Architectural Gems

Pena Palace: Sintra’s Romantic Icon
The site now occupied by the Pena National Palace was originally home to a modest Hieronymite monastery founded in 1503 under…

Palazzo Vecchio: Florence’s Fortress of Power
Palazzo Vecchio, one of the most commanding structures in Florence, began construction in 1299 as the Palazzo della Signoria, named after…

Fortress of Faith: the Palace of the Popes in Avignon
Rising over the Rhône River in the medieval city of Avignon, the Palais des Papes is one of the most imposing…

Voice of the Crown: The Architecture of the Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster, more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, stands as the heart of British political life and…

Mezquita of Córdoba: A Glorious Legacy
The Mezquita of Córdoba stands as a towering testament to the grandeur of Western civilization and its enduring legacy of craftsmanship,…

Fortress and Crown: The Architecture of Windsor Castle
Standing on a chalk hill above the River Thames in the English county of Berkshire, Windsor Castle is one of the…

Stone Sentinels: The Architecture of Svaneti
Tucked into the soaring peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, the region of Svaneti in northwestern Georgia holds one of the…

Neuschwanstein Castle: The Story Behind Germany’s Fairytale Icon
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most famous and visually stunning castles in the world. Nestled in the Bavarian Alps near…

Fontainebleau Palace: A French Masterpiece
The Palace of Fontainebleau stands as one of France’s most architecturally significant royal residences, reflecting eight centuries of artistic evolution. Situated…

Schönbrunn Palace: Vienna’s Majestic Baroque Gem
Schönbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks, offering visitors a breathtaking glimpse into Austria’s imperial past. Once the summer…

The Architecture of Prague Castle: A Timeless Masterpiece
Prague Castle is one of the most breathtaking and historically significant landmarks in Europe. Standing proudly above the Vltava River, this…












