Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United Kingdom from 16 to 19 September 2010 was the first state visit by a pope to the United Kingdom (Pope John Paul II made a pastoral, rather than state, visit to Great Britain in 1982). The visit was in response to an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II, with the beatification of Cardinal Newman as a "pastoral highlight".
The pope was received in Edinburgh by Elizabeth II; by meeting her in Scotland the pope avoided greeting her in her religious capacity as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. His visit included meetings with First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader David Cameron, and leaders of the other main political parties.
The visit comes at a time when incidents of sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests have received prominent media attention: during the visit, Pope Benedict apologised for that and met five abuse victims. more here
Showing posts with label General Information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Information. Show all posts
Monday, September 20, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
United Kingdom visa requirements
I had been asked a lot of times already what are the visa requirements to enter United Kingdom. Some friends from social medias like friendster and facebook also asked me questions how much is the cost of a plane ticket in going to UK or any European Union countries. Some friends are also asking me where to get travel insurances to travel in any EU countries. I am not really an expert about this but I can share a little information about this. I would suggest that you can search it in Google or maybe visit the website of the country that you wish to visit in Europe. If you are traveling in a Schengen member state, you need to apply a visa to a member-country which will be be your main destination or your point of entry.
You can find some information about Schengen Visa here. You can also visit below URL address if you are from the Philippines who want to apply for a visa to UK.
http://ukinthephilippines.fco.gov.uk/en/visiting-uk/visas/
Below are also some information for UK Visa Requirements
"In July 2008, the UK announced the results of its first global review of those needs a visa to come to the UK against a set of strict criteria to determine the level of risk they pose to the UK in terms of illegal immigration, crime and security. The review would determine whether the nationals of 11 countries would require visas by the end of 2008, unless the countries in question take measures to reduce the perceived risk they pose to the UK. The new visa rules announced on 9 January 2009 require that the nationals of South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho and Bolivia to obtain a visa; only Venezuelan nationals traveling on electronic passports issued since 2007 may enter the UK without a visa; and the existing visa-free status for the nationals of Botswana, Brazil, Malaysia, Mauritius, Namibia and Trinidad and Tobago is maintained.
The following individuals can enter the United Kingdom without a visa:
As of right
* Citizens of European Union member states
* Citizens of non-EU member states of the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland
* British Nationals who do not have a right of abode in the United Kingdom of the following categories:
o British Overseas Territories citizens
o British National (Overseas)
o British Overseas citizens
o British protected persons
o British subjects
please visit wikipedia for more infos
You can find some information about Schengen Visa here. You can also visit below URL address if you are from the Philippines who want to apply for a visa to UK.
http://ukinthephilippines.fco.gov.uk/en/visiting-uk/visas/
Below are also some information for UK Visa Requirements
"In July 2008, the UK announced the results of its first global review of those needs a visa to come to the UK against a set of strict criteria to determine the level of risk they pose to the UK in terms of illegal immigration, crime and security. The review would determine whether the nationals of 11 countries would require visas by the end of 2008, unless the countries in question take measures to reduce the perceived risk they pose to the UK. The new visa rules announced on 9 January 2009 require that the nationals of South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho and Bolivia to obtain a visa; only Venezuelan nationals traveling on electronic passports issued since 2007 may enter the UK without a visa; and the existing visa-free status for the nationals of Botswana, Brazil, Malaysia, Mauritius, Namibia and Trinidad and Tobago is maintained.
The following individuals can enter the United Kingdom without a visa:
As of right
* Citizens of European Union member states
* Citizens of non-EU member states of the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland
* British Nationals who do not have a right of abode in the United Kingdom of the following categories:
o British Overseas Territories citizens
o British National (Overseas)
o British Overseas citizens
o British protected persons
o British subjects
please visit wikipedia for more infos
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Eurovision Song Contest 2010
First of all, I would like to greet Lena Meyer-Landrut for winning this prestigious song contest held in Oslo, Norway last May 29, 2010, the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. Congratulations also to all German people for finally winning it again after 28 years. Below are some information about this event.
"The Eurovision Song Contest 2010 was the 55th annual Eurovision Song Contest, broadcast from the Telenor Arena in Bærum, a suburb of Oslo, Norway. It was the third time Norway has hosted the contest, having previously done so in 1986 and 1996. The 2010 winner was Germany with Lena singing "Satellite" written by American Julie Frost and Dane John Gordon. Second place went to Turkey, third to Romania, fourth to Denmark, and fifth to Azerbaijan.
The semi-finals took place on 25 and 27 May 2010 and the final took place on 29 May 2010. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that the voting system used in the semi-finals would change from previous years to balance jury voting with televoting. A return of accompaniment by orchestra was also proposed but did not happen.
Thirty-nine countries had taken part in the contest, with Georgia returning to the contest and Andorra, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Montenegro withdrawing. Lithuania originally announced its withdrawal from the competition, but was later among the 39 participants confirmed by the EBU. A recent global financial crisis affected how the event was run. NRK sold its rights to 2010 FIFA World Cup to a rival broadcaster to finance its hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. With 246 points, Germany was named the winner of the contest. It was their second win after 28 years and the first time since 1997 that a Big 4 country won the contest." read more here
"The Eurovision Song Contest 2010 was the 55th annual Eurovision Song Contest, broadcast from the Telenor Arena in Bærum, a suburb of Oslo, Norway. It was the third time Norway has hosted the contest, having previously done so in 1986 and 1996. The 2010 winner was Germany with Lena singing "Satellite" written by American Julie Frost and Dane John Gordon. Second place went to Turkey, third to Romania, fourth to Denmark, and fifth to Azerbaijan.
The semi-finals took place on 25 and 27 May 2010 and the final took place on 29 May 2010. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that the voting system used in the semi-finals would change from previous years to balance jury voting with televoting. A return of accompaniment by orchestra was also proposed but did not happen.
Thirty-nine countries had taken part in the contest, with Georgia returning to the contest and Andorra, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Montenegro withdrawing. Lithuania originally announced its withdrawal from the competition, but was later among the 39 participants confirmed by the EBU. A recent global financial crisis affected how the event was run. NRK sold its rights to 2010 FIFA World Cup to a rival broadcaster to finance its hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2010. With 246 points, Germany was named the winner of the contest. It was their second win after 28 years and the first time since 1997 that a Big 4 country won the contest." read more here
Friday, April 23, 2010
My Euro Travel in Tower Bridge, London, England
It's time to travel again! This time we will visit London and I am sharing some pictures from Tower Bridge. Let me tell you guys, Tower Bridge is very much different from London Bridge. If you remember the song, "London bridge is falling down", I guess it's not. It is the Tower Bridge that is falling down. Here are the pictures taken during my trip to London last 2008.
taken during my visit in London last 2008.
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England, over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. It has become an iconic symbol of London.
The bridge consists of two towers which are tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways which are designed to withstand the horizontal forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge on the landward sides of the towers. The vertical component of the forces in the suspended sections and the vertical reactions of the two walkways are carried by the two robust towers. The bascule pivots and operating machinery are housed in the base of each tower. Its present colour dates from 1977 when it was painted red, white and blue for the Queen's Silver Jubilee. Originally it was painted a chocolate brown colour.
DESIGN
The bridge is 800 feet (244 m) in length with two towers each 213 feet (65 m) high, built on piers. The central span of 200 feet (61 m) between the towers is split into two equal bascules or leaves, which can be raised to an angle of 83 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The bascules, weighing over 1,000 tons each, are counterbalanced to minimize the force required and allow raising in five minutes.
The two side-spans are suspension bridges, each 270 feet (82 m) long, with the suspension rods anchored both at the abutments and through rods contained within the bridge's upper walkways. The pedestrian walkways are 143 feet (44 m) above the river at high tide. more infos here
taken during my visit in London last 2008.
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England, over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. It has become an iconic symbol of London.
The bridge consists of two towers which are tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways which are designed to withstand the horizontal forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge on the landward sides of the towers. The vertical component of the forces in the suspended sections and the vertical reactions of the two walkways are carried by the two robust towers. The bascule pivots and operating machinery are housed in the base of each tower. Its present colour dates from 1977 when it was painted red, white and blue for the Queen's Silver Jubilee. Originally it was painted a chocolate brown colour.
DESIGN
The bridge is 800 feet (244 m) in length with two towers each 213 feet (65 m) high, built on piers. The central span of 200 feet (61 m) between the towers is split into two equal bascules or leaves, which can be raised to an angle of 83 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The bascules, weighing over 1,000 tons each, are counterbalanced to minimize the force required and allow raising in five minutes.
The two side-spans are suspension bridges, each 270 feet (82 m) long, with the suspension rods anchored both at the abutments and through rods contained within the bridge's upper walkways. The pedestrian walkways are 143 feet (44 m) above the river at high tide. more infos here
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Iceland volcano sends new tremors, lower ash cloud
REYKJAVIK (Reuters) – The erupting volcano in Iceland sent new tremors on Monday, but the ash plume which has caused air traffic chaos across Europe has dropped to a height of about 2 km (1.2 miles), the Meteorological Office said.
Ash production had fallen and Iceland's coast guard and scientists prepared to fly over the volcano in search of signs its crater was now producing lava, which could indicate the nature of the eruption was changing.
"The situation is definitely better than it was particularly on Saturday, which was a difficult day for us due to heavy ash fall just south of the volcano," said Urdur Gudmundsdottir, a spokeswoman at the foreign ministry.
The appearance of lava could suggest the eruption was moving into a less explosive phase, possibly a good sign for thousands of travelers who have been stranded at airport across Europe for the past five days because countries have closed their airspace over safety fears.
more here
Ash production had fallen and Iceland's coast guard and scientists prepared to fly over the volcano in search of signs its crater was now producing lava, which could indicate the nature of the eruption was changing.
"The situation is definitely better than it was particularly on Saturday, which was a difficult day for us due to heavy ash fall just south of the volcano," said Urdur Gudmundsdottir, a spokeswoman at the foreign ministry.
The appearance of lava could suggest the eruption was moving into a less explosive phase, possibly a good sign for thousands of travelers who have been stranded at airport across Europe for the past five days because countries have closed their airspace over safety fears.
more here
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
My Euro Travel To The Tower of London in London, England
This post should be written some hours ago but there was an interesting program in the television that hinders me from writing it. Below is a part of the Tower of London which is also called Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress. This is one of the pictures I took during my vacation last November 2008. This palace is located along the River of Thames and was built in the Middle Ages. It's primary function before was a fortress, royal palace and also as a prison. This was where the royal class and the high status people were imprisoned.
I wish to visit this palace again because during our visit last time, we don't have the chance to go inside it.
It has also served as a place of execution and torture, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, the Royal Mint, a public records office, an observatory, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
Today the Tower of London is cared for by an independent charity, Historic Royal Palaces, which receives no funding from the Government or the Crown. wikipedia
I wish to visit this palace again because during our visit last time, we don't have the chance to go inside it.
It has also served as a place of execution and torture, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, the Royal Mint, a public records office, an observatory, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.Today the Tower of London is cared for by an independent charity, Historic Royal Palaces, which receives no funding from the Government or the Crown. wikipedia
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Biggest Cathedral Organ in St. Stephan's Cathedral in Passau, Germany
Have you seen the biggest Church Organ outside of United States? If not this is the chance for you to see it now. I visited Passau twice already and St. Stephan's Cathedral is one of our target. St. Stephan's Cathedral, or "Dom St. Stephan" in German, is a baroque church from 1688 in Passau, Germany. It is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Passau and the main church of his diocese.
I was amazed by the architecture of this Church especially the inside part of it. Watch out for more pictures next time.
Behind me is the biggest Church Organ outside of US and the biggest Cathedral Organ in the world.
Since 730, there have been many churches built on the site of the current cathedral. The current church, a baroque building around 100 metres (328 ft) long, was built from 1668 to 1693 after a fire in 1662 destroyed its predecessor, of which only the late gothic eastern side remains. The cathedral's overall plan was made by Carlo Lurago, its interior decoration by Giovanni Battista Carlone, and its frescos by Carpoforo Tencalla.
Over time, the Passau Cathedral has acquired the largest organ outside of the United States. It is also the largest cathedral organ in the world. The organ currently has 17,774 pipes and 233 registers, all of which can be played with the five-manual general console in the gallery.
The cathedral has eight large bells in the bell rooms in the north and south towers. The heaviest,"Pummerin" at 7550 kg cast in 1952 and "Sturmerin" weighing 5300 kg cast in 1733 hang in the south tower. The other six bells hang in the north tower. They include: "Misericordia" weighing 6000 kg, the Angelus bell, "Predigerin", "Elfuhrglocken", the Choir bell, and "Dignitar". A ninth bell, the "Zeichenglocke" hangs near the sacristy door. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephan%27s_Cathedral,_Passau
I was amazed by the architecture of this Church especially the inside part of it. Watch out for more pictures next time.
Behind me is the biggest Church Organ outside of US and the biggest Cathedral Organ in the world.Since 730, there have been many churches built on the site of the current cathedral. The current church, a baroque building around 100 metres (328 ft) long, was built from 1668 to 1693 after a fire in 1662 destroyed its predecessor, of which only the late gothic eastern side remains. The cathedral's overall plan was made by Carlo Lurago, its interior decoration by Giovanni Battista Carlone, and its frescos by Carpoforo Tencalla.
Over time, the Passau Cathedral has acquired the largest organ outside of the United States. It is also the largest cathedral organ in the world. The organ currently has 17,774 pipes and 233 registers, all of which can be played with the five-manual general console in the gallery.
The cathedral has eight large bells in the bell rooms in the north and south towers. The heaviest,"Pummerin" at 7550 kg cast in 1952 and "Sturmerin" weighing 5300 kg cast in 1733 hang in the south tower. The other six bells hang in the north tower. They include: "Misericordia" weighing 6000 kg, the Angelus bell, "Predigerin", "Elfuhrglocken", the Choir bell, and "Dignitar". A ninth bell, the "Zeichenglocke" hangs near the sacristy door. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Stephan%27s_Cathedral,_Passau
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement was originally created independently of the European Union, in part due to the lack of consensus amongst EU members, and in part because those ready to implement the idea did not wish to wait for others to be ready to join. Especially United Kingdom and Denmark could not join the union, but Denmark joined later when Norway and other Nordic countries were allowed.
The Schengen Agreement was signed in Schengen, Luxembourg, on 15 June 1985, by Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg. Since Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg already had passport-free travel, the border tripoint of Luxembourg, Germany and France was considered a suitable place. The exact place of signing was onboard the boat Princesse Marie-Astrid on the Moselle River, near Schengen.
The Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement, signed on 19 June 1990 by the five countries in Schengen, put the agreement into practice.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement
Schengen Member Countries
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden
The Schengen Agreement was originally created independently of the European Union, in part due to the lack of consensus amongst EU members, and in part because those ready to implement the idea did not wish to wait for others to be ready to join. Especially United Kingdom and Denmark could not join the union, but Denmark joined later when Norway and other Nordic countries were allowed.
The Schengen Agreement was signed in Schengen, Luxembourg, on 15 June 1985, by Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg. Since Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg already had passport-free travel, the border tripoint of Luxembourg, Germany and France was considered a suitable place. The exact place of signing was onboard the boat Princesse Marie-Astrid on the Moselle River, near Schengen.
The Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement, signed on 19 June 1990 by the five countries in Schengen, put the agreement into practice.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Agreement
Schengen Member Countries
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Passport, Visa Requirements to Enter Qatar
I am almost flying home. I am quite skeptic whether I will go out from Doha Airport to meet some friends there. I have a waiting time for 6 hours in Doha before proceeding to the Philippines. For my own information and maybe for anybody out there who wishes to visit Doha, here are some passport and visa requirements to enter this country. I still have to think of this before making a decision. Hopefully before the end of the weekend, I can already find it out. I also want to make some research about Qatar. Sorry guys, this is off topic here. I just want to document it for my own information.
"All tourists visiting Qatar should hold a valid passport, appropriate visa, travel documents and other medical requirements and documentation.
Everyone except Gulf nationals needs a visa for entry into Qatar. The facility of availing visa on arrival exists for citizens of Europe (Austria, Andorra, Denmark, France, Finland, Holland, Greece, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Iceland, Luxemborg, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland, Spain, San Marino, United Kingdom and Vatican.) and Brunei, Hongkong, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and USA.
The entry permit that is granted on arrival is a “Transit Visa” that permits the visa holder to stay in the country for fourteen days from date of entry and is subject to change without notice.
All the other passport holders from other countries are required to possess visa before arrival.
Visas are required by all other nationals (other than Gulf nationals) except the transit passengers, whose tickets indicate that they wish to continue their journey from the airport within eight hours.
Visitors on tourist visas must fly in using Qatar Airways.
All visitors are required to have an onward or return ticket, QAR5000 in cash or its equivalent in foreign currency, and a hotel voucher, else, an international credit card must be shown.
While single-entry visas allow a stay of up to three months, multiple-entry visas permit stay of six months, two years or five years.
source: onlineqatar
"All tourists visiting Qatar should hold a valid passport, appropriate visa, travel documents and other medical requirements and documentation.
Everyone except Gulf nationals needs a visa for entry into Qatar. The facility of availing visa on arrival exists for citizens of Europe (Austria, Andorra, Denmark, France, Finland, Holland, Greece, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Iceland, Luxemborg, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland, Spain, San Marino, United Kingdom and Vatican.) and Brunei, Hongkong, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and USA.
The entry permit that is granted on arrival is a “Transit Visa” that permits the visa holder to stay in the country for fourteen days from date of entry and is subject to change without notice.
All the other passport holders from other countries are required to possess visa before arrival.
Visas are required by all other nationals (other than Gulf nationals) except the transit passengers, whose tickets indicate that they wish to continue their journey from the airport within eight hours.
Visitors on tourist visas must fly in using Qatar Airways.
All visitors are required to have an onward or return ticket, QAR5000 in cash or its equivalent in foreign currency, and a hotel voucher, else, an international credit card must be shown.
While single-entry visas allow a stay of up to three months, multiple-entry visas permit stay of six months, two years or five years.
source: onlineqatar
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Palace of Westminster in London, England
How would you like to see this time The Palace of Westminster in London, England? I would like to ask for apology because the photo is not so good. You can probably see the typical weather in London. The sky is grey and it seems that it is going to rain. A travel tip for you: be sure to always have an umbrella if you are visiting London. Here is a little information about The Palace of Westminster.
The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is a complex of buildings in London. It is the seat of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the House of Lords and the House of Commons). The palace lies on the north bank of the River Thames in the London borough of the City of Westminster, close to the government buildings of Whitehall.
The palace contains around 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 5 kilometres (3 mi) of corridors. Although the building mainly dates from the 19th century, remaining elements of the original historic buildings include Westminster Hall, used today for major public ceremonial events such as lyings in state, and the Jewel Tower. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Westminster
The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is a complex of buildings in London. It is the seat of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the House of Lords and the House of Commons). The palace lies on the north bank of the River Thames in the London borough of the City of Westminster, close to the government buildings of Whitehall.
The palace contains around 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 5 kilometres (3 mi) of corridors. Although the building mainly dates from the 19th century, remaining elements of the original historic buildings include Westminster Hall, used today for major public ceremonial events such as lyings in state, and the Jewel Tower. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Westminster
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Tower of St. Vitus's Cathedral in Prague, Czech Republic
These are the towers of the St. Vitus's Cathedral in Prague, Czech Republic. It is a gothic cathedral located in Prague Castle compound. We took this photo during our visit last year in September. Here are some information about this historical architecture in Prague.
"Saint Vitus's Cathedral (Czech: Katedrála svatého Víta) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Prague, and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. The full name of the cathedral is St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral. Located within Prague Castle and containing the tombs of many Bohemian kings, this cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is the biggest and most important church in the country.
"Saint Vitus's Cathedral (Czech: Katedrála svatého Víta) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Prague, and the seat of the Archbishop of Prague. The full name of the cathedral is St. Vitus, St. Wenceslas and St. Adalbert Cathedral. Located within Prague Castle and containing the tombs of many Bohemian kings, this cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is the biggest and most important church in the country.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
My Euro Travel in Venice, Italy
Let's go to Venice in Italy this time! I regret that I did not made a lot of pictures as I visited Venice twice. The first time I was there was in October 2005 and the second time was in April 2006. The photo below was taken during my last visit. You can see in the photo I took below the St. Mark's Campanile or the Campanile di San Marco in Italian. It is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy, located in the square (piazza) of the same name. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
You can also see the tower of the St. Mark's Ccathedral in the photo here. I hope I can find more photos in my file to share more about Venice, Italy. It's time to bid goodnight!
You can also see the tower of the St. Mark's Ccathedral in the photo here. I hope I can find more photos in my file to share more about Venice, Italy. It's time to bid goodnight!
The tower is 98.6 metres (323 ft) tall, and stands alone in a corner of St Mark's Square, near the front of the basilica. It has a simple form, the bulk of which is a plain brick square shaft, 12 metres (39 ft) wide on each side and 50 metres (160 ft) tall, above which is the arched belfry, housing five bells. The belfry is topped by a cube, alternate faces of which show walking lions and the female representation of Venice (la Giustizia: Justice). The tower is capped by a pyramidal spire, at the top of which sits a golden weathervane in the form of the archangel Gabriel. The campanile reached its present form in 1514. As it stands today, however, the tower is a reconstruction, completed in 1912 after the collapse of 1902.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark%27s_Campanile
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark%27s_Campanile
Friday, August 14, 2009
A Museum Somewhere in Paris, France
I am trying to read what is written on that shield. I guess, it says "Le Mont Athos et l'Empire byzantin". Am I right guys? This was taken somewhere in Paris, France. I guess somewhere near Louvre Museum. It is said that this museum in Paris, France houses more than 200 works of Byzantine art from the 9th century to the 18th century which originated in the monasteries of Mount Athos. Do you know where Mt. Athos is.. please continue reading below..I also wish to go inside this museum in my next visit to Paris. The question is when?
Mount Athos (Greek: Όρος Άθως, Oros Athos) is a mountain on the peninsula of the same name in Macedonia, of northern Greece, called in Greek Agion Oros (Άγιον Όρος, transliterated often as Hagion Oros), or in English, "Holy Mountain". In Classical times, the peninsula was called Aktí (Ακτή) (sometimes Acte or Akte). Politically it is known in Greece as the Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain. This World Heritage Site is home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries and forms a self-governed monastic state within the sovereignty of the Hellenic Republic. Spiritually, Mount Athos comes under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
The peninsula, the easternmost "leg" of the larger Chalcidice peninsula, protrudes into the Aegean Sea for some 60 kilometres (37 mi) at a width between 7 to 12 km and covers an area of 335.637 square kilometres (129.59 sq mi), with the actual Mount Athos and its steep, densely forested slopes reaching up to 2,033 metres (6,670 ft). The seas around the end of the peninsula can be dangerous.
Though land-linked, it is accessible only by boat. The number of visitors is restricted and all are required to get a special entrance permit before entering Mount Athos. Only males are allowed entrance into Mount Athos, which is called "Garden of the Virgin" by monks, and Orthodox Christians take precedence in the permit issuance procedure. Only males over the age of 18 who are members of the Eastern Orthodox Church are allowed to live on Athos. There are religious guards, who are not monks, that assist the monks, and any other people not monks are required to live in the peninsula's capital, Karyes. The 2001 Greek national census counted a population of 2,262 inhabitants. continue reading here.
Mount Athos (Greek: Όρος Άθως, Oros Athos) is a mountain on the peninsula of the same name in Macedonia, of northern Greece, called in Greek Agion Oros (Άγιον Όρος, transliterated often as Hagion Oros), or in English, "Holy Mountain". In Classical times, the peninsula was called Aktí (Ακτή) (sometimes Acte or Akte). Politically it is known in Greece as the Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain. This World Heritage Site is home to 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries and forms a self-governed monastic state within the sovereignty of the Hellenic Republic. Spiritually, Mount Athos comes under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
The peninsula, the easternmost "leg" of the larger Chalcidice peninsula, protrudes into the Aegean Sea for some 60 kilometres (37 mi) at a width between 7 to 12 km and covers an area of 335.637 square kilometres (129.59 sq mi), with the actual Mount Athos and its steep, densely forested slopes reaching up to 2,033 metres (6,670 ft). The seas around the end of the peninsula can be dangerous.
Though land-linked, it is accessible only by boat. The number of visitors is restricted and all are required to get a special entrance permit before entering Mount Athos. Only males are allowed entrance into Mount Athos, which is called "Garden of the Virgin" by monks, and Orthodox Christians take precedence in the permit issuance procedure. Only males over the age of 18 who are members of the Eastern Orthodox Church are allowed to live on Athos. There are religious guards, who are not monks, that assist the monks, and any other people not monks are required to live in the peninsula's capital, Karyes. The 2001 Greek national census counted a population of 2,262 inhabitants. continue reading here.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What You Can See Inside Louvre Museum in Paris, France
I received a comment from Regina, a fellow blogger asking me to post pictures inside the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. First of all, an apology to her because I forgot to post some pictures from Louvre last week. I was so busy with a lot of things last week including short trips somewhere. To Regina from Philippines, this post is especially for you..have fun viewing!
I love these religious paintings inside Louvre museum! great work of art indeed!
this is still not the original Mona Lisa painting,,this is only the entrance going there..I'll share some photos of Mona Lisa next time.
what are these men really doing here!..naked and looking down there! guess what they are doing?
The Musée du Louvre or officially the Grand Louvre — in English, the Louvre Museum or Great Louvre, or more simply the Louvre — is an historic monument in Paris and the national museum of France. It is a central landmark of the city, located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement (neighbourhood). It's the most visited museum in the world. Nearly 35,000 objects from the 6th century BC to the 19th century are exhibited over an area of 60,600 square metres (652,300 square feet).
The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace (Palais du Louvre) which began as a fortress built in the late 12th century under Philip II. Remnants of the fortress are still visible. The building was extended many times to form the present Louvre Palace. In 1672, Louis XIV chose the Palace of Versailles for his household, leaving the Louvre primarily as a place to display the royal collection, including, from 1692, a collection of antique sculpture. In 1692, the building was occupied by the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres and the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, which in 1699 held the first of a series of salons. The Académie remained at the Louvre for 100 years. During the French Revolution, the National Assembly decreed that the Louvre should be used as a museum, to display the nation's masterpieces.
The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings, the majority of the works being confiscated church and royal property. Because of structural problems with the building, the museum was closed in 1796 until 1801. The size of the collection increased under Napoleon when the museum was renamed the Musée Napoléon. After his defeat at Waterloo, many works seized by Napoleon's armies were returned to their original owners. The collection was further increased during the reigns of Louis XVIII and Charles X, and during the Second Empire the museum gained 20,000 pieces. Holdings have grown steadily through donations and gifts since the Third Republic, except during the two World Wars. As of 2008, the collection is divided among eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; Paintings; and Prints and Drawings. source: wikipedia
I love these religious paintings inside Louvre museum! great work of art indeed!
this is still not the original Mona Lisa painting,,this is only the entrance going there..I'll share some photos of Mona Lisa next time.
what are these men really doing here!..naked and looking down there! guess what they are doing?The Musée du Louvre or officially the Grand Louvre — in English, the Louvre Museum or Great Louvre, or more simply the Louvre — is an historic monument in Paris and the national museum of France. It is a central landmark of the city, located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement (neighbourhood). It's the most visited museum in the world. Nearly 35,000 objects from the 6th century BC to the 19th century are exhibited over an area of 60,600 square metres (652,300 square feet).
The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace (Palais du Louvre) which began as a fortress built in the late 12th century under Philip II. Remnants of the fortress are still visible. The building was extended many times to form the present Louvre Palace. In 1672, Louis XIV chose the Palace of Versailles for his household, leaving the Louvre primarily as a place to display the royal collection, including, from 1692, a collection of antique sculpture. In 1692, the building was occupied by the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres and the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, which in 1699 held the first of a series of salons. The Académie remained at the Louvre for 100 years. During the French Revolution, the National Assembly decreed that the Louvre should be used as a museum, to display the nation's masterpieces.
The museum opened on 10 August 1793 with an exhibition of 537 paintings, the majority of the works being confiscated church and royal property. Because of structural problems with the building, the museum was closed in 1796 until 1801. The size of the collection increased under Napoleon when the museum was renamed the Musée Napoléon. After his defeat at Waterloo, many works seized by Napoleon's armies were returned to their original owners. The collection was further increased during the reigns of Louis XVIII and Charles X, and during the Second Empire the museum gained 20,000 pieces. Holdings have grown steadily through donations and gifts since the Third Republic, except during the two World Wars. As of 2008, the collection is divided among eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; Paintings; and Prints and Drawings. source: wikipedia
Sunday, June 7, 2009
What is European Parliament
I just mentioned in my Explore Germany site that today is the European Parliament Election in Germany. I had finally done my part and casted my vote to fully exercise my freedom of suffrage. I guess not all people know what is European Parliament. To give you and idea of what it is, I consulted the experts online for general information. keep reading below!
"What is European Parliament
The European Parliament (Europarl or EP) is the directly elected parliamentary institution of the European Union (EU). Together with the Council of the European Union (the Council), it forms the bicameral legislative branch of the Union's institutions and has been described as one of the most powerful legislatures in the world. The Parliament and Council form the highest legislative body within the Union. However their powers as such are limited to the competencies conferred upon the European Community by member states. Hence the institution has little control over policy areas held by the states and within the other two of the three pillars of the European Union. The Parliament is composed of 785 MEPs (Member of the European Parliament), who serve the second largest democratic electorate in the world (after India) and the largest trans-national democratic electorate in the world (342 million eligible voters in 2004).
It has been directly elected every five years by universal suffrage since 1979. Although the European Parliament has legislative power that such bodies as those above do not possess, it does not have legislative initiative, as most national EU parliaments do However, it does have de facto capacity for legislative initiative (see Powers and functions below). While it is the "first institution" of the European Union (mentioned first in the treaties, having ceremonial precedence over all authority at European level), the Council has greater powers over legislation than the Parliament where codecision procedure (equal rights of amendment and rejection) does not apply. It has, however, had control over the EU budget (minus agriculture) since the 1970s and has a veto over the appointment of the European Commission.
The European Parliament has two meeting places, namely the Louise Weiss building in Strasbourg, France, which serves for twelve four-day plenary sessions per year and is the official seat, and the Espace Léopold (Dutch: Leopoldruimte) complex in Brussels, Belgium, the larger of the two, which serves for committee meetings, political groups and complementary plenary sessions. The cost of having all MEPs and their staff moving several times a year from one place to another is of concern to some. The Secretariat of the European Parliament, the Parliament's administrative body, is based in Luxembourg.
The President of the European Parliament (its speaker) is currently Hans-Gert Pöttering (EPP), elected in January 2007. He presides over a multi-party chamber, the two largest groups being the European People's Party-European Democrats (EPP-ED) and the Party of European Socialists (PES). The last Union-wide elections were the 2004 Parliamentary Elections, however Romania and Bulgaria joined in 2007 and elected their members in that year (see European Parliament election, 2007); the next union-wide parliamentary elections are in 2009 (see European Parliament election, 2009). keep reading here.
"What is European Parliament
The European Parliament (Europarl or EP) is the directly elected parliamentary institution of the European Union (EU). Together with the Council of the European Union (the Council), it forms the bicameral legislative branch of the Union's institutions and has been described as one of the most powerful legislatures in the world. The Parliament and Council form the highest legislative body within the Union. However their powers as such are limited to the competencies conferred upon the European Community by member states. Hence the institution has little control over policy areas held by the states and within the other two of the three pillars of the European Union. The Parliament is composed of 785 MEPs (Member of the European Parliament), who serve the second largest democratic electorate in the world (after India) and the largest trans-national democratic electorate in the world (342 million eligible voters in 2004).
It has been directly elected every five years by universal suffrage since 1979. Although the European Parliament has legislative power that such bodies as those above do not possess, it does not have legislative initiative, as most national EU parliaments do However, it does have de facto capacity for legislative initiative (see Powers and functions below). While it is the "first institution" of the European Union (mentioned first in the treaties, having ceremonial precedence over all authority at European level), the Council has greater powers over legislation than the Parliament where codecision procedure (equal rights of amendment and rejection) does not apply. It has, however, had control over the EU budget (minus agriculture) since the 1970s and has a veto over the appointment of the European Commission.
The European Parliament has two meeting places, namely the Louise Weiss building in Strasbourg, France, which serves for twelve four-day plenary sessions per year and is the official seat, and the Espace Léopold (Dutch: Leopoldruimte) complex in Brussels, Belgium, the larger of the two, which serves for committee meetings, political groups and complementary plenary sessions. The cost of having all MEPs and their staff moving several times a year from one place to another is of concern to some. The Secretariat of the European Parliament, the Parliament's administrative body, is based in Luxembourg.
The President of the European Parliament (its speaker) is currently Hans-Gert Pöttering (EPP), elected in January 2007. He presides over a multi-party chamber, the two largest groups being the European People's Party-European Democrats (EPP-ED) and the Party of European Socialists (PES). The last Union-wide elections were the 2004 Parliamentary Elections, however Romania and Bulgaria joined in 2007 and elected their members in that year (see European Parliament election, 2007); the next union-wide parliamentary elections are in 2009 (see European Parliament election, 2009). keep reading here.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
My Euro Travel to the Most Occupied Castle in the World, Windor Castle in England
Am I right with my title? I believed so! According to the book I bought about Windsor castle, it is considered to be the largest occupied castle in the world. It is also considered to be the oldest in terms of continuous occupation. It is an honor to visit this castle! Another dream come true! To show you an evidence is the picture I have below.
Windsor Castle is located in Windsor in the English country of Berkshire. If I am not mistaken, it is around forty minutes by train from London. I had a very nice feeling as me and a friend were touring at Windsor. Sad to say, taking photos inside the castle rooms are not allowed.
I had a great time touring at this historical place, The Windsor Castle in England
"Together with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, it is one of the principal official residences of the British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. Her other two residences, Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle, are the Royal Family's private homes.
Most of the Kings and Queens of England, later Kings and Queens of Great Britain, and later still kings and queens of the Commonwealth realms, have had a direct influence on the construction and evolution of the castle, which has been their garrison fortress, home, official palace, and sometimes their prison. Chronologically the history of the castle can be traced through the reigns of the monarchs who have occupied it. When the country has been at peace, the castle has been expanded by the additions of large and grand apartments; when the country has been at war, the castle has been more heavily fortified. This pattern has continued to the present day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_Castle
Windsor Castle is located in Windsor in the English country of Berkshire. If I am not mistaken, it is around forty minutes by train from London. I had a very nice feeling as me and a friend were touring at Windsor. Sad to say, taking photos inside the castle rooms are not allowed.
I had a great time touring at this historical place, The Windsor Castle in England"Together with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, it is one of the principal official residences of the British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. Her other two residences, Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle, are the Royal Family's private homes.
Most of the Kings and Queens of England, later Kings and Queens of Great Britain, and later still kings and queens of the Commonwealth realms, have had a direct influence on the construction and evolution of the castle, which has been their garrison fortress, home, official palace, and sometimes their prison. Chronologically the history of the castle can be traced through the reigns of the monarchs who have occupied it. When the country has been at peace, the castle has been expanded by the additions of large and grand apartments; when the country has been at war, the castle has been more heavily fortified. This pattern has continued to the present day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_Castle
Friday, May 22, 2009
I Was Shopping at the Bullring Mall in Birmingham, England
I did went shopping with a friend in Bullring Mall in Birmingham, England. I was amazed by the size and architecture of the mall. So far, this is the biggest shopping mall that I visited in Europe. I thought that it is only in my dreams to go here..but it was a dream come true! I truly had fun during my three weeks vacation in England. Thanks to all good friends whom I met once again in England. I miss you all guys!
sharing some photos of the Bullring Mall in Birmingham..I had a pose at the Bullring Bull too! I miss England!
The Bullring Shopping Centre was masterplanned and designed mainly by Benoy. The shopping centre consists of two main buildings (East and West Mall) which are connected by an underground passage lined with shops and is also accessible from St Martin's Square via glass doors.
The doors to both wings from New Street can be removed when crowds get large and queues develop at the doors. This feature also allows cars for display to be driven into the building. They are sheltered by a glass roof known as the SkyPlane which covers 7,000 square metres (75,000 sq ft) and appears to have no visible means of support. The two malls are different internally in design. The balustrades in the East Mall consist of integrated glass 'jewels' within the metal framework, and are of different colours formed through polyester powder coating. Touchscreen computers, developed by Calm Digital, are located throughout the building which allow a user to search for the location of a certain store or browse a map of the complex. It features a dramatic landmark building, housing a branch of Selfridges department store to a design by the Future Systems architectural practice. The store is clad in 15,000 shiny aluminium discs and was inspired by a Paco Rabanne sequinned dress. The Selfridges store cost £60 million and the contractor was Laing O'Rourke. Covering an area of 25,000 square metres (270,000 sq ft), the designs for the Selfridges store were first unveiled in 1999, not long before demolition of the original shopping centre began. The Selfridges store has won eight awards including the RIBA Award for Architecture 2004 and Destination of the Year Retail Week Awards 2004.
sharing some photos of the Bullring Mall in Birmingham..I had a pose at the Bullring Bull too! I miss England!The Bullring Shopping Centre was masterplanned and designed mainly by Benoy. The shopping centre consists of two main buildings (East and West Mall) which are connected by an underground passage lined with shops and is also accessible from St Martin's Square via glass doors.
The doors to both wings from New Street can be removed when crowds get large and queues develop at the doors. This feature also allows cars for display to be driven into the building. They are sheltered by a glass roof known as the SkyPlane which covers 7,000 square metres (75,000 sq ft) and appears to have no visible means of support. The two malls are different internally in design. The balustrades in the East Mall consist of integrated glass 'jewels' within the metal framework, and are of different colours formed through polyester powder coating. Touchscreen computers, developed by Calm Digital, are located throughout the building which allow a user to search for the location of a certain store or browse a map of the complex. It features a dramatic landmark building, housing a branch of Selfridges department store to a design by the Future Systems architectural practice. The store is clad in 15,000 shiny aluminium discs and was inspired by a Paco Rabanne sequinned dress. The Selfridges store cost £60 million and the contractor was Laing O'Rourke. Covering an area of 25,000 square metres (270,000 sq ft), the designs for the Selfridges store were first unveiled in 1999, not long before demolition of the original shopping centre began. The Selfridges store has won eight awards including the RIBA Award for Architecture 2004 and Destination of the Year Retail Week Awards 2004.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Taking Off in London Eye in England
What a beautiful view of the The Parliament in London while I was taking off in London Eye. The photo should be better if the weather was nice that time. It's a typical England weather, always rainy! Sometimes I am going for escapades alone. It happened as I visited London the second time during my vacation in England last year. Here is photo during my London Eye take-off! Also find below the design and architecture of the biggest ferris wheel in the world.
I am delighted to ride the biggest Ferris wheel in the world!
Designed by architects David Marks, Julia Barfield, Malcolm Cook, Mark Sparrowhawk, Steven Chilton and Nic Bailey, the wheel carries 32 sealed and air-conditioned egg-shaped passenger capsules, attached to its external circumference, each capsule representing one of the London Boroughs. Each 10 tonne capsule holds 25 people, who are free to walk around inside the capsule, though seating is provided. It rotates at 26 cm (10 in) per second (about 0.9 km/h (0.6 mph) so that one revolution takes about 30 minutes. The wheel does not usually stop to take on passengers: the rotation rate is so slow that they can walk on and off the moving capsules at ground level. It is, however, stopped to allow disabled or elderly passengers time to embark and disembark safely.
The rim of the Eye is supported by tie rods and resembles a huge spoked bicycle wheel, and was depicted as such in a poster advertising a charity cycle race. The lighting for the London Eye was redone with LED lighting from Color Kinetics in December 2006 to allow digital control of the lights as opposed to the manual replacement of gels over fluorescent tubes.
Mace were responsible for construction management with Hollandia as the main steelwork contractor and Tilbury Douglas as the civils contractor. Consulting engineers Tony Gee and Partners designed the foundation works while Beckett Rankine designed the marine works. The wheel was constructed in sections which were floated up the Thames on barges and assembled lying flat on piled platforms in the river. Once the wheel was complete it was raised into an upright position by a strand jack system, at 2 degrees an hour until it reached 65 degrees. It was left in that position for a week while engineers prepared for the second phase of the lift. The total weight of steel in the Eye is 1,700 tonnes (1,870 short tons). The project was European with major components coming from six countries: the steel was supplied from the UK and fabricated in The Netherlands by the Dutch company Hollandia, the cables came from Italy, the bearings came from Germany, the spindle and hub were cast in the Czech Republic, the capsules were made by Poma in France (and the glass for these came from Italy), and the electrical components from the UK.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Eye
I am delighted to ride the biggest Ferris wheel in the world!DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF LONDON EYE
Designed by architects David Marks, Julia Barfield, Malcolm Cook, Mark Sparrowhawk, Steven Chilton and Nic Bailey, the wheel carries 32 sealed and air-conditioned egg-shaped passenger capsules, attached to its external circumference, each capsule representing one of the London Boroughs. Each 10 tonne capsule holds 25 people, who are free to walk around inside the capsule, though seating is provided. It rotates at 26 cm (10 in) per second (about 0.9 km/h (0.6 mph) so that one revolution takes about 30 minutes. The wheel does not usually stop to take on passengers: the rotation rate is so slow that they can walk on and off the moving capsules at ground level. It is, however, stopped to allow disabled or elderly passengers time to embark and disembark safely.
The rim of the Eye is supported by tie rods and resembles a huge spoked bicycle wheel, and was depicted as such in a poster advertising a charity cycle race. The lighting for the London Eye was redone with LED lighting from Color Kinetics in December 2006 to allow digital control of the lights as opposed to the manual replacement of gels over fluorescent tubes.
Mace were responsible for construction management with Hollandia as the main steelwork contractor and Tilbury Douglas as the civils contractor. Consulting engineers Tony Gee and Partners designed the foundation works while Beckett Rankine designed the marine works. The wheel was constructed in sections which were floated up the Thames on barges and assembled lying flat on piled platforms in the river. Once the wheel was complete it was raised into an upright position by a strand jack system, at 2 degrees an hour until it reached 65 degrees. It was left in that position for a week while engineers prepared for the second phase of the lift. The total weight of steel in the Eye is 1,700 tonnes (1,870 short tons). The project was European with major components coming from six countries: the steel was supplied from the UK and fabricated in The Netherlands by the Dutch company Hollandia, the cables came from Italy, the bearings came from Germany, the spindle and hub were cast in the Czech Republic, the capsules were made by Poma in France (and the glass for these came from Italy), and the electrical components from the UK.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Eye
Saturday, May 16, 2009
My Europe Travel in Vienna, Austria
I'm striking again! Life is always busy. And now, I finally have the chance to share about my Europe travel in Vienna, Austria. It is almost two years ago since I visited Austria's capital city, Vienna. I was also fascinated by this city just like other great cities I had been in Europe like Munich, London, Prague, Salzburg and the greatest so far for me by now is Paris in France. I know there are still a lot of cities here in Europe that I am planning to visit when all the resources are available. I am just fascinated everytime I see interesting cities. Vienna is also beautiful. I also love it there. I am still hoping to visit this city in the future. Below is a little info about Vienna's architecture.
that's me striking a pose at the Residenz in Vienna, Austria
ARCHITECTURE IN VIENNA
A variety of architectural styles can be found in Vienna, such as the Romanesque Ruprechtskirche and the Baroque Karlskirche. Styles range from classicist buildings to modern architecture. Art Nouveau left many architectural traces in Vienna. The Secession, Karlsplatz Stadtbahn Station, and the Kirche am Steinhof by Otto Wagner rank among the best known examples of Art Nouveau in the world.
The Hundertwasserhaus by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, designed to counter the clinical look of modern architecture, is one of Vienna's most popular tourist attractions. Another example of unique architecture is the Wotrubakirche by sculptor Fritz Wotruba. In the 1990s, a number of quarters were adapted and extensive building projects were implemented in the areas around Donaustadt (north of the Danube) and Wienerberg (in southern Vienna). The 202 m-high Millennium Tower located at Handelskai is the highest building in Vienna. In recent years, Vienna has seen numerous architecture projects completed which combine modern architectural elements with old buildings, such as the remodelling and revitalisation of the old Gasometer in 2001.
Most buildings in Vienna are relatively low; in early 2006 there were around 100 buildings higher than 40 m. The number of high-rise buildings is kept low by building legislation aimed at preserving green areas and districts designated as world cultural heritage. Strong rules apply to the planning, authorisation and construction of high-rise buildings. Consequently, much of the inner city is a high-rise free zone.
source: Wikipedia
that's me striking a pose at the Residenz in Vienna, AustriaARCHITECTURE IN VIENNA
A variety of architectural styles can be found in Vienna, such as the Romanesque Ruprechtskirche and the Baroque Karlskirche. Styles range from classicist buildings to modern architecture. Art Nouveau left many architectural traces in Vienna. The Secession, Karlsplatz Stadtbahn Station, and the Kirche am Steinhof by Otto Wagner rank among the best known examples of Art Nouveau in the world.
The Hundertwasserhaus by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, designed to counter the clinical look of modern architecture, is one of Vienna's most popular tourist attractions. Another example of unique architecture is the Wotrubakirche by sculptor Fritz Wotruba. In the 1990s, a number of quarters were adapted and extensive building projects were implemented in the areas around Donaustadt (north of the Danube) and Wienerberg (in southern Vienna). The 202 m-high Millennium Tower located at Handelskai is the highest building in Vienna. In recent years, Vienna has seen numerous architecture projects completed which combine modern architectural elements with old buildings, such as the remodelling and revitalisation of the old Gasometer in 2001.
Most buildings in Vienna are relatively low; in early 2006 there were around 100 buildings higher than 40 m. The number of high-rise buildings is kept low by building legislation aimed at preserving green areas and districts designated as world cultural heritage. Strong rules apply to the planning, authorisation and construction of high-rise buildings. Consequently, much of the inner city is a high-rise free zone.
source: Wikipedia
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Walking at Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic
We had a trip in Prague last year. To be exact that was September 27, 2008. You can also see the date which is embedded on the picture here. This was taken in the famous bridge of Prague called Charles Bridge. Please continue to read below for some information about the construction of the bridge.
The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third one on the Old Town side. The Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, erected around 1700.
photo taken at Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic
Building the bridge
The need for building a new bridge emerged after the old romanesque Judith Bridge (Juditin most, built around 1170 and named after king Vladislav I's wife Judith) was destroyed by a flood in 1342. The building began in 1357, was supervised by Peter Parler and led by a "magister pontis", Jan Ottl.
There is a modern legend saying that the foundation stone was laid in 1357 on the 9th day of the 7th month at 5:31 AM and that Charles IV chose this time so that when one writes out the opening time, they write the sequence of odd numbers, 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1.
The bridge was built from Bohemian sandstone. There is a legend saying that eggs were used to enrich the mortar used to bind the stone blocks to make it harder. Although the saying cannot be verified, modern laboratory tests have indeed proved inorganic and organic ingredients to the mortar.Later, the use of eggs in Charles Bridge mortar was confirmed.[2] The construction of Charles Bridge took place until the beginning of 15th century. To sustain the bridge, tolls were taken, first by the religious order of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star, who had their mother-house nearby, then by the Old Town municipality (until 1815). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bridge
The bridge is 516 meters long and nearly 10 meters wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third one on the Old Town side. The Old Town bridge tower is often considered to be one of the most astonishing civil gothic-style buildings in the world. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, erected around 1700.
photo taken at Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech RepublicBuilding the bridge
The need for building a new bridge emerged after the old romanesque Judith Bridge (Juditin most, built around 1170 and named after king Vladislav I's wife Judith) was destroyed by a flood in 1342. The building began in 1357, was supervised by Peter Parler and led by a "magister pontis", Jan Ottl.
There is a modern legend saying that the foundation stone was laid in 1357 on the 9th day of the 7th month at 5:31 AM and that Charles IV chose this time so that when one writes out the opening time, they write the sequence of odd numbers, 1-3-5-7-9-7-5-3-1.
The bridge was built from Bohemian sandstone. There is a legend saying that eggs were used to enrich the mortar used to bind the stone blocks to make it harder. Although the saying cannot be verified, modern laboratory tests have indeed proved inorganic and organic ingredients to the mortar.Later, the use of eggs in Charles Bridge mortar was confirmed.[2] The construction of Charles Bridge took place until the beginning of 15th century. To sustain the bridge, tolls were taken, first by the religious order of the Knights of the Cross with the Red Star, who had their mother-house nearby, then by the Old Town municipality (until 1815). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bridge
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