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El Escorial
Around 50 kilometres northwest of Madrid, the austere yet opulent residence of El Escorial extends up the southern slope of the Sierra ...
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El Escorial
Around 50 kilometres northwest of Madrid, the austere yet opulent residence of El Escorial extends up the southern slope of the Sierra De Guadarrama. It was built during the rule of King Phillip II after his father Karl V ordered him to build a magnificent church in which he would eventually be buried. The Escorial was to be a pantheon for the Spanish aristocracy and also served as the countrys new centre of authority.
In rooms such as the Pudridero the significance of El Escorial as a burial place is evident.King Phillip II required that the exterior of the building should be plain and simple in contrast to the interior with its unusual works of art and priceless treasures.
The impressive art museum contains an exclusive collection by important artist such as Titian, Tintoretto, Rubens, Van Dyck, Hieronymus Bosch, Velázquez and El Greco.
In the royal pantheon, the Panteón De Reyes, lie the coffins of eleven Spanish monarchs. The splendid marble coffins with their golden inscriptions add both dignity and elegance to this burial place.
Philipp II was not only a larger-than-life tyrant, he was also an educated man who supported science and the arts.El Escorial was his most significant bequest to Spain.
Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
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Kom Ombo
Today, the Egyptian city of Kom Ombo has approximately 70,000 inhabitants. Its outstanding double temple has made it famous throughout the...
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Kom Ombo
Today, the Egyptian city of Kom Ombo has approximately 70,000 inhabitants. Its outstanding double temple has made it famous throughout the world.
Today, the mummified remains of ancient Nile crocodiles are displayed within a chapel that was once dedicated to the goddess, Hathor.These great reptiles were worshipped as sacred animals. One half of the double temple belonged to the crocodile-headed deity, Sobek, the son of Hathor.
Todays Kom Ombo Temple was divided into two asymmetric parts by its Ptolemaic builders. Within the right section of the building, Sobek was worshipped, while the left half was dedicated to Haroeris.
The external surrounding wall of the temple contains several strange pictures and reliefs including portrayals of early medical instruments.A kind of medicine cupboard was carved into the stone. It shows highly developed medical implements, among them a variety of surgical instruments and even forceps. The profession of doctor was popular and widespread throughout ancient Egypt. However, the Gods were also called upon as soon as there was illness as it was believed that medicine alone could not provide a cure.
Images of numerous Egyptian rulers adorn the walls. Queen Cleopatra, the legendary last Ptolemaic sovereign, was also immortalized here. Outside the temple there is a Birth House next to the small Hathor Chapel. The Mammisi contains the remarkable portrayal of a nursing mother. During the Ptolemaic period each temple contained a Mammisi that was decorated with portrayals and hieroglyphs. Here, the birth of the children of the gods was celebrated.
Due to the ancient relics and the double temple of Kom Ombo we have been able to gain an even greater understanding of Egypts fascinating past.
Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
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SÉ CATEDRAL
From Pena Ventos Hill the view across the traditional and picturesque old town of Porto on the Rio Douro could not be more beautiful. T...
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SÉ CATEDRAL
From Pena Ventos Hill the view across the traditional and picturesque old town of Porto on the Rio Douro could not be more beautiful. The houses are set close to each other along the steep slopes of the old Portuguese harbour town. The historic origins of Sé Catedral date back to the 12th century when the original church was established on a raised area of granite rock.
The historic origins of Sé Catedral date back to the 12th century when it was built on a raised area of granite rock. The decision to construct the building at this location was probably more for strategic rather than aesthetic reasons.In spite of numerous reconstructions, the church has never been able to lose its fortress-like appearance. Throughout the centuries and according to the architectural of each epoch, the external Romanesque appearance of the cathedral has been the subject of constant transformation.
King Joao The First and his wife, Philippa, had eight children, among whom was their famous son and discoverer, Henry The Navigator, who was born in Porto .In addition to numerous successful expeditions, Henrys self-taught contribution to shipbuilding and nautical science earned him a glorious place in the pages of history. Due to his achievements he laid the foundation for Portugals subsequent emergence as a colonial power.
Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
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Iraklion
The picturesque harbour of Iraklion welcomes those arriving by ship at Cretes greatest city that is also the fourth largest harbour in Gre...
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Iraklion
The picturesque harbour of Iraklion welcomes those arriving by ship at Cretes greatest city that is also the fourth largest harbour in Greece.
In common with much of the history of this city, the imposing castle located at the harbour dates back to Venetian times and was built between 1523 and 1540.
Today the archaeological search for ruins from the time of the ancient Minoers has become increasingly more important.In addition, work on the ruins that date from the earlier history of the town, when it was ruled by Turkey, has also gained momentum.
The remains that date back to Venetian rule, such as some sections of the massive town wall and the Loggia, are part of the towns most well preserved buildings. Built between 1626 and 1628, with its classic beauty the Venetian Loggia is one of the citys most beautiful buildings. During the 17th century the aristocracy used this building as a kind of social meeting place, a club house and celebration hall.Today, it is considered to be a fine example of traditional Venetian architecture.
The Morosini Fountain dates back to Venices prosperous years. It was once part of the towns urban water supply and was named after an important civil servant.
Although the city has moved with the times and developed into an important centre of tourism, it has managed to retain a significant part of its history. Thus the old town of Iraklion owes its unique flair to the splendid architectural relics of the Venetians.
Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore oneof these protected monuments.
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Avignon
A famous song that features a bridge takes us into the French Provencal town of Avignon.Sur Le Pont DAvignon: thus begins the world famous ...
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Avignon
A famous song that features a bridge takes us into the French Provencal town of Avignon.Sur Le Pont DAvignon: thus begins the world famous French song that is familiar with both young and old alike. It is a song of dance on the Pont Saint Énézet Bridge.
Internal disputes in addition to power struggles in Rome transformed Avignon into the new seat of the Pontificate. The impressive Popes Palace dominates the centre of the town. Its exterior resembles a military fortress rather than a religious residence.
A coat of arms above the main entrance is reminiscent of the papal court that was founded by Klemens The Sixth.In 1348 he bought Avignon for 80,000 gold ducats from Johanna The First, Queen of Sicily. During his term of office he added a new, more luxurious building to the Old Palace that was constructed between 1334 and 1342. The beauty of the palace manifests itself in the numerous terraces and towers that were used for defensive purposes during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Seven successive French popes transformed Avignon into one of the most glamorous medieval courts in Europe. The towns expansion gradually became increasingly more splendid and the pontificates dependence on French royalty became further entrenched.
Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.
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