Subterranean water architecture across the arid plains of western India represents an extraordinary convergence of civil engineering, hydro-geology, and aesthetic mastery. Known regionally as vavs, these subterranean structures were constructed not merely as water reservoirs, but as civic sanctuaries where community life, ritual traditions, and architectural expression flourished below the desert surface. Among these historical subterranean wonders, the Adalaj Stepwell stands as one of the most
Architecture (23)
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This continent steeped in history offers an unparalleled architectural journey that showcases centuries of artistic evolution. From Gothic cathedrals to Renaissance palaces and modern masterpieces, each country has its own unique contribution to the world of architecture. Whether you´re an architecture geek, a history enthusiast or simply an admirer of stunning structures, traveling to Europe provides a feast for the eyes and soul.
The Timeless Grandeur of the Gothic
One of the continent
Delhi, the bustling capital of India, is a city steeped in history and culture. While many visitors flock to its well-known landmarks, the city is home to numerous hidden architectural and cultural gems that offer a richer, more nuanced experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious, these lesser-known treasures promise to captivate and enchant.
Must Read: Best India Solo Travel Destinations for Women
The Rich History of Delhi
Delhi’s storied past stretches
Deteriorated though much of it is, what might be the most surprising thing to travelers about Cuba´s capital - still the most beautiful in the Caribbean - is how well-rounded it also is. Especially culturally, with restaurants, cafés, shops and ubiquitous music joined by high-quality museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts, with international as well as Cuban works, divided between a modern facility and the magnificent late-19th-century Centro Asturiano (Asturian social club); th
Dudva
Sometimes you have to wonder if a destination you have heard about for years will live up to its reputation. This one definitely does - I have to tell you, Dubrovnik justly deserves its title "Pearl of the Adriatic."
I mean, where else can you find marble streets lined with baroque buildings all topped with red tile roofs? Add in that the whole pretty city is surrounded by intact city walls... and it's no wonder it's a favorite holiday destination for almost everyone who vi
Known for its ornate, golden-sandstone architecture of the Renaissance era as well as one of the world's oldest universities, the Castilian city of Salamanca is a delightful fount of a million details and delights for the visitor, as I discovered on a recent visit.
On my first day, my local friend Carolina took me to the cathedral, where she showed me the figure of a 'monkey eating an ice cream' among the carvings around the door. It didn't look like a monkey, though ... more like a chimera d
A genius gone mad.
Every time I see Antoni Gaudí’s perpetually unfinished Sagrada Família, the crown jewel of the Catalan architect’s vast œuvre, these four words well up along with, I confess, an occasional tear. It’s simply not possible to witness the soaring prayer in stone that is this most unusual of temples, and not be moved — in part, no doubt, by the mad genius’ inability to see his grand opus through to completion.
It seems, however, that we finally have a date: Barcelona architect J
‘Portmeirion is a gorgeous visual poem that will melt the hardest heart’
- Rough Guide Wales
A lot of people remark that Portmeirion, a private village on the coast of North Wales, reminds them of Portofino, in Italy. It does, in a way, but really, it has a charm of its own. Even the architect, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, always repeatedly denied claims that his layout was based on that village. I think I once read somewhere that he claimed he’d never been
Building a new home is an exciting venture. When you are building a new home in Costa Rica, it is even more thrilling! And there are so many innovative possibilities with tropical architecture design.
Costa Rican architect Richard Muller, head of the firm RM Architecture & Engineering, has been designing and building innovative tropical architecture in Costa Rica for more than 35 years. One of his favorite spots for home building is at the Costa Rica eco-development Portasol Rainforest & Ocean Vi
New York City may not be the official capital of the United States, but it is certainly our cultural capital. From museums to live theater, galleries to concert halls, historical landmarks to innovative cuisine, New York has it all. Even New York's architecture – both historic and brand new (One World Trade Center) attracts visitors – rivaling Chicago in its draw. What better way to experience the jaw-dropping landmarks of New York City architecture than from a relaxing architecturally-themed cr
Hidden away down a gravel drive in bustling Schaumburg, Illinois - some 28 miles northwest of Chicago's downtown Loop - lies an architectural masterpiece. Built in 1937-38 by an up and coming young architect named Paul Schweikher (1903-1997), the
This is one of the famous and most beautiful drainpipes in Paris. It can be seen at the Hotel de Lauzun at 17 quai d'Anjou on Île Saint-Louis in the 4th arrondissement. (N.B. No, you can't book a room here).
The hotel was supposed to have been the centre of evil, the headquarters of a satanic federation in the movie The 9th Gate directed by Roman Polanski starring Johnny Depp.
When you think of travel to Bulgaria, what comes to mind first? For me, one of the cool things about visiting this fetching little Balkan country is its touches of exoticism, part of an ancient cultural heritage that stretches back to 5,000 BC, and which I find most noticeable in its Eastern Orthodox churches. As with church architecture in Russia, here you’ll find plenty of onion domes, but in Bulgaria you’ll also spot features you won’t find in Russia, such as arches influenced by Islam (not
Click the above map to see full sized image
There are so many lovely things to do on the Tulbagh Wine Route. It is a picture perfect town with many of the Cape Dutch buildings restored to their original structure. Only 2 hours away from Cape Town, it is the perfect weekend break.
We stayed at Oudekloof Luxury Guest Farm which is a restored Cape Dutch Farm House. Built in 1754, the farm is almost 300 years old. The Cape leopard has been spotted in the surrounding hills who roams freely and uninhib
When you think of travel to Bulgaria, what comes to mind first? For me, one of the cool things about visiting this fetching little Balkan country is its touches of exoticism, part of an ancient cultural heritage that stretches back to 5,000 BC, and of of the features which I find most noticeable is its Eastern Orthodox churches. As with church architecture in Russia, here you’ll find plenty of onion domes, but in Bulgaria you’ll also spot features you won’t find in Russia, such as arches influe
When I first visited Turkey, I did something I won’t be able to do again. I gave the coach driver a 2 million lira tip! Shortly after my visit, the revalued their currency, simply by deleting the word ‘million’. The Turk with the price of a packet of cigarettes in his pocket is no longer a millionaire!
But, we weren’t there to marvel at the currency. Most of the shopkeepers in the resort town of Kusadasi, where our cruise ship called on its tour around the Aegean Sea preferred to take Euros, an
by Emma Krasov
California’s eternally sun-drenched desert resort is of course famous for a number of things, among them for being “the playground of the movie stars,” for its golf, its eponymous hot springs, its scorching summers, and its gay/lesbian resorts (even the current mayor plays on that particular team). All of which help make Palm Springs a tourism magnet – its 48,000 population doubles in winter, while in July and August locals — mostly transplants from colder climes – have their oas
With three heritage monuments -The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort, Agra is one of the important destinations of the World Tourism charts. It is not just a decadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a vivacious centre of Culture, Art and Spiritual philosophies that have enriched mankind and fashioned human contemplations over centuries.
Agra is well-known for handicrafts products such as Inlay work on Marble, Leather work, Footwear, Brass wear, Carpets, Jewelry, Zari and Embroidery wo
