When you think of a famous medieval fortress in Ghent, the first building that comes to mind is without a doubt the Gravensteen Castle. The so-called “Castle of the Counts” played a major role in the city’s history as it became the official residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. Later on, this remarkable …
Kevin Fisher
The largest city in Europe that isn’t the capital of its country is located in northern Germany and is home to over 5.1 million inhabitants. Hamburg is the second-largest city in the country after Berlin and this obviously means that it’s home to many architectural highlights. The city grew in importance as a Hanseatic city …
The history of the main opera house in Belgium is significantly longer than the country itself. The current Neoclassical building, however, was erected several decades after the country was established and has been altered several times. Better yet, only the magnificent auditorium and the entrance hall of the building date back to the initial construction …
The heart of the Belgian capital city is home to an area that not just looks picturesque, but also has an extended history. The Mont des Arts or Kunstberg, which translates to “Art Mountain,” is a hill in Brussels that got its name from the museums that are located here. In the 19th century, this …
When you visit Florida or California, you’re bound to discover several buildings that incorporate Mediterranean Revival architecture. This eclectic style borrows elements from various other types of architecture, predominantly Spanish Colonial architecture, Renaissance architecture, Venetian Gothic architecture, and Beaux-Arts architecture. With so many influences, it’s fairly clear that this isn’t a uniform style as it …
The French capital is home to one of the most famous triumphal arches in the world, but that’s far from the only monument of this type in the city. I’m obviously talking about the Arc de Triomphe, one of the best-known landmarks in Paris. Another famous arch in Paris can be found just north of …
The second-largest seaport in Europe deserves a beautiful landmark to house its main offices, and that’s exactly what it got. The Port Authority Building is one of the most striking buildings in Antwerp, the second-largest city in Belgium, and was designed by a world-famous architect. It’s not just the design that makes this a remarkable …
The capital city of Ireland is home to one of the most stunning and influential Neoclassical buildings in the country. The Custom House is located along the banks of the River Liffey in the heart of the city and is definitely one of the most notable landmarks in Dublin. Let’s take a closer look at …
Compared to various other architectural styles, Renaissance architecture of the 15th and early 16th centuries was rather dull. The core principle during this era was to build structures that were as harmonious as possible. Therefore, symmetry and solidity were core features. The Mannerist era emerged following the High Renaissance in the early 1520s and this …
When you visit the historical heart of Naples, the third-largest city in Italy, you’ll discover one of the most stunning buildings in the country. I’m not talking about the Royal Palace, the Teatro San Carlo, or even the historic Castel Nuovo. I’m referring to one of the most beautiful shopping arcades in the world. It …