architecture of Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Posted on April 26, 2021September 17, 2023 by rcarney

Florence is one of the most influential cities in European History and it was the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. The city contains countless works of architecture spanning multiple different ages. Of course, there are the main renaissance attractions like Florence Cathedral, but there are also monuments from Florence’s medieval past, as well as buildings from after the unification of Italy.

Architecture of Valencia, Spain

Posted on March 6, 2021November 5, 2023 by rcarney

Located on the southeastern coast of Spain, Valencia is the country’s third-largest city and home to over 800,000 people. Over 2000 years, the city has had various rulers including the Romans, Moors, and the Kingdom of Aragon. The architecture of Valencia is incredibly diverse, with examples from different time periods including the Gothic Age, the Baroque Age, and the modern works of Santiago Calatrava.

Architecture of Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Posted on June 24, 2020March 4, 2024 by rcarney

Visited by millions each year, Munich is an incredible city filled with amazing art, cuisine, culture, and architecture. Whether you go for the Oktoberfest, or during any other part of the year, Munich and its architecture are sure to please any traveler.

View of Budapest at night from Buda Castle. The Chain Bridge can be seen in the foreground.

Architecture of Budapest, Central Hungary, Hungary

Posted on May 31, 2020March 4, 2024 by rcarney

Budapest has one of the most complex histories of any European city. A diverse blending of cultures and rulers has left the city with many different styles of architecture. Several hardships and conflicts have left their mark on the buildings as well, but despite all of this Budapest remains one of the top destinations in Europe.

Architecture of Split, Dalmatia, Croatia

Posted on May 17, 2020May 7, 2022 by rcarney

I can’t think of any other city on earth that was founded the way Split, Croatia was. The historic core of the city is actually the remnants of the Palace of Diocletian. The modern street plan of the city still reflects the original walls, rooms, and hallways of the palace 1700 years later. Although there was a small settlement in the area before the palace was built called Spalatum, the vast majority of Split’s history from the days of the Roman Empire to about the 15th Century revolves completely around Diocletian’s Palace.

Architecture of Avignon, Provence, France

Posted on November 25, 2019August 4, 2021 by rcarney

It’s hard to find a city with a history as complicated and dynamic as Avignon. One of only two cities on earth that can claim to be the headquarters of the Catholic Church, the other being Rome. Avignon was a medieval center of art, learning, and architecture, but was still constantly overshadowed by greater rivals such as the Franks and the Holy Roman Empire. Throughout the centuries, it has remained a truly unique place. Today Avignon is the 45th largest city in France according to numbers from 2013, but despite its smaller size is still a top tourist destination.

Architectural History of Siena, Tuscany, Italy

Posted on November 12, 2019February 13, 2022 by rcarney

Siena is a great example of a Tuscan Hill Town. Although similar to many other towns in the surrounding area, Siena stands out thanks to the many architectural sites within the historic center. The vast majority of the buildings are from the 12th to 17th centuries. It has one of the best preserved historic centers in all of Europe.

Exterior of the Tower of Gold in Seville

Architecture of Seville, Andalusia, Spain

Posted on November 8, 2019October 17, 2021 by rcarney

To me, Seville’s architectural significance is embodied in the Mudejar Style of Architecture. The whole concept, of a new style of Architecture forming itself from historic events, is the thing that makes Andalusia Spain, and Seville in particular, so magical. Everywhere you look, you can see in every stone, brick, and column, influences of the past rulers of this great city. From the Romans to the Moors, to the Spanish Empire, and on to modern Spain, Seville showcases all of these cultures and how they helped the city become the landmark it is today.