Architecture

I don't know much about architecture, but old is generally more fascinating than new, although, sadly, the old buildings are the harder ones to get into with a wheelchair. But still, at least I can look at them from the outside, which is where they actually look more spectacular. And since my glasses came into my life it's much easier! Baroque and Gothic are both cool! EUROPE! A little too enthusiastic there maybe. Anywayhow, I like architecture from most of the world, especially Europe and the Far East. Although modern architecture (i.e. post-WW2) is not usually so beautiful, and often ugly (see Bad Architecture), in some cases it still has a reason to be celebrated. Also we need modern buildings for our convenience and for access to everyone, although I feel some old buildings should be preserved to keep some of the old magic alive. Some people say that they like "people, not buildings", but buildings are important too, since they were built by people, for people (and often for God), and give many people pleasure. In this site I will mainly put up images of the buildings I like, mainly older European ones.

St Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, Russia

I think this is one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe, and possibly the world. It was built in the 16th century in Red Square by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate his victory over the Tartar Mongols in the city of Kazan.

Royal Pavillion, Brighton, England

Surely England's most exotic palace, but perhaps slightly small to be called a palace.

Pałac Kultury i Nauki (Palace of Culture), Warsaw, Poland

I admit that this is not exactly the most beautiful building in Europe, but it is the tallest in Poland. It is an example of Socialist-Realist architecture. It seems to have the word "Communism" written all over it. It was built in the early 50's as a "present" from our good friend Stalin. Although many people hate it, it certainly makes an impression, and deserves to be kept, even though it reminds us of Communism.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

It was commissioned by the Mugal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his Persian wife. It took 23 years to complete (1630 - 1653)

Neuschwanstein, Bavaria, Germany

The ultimate fairy-tale castle, although no royalty ever really lived there. Neuschwanstein Castle (German: Schlo� Neuschwanstein) is in southwest Bavaria near the Austrian border. Neuschwanstein literally means "new swan rock" in German. It was started by King Ludwig II and was still under construction when he died in 1886

Pra�sk� Hrad (Prague Castle), Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Castle is a very popular tourist attraction. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570 m long, on average 128 m wide. It was constructed in the 9th century.

Founders Building, Royal Holloway college, University of London, Surrey, England

I think this is one of the most awesome pieces of architecture in England. It's certainly more spectacular than Buckingham Palace, or possibly Windsor Castle. It is the original building of Royal Holloway College, which is now part of the University of London.

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