Highlight
Popular News
Is Sainte-Chapelle the best of all Parisian monuments? Built in 1248 the royal chapel is…
2 mins read
Is Sainte-Chapelle the best of all Parisian monuments?
It is hard to find any argument for it not being the best. It is, without doubt, beautiful. The incredible engineering feats achieved all those years ago puts modern achievements in the shade. It truly is a masterful piece of artwork. It has history – tick. Dating to the 13th century is has hundreds of years […]
2 mins read
When I hear the word Pantheon, I think of Rome not Paris
The chosen architect for this monarchist project was Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713-1780). Relatively young and an unknown he chose a Greek cross plan for the layout with a triple dome to sit on the top. His first design was submitted in 1755. Like the king he would never see the finished church. It’s remarkable to consider […]
1 min read
Arc de Triomphe the most monumental of all triumphal arches?
I hope that I have proved the Arc de Triomphe is the most prominent if not the most monumental of triumphal arches. Its troublesome construction ended with a legacy to the nation. It is an icon not only of Paris but of France itself. Whilst the structure is clearly monumental, I certainly feel it is […]
1 min read
Why the Hôtel des Invalides is more than a mausoleum
In the 17th century, France was ruled by a certain Louis XIV (B 1638; d 1715). Louis XIV was known as the Sun king and was head of Europe’s greatest army. I’m sure more detailed discoveries will be made when I visit the Versailles Palace – Louis XIV is inextricably linked with this palace. Louis XIV […]
1 min read
Is Palais Garnier Paris’s most beautiful building?
CategoriesEurope, France TagsAvenue de l’Opera, Baron Haussmann, Charles Garnier, Farnborough, Felice Orsini, France, French Republic, Grand Foyer, Is this Paris’s most beautiful building, Napolean III, Palais Garnier, Palais Garnier Opera House, Paris, Pavillon de l’Emperor, St Michael’s Abbey, urban renewal of Paris, “The Opera is the staircase” Post navigation
1 min read
What is the fuss about the Eiffel Tower?
CategoriesEurope Tagsa truly tragic streetlamp, Chrysler Building, City of Light, Construction of the Eiffel Tower, Designing the Eiffel Tower, Eiffel, Eiffel Tower, Eiffel Tower Design, Gustave Eiffel, hole-riddled suppository, Iconic monument, ridiculous chimney, Washington Monument, What is the fuss about the Eiffel Tower, ‘Protest Against the Tower of Monsieur Eiffel’ Post navigation
Why Volterra should be on your Tuscan itinerary
Volterra, a true and largely unknown gem of Tuscany, gives an authentic view of life in Italy. Volterra doesn’t disappoint. It has a timeless charm, displays the full range of Italian history, and has a peaceful serenity that pleads for my return. The dreamy Tuscan town is perched on top of a hill, with stunning […]
Southwark Cathedral – London – A guide to visiting
CategoriesLondon Landmarks, UK Destinations TagsA Royal wedding, Augustine Canons, bishop of Winchester, Borough market, Cambridge, Cardinal Henry Beaufort, Cathedral, Diocese of Southwark, Diocese of Winchester, Domesday book, Dr Lionel Lockyear, Early history of Southwark Cathedral, Edward VII, Emmanuel college, Gothic architecture, Harvard Chapel, Harvard University, Henry I, History of Southwark Cathedral, John Gower, John Harvard, […]
1 min read
A guide to the Three Castles – Monmouthshire
CategoriesUK Destinations TagsCadw, Chief Justiciar, Earl of Hereford, Earl of Lancaster, Edmund ‘Crouchback’ Earl of Lancaster, English border, Grosmont Castle, History of the Three Castles, Hubert de Burgh, King John I, Llantilio Castle, Medieval Architecture, Monmouthshire, Monnow Valley, Motte, Motte & Bailey Castles, National Trust, Norman castles, Norman Motte & Bailey Castles, Owain Glyndwr, Palisade, […]
Usk Castle – Usk’s Hidden Gem – Usk
CategoriesUK Destinations TagsAdam of Usk, Adam of Usk Chronicles, battle of Bannockburn, Battle of Pwll Melyn, Burrium, Cadw, Castle, Castles, Clare College, Earls of Pembroke, Elizabeth de Burgh, Enchanting and hidden gem, Gilbert de Clare 7th Earl of Gloucester, Henry II, Henry IV, Houses, Hywel ap Iowerth, Isabella de Clare, King Henry IV, Monmouthshire, motte […]