Category: Lists

Our “Lists” articles are designed to explore one element within architecture and also answer a question, such as, “what is Byzantine Architecture?”

Top 25 Examples of Renaissance Architecture

Posted on October 17, 2021November 5, 2023 by rcarney

The Renaissance was a rapidly evolving art movement that began in the late 13th century and lasted until the 17th century. Renaissance architects borrowed elements from much older works of Classical Architecture along with other traditional ideas such as Symmetry, and Proportion. From Italy to Germany, Spain, and beyond, this list will attempt to showcase some of the finest, most innovative, and impressive examples of Renaissance Architecture; highlighting various buildings from the Renaissance Age.

Top 8 Ancient Roman Victory Columns

Posted on October 2, 2021April 17, 2022 by rcarney

The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful and advanced civilizations of all time. They controlled much of Europe and the Mediterranean and they built countless important buildings and monuments throughout their empire. To commemorate important people and events, the Romans constructed what are known as Victory Columns. These columns vary in size and style, but they were all built for the same purpose, to commemorate something or someone of importance.

Top 15 Italian Piazzas

Posted on September 7, 2021May 7, 2022 by rcarney

Throughout Italy, Piazzas are a distinct element in every major city. These Piazzas vary in size and style, but they represent the heart and soul of every Italian city. Piazzas are where the Italian people gather together, where they eat and drink, where they trade their goods, and where they celebrate their most important festivals and holidays. Some of Italy’s greatest works of architecture can be found in and around these piazzas, and any visitor to Italy should include these important cultural centers within their travel plans.

Venetian Cities and Venetian Architecture

Posted on June 22, 2021July 17, 2022 by rcarney

The Republic of Venice was one of the greatest maritime powers of the middle ages. They controlled a vast territory that spread from their capital in Italy across the seas to the shores of modern-day Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Greece. Although most people only think of Venice when they picture Venetian Architecture, many Venetian-style buildings can be found throughout their former empire. This article will take a deeper look into the other cities of the Republic of Venice, and highlight Venetian Architecture from throughout the Mediterranean.

Timurid Architecture and the Timurid Renaissance

Posted on June 6, 2021June 25, 2022 by rcarney

Timur created a massive empire, that controlled much of Central Asia. The Timurid Empire borrowed heavily from older civilizations such as the Persians, and the Arabs, and they created some of the most incredible buildings that can be found throughout the region. This list will attempt to showcase some of the finest, most innovative, and impressive examples of Timurid Architecture; highlighting various buildings from throughout the former lands of the Timurid Empire.

The arch of Constantine is a Roman Triumphal Arch Located within Rome, Italy.

Top 15 Ancient Roman Triumphal Arches

Posted on May 10, 2021January 28, 2022 by rcarney

The Ancient Romans accomplished so much throughout the life of their incredible empire, and of course, the Romans were always eager to build monuments commemorating their accomplishments. They built triumphal arches throughout every Roman Province as a way to embellish the achievements of the Roman Emperors and acknowledge new territorial gains.

Top 15 Examples of Armenian Architecture

Posted on April 5, 2021October 1, 2022 by rcarney

Armenia was a formidable kingdom during antiquity, and the Armenian people lived on to begin many important dynasties over the centuries. This helped spread Armenian Culture and customs throughout the Caucasus, Anatolia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Armenians perfected many building techniques through the construction of their churches and monasteries, and these developments are still influencing architecture to this day. Today millions of Armenians live in The United States, Europe, and the Middle East, and Armenian Architecture lives on both in the Armenian Homeland and the rest of the globe.

Norman Architecture and the Top 15 Norman Buildings

Posted on March 16, 2021September 17, 2023 by rcarney

The Normans have left a lasting legacy on European Architecture. Unlike other medieval kingdoms, the Normans weren’t a clearly united faction with a centralized government, but rather separate nations that shared a unified background. This largely explains the diversity of Norman Architecture, which is often very different in the Mediterranean vs. the British Isles. But regardless of a lack of unity, there are still many distinct features within Norman Architecture that helped shape the course of European building in the middle ages.

Top 20 Ancient Roman Aqueducts

Posted on February 13, 2021April 17, 2022 by rcarney

The Romans had an unquenchable thirst for freshwater. Roman bathhouses, latrines, and public fountains, all required an immense amount of water every day. Without aqueducts, none of these luxuries would have been available. With the first aqueduct completed in 312 BCE, the Romans expanded and improved on their designs over time, and created the many examples of Ancient Roman Aqueducts that we see today.

16 Greatest Rock Cut Architecture Examples

Posted on February 7, 2021August 4, 2021 by rcarney

Despite the diversity of buildings all over the world, the vast majority are all made from a shortlist of materials. Wood, brick, stone, metal, glass, and a handful of others, make up 99% of the buildings around us. It’s rather unconventional to build something from solid rock, but despite the immense challenges, many monumental examples of rock cut architecture exist around the world.

Moorish Architecture In Spain: The Top 20 Examples

Posted on November 30, 2020August 7, 2022 by rcarney

The five centuries worth of Moorish Rule in the Iberian Peninsula left behind some of the greatest works of architecture found in Spain. The Moorish buildings of Spain are some of the only works of Islamic Architecture found in Europe, and they rival some of the great buildings found throughout the Middle East. Although Moorish rule in Spain wouldn’t last, the monuments built by the Moors are still some of Spain’s most iconic sites.

Romanesque Architecture and the Top 15 Romanesque Buildings

Posted on July 3, 2020August 27, 2023 by rcarney

Romanesque architecture and art was a form of design that borrowed extensively from Ancient Roman art and architecture and was used throughout Europe from 500-1200 CE.

Exterior View of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul Turkey

Top 25 Examples of Byzantine Architecture

Posted on June 9, 2020August 9, 2023 by rcarney

The Byzantine Empire was one of the most powerful and influential empires in history. They can clearly be seen as a continuation of the once-mighty Roman Empire, and although not as well known as their Latin counterparts, the Byzantines still left their mark on history and on architecture.

World’s Strongest Castles

Posted on May 7, 2020September 17, 2023 by rcarney

For millennia, mankind has sought shelter behind forts, moats, towers, and walls. Up until the age of gunpowder, castles with their thick stone walls were the go-to way to create defensive positions. Unfortunately, after gunpowder and cannons, these marvels of the medieval world became obsolete, giving way to newer fortifications like the packed-earth wall and the star fort.

Top 12 Medieval Bridges

Posted on April 20, 2020October 1, 2021 by rcarney

Throughout history, bridges have been strategic, economic, and commercial lifelines within our cities. In the height of the middle ages, bridges made primarily of stone, were some of the grandest constructions that civilization could create. Stone bridges were built to last, many bridges that were built hundreds of years ago are still utilized today.