Greece - Traveling Thru History

Top Historic Sites in Europe, Part 6

Erin — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 08:04:19 +0000

Welcome to Part 6 of my Top Historic Sites in Europe series! I’m glad you came back to check out some more fantastic sites. So far we’ve done the top historic sites from 50 countries in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5 and today you’ll get to see the last three countries along with seven bonus sites! I have really loved learning more about these countries along with the significance of some of their historic sites and I’m so excited to share this with you. With a recorded history going back over 37,000 years, there are just way too many fascinating places to see them all. That’s why I’ve partnered with other travel bloggers to find out which sites are of the most historic and significant importance for each of these countries. I hope you’ll enjoy what we’ve put together. Monaco – Monaco Palace Monaco Palace is formally known as the Prince’s Palace in Monaco and was first built as a Genoese fortress in 1191. In 1297, the Grimaldi family captured the fortress through the deception of Francois Grimaldi and made it their stronghold as feudal lords. In the 17th century, the Grimaldi family became sovereign rulers. Before becoming sovereign rulers, the Grimaldi family had to go through a series of the usual hardships of the era. During the 1330s, Charles Grimaldi the First strengthened the fortress and made it strong enough to withstand over 100 years worth of attacks from Genoa, Pisa, Venice, Naples, France, Spain, Germany, England and Provence. Between the 1340s and 1370s, the fortress frequently changed hands between the Grimaldi family and the Genoese and in the end, the Grimaldi family was able to retain ownership of the property. In the 15th century, the fortress was expanded enough to accommodate roughly 400 soldiers as well as the addition of several buildings and a large new wing that signified the beginning of the fortress becoming a palace. While Monaco Palace has been the seat of the Grimaldi family, they have not always resided there. The Grimaldi family were absentee rulers from 1662 through the mid 1700s, choosing instead to live in France at Versailles. In 1793, the family lost the Palace for a short period during the French Revolution while they were placed in exile. In 1814, the Treaty of Paris saw Monaco returned to the Grimaldi family, where it has remained ever since, though not always as a primary residence. Various descendants of the Grimaldi family have chosen to live either at the family estate of Le Marchais outside Paris or in Germany. Prince Rainier III began extensive renovations on the palace starting in 1949 and the family once again returned to the palace that has been their seat of power for over 700 years. Erin Tracy is the owner and author of this blog, Traveling Thru History, which she uses to share her love of history, culture, and travel with her readers. You can also find stories and pictures of her travels on her Facebook page. Wales – Cardiff Castle Cardiff Castle was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort. The castle was originally built with wood and stone, but in the 12th century it was rebuilt completely in stone. These stones were strong enough to withstand multiple attacks by the Anglo-Normans and the Welsh. In 1423, Richard de Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick, conducted extensive renovations and added the main range on the west side of the castle along with the tall octagonal tower that is seen there today. Around the 1490s, Cardiff Castle began to have less significance as a military outpost, though it wasn’t until the 1550s that the castle began being transformed into a residential property. 1642 saw the castle change hands when Parliamentary forces overran the grounds during the English Civil War, though Royalists regained the property in 1645. The castle was again fought over during the Second English Civil War in 1648 and was almost destroyed by Parliament after the war, but it was eventually decided to garrison troops on the grounds as protection against the Scottish. In the 18th century, the Marquess of Bute. John Stuart, received the castle when he married Charlotte Jane Windsor, daughter of Thomas, Viscount Windsor. After receiving the newly created peerage title of Marquess in the mid-1770s, John Stuart began renovating Cardiff Castle. Several stone walls were removed, a hall and the knights’ houses were demolished, and the grounds were flattened to allow for turf. The main part of the castle had sections removed, two new wings added, and various features updated. The grounds had trees and greenery removed, the moat was filled, and a summer house was built. The castle remained the same until 1868 when the third Marquess of Bute decoded to remodel the castle. It had sat mostly empty since 1814 with only occasional occupants, leading to a low level of disrepair. The third Marquess of Bute added a 150-foot clock tower that contained a lavishly decorated bedroom, servant’s quarters, and smoking rooms. Various other rooms were added to the castle at this time, including the Guest Tower, Arab Room, Chaucer Room, nursery, library, roof garden, Banqueting Hall and bedrooms. All of these rooms were heavily gilded with elaborate carvings, paintings, accents, and stained glass. The grounds were also heavily altered to remove any trace of medieval or Roman times and reinstall the trees and shrubberies which were previously removed. In 1921, the fourth Marquess of Bute restored the masonry to what it was in medieval times and rebuilt various gates and towers that had been part of the original castle. He allowed archaeological investigations of the property to discover Roman walls, which led to the redesign of other buildings which were restored. He also tore out the grand staircase that had been added in the 19th century. Further restorations were carried out after 1947 when the castle was handed over to the city of Cardiff. Erin Tracy is the owner and author of this blog, Traveling Thru History, which she uses to share her love of history, culture, and travel with her readers. You can also find stories and pictures of her travels on her Facebook page. Ukraine – Kiev Pechersk Lavra Kiev Pechersk Lavra is also known as the Monastery of the Caves. It is a historic Orthodox Christian monastery which gave its name to one of the city districts where it is located in Kiev. This Monastery was founded in 1051 by an Orthodox monk named Anthony who hailed from an Esphigmenon monastery on Mount Athos. He chose a cave in the Besetov Mountains overlooking the Dnieper River and was eventually granted the entire mountain by Prince Iziaslav I, at which point the monastery was built by architects from Constantinople. This monastery became the preeminent center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe. In conjunction with the nearby Saint Sophia Cathedral, this monastery has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main church of the monastery of Dormition Cathedral. The original monastery was built in the 11th century, but was unfortunately destroyed in 1941 when German Nazis occupied the city. There is debate about whether the Germans destroyed the monastery while taking over the city or if the Russians were responsible while enacting the Khreshchatyk explosions to blow up all the bridges in Kiev. While we many never know who was truly responsible for destroying an ancient masterpiece, the structure has been reconstructed to fit its original design. Along with the beautiful monastery, Pechersk Lavra boasts several other architectural marvels. The All Saints Church erected between 1696–1698 is a stunning example of Ukrainian Baroque architecture. Characteristic of the church facades are rich architectural embellishments. In 1905 students of the Lavra art school painted the interior walls of the church. The carved wooden iconostasis is multi-tiered and was made for the All Saints church in the early 18th century. The Gate Church of the Trinity is located atop the Holy Gates, which houses the entrance to the monastery. According to a legend, this church was founded by the Chernihiv Prince Sviatoslav II. It was built atop an ancient stone church which used to stand in its place. In 1718, a fire destroyed the church, but it was quickly rebuilt, its facades and interior walls decorated with ornate stucco work made by V. Stefaovych. In the 18th century, a new gilded pear-shaped dome was built, the facade and exterior walls were decorated with stucco-moulded plant ornaments, and a vestibule built of stone attached to the north end. In the early 20th, century the front and the walls flanking the entrance were painted by icon painters under the guidance of V. Sonin. The interior of the church also contains murals by the early 18th century painter Alimpy Galik. The Great Lavra Bell Tower was designed by Johann Gottfried Schädel. This structure is 96.5 meters in height and was the tallest free-standing bell tower at the time of its construction in 1731–1745. The refectory chambers with the Church of the Saints Anthony and Theodosius is the third in a series of temples. The original temple was built in the 12th century and no drawings or visual depictions of it remain. The second temple was built at the time of the Cossack Hetmanate and was disassembled by the Russian authorities in the 19th century. It was replaced with the current temple, often referred to as the Refectory Church of the Kiev Pechersk Lavra. Erin Tracy is the owner and author of this blog, Traveling Thru History, which she uses to share her love of history, culture, and travel with her readers. You can also find stories and pictures of her travels on her Facebook page. BONUS SITES We’ve hit all the countries in Europe and given some history about the top site for each country, but it’s always hard to pick just one. Here are 7 more sites you won’t want to miss. Romania – Bran Castle Bran Castle is famously known as Dracula’s Castle. It is located on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia in Romania. The first structure to sit on this site was the castle of Dietrichstein, which Teutonic Knights built out of wood in 1212. This castle was destroyed by Mongols in 1242. In 1377, Louis I of Hungary gave Saxons permission to build a stone castle on the site, which was eventually used in defense against the Ottoman Turks in 1438-1442. When it wasn’t being used defensively, the castle was a customs post for those who traveled the mountain pass between Transylvania and Wallachia. In 1533, the City of Brasov took possession of the castle as payment for outstanding loans made to King Vladislas of Hungary. From that time forward, the castle played a militarily strategic role up to the mid-18th century. The next notable event in the castle’s history was in 1920 when the Treaty of Trianon granted Transylvania to Romania, along with Bran Castle, which became the royal residence in Romania. Queen Marie ordered extensive restoration work on the castle to bring it back to its medieval splendor. During WWII, the castle was used as a hospital before it was seized by the communist regime in 1948. At this time the royal family was exiled from Romania. It wasn’t until 2005 that the castle was returned to the Habsburg family who then carried out further restorations before opening the castle as the first private museum in Romania in 2009. Erin Tracy is the owner and author of this blog, Traveling Thru History, which she uses to share her love of history, culture, and travel with her readers. You can also find stories and pictures of her travels on her Facebook page. Greece – Erechtheion The Erechtheion (also called Erechtheumis) an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens in Greece. The Persians had destroyed much of the city during an invasion, so Pericles, the general of Athens from 461-429 BC, commissioned two men to restore the damaged buildings atop the Acropolis. Along with restoring the sacred religious building the Persians had destroyed, Pericles also requested that they build another building, The Erechtheion. The purpose for the Erechtheion is...

The post Top Historic Sites in Europe, Part 6 first appeared on Traveling Thru History.

Top Historic Sites in Europe, Part 3

Erin — Tue, 26 Dec 2017 14:00:32 +0000

Welcome to Part 3 of my Top Historic Sites in Europe series! I’m glad you came back to check out some more fantastic sites. So far we’ve done the top historic sites from 20 countries in Parts 1 and 2 and today you’ll get to see 10 more in Part 3! I have really loved learning more about these countries along with the significance of some of their historic sites and I’m so excited to share this with you. With a recorded history going back over 37,000 years, there are just way too many fascinating places to see them all. That’s why I’ve partnered with other travel bloggers to find out which sites are of the most historic and significant importance for each of these countries. I hope you’ll enjoy what we’ve put together today. Belgium – Bruges Market Square and Belfry Bruges (or Brugge) is deservedly one of the most popular cities to visit in Belgium. The city experienced its golden age during the late medieval period, between the 12th and 15th centuries, during which time Bruges was one of the busiest ports in the world. However, when the river channel leading into Bruges began to fill with silt, the city gradually lost its importance, along with much of its population. Soon, all that was left of the city that was once Belgium’s crown jewel were its beautiful medieval buildings. It was these historic buildings that first attracted tourists in the late 19th century, and brought new life back to the city. At the heart of Bruges lie multiple squares, home to the most important buildings of the city, with the largest square being the Markt, or Market Square. Regular markets have been held in this square since the 10th century and are still held to this day. Surrounding the square are impressive guild houses, including the Provincial Palace, the Cloth Hall and towering above all, the Belfry. The Belfry of Bruges is one of the most famous sites in Belgium. Belfries were a type of medieval bell tower used throughout the region of Flanders and the neighboring Duchy of Burgundy in France. Along with tolling the hours and half hours, they also served as a source of civic pride to the cities and towns, separate from the landmarks built by the church and feudal lords. Along with being an important bell tower, the Belfry of Bruges housed the city’s treasury and archives and was used as a watch tower to keep an eye out for fires and other dangers. The Belfry in Bruges dates back to the mid 13th century. It was first built in 1240, but was heavily damaged by a fire in 1280, after which it was rebuilt. Unfortunately, the archives house inside the belfry were destroyed during that same fire. The belfry has stayed mostly the same since it was rebuilt in 1280. An octagonal top was added in the late 1400s along with a wooden spire holding an image of St. Michael holding a banner while standing atop a dragon, this addition was struck by lightning in 1493, which resulted in the destruction of the octagonal top and the belfry’s bells. Another wooden spire was added shortly thereafter, but it, too, was destroyed by fire in 1741. It wasn’t until 1822 that the Gothic stone parapet was added to the top, which has stood, undamaged, ever since. When you visit Market Square, it’s possible to climb to the top of the Belfry of Bruges and take in a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Halfway up you’ll reach the Treasury, which is where the city’s charters, seal and public funds were kept during the Medieval period. And, at the very top, is the chamber for the bells – all 47 of them! Even if you don’t climb the tower, the market square is one of the best places in Bruges to dine out any time of the day, or just settle for a drink, with the square these days lined with restaurants. Or just stop by one of the many gelato shops and relax by the fountain, taking in the beautiful surroundings. Shandos Cleaver is the founder and blogger-in-chief of Travelnuity, a travel blog focused on dog-friendly travel around the world. She’s currently travelling around Europe with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, and shares about their adventures on Facebook. Belarus – Mir Castle Mir Castle is one of the most renowned fortifications in Belarus. Construction on what would eventually become Mir Castle took place during the early 1400s in an area which was then called the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This private estate remained in the Gedyegoldovish family for roughly 60 years before it fell into the hands of Duke Yury Ilinich. Due to political ambitions and regional hostilities, Duke Ilinich decided to build a fortress castle in what is now called the Belarusian Gothic style. The way Mir Castle was built is unique. The five 25-foot high towers of the castle were planned as independent centers of resistance that were capable of supporting adjacent towers. Each tower was designed so that the towers next to it could deliver flanking fire to increase defensive capabilities. One construction aspect of note is that the tower walls were designed with three layers: the two outside layers are made of brick and stone while the middle layer is made up of small stones and broken bricks. Unfortunately, neither Duke Ilinich nor any member of his family ever saw the completion of Mir Castle. Within 40 years, the entire Ilinich family was gone. Duke Ilinich’s grandson left the Mir Estate to his cousin, Prince Mikolaj Krzysztof Radziwill, in whose family the estate remained for the next three centuries. Prince Radziwill finished construction of Mir Castle by adding two three-story living quarters to the northern and eastern walls of the castle and rebuilt three of the towers. He also added a fortified gate to the entrance. Over the centuries, Mir Castle has gone through multiple periods of grandeur and decay, as well as surviving many conflicts. Several restorations have been done over the years, but it wasn’t until 1922 that a full-scale extensive restoration was undertaken, which took 16 years. Sadly, Mir Castle was taken by the Germans during WWII and used as a ghetto for roughly 800 Jews who lived nearby. After Belarus was liberated by the Allies in July 1944, Mir Castle was used as a refuge for the hundreds of Mir residents whose homes had been destroyed during the war. The last of the families staying in the castle left in 1962 and it once again fell into disrepair. In 1983, another extensive restoration was done on Mir Castle and it was opened to the public on December 16, 2010. Nowadays, Mir Castle is a living museum of history as well as a venue for cultural festivals and events. Mir Castle was one of the highlights of my visit to Belarus. It has a nice lake and park on its territory, which are the most enjoyable during warm months. The entrance to the territory, parks, lake is free. To visit museums inside the castle, you need to get a ticket. One day per month (last Wednesday of the month, as a rule) there is a free entry for everyone. Budget traveler, Eastern European, living with local people in India to explore the country from a different angle! Beyond traveling, Natalia is an events & marketing specialist by day and a blogger at My Trip Hack. Twitter: https://twitter.com/mytriphack Albania – Ruins of Apollonia and the Church of St. Mary Apollonia was founded in 588 BC by Greek colonists and named after the god Apollo (not very original as there were 23 other Apollonias along the Mediterranean coast). This Apollonia was the biggest and most important of them all, with a population of 60,000, a record in ancient times. Over the next 800 years, it became a major port for slaves, agriculture, pottery and asphalt. Due to the slave trade, Apollonia rose to become an important city-state: the city minting its own coins and, in 229 BC, became a Roman Protectorate. Apollonia supported Julius Caesar during the Roman Civil War of the 1st century and was rewarded with the title of “Free City,” meaning it didn’t pay tax to Rome. Under Roman rule, Apollonia also became a major centre of learning. Julius Caesar even sent his nephew Octavius, the future Emperor Augustus, to study here. Unfortunately, an earthquake in the third century changed everything for Apollina. Due to the changed landscape from the earthquake, the course of the Vjosa river changed, causing the harbour to silt up and prevent vessels from entering. This resulted in a major downturn in trade and started the slow decline Apollonia’s importance. Over time, the silted river became a mosquito-ridden swampland, increasing the frequency of malaria outbreaks. Added to this, the social structure of the city was failing and the Goths were invading the region. Apollonia was no longer a pleasant place to live and, by 800 AD, the city was largely abandoned. During the 9th century, after most residents had left the city, the monastery of St Mary was built by the small group of Christians who remained. in the ruins of the city and was rebuilt in the 14th century. During communist times, religion was banned, so the monastery was used to house livestock and supplies. Since the fall of communism, the Church of St. Mary was returned to its original use and the former monastery buildings were modified to house a small museum and cafe. With its ancient architecture and dim candle lit rooms, St. Mary’s is once again a place of peace. These days Apollonia attracts not only tourists but also newlyweds who want to get their photos taken amongst the ruins. Around the site are the remains of public buildings, temples, theatres, fountains, villas and the old city walls. If you’re looking for things to do in Albania and are interested in Ancient Greece then a day trip to Apollonia is a must. Ron and Michele are Australians who have decided to live life with less things and have more experiences. Their blog, Legging It Travel, covers their travel experiences across more than 30 countries, which they share on their Facebook page. Croatia – Diocletian’s Palace Diocletian’s Palace is one of the few UNESCO Heritage Sites with residents who live, work, and play inside the palace walls. If you’ve ever wanted to experience living in history, staying in this modern community allows you to soak up the site’s history and marvel at how relevant it is for every aspect of contemporary life. Long neglected, but now undergoing a renaissance, the Palace is popular with visitors who arrive by cruise ship from other countries, ferry from the Dalmatian islands, and Croatians on holiday. Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled from 284-305A.D., famously resigned his position due to declining health, wanting to spend the remainder of his days by the seaside close to where he was born. His plan was to grow tomatoes in the lovely Mediterranean setting in what is now the city of Split, Croatia, on the Dalmatian Coast. This just might be the world’s oldest surviving, upscale retirement home on the water. Constructed at the turn of the 4th century A.D., the palace complex’s residential areas, storehouses, public gathering spaces and temples were supported by a military garrison. Abandoned for several hundred years, and then neglected during Yugoslavia’s Communist regime, the buildings are now repurposed and individual property values within the Palace walls are rising. Foreign nationals looking for an inexpensive holiday home have invested in apartments here, many of which have required restoration within the confines of protected, heritage status. Visitors will experience a bustling, yet relaxed vibe which incorporates historical heritage and clever renovations. Innovative restaurants, upscale accommodations and specialty shops are interspersed among historical squares, a circular oculus open to the sky, colonnades and arches, and ornamental entry gates designated as Gold, Silver and Iron. A stay...

The post Top Historic Sites in Europe, Part 3 first appeared on Traveling Thru History.

Top Historic Sites in Europe, Part 1

Erin — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 09:15:22 +0000

A region that was settled around 35,000 BC, Europe is just full of ruins and historically significant sites. I’ve been to Europe a few times and it has always amazed me how many amazing things there are to see. History mixed with modern and ruins surrounded by technology. Europe really is such a wonderful place. Seeing as Europe is so old, there are hundreds of thousands of historic sites around the region. It’s hard to pick favorites, so I asked a group of travel bloggers which were their favorite historic sites around Europe. There are too many for one post, so this will be a five-part series showcasing the most memorable historic sites for each country. Take a look below and let me know what you think of these picks. Germany – Frauenkirche The large sandstone facade of the Frauenkirche “Church of our Lady” sits dominant on the landscape in the former East German city of Dresden. Dresden has a rich history as a center of arts and culture in the 18th century. Sadly, the grand baroque city was heavily bombed during the second world war and the Frauenkirche was damaged. Due to political unrest, reconstruction of the city stagnated until German reunification in 1990. The Dresden Frauenkirche has remained a symbolic landmark throughout the cities turbulent history, and not only for its religious significance. George Bähr, the Dresden city architect and one of the best German baroque architects of the time, was commissioned to design the church. The huge stone dome, which became known as the Steinerne Glocke or “Stone Bell” was to be the focal point of the masterpiece, a feat of engineering not seen at the time. Construction of this Lutheran church took place between 1726 and 1743. The strength of the 12-tonne dome was put to the test during the Seven Year War in 1760 when lore states the dome was pummeled with 100 cannonballs and still held strong. Again, though, on February 15th, 1945, Dresden was heavily bombed. The Frauenkirche initially held strong, but as the city turned into an inferno of fires, the heat is thought to have melted the copper ring strengthening the dome and weakened the structure of the stone pillars. The dome collapsed into the church. Dresden locals collected and documented the rubble, hoping to rebuild the church that was so central to their city. But, under East German communist rule, religion was discouraged, and city planners wanted to clear the site. Eventually it was agreed to preserve the site and the rubble remained. Grass grew around the site and sheep even grazed in the square that had once been the center of the city for the past 1,000 years. Following the fall of the Berlin wall and German reunification, it was decided to rebuild the Church which was to be a symbol of Dresden’s rise from the now long cold ashes. The project was funded through lotteries and donations from around the world and the church was finally completed in 2005. The cross which sits atop the Frauenkirche was smithed by hand using 18th-century techniques by Alan Smith and was gifted to the city of Dresden by the Duke of Kent as a symbol of peace. Kaylie of Happiness Travels Here is a doctor and New Zealander who moved to Dresden, Germany, with her husband, 6-month-old daughter, and 3-year-old son in 2014. Together they have visited more than 30 countries around the world and share their adventures on Facebook. Serbia – Kalemegdan Belgrade’s fortress on the confluence of the Danube and Sava river has been inhabited long before it was called the ‘White City’. Prehistoric tribes in this region did not leave a huge mark, so known history starts with the Celtic tribe of Scordisci, who called the city ‘Singidunum,’ in the 3rd century BC. The Scordisci defeated Thracian and Dacian tribes that previously lived in and around the fort, so Kalemegdan’s history predates written record. After the Scordisci took possession of what is now known as Belgrade, the fort was fought over dozens of times throughout the centuries. The third time I visited the Kalemegdan, I met a guy on a park bench who could name all the 26 or so civilizations that have fought over the region, chronologically. I can try to tell you about them, but it will be a sorry imitation compared to what this guy did. Basically, the Scordisci invaded the area, only to be replaced by centuries of Roman emperors. After Rome’s collapse, the territory falls under the Byzantine empire and the city is renamed Belgrade. Attila the Hun makes a visit and lays the city to ashes, after which Emperor Justinian I rebuilds the fort around 535 AD. The Byzantines lose it, then gain it again while fighting off invasions by various groups like the Huns, Avars, and Goths. Legend says when Attila the Hun died, his grave ended up underneath the fortress as the structure expanded out towards the river. After the Byzantine’s gain the area back, the first Bulgarians take it, then lose it to the Franks. The Franks get visited by the Hungarians, after which it gets retaken by the Byzantine empire and then the Crusaders passed through. A tug-of-war between the second Bulgarians and the Hungarians happened until a Serbian king took control during the 12th century and then the Hungarians gifted the fortress to Serbia when the Hungarian prince married a Serbian princess. In 1427, Kalemegdan was returned to Hungary. In 1521, the Ottomans come by and decide to stay while fighting the Habsburg empire. During the occupation of the Turks, Austria and Serbia both invaded various times. During the 20-year Austrian occupation, Kalemegdan was rebuilt and modernized. The Ottomans left in the 19th century when Serbian rule had been established and modern-day Belgrade was born with Kalemegdan as the core and oldest section of the city. Today, the Kalemegdan is Belgrade’s most visited and enjoyed public space. People not only come to immerse themselves in history but also to have a picnic and catch up with an old friend. Visiting the citadel is free of charge, so don’t skip it! Iris of Mind of a Hitchhiker has hitchhiked the equivalent distance of twice around the Earth. She writes about her encounters and adventures on her blog and shares her experiences on Facebook. Hungary- Parliament The most important part of the architectural heritage of Budapest was created at the end of the 19th century during the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy era. Even amongst the most beautiful buildings to visit in Budapest, the majestic building of the Hungarian Parliament stands out. This magnificent building is one of the most spectacular Neo-Gothic buildings in Europe, which also includes Baroque and Renaissance elements. Its construction took about a decade and the building was officially inaugurated for the 1000th anniversary of Hungary in 1896. The Hungarian Parliament is the third largest Parliament building in the whole world with 691 rooms, 20 kilometers of stairs and is 96m (315ft) tall. It is just as tall as St. Stephen’s Basilica, the main cathedral of the Hungarian Catholic Church. Many Hungarians still remember when a huge red star was present at the central tower of the building, which is fortunately only a distant memory now, since it was removed when Communism fell in 1990. The Parliament building is found at one of the main squares of the city, Kossuth Square, and looks down on the Danube River. The best place to take an exterior picture of the building is from the Buda Side of the Danube River, either from the Batthyány Square or from up in the Buda Castle. From there you will appreciate even more the harmony of the building than from close range. You can visit the Parliament building on a guided tour when the National Assembly is not in session. During the visit you will have the chance to walk on the majestic stairs, gaze at the very detailed architecture of the halls and lobbies, and you also get the chance to see the Hungarian Crown Jewels, which were moved here from the National Museum at the end of the last century. The best way to get to the Parliament is by subway (M2), which stops at Kossuth Square itself. It’s recommended to book your tickets in advance, since usually queues are long and the number of tickets sold per day is limited. Gábor of Surfing the Planet is a Hungarian travel blogger and photographer who has lived in Spain for more than a decade with his Italian wife, Rachele. Together they write about long-term travel and weekend getaways on their blog, which they also share on their Facebook page. Romania – Peles Castle Romania’s Peles Castle is one of Europe’s most stunning castles. While it’s often referred to as a castle, Peles is actually a palace, both in form and function. Built on the medieval route that linked Transylvania to Wallachia, in the Carpathian Mountains, it’s 80 miles north of Bucharest. The palace was commissioned in 1874 by King Carol I, the first King of Romania, as an extravagant summer home. The Royal family used Peles Castle up until 1954. Peles Castle is home to 160 rooms, formal gardens with statues and fountains, and intricate murals across its exterior. Many of the rooms celebrate specific cultures like The Turkish Parlor, The Florentine Room, and The Moorish Salon. It was a palace built ahead of its time. Not only was it the first European castle lit entirely by electrical current, but the electricity was made from its own plant. Peles Castle is a delight to wander, with rooms full of stained-glass windows, Murano crystal chandeliers, and European art. A few notable rooms include; the Music Room, the Armory, and The Hall of Honour. The Hall of Honour covers three floors and is home to retractable stain glass panels, alabaster sculptures, and carved woodwork. On a grand scale, it leaves a lasting impression. The Armory may not seem fancy to all, it is still impressive, nonetheless. King Carol I was a proficient soldier who also helped improve Romania’s military. He amassed a large collection of over 4,000 pieces which range from European to Oriental and date from the 19th century back to the 15th. The Queen, a writer herself, was a fan of the arts, from music to literature and fine art. Carved of teak with frescoes, her Music Room is one of Peles Castle’s most breathtaking rooms. So, whether you’re looking for a great day trip from Bucharest or on the hunt for a slice of Europe’s brilliant history, Peles Castle is a must visit. Please note: you’ll want to splurge on paying extra for the pass to take photographs. Stephanie is the gal behind The World As I See It, where she shares her adventures, tips, and guides from her travels around everywhere from Europe to her own backyard of Ontario, Canada. She loves getting lost in cities, on the hunt for street art or a cute café, but also finding herself in the great outdoors, exploring trail after trail, all of which she shares on her Instagram. Greece – Acropolis of Athens The Acropolis of Athens is the most popular landmarks and a symbol of the city of Athens in Greece. The Acropolis is an ancient citadel which sits atop a hill overlooking the city of Athens and houses several ancient buildings which are of great historical importance. The site can be accessed after a short hike which leads to the main entrance of the site termed as Propylaea. The first structure once inside is the magnificent Parthenon. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena and which is almost in ruins, is still one of the imposing buildings of exemplary Greek architecture. The most striking part of the Parthenon is the 58 columns enclosing the central part of the structure. On your left will be the Erechtheion, another beautiful ancient Greek temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. The interesting feature here is...

The post Top Historic Sites in Europe, Part 1 first appeared on Traveling Thru History.

The Caryatid of the Erechtheion

Erin — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 17:46:41 +0000

In the time around 420 BC in Athens, the creation of one of the world’s most classic pieces of architecture was taking place. The Persians had destroyed much of the city during a recent invasion, so Pericles, the general of Athens from 461-429 BC, commissioned two men to restore the damaged buildings atop the Acropolis. Along with restoring the sacred religious building the Persians had destroyed, Pericles also requested that they build another building, The Erechtheion. It was then that Mnesicles, an architect, and Phidias, a sculptor and mason, created what is now known as The Caryatid of the Erechtheion (khanacademy.org; Ross). Purpose The purpose for the Erechtheion is lightly debated. Some scholars believe it was built in honor of the mythical King Erechtheus (wikipedia.com) while others believe it to have been built in honor of Athena and Poseidon (Ross). No matter the original cause for it being built, the Erechtheion is a very striking structure that embodies many features common to Ancient Greek architecture. Unique Features In addition to being a temple built in honor of the Greek Gods, the Erechtheion is also known for the unique pillars holding up the porch on the south side. What is unique about these pillars is that they are shaped in the form of women and are called Caryatids, which is a human figure acting as a column (khanacademy.com). These caryatids were not originally planned for the Erechtheion, but were added to hold up a covered porch designed to hide a support beam that was added to the building after the Peloponnesian War began and caused the building to be downsized due to limited funding (wikipedia.com). Comparison with Other Caryatid When the Caryatids of the Erechtheion were created, they were made in a style that was not wholly new to the world. In the 6th century BC, the Siphnian Treasury in Delphi was known to have had caryatids and the term Caryatid was first seen in the 4th century BC (Cartwright). Those previous caryatid, though used in the same manner, did not receive the same notoriety as the Caryatids of the Erechtheion. They were designed in similar fashions, with the “vertical flutelike drapery folds concealing their stiff, weight-bearing legs” (Gardner & Kleiner, 119), but the Siphnian Caryatids were not as realistic and striking as the Caryatids of the Erechtheion. The Caryatids of the Erechtheion were so much more remarkable than previously known caryatids because they had many features that would soon become the core of the upcoming classical Greek sculpture. Those features include: the intricate folds of cloth, the art of making clothing cling to the body, their realism and the contrapposto pose. These sculptures were covered in cloth that was draped gracefully and set in such a way as to show off the female body without compromising her modesty. The female nude sculpture was not yet acceptable in Greek society, so sculptors devised ways of showing off the female form without the aspect of nudity. The Caryatids of the Erechtheion showed off the legs, body and breasts of the female form in an idealistically realistic, yet modest, way as to make them significant and noteworthy to those who came to see them. Conclusion The Caryatids of the Erechtheion are important to Greek architectural history because they embody the form of the ideal woman to the Ancient Greeks and they “display features which would become staple elements of Classical sculpture” (Cartwright). These statues celebrate the ideal female form while showing off the intricacy of the design needed to form them. The features of the Caryatids of the Erechtheion would soon become common across the Greek architectural community and a classic representation of the art of that age. BIBLIOGRAPHY Alderman, Liz. “Acropolis Maidens Glow Anew.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 07 July 2014. Web. 19 Sept. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/08/arts/design/caryatid-statues-restored-are-stars-at-athens-museum.html?_r=1>. Cartwright, Mark. “Caryatid.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 19 Sept. 2014. Caryatid/>. “Caryatid from the Erechtheion.” The British Museum. The British Museum, n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2014. <http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/gr/c/caryatid_from_the_erechtheion.aspx>. “Caryatid.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Sept. 2014. Web. 19 Sept. 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caryatid>. Clair, William St. Lord Elgin and the Marbles. London: Oxford U.P., 1967. Print. “Contrapposto.” Khan Academy. Smart History, n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2014. <http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/contrapposto.html>. The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Caryatid (architecture).”Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2014. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/97646/caryatid>. The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. “Contrapposto (art).” Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 19 Sept. 2014. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/135385/contrapposto>. Gardner, Helen, and Fred S. Kleiner. Gardner’s Art through the Ages: The Western Perspective. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2010. 99. Print. Harris, Dr. Beth, and Dr. Steven Zucker. “Caryatid and Column from the Erechtheion.” Khan Academy. Khan Academy, 1 Oct. 2011. Web. 19 Sept. 2014. <https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/greek-art/classical/v/caryatid-ionic-column-erechtheion-421-407-b-c-e>. Shear, Ione Mylonas. “Maidens in Greek Architecture : The Origin of the « Caryatids ».” Bulletin De Correspondance Hellénique 123.1 (1999): 65-85. Web.

The post The Caryatid of the Erechtheion first appeared on Traveling Thru History.