Category Archives: City and Architecture

Architectural Delight: Fountain of St. Peter’s Square by Bernini (1667–1677), Vatican.

Fountain of St. Peter’s Square by Bernini

Travel Thursday: Castel Sant’Angelo Rome, Italy.

Castel Sant’Angelo is one of Rome’s most fascinating landmarks, with nearly 2,000 years of history. Built in the 2nd century as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, it later served as a fortress, papal residence, military stronghold, and even a prison. A secret passage, known as the Passetto di Borgo, connected the castle to St. Peter’s Basilica, allowingContinueContinue reading “Travel Thursday: Castel Sant’Angelo Rome, Italy.”

Architectural Delight: Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France.

Before Arc de Triomphe became one of the world’s most famous monuments, Paris nearly built something completely different in its place: a gigantic hollow elephant. An 18th-century architect imagined a three-story elephant with rooms inside and water spraying from its trunk like a fountain. Instead, Napoleon Bonaparte commissioned the Arc de Triomphe in 1806 toContinueContinue reading “Architectural Delight: Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France.”

Architectural Delight: Castle of Gerald the Devil, Ghent, Belgium.

Over the centuries, the Castle of Gerald the Devil in Ghent has taken on many roles, constantly adapting to the needs of the city. What began as a knight’s residence later became an arsenal, a monastery, a school, and even a bishop’s seminary. By the 17th century, parts of the building were transformed into aContinueContinue reading “Architectural Delight: Castle of Gerald the Devil, Ghent, Belgium.”

City Through the Lens: National Opera and Ballet Theater, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

In the heart of Amsterdam, right on the Amstel River, stands the Dutch National Opera & Ballet—a place where music, movement, and architecture meet. Even if you don’t step inside for a performance, the building itself, known as the “Stopera,” is worth a stop. Its riverside terraces, sweeping marble curves, and the stories woven onContinueContinue reading “City Through the Lens: National Opera and Ballet Theater, Amsterdam, Netherlands.”

City through the Lens: Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Just outside Amsterdam Centraal Station, there’s a beautiful view of Sint Nicolaasbasiliek (Basilica of Saint Nicholas) from the nearby bridge. The church stands tall with its two towers and large dome, making it one of the first landmarks you see when you arrive in the city. Built in the late 1800s, it’s one of theContinueContinue reading “City through the Lens: Amsterdam, Netherlands.”

City through the Lens: Saved Loves of Amsterdam.

In the heart of Amsterdam, love has taken a powerful new shape. Over 1900 love locks once left on city bridges — each one a silent promise, a kiss, or a secret — have been transformed into something unforgettable. Artist Henki B. gathered these symbols of affection and created a breathtaking sculpture called Saved LovesContinueContinue reading “City through the Lens: Saved Loves of Amsterdam.”

City through the Lens: Morton Park, A-maze-ing Laughter, Vancouver, Canada

A-maze-ing Laughter is a stunning and whimsical sculpture located in Morton Park in Vancouver, Canada. Created by artist Yue Minjun, this artwork features a group of 14 larger-than-life bronze figures all laughing in unison. The sculptures are bringing joy and amusement to all who meet them.