New Orleans has gone through some rough times, with Hurricane Katrina wiping out a lot of the history of the city. But believe it or not there are still a huge number of historic landmarks to explore and learn from.

The Cabildo

The Cabildo was the site of the Louisiana Purchase Transfer ceremonies in 1803 and is considered one of the state’s most important historical buildings. It has been home to a number of other noted events in New Orleans history and has been visited by no less than five American presidents. This building was the official government seat for the state before it became a state and has retained its importance through the centuries.

George Washington Cable House

The George Washington Cable House was home to George Washington Cable from 1874 to 1884. You may know of Cable as an American novelist who wrote almost exclusively about Creole life in the states.

Deluge

The Deluge in New Orleans is a firefighting tug and considered the best preserved example of a fireboat from the turn of the century. It’s the oldest known surviving tug of its kind that is associated with the Port of New Orleans. Don’t let its age and designation as a historic landmark fool you, firefighting boats are still and important part of the port and its safety.

James H Dillard House

The James H Dillard House was once the residence for James Hardy Dillard from about 1894 to 1913. Dillard was a noted administrator and teacher at Tulane University and became a trustee of two black colleges and worked tirelessly to promote African Americans in society and open doors of education to them.

Gallier Hall

Noted architect James Gallier Senior constructed Gallier Hall from 1845 to 1850 in an incredible Greek Revival style. This structure was designed to serve as headquarters for the city government and still is used for city events and as an exhibition hall.

Gallier House

Gallier House was constructed by architect James Gallier Junior, another prominent architect from the Gallier family. This house was actually designed and built to serve as his primary residence. Built from 1857 to 1860 this typical Louisiana townhouse styled home brings the outdoors in with its porches, galleries or balconies that are connected to the living rooms.

Garden District New Orleans

The entire Garden District of New Orleans has been deemed a historic landmark as most of the homes in the area were built in the 1830s and were the height of fashion at the time. The original inhabitants of the region were exceptionally wealthy and could afford the nicest homes of the area so each home was designed to “one up” the neighbors with almost every popular architecture style from the antebellum era to the early 20^th century represented.

Mayor Girod House

The Mayor Girod House is another architectural wonder, it’s one of the best examples of a French colonial townhouse in the entire country. Originally built in 1794, the Mayor Girod House was built during the strongest period of French influence in the city and the ironwork balconies have become an architectural detail that is almost expected in New Orleans homes.

Hermann-Grima House

The Hermann-Grima House is known as one of the finest houses in the Vieux Carre with an amazing eclectic style. Built in 1831 this home branches away from the traditional New Orleans styled homes of the time and brought a more American building style to the city. This home is an unusual combination of American style with uniquely New Orleans flair.

Photo credit: David Paul Ohmer

Jackson Square - St. Louis Cathedral

Jackson Square

Jackson Square in New Orleans has been the center of the city since the original city plan was drawn up back in 1720. It’s been the center of many activities throughout the years and features a number of historic buildings on the grounds. Today there are also a number of retail shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants. It’s also the center of the open air artist community and a wonderful place for visitors to wile away a day shopping, exploring and learning more about New Orleans.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop was built by Jean and Pierre Lafitte somewhere between 1772 and 1791 and contrary to the name of the location, the brothers just posed as blacksmiths but were really slave traders. This shop is an excellent example from French Colonial Louis XV architecture with briquette-entre-porteaux construction. A very interesting historic stop.

Longue Vue House & Gardens

Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans features classical revival style buildings and beautifully landscaped gardens. Inside the buildings you’ll find a fascinating collection of European and American decorative and fine arts pieces and museum exhibits. Take a tour and get the full experience along with an educational perspective. The estate was designed in the late 1930s and early 1940s for Edgar Bloom Stern and Edith Rosenwalk Stern. He was a cotton broker and she was heiress to Sears-Roebuck. The home was built with a lot of money and still shines as the brilliant gem that it is.

Louisiana State Bank Building

The Louisiana State Bank Building is also known as the Manheim Galleries and is most noted as being the last structure designed by the famous architect Benjamin H. Latrobe. The building housed the first bank incorporated in Louisiana after it became a state.

Madame John’s Legacy

One stop all visitors to New Orleans should make is Madame John’s Legacy. This museum is one of the best 18^th century building complexes in the state and one of the few from that era to survive the 1795 fire. The buildings are separated by a courtyard that served as work space and a place where household chores were completed. A shared garden was next door. Today there are few houses remaining although there once were many such homes throughout the older parts of town. The main home is the only building that is open to the public and provides a fascinating look at life in those times.

Photo credit: MichaelG

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Historic Landmarks in New Orleans

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Houston is the largest city in the United States and the fourth largest in the United States with a population of more than 2 million. The city was founded back in 1836 and incorporated less than a year later. At the time Texas was not a part o f the United States and was governed by the Republic of Texas of which Sam Houston was President. Houston has such a long history it’s not surprising that there a large number of landmarks that are important both to tourists and locals. Learn more about this fascinating city and what makes it so interesting by visiting Houston’s top landmarks.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum

The San Jacinto Monument in Houston is the world’s talent memorial column, was built to honor all of those who fought for Texas’s independence. The Battle of San Jacinto was a turning point and the ground on which it occurred became revered by those who believed in the independence of Texas. By the 100 year anniversary the ground and public sentiment was right and the monument was built, the San Jacinto Museum of History soon followed and is one of the highlights of any tour of Houston’s landmarks.

Battleship Texas

The Battleship Texas was the first battleship memorial museum in the United States in 1948. It now is anchored at Buffalo Bayou and a part of the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. The Texas is the last battleship made in the HMS Dreadnought style and served in WWI and WWII. In 1916 the Texas became the first U.S. battleship with mounted antiaircraft guns and the first to use range keepers to control gunfire and in 1919 it became the first to launch an aircraft. The ship underwent many renovations throughout the years before it was decommissioned in 1948.

Holocaust Museum Houston

The Holocaust Museum in Houston was the brain child of Siegi Izakson, a holocaust survivor. While meeting with other holocaust survivors in 1981 he realized that they were getting older and that as they died their stories would eventually disappear and fade from memory as well. He saw that the lessening of influence from actual survivors could let prejudice once again rear its head and he decided to do something about that. The Houston Council of Jewish Holocaust Survivors joined with Izakson to create the museum with its permanent and temporary exhibits that demonstrate and tell of the atrocities of the holocaust through the eyes of those who were there.

Williams Water Wall

The Williams Water Wall is a multistory fountain near the Transco Tower. It was built to draw attention to the tower and to provide a bit of visual interest. Designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee with help from Gerald Hines the Transco Tower complex and the water wall were begun in 1982 and completed and fully operational by 1985. The wall was designed to be a horseshoe of rushing water, a semicircle that reaches 64 feet high and sits among 118 live oak trees. The wall often serves as a backdrop for events, picnics and concerts.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science was established back in 1909 with the goal of providing a free institution for people interested in education and science. This museum is one of the most popular in the United States with more than two million visitors annually. The permanent exhibits include: Paleontology, Gems & Minerals, Smith Gem Vault, Energy, Texas Wildlife, Malacology, African Wildlife, The Americas, Chemistry, Earth Forum, Space Science, The Pendulum, and Egypt. As if that isn’t enough the museum has a very active temporary exhibit policy and traveling and special exhibits are always a big draw. If this landmark museum has you enthralled you may want to spend a little more time in Houston’s museum district as there are 18 different museums in just this one area.

Photo credit: StuSeeger

NASA_JSC-7-StuSeeger16

Space Center Houston

The Space Center Houston takes its guests on a tour of the moon with a combination of live presentations, films and artifacts from actual moon missions. Hands on exhibits like Living in Space let you explore what day to day life was like for those who spent time in the shuttles. The tram tour at Space Center Houston is one not to be missed as you get a behind the scenes look at NASA’s Johnson Space Center while people actually work on current space missions. The Level 9 Tour is a guided tour through NASA’s control and training facilities  which will give you the most in depth look at NASA, this tour takes four hours and is open to only 12 people aged 14 or above each day so reserve your tickets in advance.

The Orange Show

There are a number of oddities in Houston that are considered landmarks and The Orange Show is one of them. The Orange Show is a testament to folk art and the dedication of one artist. From 1956 to 1979 Jefferson Davis McKissack worked on this 3,000 square foot artwork in his spare time. The space includes an oasis, wishing well, pond, stage, museum, gift shop and upper decks. It’s made of a variety of materials including concrete, brick, steel, gears, tiles, wagon wheels, mannequins, tractor seats and a number of other found items.

Beer Can House

The Beer Can House is another one of those oddities that is considered a Houston landmark. John Milkovisch started his beer can house in 1968 but at the time he was just laying marbles, rocks and little metal pieces into concrete and redwood to replace his lawn. But by the time he finished he realized he was far from done and turned his attention to the house. His unique brand of aluminum siding was applied and then masked by the strings of beer can garland that drape from the roof line and it’s estimated that there are about 50,000 cans on the house. It’s been said that John drank all of the beer himself, but this is a myth as his wife and neighbors had a hand in the material collection as well.
Photo credit: diveofficer

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

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Paris is known as one of the romantic cities in the world, part of the reasons for that designation is its romantic connection to the past. Paris has been a leading city and important cultural hub for more than two thousand years, its cultural significance and historical stamp can be felt the world over. Visitors to Paris are well advised to visit some of the local historic landmarks for one of a kind experiences that will leave them awestruck with wonder and with a deeper understanding of the history of this magnificent city.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the single most visited paid monument in the world. Designed and engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the tower was planned to be the entrance arch for the 1889 World’s Fair. At 1,063 feet tall it’s about as tall as an 81 story building and was the tallest structure in the world until 1930, it currently remains the second tallest structure in France. Originally the structure was hated by many who considered it ugly and an eyesore. According to the original permit the tower was to be demolished in 20 years, but when 1909 rolled around it was determined that it was useful for communications so the tower remained. Now its tourism value is noted as well as its status as a national icon. There are three different levels for visitors to visit and elevators take you to all three levels, while more adventurous visitors can walk to the top two levels if they wish. On the first level is one of two restaurants, Altitude 95, the second floor features the Jules Verne, a very expensive, two Michelin star restaurants. Otherwise the levels are really just observation platforms.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe was erected to honor those who fought for France, especially those in the Napoleonic Wars. Visitors can see that on the inside and the top of the arc are the names of all of the generals and the wars fought. Underneath the structure is a tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. Designed by Jean Chalgrin in1806 after the victory at Austerlitz by Emperor Napoleon. The foundations alone took two years to construct and the designer died in 1811leaving the majority of the work to be completed by Jean-Nicolas Huyot. For several years construction was halted and not completed officially until somewhere between 1833 and 1836. Visitors to the Arc de Triomphe have access on foot through the underpass. There is an elevator or stairs to take you to the observation deck which affords visitors an incredible view of the city and the impressive traffic surrounding the monument.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral is also known as the Notre Dame de Paris or Our Lady of Paris. This beautiful example of French gothic architecture is considered one of the most impressive in the world. The flying buttresses, or exterior supports, used extensively were brand new when they were applied and were not a part of the original architectural plan, but the walls began to fracture and needed some support. Construction began on this magnificent cathedral in 1163 and remained a living construction project until its effective completion date of 1345. The changed in architectural styles and architects of the period are apparent throughout as certain sections were completed in different centuries. The building has suffered major damage throughout the years due to wars, changes in religious views, and even a few “renovations”. The latest major program of maintenance and restoration was begun in 1991 and planned for 10 years but the project was still underway in 2009 and probably will continue for quite some time.

Champs-Elysees Avenue

The Avenue des Champs-Elysees is one of the most famed streets in all the world and is known by the locals as the most beautiful avenue, although the arrival of chain stores is beginning to diminish that beauty. The street only runs a little more than one mile long and is part of Paris’s Axe Historique or Voie Triomphale, a line of historical monuments in the city of Paris. The street was originally expansive fields with market gardens but in 1616 Marie de Medici decided to expand the garden with a row of trees. Today the lines of trees remain, but the fields are long gone, replaced by storefronts and houses. This stretch of land has seen much history throughout the years but it has managed to keep up with the times rather than stay stagnant in its original state.

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge or Red Windmill, has gained ground due to the popular movie of the same name, but originally this cabaret was built in 1889 in the red light district of Paris. The can-can dance came from the Moulin Rouge and was originally a seductive dance but has evolved and spurred on the creation of more cabarets. Today the structure is still an adult oriented cabaret, but with an obvious emphasis on the tourism element, although the décor remains turn of the century and the atmosphere truly decadent.

Sacre Coeur Basilica

The Sacred Coeur Basilica or Basilica of the Sacred Heart is another prominent catholic church in Paris, this one dedicated to the heart of Jesus. Located on the top of the highest point in the city the Basilica, the building was designed by architect Paul Abadie after winning a competition. Construction began in 1875 but debate ensued and continued until 1897, but by then the construction was almost complete and the church had been offering services for six years. The architectural style is a combination of Romano-Byzantine styles with a lot of freeform interpretation. Although the structure was functioning by 1891 the official completion date wasn’t until 1914 and then World War I prevented consecration until after the war ended. One obvious feature of the Sacre Coeur Basilica is the white appearance of the exterior. The basilica is built of travertine stone quarried in the region which exudes calcite, which can show phosphorescence or fluorescence making the structure always appear white no matter how much pollution there is or how much it ages.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

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Dallas Texas has quite an interesting past as it seemed to be an area everybody wanted but one that just wanted to run itself. Originally the area was settled by the Caddo Native Americans but that didn’t stop Spain and France from declaring the territory as theirs, simultaneously. Although it then officially become only a Spanish territory and the northern boundary of New Spain. It stayed under Spanish rule until 1821 when Mexico declared itself free and the region became part of Mexico until 1836. For about 10 years Texas was its own country and known as the Republic of Texas, but then became a part of the United States of America.

With such a long and storied history it’s no wonder that the city is full of historic landmarks and interesting pieces of history at every turn.

Old Red Courthouse

The Old Red Courthouse in Dallas was built in 1892 in a Romanesque style complete with turrets and wyverns. The wyverns atop the courthouse may look like gargoyles at first glimpse but they’re actually wyverns which are serpent like but have two legs. Of the original four wyverns two have been removed and reconstructed but two of them are the originals. The clock tower stands 90 feet high and is newly re-installed after almost a century after it was removed for restoration. The courthouse itself originally featured six courtrooms but now only the Hatton W. Sumners Restored Courtroom remains. The grand staircase has completely been restored to its original glory and pieces of it are actually from the original 1892 piece. Make sure to pay close attention to the beautiful stained glass windows or lunettes, few remain but there were once more than 100 of them. The courthouse underwent a huge restoration from 2001 to 2007 and now is ready to greet the public again. The Old Red Courthouse features a museum with local historical artifacts. The first floor is dedicated to special exhibits. The second floor is more interactive with touch screens that invite guests to learn more about Dallas County.

Dealey Plaza Historic District

Unfortunately Dealey Plaza is probably the most well known section of Dallas and its more of an infamous notoriety than anything else. Dealey Plaza is the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination and only of only two extant presidential assassination sites in the United States. Dealey Plaza is a city park that was completed in 1940 and named for George Bannerman Dealey, a noted newspaperman and civic leader. The plaza is lined with monuments that pay tribute to a number of local VIPs. The entire plaza is a national historic landmark but the School Book Depository probably draws the most attention. It was on the sixth floor of the school book depository that Lee Harvey Oswald staked out the presidential motorcade before taking that nefarious shot. The sixth and seventh floors of the School Book Depository have now been transformed into the Sixth Floor Museum which pay tribute to President Kennedy. Another noted feature of Dealey Plaza Historic District is the grassy knoll, a small sloping hill that is where witnesses to President Kennedy’s assassination have claimed to see another gunman.

Adolphus Hotel

If you’re visiting the Dallas area then the Adolphus Hotel is a great place to stay as this building is a registered national historic landmark. Built by Adolphus Busch, the founder of Anheuser-Busch, the Adolphus opened in 1912 and is an excellent representation of Beaux Arts style. For quite a while this 22 story building was the tallest structure in the state of Texas at 312 feet. Many famous people have stayed at the Adolphus Hotel and it remains one of the most popular hotels to stay at today. The rooms underwent an $80 million renovation in the 1980s and the update has made the hotel one of the favorite by most noted travel magazines.

Majestic Theatre

The Majestic Theatre is the last remaining and functioning theater in Dallas’s Theater Row and it also is part of the Harwood Historic District. The building was constructed in 1920 and is an excellent example of the Renaissance Revival style which was very popular at the time. The current structure is not the original Majestic, the first one burned down in 1916 and this one was built to replace it. Originally the interior was just as elaborate, if not more so, than the exterior with a baroque design aesthetic, Corinthian columns, roman swags and fretwork and an Italian-style Vermont marble floor with twin marble staircases. The auditorium with its floating cloud sky and mechanically controlled twinkling stars, two balconies, crystal chandeliers and marble fountain made it all that much more impressive to visitors. The Majestic Theatre was turned over to the city in 1976 and in 1977 it became the first Dallas building on the National Register of Historic Places even though it did not reopen to the public until 1983. Today you can catch a live production at the Majestic and enjoy its historic splendor at the same time.

Wilson Building

The historic Wilson Building in downtown Dallas was constructed in 1904 and designed to replicate the Paris Grand Opera House. The hotel was named for J.B. Wilson who interestingly enough died in the Adolphus Hotel, another national historic landmark. The building originally served as home to the Tiche-Goettinger Department Store and served that purpose until 1926 when the department store moved. The building then housed an H.L. Green Store until 1997. It was during this time period, in 1979, when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1999 the building was transformed into 143 different loft-style apartments and is one of the most popular places to live in the downtown Dallas area.

This is just a brief list of the historic landmarks in Dallas, Texas and there are so many more to explore, some are open to the public and some aren’t so do a little research before you start banging on doors. Also Dallas is divided into historic districts, you may want to organize your exploration of the historic landmarks by district and tackle one area at a time.
Photo credit: chascar

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

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The National Mall is especially these days as the location where the massive crowd formed to see the inauguration of President Barrack Obama.  Over forty years ago, it was famous for a similar occasion when people gathered there to hear Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech.  The mall is also home to a wide array buildings, most of which are fabulous museums.

Washington Monument

Completed on December 6^th, 1884, the Washington Monument to this day is still the tallest stone structure and obelisk in the world. It is also the tallest building in Washington DC. If that’s not impressive enough, when the monument was first completed, it was tallest man-made structure in the world until the Eiffel Tower was completed a few years later.

Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool

As the name suggests, this memorial was built in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the 16^th President of the United States. It was dedicated on May 30^th, 1922. The memorial can be found at the opposite end of the National Mall from the United States Capitol. Together, these two structures form the “book ends” of the park. The Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool is the largest in Washington DC. It reflects both the Lincoln and Washington Memorials.

Jefferson Memorial

Often overlooked as part of the National Mall, the Jefferson Memorial was indeed created with the mall in mind. While the east and west bookends of the mall are the Lincoln Memorial and the Capital Building, the Jefferson Memorial serves as a south anchor point for the mall, with the Whitehouse located directly north. The Jefferson Memorial was completed in 1943, having initially been spearheaded by President Franklin Roosevelt, who held a great admiration for Thomas Jefferson.

United States Capitol Building

Located at the top of Capitol Hill, this is home to the United States Congress, the Legislative Branch of the United States government.  Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have their own chambers here, where they do business.  It is in the House of Representatives chamber where the President of the United States gives his annual State of the Union Address.

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

Located at the base of Capitol Hill, this memorial honors President Ulysses S. Grant.  Looking at the memorial, though, it is obvious that Grant is especially commemorated for his role during the American Civil War in which he defeated Robert E. Lee.  The statue of Grant astride his favorite horse, Cincinnati, faces down the length of the National Mall, directly to the statue of Lincoln, Grant’s Commander and Chief during the war.

National Air and Space Museum

When people think about the “Smithsonian Institute” it is more than likely they are thinking of the Smithsonian Institute’s National Air and Space Museum. Glamorous Glennis, the first plane the break the sound barrier, is here. This is also home to the Spirit of St. Louis, and an actual Wright Flyer.

National Museum of Natural History

This is the natural history museum of the Smithsonian Institute.  The museum’s most well known attractions are its Hall of Mammals, Hall of Dinosaurs, Hall of Geology Gems, and Minerals, its live Insect Zoo, and of course its IMAX theater.

National Museum of American History

Another of the Smithsonian Institute’s museums.  The key artifact at the heart of this museum is the original Star Spangled Banner.  This is the flag Francis Scott Key saw flying over Fort McHenry when he was inspired to write the poem that became the United States national anthem.

United States Botanic Garden

This is the oldest continually operating botanic garden in the United States.  In 1842, Charles Wilkes returned from the “United States Exploring Expedition” with a massive collection of plants previously unknown to the United States.  This garden was ultimately built to house those plants.  Within the garden today, there are still four plants that are believed to either be the actual plants from the expedition or their descendents.

National Museum of the American Indian

This is the Smithsonian Institute’s museum dedicated to the original natives of the United States.  This museum actually has three facilities, with this building being just one of them.  Interestingly enough, the museum is just as much dedicated to focusing on the Native Americans living today as it is to their history.

Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden

This is Smithsonian Institute’s museum that focuses on art created after WWII, especially during the last thirty years.  The building itself is a work of modern art as it is a cylinder resting on four legs above the ground.

Arts and Industries Building

This is the second oldest building in the National Mall that is used by the Smithsonian Institute.  The building has primarily been utilized to house the exhibits from the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.

Smithsonian Institution Building

This is the home of the Smithsonian Institute’s administrative offices and information center.  The building’s appearance has earned it the nickname, “The Castle”.  Of all the Smithsonian Institute’s buildings, this one was the first.  It was completed in 1855.  While the building gained electric lighting in 1895, it wasn’t until 1968-1970 that the building was fully retrofitted with all the modern conveniences of climate control, modern electrical systems, and elevators.

Freer Gallery of Art

This is one of the two Smithsonian Institute galleries dedicated to Asian Art.  The gallery was founded by Charles Lang Freer who dedicated his vast art collection to the United States as well as enough funds to build a museum to house them.  Although the gallery primarily exhibits Asian art, Freer also owned an impressive collection of American art too, which is also shown in the museum.

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

This is the second Smithsonian Institute gallery dedicated to Asian Art.  It opened in 1987 when Arthur M. Sackler donated his own Asian Art collection of some 1000 pieces as well as $4 million to help with constructing a gallery to house them.

National Museum of African Art

As the name would suggest, this is the Smithsonian Institute’s museum dedicated to African Art.  Interestingly enough, it actually began as a private museum in 1964 only to become part of the Smithsonian a few years later in 1979.  Its building features a circular motif, which is used throughout its design.

National Gallery of Art & Sculpture Garden

This museum is actually comprised of two buildings linked by an underground tunnel, with a large sculpture garden beside them. The West Building was built in a neoclassical style. In contrast, the east building is designed to appear as if it were several interlocking prisms.

Suffice to say, if you’re a person who loves museums, the National Mall in Washington DC is a virtual heaven with something for almost everyone.  It’s the sort of place one visits for a day and wishes they could stay for a month.

Photo Credits

• United States Capitol Building: dbking, amanda walker, dbking, laura padget, dbking, wesley freyer, will scrlt
• Ulysses S. Grant Memorial: jeff kubina, jeff kubina, jeff kubina, jeff kubina
• National Gallery of Art & Sculpture Garden: brian finifter
• National Museum of Natural History: bbmcder, ncindc, snmhn, ncindc, snmhm, ncindc, forevacentralis
• National Museum of American History: spakattacks, brent and Marilynn, jeff kubina, krossbow
• United States Botanic Garden: mr t in dc, ncindc,  mr t in dc, dbking
• National Museum of the American Indian: jeff kubina, dbking, jsgphoto, jeffkubina
• National Air and Space Museum: cliff1066, jeff kubina, mr t in dc, vironeveah,  mr t in dc, ncindc, cliff1066
• Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden: dcmatt, unhindered by talent, frozen chipmunk, krossbow
• Arts and Industries Building: wikipedia
• Smithsonian Institution Building: wikipedia
• Freer Gallery of Art: thiago
• Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: isomorphic via wikipedia
• National Museum of African Art: drcornelius
• Washington Monument: mark sebastian, voxefx,  chrisbastian44, ncindc, dbking
• Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool: wyntuition, katmere, chadh
• Jefferson Memorial: tony the misfit, chadh, chetan, kytleconk
• thumbnail: atbrom

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Buildings of the The National Mall

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Crete is the largest of thirteen Greek islands and is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. The island has a history that reaches back to ancient history and has always been a favorite destination due to its incredible natural beauty, the sun drenched beaches, and its reputation as a hub of civilization.

Palace of Knossos

The Palace of Knossos is probably the must see destination on Crete. It is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and served as a center to the Minoan civilization. The name palace is a little bit misleading as the Palace of Knossos was actually more like a mall than a palace. The maze of rooms that wind through the palace were actually used by many people, not just royalty or the wealthy, the small rooms served as workrooms, storage facilities, and other functional rooms for the period and were used by many. But there was a throne room and it has been lovingly restored. Actually restored may be too strong of a word as it’s believed that the frescoes were inventions of two artists that were hired to do the restorations. The maze is so complex that it is believed that his structure may be the source of the myth of the labyrinth but this is only a suggestion and the actual origination is unknown.

Mount Psiloritis

Mount Psiloritis is also known as Mount Ida and is the highest mountain on the island of Crete. It is a sacred mountain as it is said to house the cave in which Zeus was born. The mountain is also considered the central location for a race of ancient metal workers. For visitors Mount Psiloritis offers an interesting hike with a plateau of Nida providing great views of the island and the beautiful forest of Rova on the east side. On the Skinakas peak there is an observatory of the University of Crete.

Aptera

The remains of the city Aptera reach across two large hills and are situated next to the Souda Bay. It’s estimated that these ruins date back to the 7^th century BC and was a very important city back in its day. Unfortunately it was also during the 7^th century that a massive earthquake rocked the island and destroyed the city. Parts of it were restored in the 10^th century but never to the same degree or significance as the original Aptera. Currently excavations are ongoing and some incredibly well preserved structures have been discovered.

Koules Venetian Fortress

The Koules Venetian Fortress was built in the 16^th century and still stands guard over the Old Harbour. Under Venetian rule the fortress was known as the Rocca al Mare and for two decades it was used to defend the island from Turkish attacks. Then, ironically, it became a Turkish prison and held Cretans. The massive stone structure actually has a very beautiful façade as you get closer with depictions of the Lion of St. Mark. Inside the Koules Venetian Fortress are a couple dozen restored rooms, many of them now serve as art galleries.

Rethymno Fortress

Speaking of Fortresses, the island of Crete was in no short supply as it struggled for centuries to maintain its borders. Rethymno Fortress was also a 16^th century creation and sat atop the town of Rethymno’s ancient acropolis. The ruin is pretty run down now and the monuments and buildings that once stood inside are basically gone, one noted exception is a church. Even though most of the structures are gone there is still a lot to explore as you wander around and there are some incredible views from the ramparts.

Moni Arkadiou

Moni Arkadiou is a 16^th century monastery that is known for its incredible architectural beauty and it’s symbolic connection to freedom. The defense of this monastery during the 1866 Cretan rebellion against the Turks elevated the building to its current significance in Greek history. As 16 revolutionaries gathered together to fight against the Turks on the morning of the attack only 259 armed men stood to fight the 15,000 Turkish soldiers who surrounded the monastery. The rebels in the monastery were able to hold off the Turks for a day successfully but by the next morning it was clear they would lose. Rather than lose to the Turks the rebels and refugees hiding within Moni Arkadiou gathered in the gunpowder storage room and when the Turkish soldiers broke through the gunpowder was lit and a massive explosion killed all 864 Cretan rebels and refugees and 1,500 Turks. Of the lot only three of the rebels escaped.

Ancient Lato

The ancient city of Lato on Crete was built by the durians in the seventh century B.C. Today the visible walls and buildings are actually from the fourth and fifth century B.C. The city only lasted until 200 B.C. but was one of the strongest cities to ever exist on the island. This is one of those hidden secrets of the island, the archaeological digs done here have been extensive and its one of the best excavated Greek cities on the island and the ruins are quite impressive and varied, not to mention the incredible views of the island and the Mediterranean Sea from atop what once was the center of town but for some reason this historic landmark is less visited by tourists than other locations so the crowds are few if not scarce.

Loutro Village

The Loutro Village in Sfakia Crete is believed to have actually once been the ancient city of Finikas and served as the port of Anopolis. The closed bay made it also a perfect winter time port for the town of Sfakia. In and around Loutro you can see the ruins of the town of Aradena and its Byzantine Church of Archangel Michael and the ruins of Anopolis. This village is more laid back than some of the other tourist destinations which makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery and the crystal clear waters.
Photo credit: Wolfgang Staudt

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Historic Landmarks in Crete

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Seattle is a remarkable city with a storied past that even reaches under the city itself. Tourists heading to Seattle will be delighted to learn how many landmarks there are and how varied the city is, there is also the added benefit of the incredible beauty that surrounds the city.

The Space Needle

One of the most recognized architectural features in the United States, Seattle’s Space Needle was originally created for the 1962 World’s Fair. At 605 feet high the Space Needle was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River when constructed and can withstand up to 200 mph winds and earthquakes up to 9.5. The observation deck rests at 520 feet and is the highlight of the structure giving you views of the downtown skyline and a number of mountains and islands surrounding the city.

Smith Tower Observation Deck

Prior to the Space Needle the Smith Tower Observation Deck had the best view of the city since its creation in 1909. At the time the Smith Tower was one of the only skyscrapers outside of New York and its observation deck still offers a unique view of the city from the middle of the downtown skyline. The deck wraps around all four sides with views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. Part of the fun of visiting the deck are the elevators, which are the last manually operated ones on the west coast.

Volunteer Park Water Tower

In the mood for another great view of Seattle? Volunteer Park Water Tower claims to have one of the best views around. The tower was constructed in the park grounds in 1906 and at a little more than 75 feet above the road it actually can claim an elevation of 520 feet as it is placed atop the highest point of Capitol Hill. This height rivals the Space Needle’s observation deck and provides excellent views of Seattle from a different perspective.

Volunteer Park Conservatory

Also in Volunteer Park is the magnificent Conservatory. Originally created by the well-known Olmstead brothers, landscape and architectural geniuses, the conservatory fell into disrepair in the early 1900s and it wasn’t until 1978 that a group was formed to restore it and bring it back to its previous glory. Today the conservatory houses a stunning collection of orchids and other flowers that makes a visit feel like a trip to a tropical island.

Pier 59

Pier 59 is the home to the Seattle Aquarium which incorporates the waterside location in a magnificent way. The pier is undergoing some remodeling so parts of it may be off limit, but it’s still an interesting historic location to visit. Seattle is obviously a huge seaport and has a thriving fishing business. Visiting the park like setting at Pier 59 is a great way to relax and enjoy the hustle and bustle of activity in the port as ships move in and out of the docks, and keep our eyes open as seals are frequently seen in the area.

Arthur Foss

The tugboat, Arthur Foss, is located in Seattle’s South Lake Union Park and is open for public tours in the summer on the weekends but can be visited during other times of the year by appointment. Built in 1889 it is one of the oldest wooden hulled tugboats still afloat in the United States. Her busiest days were in 1898 as she transported loads of gold miners and supplies up to Alaska. The Arthur Foss also served in World War II and had a role in the 1933 movie Tugboat Annie.

Salmon Bay Bridge

The Salmon Bay Bridge in Seattle was built in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway and still serves the city as a railway line. This bascule style bridge crosses the ship canal near the Ballard Locks so it provides an interesting working view of the juxtaposition of water and machinery in this region.

Seattle Center Monorail

Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the Seattle Center Monorail is the country’s first full-scale commercial monorail system. The monorail is a privately run business and sees more than 1.5 million people a year use it to get around. In fact the monorail is more popular with locals than tourists as it’s an extremely convenient way to get to major events when the traffic is bad and the view is incredible too.

Stimson Green Mansion

In 1899 construction began on Charles Stimson’s beautiful Tudor Revival home which was to become known as Stimson Green Mansion. The home features steep pitched roofs, decorative timbering, casement windows with leaded panes and elaborate chimneys and is one of the few surviving homes in its neighborhood that is basically in its original form. Tours are infrequent but worth a stop.

Kobe Bell

Seattle has adopted Kobe, Japan as its sister city and as token of friendship Kobe gave the bell to Seattle in 1962, just in time for the World’s Fair. During the fair the mayors from both cities were present to assure the public that the rift created in World War II was over. Seattle’s sister city program was considered such a success that the city has since adopted 20 more sister cities and has the second largest of these programs in the United States.

International Fountain

Another World’s Fair artifact is the International Fountain. The odd thing is that the fountain was renovated in 1995 and barely resembles its original structure. But the new International Fountain is much more functional as it is now settled in an open space where children can safely play in the fountain and in the surrounding yard, perfect for hot days and ideal for romance at night.

Parsons Gardens

Parsons Gardens was formerly the family garden of Reginald H. Parsons but was donated to the city by his family in 1956. This beautifully groomed garden is a great place to take pictures, have a picnic or celebrate an event as the park can be rented on special occasions.

Photo credit: papalars

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Historic Landmarks in Seattle

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New York City, well known for for being a cosmopolitan melting pot of different cultures, the Big Apple is also home to many beautiful and breathtaking churches, cathedrals and synagogues. From St. Paul’s Chapel where George Washington worshiped, to the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, each of these buildings showcase a diverse rich cultural heritage and architectural styles that are only possible in the Big Apple.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Construction of  St. Patrick’s Cathedral began in 1858 and the Catholic cathedral has now become one of  New York City’s most recognizable sites. Decorated in a neo-Gothic style, the cathedral serves as the seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The building is ranked 11th out of 150 buildings on a list of America’s Favorite Architecture.

Trinity Church

Photo credit: Tony the Misfit

Trinity Church (interior), New York City

Located at the intersection of Broadway and Wall Street in downtown Manhattan, Trinity Church is an Episcopal parish built in Gothic Revival style. Trinity Church is one of the largest landowners in New York City and it has been rebuilt, the first Trinity Church having been destroyed in the Great New York City Fire of 1776. Trinity Church is very well known for its stunning music program.

St John the Divine

Photo credit: Wikipedia

St John the Divine 

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, which has also earned the nickname of St. John the Unfinished because it is still under construction, is located in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights. Construction began in 1892, and since then, the cathedral has undergone several stylistic changes and has seen construction halt for a variety of reasons. Construction on the church is a continuing process.

Riverside Church

Photo credit: WalkingGeek

Riverside Church, NY

Riverside Church is one of the most famous churches in America for its stunning Gothic architecture, its prominence as a gathering point for progressive movements, and its importance in a variety of religious movements. An interdenominational church that serves both American Baptist and United Church of Christ congregations, Riverside Church has 2,400 members. It is the tallest church in the United States.

St Paul’s Chapel

Photo credit: the accidentalist

St. Paul's chapel

St. Paul’s Chapel is the oldest surviving church in New York City, serving the Episcopal community since 1766. It is located opposite the east side of the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan, on Church Street between Fulson and Vesey streets. As the oldest building in New York City still in continuous use, St. Paul’s Chapel is a National Historic Landmark.

Mahayana Buddhist Temple in the New York Chinatown

Photo credit: Mossaiq

Templo Mahayana

The Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Chinatown is the largest Buddhist temple in New York City. Mahayana is one of two sects of Buddhism, Theravada being the other, and it places more emphasis on the teachings of Buddha. The temple was built to honor Annie Ying’s 83rd birthday and it features a sixteen-foot golden statue of Buddha.

Central Synagogue

Photo credit: stevecadman

Central Synagogue, New York

Central Synagogue was built in 1872 in the Moorish Revival architectural style, consciously copying Budapest’s Dohany Street Synagogue. No other synagogue in New York City has been in continuous use for a longer period of time. Although the building once drew criticism for its elaborate style, it is now hailed as a National Historic Landmark and a symbolic pillar of New York’s Jewish community.

St Thomas Church

Photo credit: KLnyc

St.Thomas Church-KLnyc439

Saint Thomas Church is an Episcopal parish church located on the corner of 53rd Street and Fifth Avenue. Incorporated in 1824, Saint Thomas Church was designed in the French High Gothic architectural style and is home to the renowned Saint Thomas Choir. While the men of the Saint Thomas Choir are professional singers, the boys all attend Saint Thomas Choir School.

St Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University

Photo credit: llahbocaj

St. Paul's Chapel

Columbia University’s St. Paul’s Chapel was built from 1904 to 1907 and it features Italian Renaissance, Byzantine, and Gothic architectural characteristics. Like many university chapels, the building is used for a variety of religious observations, and it has also become popular for weddings. It is known as Columbia University’s most impressive building.

St. Bartholomew’s Church

Photo credit: Kind of Bruin

St Bart's in New York City

Commonly known as St. Bart’s, St. Bartholomew’s Church is an Episcopal parish established in 1835. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the church was built in a Byzantine style and was, for a long time, one of New York City’s wealthiest parishes. The church is home to the tenth largest pipe organ in the world and the largest in New York City.

Church of Transfiguration

Photo credit: Mr. Littlehand

Mott St. Church of the Transfiguration-Mr. Littlehand934

The Church of Transfiguration on Mott Street was constructed in 1815 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Located in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood, the church was originally known as Zion Protestant Episcopal Church. Eventually, it was sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of New York and has become the oldest Roman Catholic Church in New York City.

St Nicholas Russian Orthodox

Photo credit: St Nicholas

Cathedral of St Nicholas

The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas was built in 1902 and has held great significance much of America’s Russian community. Today, a bishop from Moscow has planned many renovations and modernizations for the cathedral. The building is designed with typical Russian architectural considerations in mind, complete with domes and a brick façade.

Abyssinian Baptist Church

Photo credit: DennisInAmsterdam

Abyssinian Baptist Church, Harlem

The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a Harlem landmark, one of the most famous of the district’s many activist churches. The history of the church began in 1808 when African-American parishioners of segregationist churches decided to establish their own parish. They named the church after the historic name of Ethiopia.

Eldridge Street Synagogue

Photo credit: vige

Eldridge St. Synagogue and lanterns 

A National Historic Landmark located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Eldridge Street Synagogue was one of the first synagogues built in the United States by Eastern European Jews that is still open today. The synagogue underwent a period of abandonment in the 1950s through the 1980s, but has now become a public museum. Its renovation involved the cooperation of many different groups.

Grace Church

Photo credit: alvy

Grace Church

Grace Church is located on Broadway near 10th Street, close to New York University and East Village. Designed by James Renwick, Jr., Grace Church is known as one of the most impressive examples of the Gothic Revival style. It is a National Historic Landmark because of the beauty of its architecture and because of its significance to New York City.

Synagogue Bialystoker

Photo credit: wikipedia

Synagogue Bialystoker

The Bialystoker Synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish synagogue located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The building itself is a New York landmark, first built in 1826 out of Manhattan schist that was taken from a nearby quarry. It was recently renovated on the interior by its congregation, restoring the building to its former glory.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

17 New York City Cathedrals, Churches, Synagogue’s and Temple’s

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There are so many landmarks in Rome it’s almost impossible to list all of them, but there are certain landmarks that make Rome such a popular place for tourists. Who can travel to Rome without stopping to see the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain? With a past that stretches back thousands of years it’s no wonder that the city of Rome is packed with some of the most historically, culturally and artistically significant landmarks in the world.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is probably the best noted landmark in all of Rome, Italy. Built in the Roman Empire between 70 and 72 AD the Colosseum was originally called the Amphitheatrum Flavium. It was the largest amphitheatre of its kind in the empire and could seat 50,000 spectators. Most people know that gladiators fought for audiences within the Colosseum but there were other public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and theatrical dramas. It is estimated that somewhere around 500,000 people died and more than a million wild animals were slaughtered. Eventually the building was no longer used for entertainment and served as housing, a venture for workshops, home for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry and a Christian shrine. Today the Colosseum is a landmark viewed mainly by tourists but it does serve a part in some Roman Catholic celebrations. The Colosseum lies partially in ruin due to earthquakes and stone robbers but a remarkable portion of the original structure remains standing.

The Pantheon

Photo credit: j.reed

Pantheon Interior

The Pantheon was built around 27 BC for Marcus Agrippa but it was destroyed in a fire in 80 AD. It was rebuilt but only to be ravaged by fire again in 110 AD. The Pantheon immediately was rebuilt once again. Originally the Pantheon was designed to serve as a temple to all of the gods worshipped by Romans at the time and has been continuously used throughout its history, most famously being used as a tomb starting in the Renaissance. The Pantheon is still being used today by the Roman Catholic Church and masses are said there regularly. The rotunda with its dome is the oldest large scale dome in Rome. Attached to the rotunda is a portico which is one of the best preserved buildings in the city. If you’re so inclined, see if your visit coincides with a holy day and experience a Roman Catholic mass in Rome in the middle of the Pantheon, an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Trajan’s Market

Trajan’s Market or Mercatus Traiani is a collection of ruins located across from the Colosseum. The Trajan’s Market was built between 110-110 AD by the famous architect Apollodorus of Damascus. The structures are not as they originally were built as additional levels were added and defensive structures were built. The Market is actually a good example of ancient roman city living, which is strikingly similar to modern living in many ways. The bottom level originally houses shops, taverns, and food markets. The next floor housed businesses and above them were homes of roman citizens. Two large halls have been discovered and it is assumed that they were used for public displays such as concerts or theatrical presentations.

Trevi Fountain

Photo credit: ScubaBeer

Trevi fountain late evening p

Rome is full of fountains, it’s like bars in Wisconsin, there’s one on every corner. So why is the Trevi Fountain so special? One reason is it’s the biggest fountain in the city of Rom at 85 feet high and 65 feet wide. Completed in 1762 it’s a relatively new structure compared to some in the city but its creation actually began in the early 17^th century. Tradition at the time was to have a fountain mark the end point of all aqueducts, the Trevi Fountain stands at the terminus of the Acqua Vergine. The Trevi Fountain comes with a few traditions, one is throwing coins into the fountain. The original legend says you have to throw your coin with your back to the fountain, using your right hand and tossing the coin over your left shoulder, this will ensure a return to Rome. The new legend states that throwing one coin means a return to Rome, two means a new romance and the third will lead to marriage. If you’re curious, as I was, the coins are collected every day and donated to a supermarket that serves the poor and the Italian Red Cross and a few other local charities. In 2009 currency approximately $4000 U.S. dollars are collected each day from the fountain.

The Vatican

The Vatican or the Holy See has served as a papal residence from the 5^th century. The building itself is located within Vatican City which is its own sovereign city-state. With a population of only 900 and covering only about 110 acres it is the smallest country in the world. Although the Holy See has been in existence since the 5^th century it wasn’t until 1929 that Vatican City became its own city-state. Half of the space in Vatican City is covered by gardens which are littered with fountains and statues that were created by some of the best known artists in the world. Visiting the Vatican Museums is a must for any tourist as that is where the famed Sistine Chapel resides. In addition to the Chapel there are hundreds of priceless works of art, the likes of which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. It’s a magnificent collection housed in one miraculous location. If you’re interested in seeing the Vatican Library and the Secret Archives, and who isn’t, you have to acquire the proper academic credentials as it is not open to the public.

There are so many more landmarks to see in Rome, all the piazzas, palazzos, cathedrals in addition to the stunning gardens that have been preserved for thousands of years. Everywhere you turn in Rome something reaches out from the past to make its presence known, the city is one of the best ways to connect to the past through its remarkable landmarks.

Photo credit: juanRubiano

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Top Landmarks in Rome

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Athens is a city with an almost unbelievable history, having been considered a magical city at one time full of gods and goddesses and actually worshiped. It has been called the birthplace of civilization and where democracy was born. A trip to Athens Greece will fill your mind, body and soul with overwhelming touches of the past, the present and the future. Just being in Athens is enlightening but there are specific locations that really should be experienced.

Acropolis

The Acropolis in Athens, Greece is sometimes referred to as the Sacred Rock and is considered the most important site of the city and is undeniably one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. There are other acropolises in the world but the one at Athens is the best known, so much so that it is considered THE Acropolis. The Acropolis in Athens is a flat topped rock that is almost 500 feet above sea level. This region has been inhabited since the 6^th millennium BC although there are no definitive artifacts on the site of the Acropolis to support Mycenaean life on the hill. Throughout history buildings were demolished and rebuilt as religion and need dictated. It’s remarkable that the Acropolis still exists and its sparkling gem, the Parthenon, can be seen for miles around.

Parthenon

Speaking of the Parthenon, it’s another one of our must see landmark stops when you visit Athens, and since its located atop the Acropolis it’s like knocking down two birds with one stone. The Parthenon was originally supposed to be a different structure but it was sacked by the Persians in 480 BC so, not ones to waste, the ancient Greeks used the ruins to fortify the north end of the Acropolis and in its place the Parthenon was constructed sometime between 447 and 432 BC. The architects were Iktinos and Kallikrates and the building was originally dedicated to Athena Pallas or Parthenos. A gold and ivory statue to Athena was housed inside the building. Those who remember studying Greek architecture in social studies or history classes, the Parthenon is a classic example of Doric architecture with eight columns at the front and seventeen columns in the rear. The back of the Parthenon featured a room that was to house Athena’s treasures and four Ionic columns support this structure. Visitors to this temple were not expected to enter it but to view the statue from the outside, through the columns.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is the place to go if you really want to see some incredible Greek artifacts collected and preserved for everyone to view. The artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum have been collected for numerous locations around Greece and stretch from prehistory to late antiquity. This is considered one of the primary museums of the world with the best collection of Greek antiquity in the world. The first national archeological museum was created in 1829 but it’s been moved several times but it wasn’t until 1889 that it found a permanent home. At the time it was called the Central Museum but the name was later changed and remains the National Archaeological Museum today. The building itself is a pretty magnificent structure and has been undergoing almost constant expansion and renovation. Prior to the Olympics in Athens in 2004 the museum closed for almost two years to accommodate some elaborate renovations and the inclusion of more artifacts. Believe it or not, there are already rumors of more expansions to come.

Plaka

The Plaka is the oldest section of Athens and closed to most vehicles to preserve the architecture and as the ancient streets are simply to narrow. This old neighborhood is situated on the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis and features a ridiculous maze of streets lined with neoclassical architecture. This is one of the top tourist locations and it also houses several stops inside the city. Visitors come to tour the Jewish Museum of Greece, the Greek Folk Art Museum and the Frissiras Museum. If you’re in the area look for Adrianou Street, the oldest street in Athens still in continuous use with same route.

Ancient Agora of Athens

The Agora in Athens was a unique area at the time and served as the town seat. All law courts were centered in the Agora and anyone who was in the region at the time may have to serve on the jury. Originally the region had private houses but was reorganized in the sixth century BC under Peisistratus to serve as city center. Homes were destroyed, wells were closed and a drainage system and fountains were built. Many of the buildings, or parts of them, have been preserved and the region has been under excavation since 1931.

Monastiraki Flea Market

The Monastiraki Flea Market in Athens is the main shopping district in the area and isn’t what people in the United States think of as a flea market. The square features small stores and boutiques that sell clothing, souvenirs, specialty items and other goods. It’s a great place for tourists to pick up a memento and a gift for those at home, and if you’re good at wheeling and dealing you’ll probably find more than one bargain. On Sunday’s the flea market turns into something that’s a bit more familiar to those from the United States with impromptu stores set up for the day. Make sure to take a break and enjoy a coffee or snack at one of the many cafes along the street. It’s a wonderful way to take in the sights and sounds of the city and to imagine what it may have been like centuries ago as people shopped the same streets.

Lycabettus Hill

Whether you decide to climb Lycabettus Hill to view the impressive city below or if you prefer to view it from the streets, it’s an impressive site. This limestone rock reaches 1,000 feet in the air and at night the top is floodlit. In the day time the tree draped hill is topped by a tiny white church, the Agios Georgios. If you do decide to check out the view from the top, the funicular is the easiest route. There’s also a café once you arrive so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Photo credit: Kyri Sarantakos

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Sightseeing in Athens

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When it comes to bridges, the most famous tend to be suspension bridges.  The Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn bridge are both suspension bridges.  While most Americans are familiar with at least a few of the greatest bridges in the United States, we tend to be far less knowledgeable of the great bridges in the rest of the world.  This is a bit surprising since, when it comes to size, the seven longest suspension bridges in the world are outside the USA.  On the technical side, when it comes to ranking bridges, the center (main) span is what counts.  Any way you measure them though, these bridges are impressive.

Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge

Photo credit: kayakaya

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

We’ll start this list with the greatest of them all.  Completed in 1998, the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world.  Also known as the “Pearl Bridge”, this bridge is located in Japan where it connects the city of Iwaya on Awaji Island to Kobe on the Honshu mainland.  Total cost of the project was somewhere in the vicinity of $5 billion.  The Japanese people, however, felt it was worth every penny as the bridge crosses the Akashi Strait, which is prone to especially rough seas in bad weather.  Prior to the bridges completion, ferries provided the only route across the strait.  In 1955 two ferries sank, drowning 168 children.  Suffice to say, there was strong public support for this bridge to be constructed no matter what the cost.  Center Span: 6,532 feet.

Xihoumen Bridge

Photo credit: Alex Needham

Xihoumen Bridge via Wikipedia 

Located in China, this is the runner up for longest suspension bridge in the world.  While the main span has been completed for almost two years, it will not be open for regular traffic until the end of 2009.  Construction began in 2005.  The bridge was built at a cost of $363 million, considerably less than the amount needed for the previously mentioned Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.  The Xihoumen Bridge connects Cezi island to Jintang island, and is part of a much larger project planned to link the entire Zhousan Archipelago to the mainland.  This require five bridges total, with one (not a suspension) running 27 kilometers long.  Center Span: 5,414 feet.

Great Belt Bridge

Photo credit: Henrik Sendelbach

Great Belt Bridge via Wikipedia 

For over a century, ferries carried travelers across the Great Belt off the coast of Denmark.  Opened to traffic in 1998, the “Great Belt Fixed Link” is comprised of a suspension bridge (the third longest in the world) and a railway tunnel between the island of Sprogo and Zealand.  The suspension bridge itself is formally known as the “East Bridge”.  The entire link as a whole is the largest construction project in Danish history.  As one may expect, it went through its fair share of delays and issues.  In the end, however, progress won out, and now there is a much easier route one may use to travel by land from mainland Europe to Scandinavia.  Center Span: 5,328 feet.

Runyang Bridge

Photo credit: sjiong

Runyang Bridge

Located in China, this is actually a complex of two bridges and the island of Siyezhou.  The suspension half is the south bridge, which is the fourth longest suspension bridge in the world.  The complex was built to cross the Yangtze River in the Jiangsu Province and spans a total length of just over 22 miles.  Total cost of the project was approximately $700 million.  Center Span: 4,888 feet.

Humber Bridge

Photo credit: Lincolnian (Brian)

Humber Bridge from the South Shore-Lincolnian (Brian)977

Located in England, this is the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world and the absolute longest bridge one can cross on foot.  It spans the Humber estuary, linking North Lincolnshire with East Riding of Yorkshire.  Plans for the bridge date as far back as the 1930’s, and work did not begin until 1972.  Worse, it wasn’t completed until 1981.  As one can imagine, the English were not happy about the five decade long delay.  The problem was primarily finding funding for the project.  Today, an average of 120,000 vehicles cross the bridge every week.  Center Span: 4,626 feet.

Jiangyin Suspension Bridge

Photo credit: Yawn823

Jiangyin Suspension Bridge

Yet another bridge that crosses the Yangtze River in China.  This bridge in particular is the most seaward, connecting the cities of Jingjiang and Jiangyin.  When it opened in 1999, it was the first long span bridge of its type to be built in China, let alone the longest.  Despite its location in China, construction of the bridge was handled by a British Engineering company.  It was completed in just under three years and quickly became an award winning structural achievement.  Center Span: 4,543 feet.

Tsing Ma Bridge

Photo credit: E.HOBA

Tsing Ma Bridge

This double-decker bridge, located in Hong Kong, is currently the seventh longest suspension bridge in the world.  If one is only counting suspension bridges that carry rail traffic then this is the absolute longest world-wide.  It is named after the two islands it connects, Ma Wan and Tsing Yi.  The bridge took five years to build, beginning in 1992.  It is part of the much larger Lantau Link which connects Hong Kong’s “New Territories” and Lantau Island, ultimately leading to Hong Kong International Airport.  Due to its inevitable exposure to typhoons, design elements of the bridge were actually subjected to wind tunnel tests.  Obviously it passed, as the bridge still stands firmly today.  Center Span: 4,518 feet.

As it stands now, China dominates the list when it comes to the longest suspension bridges in the world, with Japan holding the ultimate record.  In the United States, the Verrazano Narrows Bridge connecting Brooklyn to Staten Island is the longest at 4,260 feet, followed by the Golden Gate Bridge itself in San Francisco, measuring in at 4200 feet.  Currently these bridges are ranked eighth and ninth in the world, yet when they were first completed they were both number one.  And that is the story with bridges.  As engineering technology improves and experience is gained, there is always a longer bridge just over the horizon.
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This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Longest Suspension Bridges Outside the USA

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Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and remains a economic and cultural hub. The city of Boston was founded in 1630 by Puritan colonists and served as the focal point of the American Revolution, the Boston Massacre and the famed Boston Tea Party. There were also several key battles which occurred in and around the region. So it’s no surprise that the City of Boston is packed with incredible landmarks, in fact the only thing that is surprising is possibly how well maintained some of these landmarks are.

Boston Common

Boston Common is one of the oldest city parks in the United States having been established in 1634. The 50 acre park has served many different functions throughout the years and many of them are not what we’d traditionally think of for city parks. Originally the park was used for cattle grazing, which lasted until 1830. Public hangings were also a common occurrence in the park until 1817. Prior to the American Revolution British troops could be found camping on the grounds. Boston Common has also been used as a soapbox for such noted speakers as Gloria Steinem, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Pope John Paul II. Today the park is the beginning of the Freedom Trail and is perfect for peaceful picnics.

Paul Revere House

The Paul Revere House was built around 1680 and is the oldest building in downtown Boston. This is the home where Paul Revere was rousted from his sleep and climbed upon his trusty steed to announce that the British were coming. Throughout the years many, many people have lived in the home but by the 20^th century the Paul Revere Memorial Association purchased the home and restored it to its previous incarnation. Despite all of the changes the house went through in its lifetime it’s estimated that 90% of the structure is still original.

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall has been a gathering center for the citizens of Boston since 1742. In the beginning the hall served as a podium for noted political leaders and patriots who were looking to incite American spirit and break free from British rule. The building was expanded and also began serving locals as a marketplace, which it still is today. Make certain to take note of the weathervane on top as it served an important role in American history.

Fenway Park

Fenway Park opened in 1912 and has served as the home ballpark for the Boston Red Socks since, making it the oldest major league baseball stadium still in use. The stadium has been renovated many times because originally the growth of the city was not really considered. From May 15, 2003 until 2008 the park sold out 456 consecutive games, garnering it a major league record.

Old North Church

Built in 1723 the Old North Church is most noted for its role in the American Revolution and is the oldest standing church in Boston. It was from the steeple of the Old North that signals were sent to patriots such as Paul Revere. The signal was to warn them where the British were and from which way they were coming. One lantern meant they were invading by land, two lanterns meant they were coming by sea.

USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the entire world. The ship was first launched in 1797 and it was George Washington himself who ordered its construction. It was key in the War of 1812 as the USS Constitution defeated four British frigates and earned her the nickname Old Ironsides. The ship was in active service until 1881 and then served as a receiving ship until 1907 when it became a museum ship.

New England Aquarium

Built in 1969 the New England Aquarium had a new approach to aquariums which was considered cutting edge at the time and now has become the ideal. The New England Aquarium established more natural looking and feeling displays which take not only the visitors into considerations but the animals it houses as well and looks to educate people on the creatures’ native habitats. Known as a global leader the aquarium is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Boston, drawing more than a million visitors a year.

Old City Hall

The Old City Hall served as home to local politics from 1865 to 1969 and is one of a handful of remaining buildings in the United States built in the French Second Empire style. The building has remained in tack and used by numerous businesses throughout the ages. Today it is lauded for its historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Although you will not see public policy being debated you will find some law firms, beer distributors, several nonprofit agencies and a Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Public Garden

Boston’s Public Garden was created in 1837 and designed to serve a different purpose than its older brother, Boston Common. The Public Garden is meant to be decorative and floral. It’s less functional and designed more for shear enjoyment and for displaying greenery. In fact the park is known as the first botanical garden in the United States. They garden style is very Victorian and the park is beautiful and relaxing.

Bunker Hill Monument

The Bunker Hill Monument is designed to commemorate the famous Battle of Bunker Hill which was fought on the same spot in 1775. This battle is known as the first major battle of the American Revolution. Initially an 18 foot wooden pillar with a gilt urn was erected to commemorate Dr. Joseph Warren but by 1823 the newly formed Bunker Hill Monument Association was created to honor all of those who fought in this key battle.

Swan Boats

The Swan Boats in Boston’s Public Garden has been a noted part of the park for more than 130 years. In the 1870’s Robert Paget was granted a license to start a boat tour company. Rowing boats through the park’s lagoon has always been a popular pastime and now the Paget family rowed (or pedaled) the boat for visitors. The swan idea came from the opera Lohengrin and has become a symbol for the city of Boston. The business is still run by the Paget family and is a must stop for visitors to the city.

Granary Burial Ground

The Granary Burial Ground was established in 1660 and is the third oldest burial site in the Boston area. Many of the country’s noted early political leaders are buried on this spot including the three signers of the Declaration of Independence, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine. There are about 5000 people buried at the Granary but only about 2300 headstones. To save money families would share plots and headstones, meaning that some graves contain at least 20 bodies.

photo credit: trippinlarry

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Top Landmarks in Boston

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Chicago is such an historic city that even if you live in the city it’s difficult to view all of the landmarks. Your best bet is to select the landmarks that most interest you from our list of the most popular locations.

Adler Planetarium

The Adler Planetarium in Chicago is considered a National Historic Landmark and a Registered Historic Place but not a Chicago Landmark. The Planetarium was the first one in the western hemisphere and is the oldest in existence today. Founded in 1930 by Max Adler the planetarium was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. There are three full sized theaters and the Sky Theater is the dome you can see from the exterior. The Zeiss Planetarium projector can accurately reproduce the movement of every aspect of the night sky. In addition to the three theaters, there are a number of exhibits to peruse and the Doane Observatory which is home to the largest aperture telescope available to the public in the region.

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is housed in the former Palace of Fine Arts which was best known as being part of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The museum is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Two major permanent exhibits exist in the Museum of Science and Industry, the Coal Mine which recreates a working deep shaft coal mine and the U-505 Submarine, one of two German submarines that were captured during World War II and the U-505 is the only one on display in the western hemisphere. There are many other permanent exhibits and traveling ones and the hands-on theme makes it interesting throughout.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium is another National Historic Landmark and Registered Historic Place but is not considered a Chicago Landmark per se. The Shedd Aquarium opened in 1930 and used to be the largest indoor aquarium in the world with approximately five million gallons of water. The Shedd was the first inland aquarium to feature a permanent saltwater fish collection. In 2005 and 2007 it was the most visited aquarium in the United States and remains one of the most popular stops in Chicago. There are five permanent exhibits at the Shedd, Amazon Rising, Caribbean Reef, Waters of the World, the Oceanarium and Wild Reef.

Navy Pier Headhouse and Auditorium

Navy Pier Headhouse and Auditorium was once part of a grander plan, the city wanted to build two large piers to support the shipping industry but the second pier was never build and the city became less of a shipping hub. The pier has served many purposes and lay dormant as an eye sore for a substantial period but in the 1990s renovation began and it was turned into a highlight in the city drawing people from all around to ride the Ferris wheel, see an IMAX movie, watch the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, try their hand at the Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze, explore the Chicago Children’s Museum, walk through the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows and catch one of the many presentations.

Photo credit: puroticorico

Hull House Sighting Stairwell

Hull House

Hull House, or the Jane Addams Hull House, was established in 1889 by Jan Addams to help those who are unable to help themselves or who need a hand to survive. Even today Hull House is dedicated to helping others and is one of Chicago’s oldest and largest social and human service agencies. But unfortunately it’s not the altruistic nature of the organization nor the beautiful architecture of the building itself, but a rather notorious stories about a devil child and hauntings that draws people to this landmark. Even Jane Addams herself had mentioned that she heard things and noticed unusual happenings in the home but the ghost was considered harmless. It was the devil baby that really drew attention. The story is that a devout catholic and an atheist had a child that had pointed ears, horns, and scales on its skin because the atheist husband refused to have a picture of the Virgin Mary up in his home and said he’d rather have the devil himself in the home. The truth is probably that the child was so badly deformed that the family was unable to care for it, but in either case the child ended up at Hull House and has become part of Chicago’s lore.

Humboldt Park Boathouse Pavilion and Humboldt Park Receptory Building and Stable

Humboldt Park started being developed in the 1870’s and was designed to give the north side of Chicago a break from the city with a 207 acre park with meandering trails, horse paths and a pair of lagoons. The park was modified through the ages and the lagoons were connected by a river, a rose garden grew, a field house was built, as was a boathouse and a music pavilion. The boathouse earns its distinction as a landmark due to its originality of form, details and craftsmanship and is cited as an excellent example of the Prairie School architecture. This is one of the primary examples of this type of architecture which is still prominent today. The Receptory Building and Stable is one of the oldest surviving structures in the park and is currently occupied by the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. The building was built in 1895 and melds Queen Anne architectural style and old German style with a country house architecture in an asymmetric form. It’s a sort of mess of styles thrown together that somehow works and is uniquely beautiful.

There are so many Chicago Landmarks that you may want to visit them according to theme. The Landmark Tours are organized by area of interest and proximity to give you a full experience in one or more of your selected themed landmarks. Any student of architecture will know that several famed architects are responsible for one or more of Chicago’s landmarks and you can create your own tour based on the Chicago Landmark Architects hitting the highlights of each or submersing yourself in the culture and style of several of these master builders.  No matter how you choose to organize your sightseeing tour of Chicago’s Top Landmarks, you’re sure to see and learn more about the incredible Windy City.
photo credit: David G…

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Top Landmarks in Chicago

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Seattle is a city of landmarks with its storied history and incredible beauty. The landmarks range from the amazing Space Needle to a Denny’s Restaurant. We’ve listed a few of the highlights and more interesting landmarks so you get a real feel for the history of Seattle and its remaining structures.

The Space Needle

The Space Needle in Seattle was originally created for the 1962 World’s Fair and only cost $4.5 million. During the Fair the Needle saw 20,000 people a day ride to the top. At 605 feet high it was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River when constructed and can withstand up to 200 mph winds and earthquakes up to 9.5. The observation deck rests at 520 feet and is the highlight of the structure giving you views of the downtown skyline and a number of mountains and islands surrounding the city. Spend a little extra time enjoying this landmark by having a meal in the SkyCity revolving restaurant.

Smith Tower Observation Deck

Smith Tower Observation Deck is the original view of the city having its origination back in 1909. The tower was the brainchild of Lyman Cornelius Smith who wanted to create a skyscraper which at the time was one of the only skyscrapers outside of New York. The observation deck offers a unique view of the city as you’re smack dab in the middle of the downtown skyline so the view is one from the middle and above. The deck wraps around all four sixes with views of Mt. Rainier and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges. Part of the fun of visiting the deck are the elevators which are the last manually operated ones on the west coast.

Volunteer Park Water Tower

In Seattle it’s all about the views so how about another place that claims to have the best views around, Volunteer Park Water Tower. The land was originally owned by J.M. Colman but was purchased by the city in 1876 for $2000 the city was turned into a cemetery in 1885 but by 1887 the graves were removed and it was to become Lake View Park. In 1893 they added interest to the park by creating a nursery and greenhouse. The park continued to grow and improve and attract more residents on a regular basis. In 1906 the famed water tower was built, at a little more than 75 feet above the road it actually can claim an elevation of 520 feet as it is placed atop the highest point of Capitol Hill. This height rivals the Space Needle’s observation deck and provides excellent views of Seattle from a different perspective.

International Fountain

Photo credit: Merelymel13

Space Needle and International Fountain

The International Fountain in Seattle is also a relic from the World’s Fair but it’s been completely replaced and expanded since its origination. The fountain started out with hard iron nozzles surrounded by white rock, after the redo in 1995 it was turned into an inviting fountain in the middle of an open space so children can safely play in the fountain and surrounding yard. It’s a great place for families and children to cool off on hot days and, lit up at night, it’s a romantic hot spot for lovers on a stroll.

Parsons Gardens

Parsons Gardens was formerly the family garden of Reginald H. Parsons but was donated to the city by his family in 1956. This beautifully groomed garden is a great place to take pictures, have a picnic or celebrate an event as the park can be rented on special occasions.

Pier 59

Pier 59 is actually the home to the Seattle Aquarium which is an amazing aquarium that incorporates the waterside location in a magnificent way. The pier is undergoing some remodeling to make it as authentic as possible, despite the addition of an aquarium. The pier itself may not thrill but the Aquarium is sure to interest you and your family.

Salmon Bay Bridge

The Salmon Bay Bridge in Seattle was built in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway and still serves the city as a railway line. This bascule style bridge crosses the ship canal near the Ballard Locks so it provides an interesting working view of the juxtaposition of water and machinery in this region.

Stimson Green Mansion

The Stimson Green Mansion was originally owned by Charles Stimson a wealthy real estate and timber industry businessman. Construction began on the home in 1899 on First Hill, a prestigious neighborhood. The Tudor Revival home features steep pitched roofs, decorative timbering, casement windows with leaded panes and elaborate chimneys. In 1914 Stimson decided to move and sold the home to Joshua Green, a wealthy steamship owner. Green has such an influence on the Seattle area that the city named him man of the century in 1968. Green inhabited the home until his death at age 105. The home is one of the few surviving homes in that neighborhood that is basically in its original form. Tours are infrequent but worth a stop.

Seattle Center Monorail

The Seattle Center Monorail is the country’s first full-scale commercial monorail system. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair the monorail is actually a privately run business that actually makes money for the business. Around 1.5 million people a year use this form of transportation and it’s become quite popular with locals during major events when traffic can get nasty. On the monorail you can travel from downtown to Seattle Center quickly, effortlessly and while watching incredible views.

Kobe Bell

The Kobe Bell was given to Seattle in 1962 by its first sister city, Kobe Japan. The bell serves as a symbol of friendship between the two cities and as a way to erase some of the paint that remained from World War II. The gift came in time for the World’s Fair Century 21 Exposition and was celebrated in a great ceremony with the mayors of both cities in attendance. As a side note, the sister program between Kobe and Seattle was such a success that Seattle has adopted 20 more sister cities and has the second largest sister city program in the United States.

Photo credit: bensonkua

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

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Recently, movie theaters began exhibiting 3D digital cinema as the next big thing.  But this is really just history repeating itself.  It all goes back, ages ago, to when a caveman walked in with the world’s first sculpture to show off how much greater his work was than all of those old-fashioned cave paintings.  Three dimensional art captures the world like nothing else.  Statues, in particular, give us representations a people, creatures, and events.  But, where as most art is created just “to be”,  when statues  are large enough they also gain a purpose.  This has nothing to do with philosophy, it’s simply a matter of labor.  The sheer difficulty of constructing a giant statue all but guarantees it will only be made to honor, appease, or memorialize something.  Here are just a few of these amazing works of art.

Statue of Liberty

Photo credit: laverrue

Miss Liberty

It is arguably the most famous giant statue in the world, or at least the western world.  As many already know, it was presented as a gift from France to the American people.  The statue was dedicated in 1886 and commemorates the centennial anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence.  The Statue of Liberty also symbolizes the friendship established between the United States and France during the American Revolutionary War.  Including its base, the statue is over 305 feet high.

The Sphinx

Photo credit: gotplaid?

Sphinx - Landscape

The Great Sphinx of Giza represents a lion (some argue a jackal) with a human head.  It is possibly the largest monolith statue in the world measuring 241 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 65 feet high.  It is also the oldest known giant statue; it is believed the Sphinx was constructed sometime around 2500 BC.  The purpose of the Sphinx, what it symbolized, honored, or paid tribute to, has been lost to time.  Until the 1920’s, the Sphinx spent most of the past several thousand years buried up to its neck in sand.  During that time, it was seen as a human head rising mysteriously from the sand.

Il Sancarlone

Photo credit: mighell_xp

Colosso di San Carlo Borromeo

The Colosso di San Borromeo located in the hamlet of San Carlo in Arona, Italy is a statue of Saint Charles Borromeo.  Including its base, it is over 114 feet high.  Borromeo was the nephew of Pope Pius IV, and arch-bishop of Milan.  More impressive however, he is the only Cardinal to have ever refused the papacy when it was offered to him.  In 1610 Borromeo was canonized by Pope Paul V.  The date of his annual feast on the Roman Catholic calendar is November 4th, although the Milanese people had been celebrating him every year for decades before his sainthood.  His statue was commissioned by his relative Federico Borromeo and a collection of admirers.  It was completed in may of 1698.

Buddhas of Bamyan

Buddhas of Bamyan

These were two statues of Buddha built during the sixth century in Afghanistan.  In 2001 they were both intentionally destroyed with dynamite by the Taliban, who believed they were idols.  The act was condemned throughout the world and viewed as the epitome of intolerance by the Taliban and fundamentalist Islam.  Various groups for governments have pledged their support for the statues to be rebuilt.

Spring Temple Buddha

Spring Temple Buddha image via wikipedia

At 420 feet, including its base, this is currently the tallest statue in the world.  It was completed in 2002 at a cost estimated to be around $55 million.  It is located in Henan, China close to the Tianrui hot spring from which the statue gets its name.  The statue itself may be a response by the Chinese to the destruction of the Bamyan Buddhas in Afghanistan.

Christ Redeemer

Photo credit: bossa67

Cristo Redentor (Christ Redeemer)

Located in Rio de Janeiro this is arguably the most famous statue of Jesus Christ in the world.  While there are others that are slightly larger, none seem to be as iconic.  This statue is located at the 2300 foot peak of Corcovado mountain where it looks over the city with its arms outstretched, giving Jesus a silhouette of the cross.  It was finished in 1931 at a cost of $250,000.

The Motherland Calls

The Motherland Calls image via Wikipedia

Measuring 279 feet high, The Motherland Calls is known by a number of names including Mother Motherland, and the Mamayev Monument.  When it was finished in 1967, it was the tallest statue in the world. The statue wields an impressive 108 foot long steel sword and is a memorial to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Stalingrad, which is where the statue is located.  It is currently, however, beginning to tilt.  Gravity is all that holds the great statue to its foundation, so further tilting could cause it to collapse.

Colossus of Rhodes

Colossus of Rhodes

It was lost to time over a thousand years ago, yet it is still one of the most famous giant statues in the world.  The Colossus of Rhodes, built on the Greek island of Rhodes, was a statue of Helios, the Greek god signifying the sun.  It towered over 107 feet high, an awe inspiring height today, let alone three centuries before the birth of Christ.  It was built between 292-280 BC.  Unfortunately the statue stood for only 56 years before an earthquake snapped it at the knees toppling it over in 226 BC.  Its ruins laid on the ground for over 800 years, continuing to attract visitors throughout that time.  In 654 AD an Arab force captured the island and it is said the remains of the statue were sold to a Jewish merchant of Edessa (though that story may be purely based on propaganda from the time).

Whether it be in honor of a person, a location, or even just an ideal, giant statues embody a cause beyond simply just existing.  Small wonder then why they are so revered even today and why we continue to create them.

Photo credit: alan(ator)

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Giant Statues of the World

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The city of St. Louis is not only known for one of its landmarks but has earned a nickname based on it, the Gateway City. Although St. Louis is known for The Gateway Arch it’s also home to a huge number of popular landmarks which are very popular with tourists and locals alike.

The Gateway Arch

Of course the most popular landmark in St. Louis is its Gateway Arch which is the tallest man-made monument in the United States at 630 feet high. Construction began on the arch in 1963 and was completed in 1965, and is visited each year but about 1 million visitors. If you’re brave enough to take the elevator/tram to the top on a windy day you’ll notice that you not only feel like you’re moving but that you actually are swaying, the arch sways a maximum of 18 inches, nine inches on either side if the wind is raging at 150 mph or more, but the usual sway is about a half an inch, which is pretty hard to feel. In addition to riding to the top of the St. Louis Gateway Arch there are other things to do in the Gateway Arch Riverfront Area. Consider making a day of your adventure and spending time at the Museum of Westward Expansion, the Old Courthouse or taking a sightseeing cruise along the Mississippi River.

St. Louis Art Museum

The St. Louis Art Museum is one of the nation’s leading comprehensive art museums with more than 30,000 works of art. Look for great works from almost every time period and era. Spend extra time exploring the extensive collections of Oceanic art, pre-Columbian art, ancient Chinese bronzes, and European and American art of the 19^th and 20^th centuries with many key German paintings. In addition there is a library to peruse and several special events throughout the year. The best part of the museum is that it’s free to everyone.

Powell Symphony Hall

Powell Symphony Hall is home to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and one of the most renowned concert halls in the United States. Erected in 1925 the theater originally presented the best live vaudeville and motion pictures, it wasn’t until later that the Hall became home to the Orchestra yet whatever its incarnation it draws a crowd with its incredible performances and lavish accommodations.

Photo credit: Matito

Old Courthouse and Arch

Historic Old Courthouse

St. Louis’s Historic Old Courthouse began its construction in 1826 and wasn’t completed until 1862. Having seen its share of famous trials and historical events, the courthouse pays homage to its most noted trail, the Dred Scott, Slavery and The Struggle to Be Free exhibit celebrates the suit by Dred Scott for freedom from slavery. The Old courthouse is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park which is open daily and free to the public. The park also features the Gateway Arch so this is a perfect activity to combine with a visit to the Arch.

Missouri Botanical Gardens

The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded in 1859 and is the national’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation. With79 acres, including the 14 acre Japanese strolling garden, the original home to Henry Shaw is truly a magnificent beauty. Of note to flower lovers, the gardens house the world’s largest collection of rare and endangered orchids. If you’re headed to the Missouri Botanical Gardens in 2009 you’re in luck, it’s their 150^th anniversary, or the sesquicentennial, and there will be celebrations throughout the year. The gardens recommend you spend at least three hours visiting the grounds to get the most out of the experience, but feel free to stay longer if you want.

Soulard Farmer’s Market

St Louis used to have many public markets but the Soulard Farmer’s Market is the last remaining one of its kind. Soulard Farmer’s Market was created by Julia Cerre Soulard who donated two half blocks of real estate to the city in 1838. She wanted the property to remain as a public marketplace in perpetuity. There is a date of 1779 ascribed to the market’s founding but there are no historical facts to back this up. In fact the village of St. Louis (as it was at the time) was a walled fortress nearly a mile away so it is very doubtful that the market existed that far out of town at the time. The first building featured some new interior stalls which were more amenable for meat vendors. In the future an upstairs hall would be built and serve many different public functions until it was destroyed in a tornado in 1840. And the entire thing was razed to build a new facility in 1928. Soulard Farmer’s Market faced many ups and downs but has stood the test of time and is the only farmer’s market to have done so in St. Louis.

Anheuser-Busch Complex

One of the most famous companies headquartered in St. Louis is Anheuser-Busch and so it’s no wonder that three of their buildings are national historic landmarks, the Old School House, the Brew House and the Clydesdale Stable. The Old School House was originally constructed in 1868 and was originally known as the Lyon School. In 1907 the city no longer needed the building and sold it to Anheuser-Busch which promptly converted it into their central office until 1982. The Brew House was built in 1891 and 1892 and was the center of the St. Louis Brewery. The Romanesque building with its clock tower was quite impressive and the most modern, efficient brew house of its time, since then it’s been expanded over the years and has an annual capacity of 15.8 million barrels. The Clydesdale Stable was built in 1885 for $35,000 and was once a private stable for Adolphus Busch. As with all their buildings, no expense was spared at the time to make it the most impressive, beautiful stable around. It wasn’t until 1933 that August A. Busch, Jr. decided to use the stable to house the new signature Clydesdale horses.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Top Landmarks in St Louis

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Philadelphia, the “City of Brotherly Love”, may very well be the most historically significant city in the United States.  It was there that the Declaration of Independence was signed and the United States born.  This was not a coincidence; at the time, Philadelphia was the social and geographical center of the original thirteen colonies.  And during that colonial era, it was the second largest city in the British Empire, the first being London itself.  In fact, up until the year 1800, Philadelphia was the capital of the United States.  If American history is what you seek, it’s hard to go wrong with Philadelphia.  And what better way to get your start than by staying in a historic hotel?

Park Hyatt Philadelphia

Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue

Where its at: Broad & Walnut Street, Philadelphia [map]

What’s its story: When Prussian immigrant George Boldt was hired to run the Astoria hotel in New York City, he soon decided that Philadelphia needed a hotel that could rival the best New York had to offer.  The Bellevue-Stratford would open in 1904 and soon become the “must” place to stay in the city.  The hotel featured a concierge on every floor, and maids specifically hired to pack departing female guests’ luggage, so their clothes would not be wrinkled.  The hotel also featured a theater, a library, Turkish baths, business services such as typists and stenographers, a bank, travel offices, a florist, the list goes on and on.  In its prime, the Bellevue-Stratford became the social center of the city itself.

Why you should want to stay there: This 172 room hotel is overflowing with history, yet today is run by Hyatt so offers all of the conveniences available to today’s travelers.  A philosophy George Boldt definitely would have approved.

What else does it have: The Park Hyatt Philadelphia at The Bellevue offers upscale shopping, fine dining, a day spa, complimentary access to a 93,000 square foot fitness club, 24-hour room service, and many other amenities.

The Morris House Hotel

The Morris House Hotel

Where its at: 8th & Walnut Street, Philadelphia [map]

What’s its story: The Morris House was built in 1787 and served as home to various members of the Morris family for 120 years.  Several of those Morris’s have held esteemed roles in the Philadelphia community, right down to Anthony Morris, who in 1685 became mayor of Philadelphia.  Although the home was completed after American independence had been won, the house is distinctly colonial.  It’s interesting to note that the house was brand new during the time Philadelphia served as the capital.  Today the house is still considered one of the finest examples in Philadelphia of colonial residential architecture.

Why you should want to stay there: Unlike the larger hotels, The Morris House is much more cozy and private while still located close to Philadelphia’s historic attractions.  Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are only two blocks away.

What else does it have: Luxurious rooms with 600 count cotton sheets, Egyptian cotton towels, Godiva chocolates, and free wireless internet.

Latham Hotel

The Latham

Where its at: 17th & Walnut Street [map]

What’s its story: Constructed on the original site of the home of William Bucknell, a famous philanthropist in the 19th century, the Latham was originally an apartment house that opened in 1915.  At the time, it was widely considered to be one of the best places to live in the city.  In the 1960’s, when many hotels were being converted into condominiums, a group of investors decided to convert The Latham Apartment House into The Latham Hotel.  Opening in 1970, the hotel has continued to serve its place as a well-respected Philadelphia landmark.

Why you should want to stay there: The Latham is a one of a kind, boutique hotel in the center of Philadelphia.  A 10 minute walk or cab ride will reach any attraction in the city.  The hotel is especially well liked by business travelers who enjoy the historic, posh address coupled with all of the modern conveniences the hotel has to offer.

What else does it have: The Latham features full service business and fitness centers.  For spa treatment, the hotel is within two blocks of not one, but four of Philadelphia’s best spas.

The Thomas Bond House

Where its at: 129 South 2nd Street [map]

Thomas Bond House

What’s its story: This 1769 town house was home to Thomas Bond, the American physician and surgeon who co-founded with Benjamin Franklin the first medical facility in the American colonies, Pennsylvania Hospital.  Thomas Bond’s house has been meticulously restored room by room to recapture the 18th century Federal Period of the United States.  It is now used as a bed and breakfast.

Why you should want to stay there: This is the only lodging located within Philadelphia’s Independence National Historic Park.  It has been selected as one of the top 25 best historic inns in the country by “American Historic Inns”  The Thomas Bond House has also been featured in numerous publications as well as on NBC’s “Today Show”, which awarded it as one of the top five best big city deals.

What else does it have: Continental breakfast on weekdays with full breakfast served on weekends.  Evenings include complimentary wine and cheese.  This is an old fashioned bed and breakfast, so it does away with modern business amenities.

Philadelphia is more than just a city with fantastic cheese-steak and pretzels.  History abounds in every neighborhood, and by staying at a historic hotel, one can experience that history from the moment they arrive.  Philadelphia is a must for any traveler seeking to experience the early history of the United States.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Historic Hotels of Philadelphia

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The Travel Photo of the Day for 7/1/2009 is of Dubia in the Fog and was taken by 7_70

Photo credit: 7_70

The Burj Dubai is the tallest structure built by man in the earth’s history. This picture was taken from more than 2,625 feet off the ground. The cost to build the Burj Dubai is believed to be more than $4 billion. Construction on this building will reportedly be finished in September of 2009.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Travel Photo of the Day 7/1/2009 Dubia in the Fog

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It’s well known that Boston is a historic city filled with significance to the United States of America but not many people know that Boston actually is home to a remarkable 55 National Historic Landmarks. Rather than list them all here, we’ll just give you the run down on some of the most popular ones.

Old City Hall

Boston’s Old City Hall was home to the city council in from 1865 to 1969. The Old City Hall was one of the first French Second Empire style buildings built in the United States and unfortunately it is one of the only remaining French Second Empire buildings left standing. After 1969 the Old City Hall was converted to serve other functions and is now considered one of the early examples of successful adaptive reuse. The building made the National Historic Landmark list in 1970 and currently houses a number of businesses and restaurants including a Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall is located near the waterfront and serves as the government center for Boston. Since 1742 Faneuil Hall has served as a marketplace and meeting hall and features many great speeches by famous orators of their day. Pay attention to the gilded grasshopper weather vane atop the building as it was once used as a test to determine if people were spies, they would be asked what animal lives atop Faneuil Hall and if they said grasshopper they were safe but if they said some other animal they were considered a spy. Faneuil Hall was rated the fourth most visited tourist site by Forbes Traveler in 2008.

Quincy Marketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace has been an important part of the Bostonian marketplace for more than 250 years and is still a hub for the city’s sights, sounds and tastes. Quincy Marketplace is located in Faneuil Hall and served as an indoor expansion of the marketplace where vendor stalls were placed for shopping in any sort of weather. Although the building still stands and still provides food for visitors the type of food has changed greatly, rather than fresh produce the stands are now full of fast food restaurants.

Paul Revere House

Even most school children know of the great American patriot, Paul Revere and his famous ride during the American Revolution. His three story colonial home was built around 1680 and is located where the Second Church of Boston, home of Increase Mather and Cotton Mather, was before the fire of 1676. Paul Revere owned the home from 1770 until 1800 although his family may have lived somewhere else during much of that time period. After it was sold it became a tenement with storefronts on the first store and in 1902 a relative of Paul Revere purchased the building to prevent demolition and restore it to its previous condition. The home was opened to the public in 1908 as one of the earliest historic house museums in the United States and can still be toured by the public today.

Tremont Street Subway

The Tremont Street Subway is a tunnel in the Boston subway system and is the oldest of its kind having opened in 1897. The tunnel once served to move streetcar lines off the streets but now it is a central part of the green line.

Fort Warren

Fort Warren is a historic fort located on Georges Island at the entrance to the Boston Harbor. Constructed from 1833 to 1861 the fort defended the harbor until the end of WWII and served as a prisoner of war camp during the Civil War. In 1947 the fort was decommissioned and currently serves as a tourist stop.

Trinity Church Boston

Photo credit: cogito ergo imago

Trinity Church Boston

The Trinity Church of Boston is a modern congregation reaching about 3,000 households regularly. Founded in 1733, the original site burned in the Great Boston Fire of 1872 and the current church was constructed from 1872 to 1877. It is noted as the birthplace and archetype of the Richardsonian Romanesque style architecture and became popular across American, Europe and Canada.

USS Constitution

Photo credit: ZeHawk

USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is a heavy frigate of the U.S. Navy and is the oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat in the world. Launched in 1797 the Constitution was one of the original frigates commissioned by the Naval Act of 1794. Since then the Constitution has severed in many wars throughout the years and has also been an ambassador and training ship. The ship was eventually dry docked and much talk was made of its restoration and sailing again for its 200^th anniversary. In 1995 the Constitution was taken out of dry dock and on July 20^th 1997 she made her first sail in 116 years. Currently she has a crew of 60 who hold educational programs, host special events and appear in ceremonies. The ship has been undergoing a more extensive repair since 2007 and isn’t expected to be fully completed until September 2010.

Boston Public Garden

The Public Garden of Boston was established in 1837 by Horace Gray who was pressuring the city to establish the first public botanical garden in the United States. The 24 acre park features a variety of paths, flower beds, statues and fountains and a lake. The park is currently maintained by a joint effort of the Mayor’s Office, the Parks Department and the non-profit group, Friends of the Public Garden. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon relaxing and enjoying the weather.

Boston Common

Boston Common (sometimes referred to as Boston Commons) is one of the oldest parks in the country having been established in 1634. The 50 acre park is considered the anchor of the Emerald Necklace, a name given to a system of connected parks that wind through many Boston neighborhoods. Several different activities have taken place in the park from cattle grazing until 1830 and public hangings until 1817. Prior to the Revolution British troops camped on the park ground before heading into battle at Lexington and Concord. In its most recent incarnation the park has served as a location for celebrity speeches and casual recreational activities by all sorts of visitors.
photo credit: Tony the Misfit

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Historic Landmarks in Boston

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San Diego is a city that’s known for its tourist attractions just as much as it’s known for its wonderful weather. Trying to winnow down your selections of historic landmarks is difficult but we’ve culled together a list of the top landmarks in San Diego for you and your family to visit.

Maritime Museum of San Diego

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is known throughout the world for its great ability in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. A trip through this museum will give you a glimpse at one of the best collections of historic ships in the world. One of the highlights of The Maritime Museum of San Diego is the Star of India, the oldest active ship in the world. If you’d like to get the chance to ride one of this wonders you can purchase an Historic Bay Cruise for only $3 and spend up to two hours riding the 1914 Pilot.

Cabrillo National Monument

In 1542 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the United States. The Cabrillo National Monument pays homage to this man in addition to giving you a deeper understanding of the region. In addition to learning more about Cabrillo and his exploits you’ll see that the area was once rich with natural resources. Point Loma still contains more than 660 acres of native habitat so you may still see quite a few of the natural flora and fauna. And speaking of Point Loma, this peninsula provides a natural barrier for the entrance of the San Diego Bay so it’s no wonder that the United States government turned the area into a military reserve. And the Point actually saw quite a bit of action during World War I and II in addition to other conflicts.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Another historical landmark located in Cabrillo National Monument is Old Point Loma Lighthouse, two landmarks in one. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse stood guard over the San Diego Bay for 36 years but the lighthouse actually wasn’t very useful as the fog and low clouds often made it impossible to see the light. The lighthouse was officially decommissioned in 1891. But the lighthouse has remained and now is open to the public and can be toured with a ranger who gives a deeper look at the history of the lighthouse’s past.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

At Old Town San Diego State Historic Park you get the opportunity to discovery more abut this region’s history from the years 1821 to 1872. At this point in time Mexican and American cultures were not only learning to live together but were developing a unique combination of the two cultures. Inside the park you’ll find five original adobe buildings which have been restored as authentically as possible. They buildings now house museums, retail stores and restaurants which are much more modern in their offerings, but you will be able to view a working blacksmith shop, hear traditional music and interact with actors dressed in period costume as they go about their daily activities.

Whaley House Museum

Located in Old Town San Diego, the Whaley House is a classic example of mid-nineteenth century Greek Revival architecture. The Whaley House is one of the most popular historic tourist sites in California with more than 100,000 people crossing the threshold annually. The building originally was to be a granary and later became a courtroom. Later Thomas Whaley designed the two-story house and store addition. The current restoration focuses on the area between 1868 and 1871 when the house served as a residence, a commercial theater, a county courthouse, and the general store. But the reason this home probably draws a crowd are the rumors that is it haunted, a rumor which was boosted by the Travel Channel’s American’s Most Haunted show which declared it the most haunted house in the United States.

San Onofre State Beach

San Onofre State Beach is divided into three areas, San Onofre Bluffs, San Onofre Surf Beach and San Mateo Campground. The 3000 acres of coastal-canyon park has more than enough space for all of the areas and draws large crowds. The Bluffs area offers camping and hiking in addition to some incredible views of the ocean below. The Surf Beach is known around the world as an incredible surf break, it’s actually a historic location for surfers and still draws great crowds but there is no camping and no alcohol allowed on the beach. The San Mateo Campground area is inland from the beaches and features a short nature trail while takes campers out to the Trestles Beach, another very well known surfing location. Campgrounds feature fire pits, picnic tables and some also have electricity and water hookups.

Oceanside Pier

Oceanside Pier is one of the longest wooden piers on the west coast. It opened in 1987 and was the city’s sixth pier, the fifth on this exact spot. Not really a place to spend an entire day exploring, but there are a lot of things to do at the pier. You can stroll out over the ocean along the pier and catch the sights, go fishing, or enjoy a great meal at Ruby’s Diner.  Oceanside has been chosen as home to Camp Pendleton United States Marine Corps and it’s easy to spot the influence of the camp on the local economy.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Torrey Pines State Reserve gives you the rare chance to see how the land in this area looked before it became heavily populated and cities took over the region. There are more than 2000 acres of majestic Torrey pines, chaparral plants and unspoiled beaches in this state reserve for you to explore and enjoy. The lagoon area plays temporary home to scores of migrating sea birds as they travel from summer to winter homes. If the idea of exploring the eight miles of trails on your own is a little too daunting, on the weekends there is a guided tour through the park so you can learn more about the area and exercise a little less.

This post originally came from Kathika Travel Blog. Stop by and read our most popular travel blog posts.

Top Landmarks in San Diego

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