Architecture of Cities

Timurid Architecture and the Timurid Renaissance

Posted on June 6, 2021September 30, 2024 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.

Architecture of Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Posted on April 26, 2021September 29, 2024 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.

Top 15 Examples of Armenian Architecture

Posted on April 5, 2021September 30, 2024 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 30, 2024 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.

Architecture of Valencia, Spain

Posted on March 6, 2021October 23, 2024 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.

Top 20 Ancient Roman Aqueducts

Posted on February 13, 2021September 30, 2024 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, 2021September 30, 2024 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, 2020September 30, 2024 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, 2020September 30, 2024 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.

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.

Exterior View of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul Turkey

Top 25 Examples of Byzantine Architecture

Posted on June 9, 2020September 30, 2024 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.

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, 2020October 23, 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.

World’s Strongest Castles

Posted on May 7, 2020September 30, 2024 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.