Architecture of Cities

Architecture of Istanbul, Turkey

Posted on April 17, 2022September 29, 2024 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.

Top 25 Examples of Baroque Architecture

Posted on March 21, 2022October 19, 2024 by rcarney

Baroque Architecture is one of the world’s first intercontinental building forms. It spread from Europe to other parts of the globe thanks to the many European Colonies that existed during the Baroque Age. Many Baroque palaces, churches, and public squares can be found in cities throughout the world, and some of the most recognizable structures on earth such as the Palace of Versailles and the Trevi Fountain were designed in the Baroque Style.

Top 8 Italian Baptistries

Posted on February 13, 2022February 13, 2022 by rcarney

Italian Baptistries are worth studying because of their uniqueness. Unlike most European churches, many Italian cathedrals have detached buildings that were specifically designed for baptisms. These baptistries have their own architectural identity, and they can either contrast or compliment the elements of the adjacent church. Some baptistries date all the way back to ancient times, during the days of the Roman Empire, while others were built in the height of Medieval Europe during the Romanesque and Gothic Periods. The diversity of these buildings is part of what makes them so impressive, and baptistries are a unique part of Italy’s architectural heritage.

Top 30 Ancient Roman Theaters

Posted on January 28, 2022May 7, 2022 by rcarney

The influences of Roman Theaters can still be seen throughout the modern world. The actual structure of these theaters is timeless, and it has been repeatedly replicated throughout history. Virtually all performance venues of the modern age are cast from the same mold as the ancient theaters of the Greeks and Romans. Theaters were so important to the Roman people that virtually every city in the empire contained at least one, if not multiple. Many of these venues are still utilized for performances today, which shows the lasting impact that these structures have had on the modern world.

Top 25 Examples of Gothic Architecture

Posted on January 22, 2022November 10, 2024 by rcarney

During the later period of the middle ages, one style dominated European building, the Gothic Style. Gothic Architecture was popular for hundreds of years, particularly in the most powerful Kingdoms of Western Europe such as England, France, and Spain. There are many trademark features in Gothic Architecture such as pointed arches, stained glass, and tall soaring towers and naves.

Architecture of Venice, Italy

Posted on January 12, 2022September 29, 2024 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.

Top 25 Examples of Mughal Architecture

Posted on December 4, 2021April 17, 2022 by rcarney

The Mughals were a powerful dynasty that built not only the Taj Mahal, but dozens of other incredible buildings throughout India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The Mughals combined Islamic and Hindu Architecture and paired it with materials like red sandstone and white marble. The Mughals built mosques throughout every major city in their empire, constructed a network of fortifications to protect their borders, and left behind massive tombs and monuments to show off their wealth. Today the Architecture of the Mughal Empire is one of the most influential styles from the Indian Subcontinent, and several Mughal Buildings are among the region’s most visited attractions.

Architecture of Lisbon, Portugal

Posted on November 21, 2021September 29, 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.

Top 10 Tuscan Hill Towns

Posted on November 2, 2021February 13, 2022 by rcarney

Many people visit Tuscany and only see its major cities like Pisa and Florence. But beyond the big cities, you will find an abundance of quaint, beautiful hill towns that have remained relatively untouched since the middle ages. The hill towns of Tuscany are unique to the region and are some of the most picturesque places in all of Italy. They contain a variety of different forms of architecture from throughout history, and they are a huge part of why Tuscany is one of Europe’s most visited regions.

Top 25 Examples of Renaissance Architecture

Posted on October 17, 2021September 30, 2024 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.

Architecture of Prague, Czech Republic

Posted on September 24, 2021October 23, 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.

Top 15 Italian Piazzas

Posted on September 7, 2021September 30, 2024 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.

Architecture of Stockholm, Sweden

Posted on July 6, 2021October 23, 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.

Venetian Cities and Venetian Architecture

Posted on June 22, 2021September 30, 2024 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.