The third set of awards are for mankind's greatest achievements in design, engineering and construction. Many of these structures were built either to glorify a supernatural being or to maintain power of a dynasty, and very often to do both. But in all cases a desire to leave an artistic impact on the world is what has seen them end up in our list.
The Good Old Days Award for Best Ancient Landmark
Stone Axe: The Acropolis, Athens, Greece
The second major stage in human civilization (after agriculture) was trade. And it was this development which allowed the Greeks to become masters in art, literature, architecture, engineering, science, philosophy and government. To visit the Parthenon in Athens, a building that has also been visited by the great masters of the past, is a truly special experience which everyone should have.
The second major stage in human civilization (after agriculture) was trade. And it was this development which allowed the Greeks to become masters in art, literature, architecture, engineering, science, philosophy and government. To visit the Parthenon in Athens, a building that has also been visited by the great masters of the past, is a truly special experience which everyone should have.
Bronze Shield: Pompeii, Italy
Of course, we could have placed the entire city of Rome in our top three, but it just didn't seem fair. So rather than pick and choose between Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum or the Colloseum, in the end we decided on the city of Pompeii. Unique as an ancient site, it was not destroyed by the passage of time but by one instantaneous event. Also, there are some pictures of naked Romans.
Of course, we could have placed the entire city of Rome in our top three, but it just didn't seem fair. So rather than pick and choose between Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum or the Colloseum, in the end we decided on the city of Pompeii. Unique as an ancient site, it was not destroyed by the passage of time but by one instantaneous event. Also, there are some pictures of naked Romans.
Iron Sword: Petra, Jordan
Early in our trip we visited one of the new seven wonders of the world, Petra. The rock carvings are unlike anything else we've seen and the beauty of the ruins, temples and rock formations was well worth the two days of travelling to get there and away.
Early in our trip we visited one of the new seven wonders of the world, Petra. The rock carvings are unlike anything else we've seen and the beauty of the ruins, temples and rock formations was well worth the two days of travelling to get there and away.
How's the Serenity Award for Best Castle
Bronze Bonnet: Spiš Castle, Slovakia
While the castle itself was interesting, it was the early morning fog that made the whole experience so memorable. It basically felt like we had been transported into a Terry Gilliam film.
While the castle itself was interesting, it was the early morning fog that made the whole experience so memorable. It basically felt like we had been transported into a Terry Gilliam film.
Silver Tiara: Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic
Many European capitals were built around an ancient hilltop castle but none are as beautiful or as iconic as in Prague. There is so much to see and do here, which is probably because it is the world's largest ancient castle.
Many European capitals were built around an ancient hilltop castle but none are as beautiful or as iconic as in Prague. There is so much to see and do here, which is probably because it is the world's largest ancient castle.
Golden Crown: Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Central Europe takes all three places in this category, and how could it not with castles like Neuschwanstein? Anyone who's grown up with fairy tales of princes and princesses or knights and dragons would love this unfinished creation of the delirious Ludwig II of Bavaria.
Central Europe takes all three places in this category, and how could it not with castles like Neuschwanstein? Anyone who's grown up with fairy tales of princes and princesses or knights and dragons would love this unfinished creation of the delirious Ludwig II of Bavaria.
Fit For a Queen Award for Best Palace
Bronze Bannister: Pena National Palace, Sintra, Portugal
Between Lisbon and the coast of Europe are several mansions, fortresses and palaces. It's hard to decide which is better, the view from the balcony of the surrounding region, or the view of the palace itself. But what is for sure is that Pena is definitely in the top three.
Between Lisbon and the coast of Europe are several mansions, fortresses and palaces. It's hard to decide which is better, the view from the balcony of the surrounding region, or the view of the palace itself. But what is for sure is that Pena is definitely in the top three.
Silver Chandelier: Alhambra, Granada, Spain
A very very close second in this category is the extensive, timeless and stunningly designed Alhambra. It basically only loses on a technicality in that fact it is a complex of several unique palaces built at different times during Spain's history.
A very very close second in this category is the extensive, timeless and stunningly designed Alhambra. It basically only loses on a technicality in that fact it is a complex of several unique palaces built at different times during Spain's history.
Golden Fountain: Palace of Versailles, France
Every time we've been to a fancy house, mansion or palace since this one, it has seemed somewhat middle class in comparison to the ludicrous wealth on display at the former home of Louis XIV.
Every time we've been to a fancy house, mansion or palace since this one, it has seemed somewhat middle class in comparison to the ludicrous wealth on display at the former home of Louis XIV.
It's Growing On Me Award for Best Garden
Bronze Leaf: Villa d'Este, Tivoli, Italy
It really is amazing what someone can do on a humble cardinal's salary. Luckily Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este was not only a humble man of the church but also governor who intelligently didn't waste his money on helping the poor, as they'd soon be in heaven. Instead he spent it on a garden which would last long into the future, for wealthy tourists like us to see and go "aah".
It really is amazing what someone can do on a humble cardinal's salary. Luckily Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este was not only a humble man of the church but also governor who intelligently didn't waste his money on helping the poor, as they'd soon be in heaven. Instead he spent it on a garden which would last long into the future, for wealthy tourists like us to see and go "aah".
Silver Bell: Monet's Garden at Giverny, France
I think Roger Waters said it best when he said, "Monet, it's a gas". But in rebuttal, Roger Glover told us to "Smoke on the Waters". However, Kermit the Frog would have said "The Glovers, the dreamers and me". And Kermit the Frog loved Monet's Garden at Giverny.
I think Roger Waters said it best when he said, "Monet, it's a gas". But in rebuttal, Roger Glover told us to "Smoke on the Waters". However, Kermit the Frog would have said "The Glovers, the dreamers and me". And Kermit the Frog loved Monet's Garden at Giverny.
Golden Rose: Keukenhof, Lisse, The Netherlands
There are more tulips in the Netherlands than there are spurious facts on the internet. We had the privilege to meet the brightest and best of them in Keukenhof, the Garden of Europe.
There are more tulips in the Netherlands than there are spurious facts on the internet. We had the privilege to meet the brightest and best of them in Keukenhof, the Garden of Europe.
Holy Moly Award for Best Place of Worship
Bronze Medal: Dohány Street Synagogue, Budapest, Hungary
In the second half of the 19th century, the Jews of Central Europe experienced an increase in wealth and enlightenment which led to the building of many incredible synagogues. This one in Budapest, inspired by the Alhambra (see above) is the biggest in Europe and looks Jewtastic.
In the second half of the 19th century, the Jews of Central Europe experienced an increase in wealth and enlightenment which led to the building of many incredible synagogues. This one in Budapest, inspired by the Alhambra (see above) is the biggest in Europe and looks Jewtastic.
Silver Medal: Cologne Cathedral, Germany
The first and last stop on our long drive was the massive Kölner Dom. With the largest facade of any church in the world, the gothic behemoth is really really big. We will always remember the image of it towering above the city.
The first and last stop on our long drive was the massive Kölner Dom. With the largest facade of any church in the world, the gothic behemoth is really really big. We will always remember the image of it towering above the city.
Gold Medal: La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Detailed, beautiful and innovative inside and out, is the masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It's still not finished, but even so it wins our top spot for being the only church that portrays the warm and nurturing side of the Christian god. We'll be back in fifty years time to see how it looks finished.
Detailed, beautiful and innovative inside and out, is the masterpiece of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It's still not finished, but even so it wins our top spot for being the only church that portrays the warm and nurturing side of the Christian god. We'll be back in fifty years time to see how it looks finished.
Thank God It's Not Another Church Award for Best Religious Site
Bronze Medal: The Hill of Crosses, Lithuania
Being a trip around a continent with a mainly christian history, we saw many many churches, basilicas and cathedrals, which, while beautiful, did get quite boring. So it was refreshing to occasionally see ways in which people worshiped in a more personal way. The Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania is probably the best example of this. It's a chaotic and fascinating collection of crosses born from rebellion against centuries of Russian rule.
Being a trip around a continent with a mainly christian history, we saw many many churches, basilicas and cathedrals, which, while beautiful, did get quite boring. So it was refreshing to occasionally see ways in which people worshiped in a more personal way. The Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania is probably the best example of this. It's a chaotic and fascinating collection of crosses born from rebellion against centuries of Russian rule.
Silver Medal: Mont Saint-Michel, France
Perched atop a rocky tidal island is the cleverly constructed and beautifully built Mont Saint-Michel abbey. The inside may not be any more interesting than elsewhere in France, but as any good monk knows, it's all about Location, Location, Location.
Perched atop a rocky tidal island is the cleverly constructed and beautifully built Mont Saint-Michel abbey. The inside may not be any more interesting than elsewhere in France, but as any good monk knows, it's all about Location, Location, Location.
Gold Medal: Meteora, Greece
Quite simply one of the most breathtaking places we've been in Europe. The otherworldly landscape is worth a trip from Athens alone, but Meteora goes the extra mile. Six monasteries that balance on gigantic rock pillars are the legacy of a desire for solitude that may have got a little out of hand. The monks were obviously extremely physically healthy but possibly mentally insane.
Quite simply one of the most breathtaking places we've been in Europe. The otherworldly landscape is worth a trip from Athens alone, but Meteora goes the extra mile. Six monasteries that balance on gigantic rock pillars are the legacy of a desire for solitude that may have got a little out of hand. The monks were obviously extremely physically healthy but possibly mentally insane.
Top 100 Bridges (Abridged Version)
Bronze Medal: Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Switzerland
While writing this list, we found out that this is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. It also teaches you while you cross it about death in the middle ages. So, yeah, smart and pretty, just like the third-place winner in every Miss World contest.
While writing this list, we found out that this is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. It also teaches you while you cross it about death in the middle ages. So, yeah, smart and pretty, just like the third-place winner in every Miss World contest.
Silver Medal: Pont du Gard, France
It's like a bridge for troubled water to go over calm water. It's one of the best and most impressive Roman non-ruins we came across and has a really good museum too.
It's like a bridge for troubled water to go over calm water. It's one of the best and most impressive Roman non-ruins we came across and has a really good museum too.
Gold Medal: Stari Most, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Crossing the Neretva is a bridge that feels like it connects today's independent Bosnia with yesterday's Ottoman outpost. Unfortunately it's actually a recreation completed in 2004 after the old bridge was destroyed in the Croat-Bosniak War. Its history is surpassed only by its beauty.
Crossing the Neretva is a bridge that feels like it connects today's independent Bosnia with yesterday's Ottoman outpost. Unfortunately it's actually a recreation completed in 2004 after the old bridge was destroyed in the Croat-Bosniak War. Its history is surpassed only by its beauty.
We Can Be Happy Underground Award
Copper Mine: Škocjan Caves, Slovenia
In this category we admittedly combine the best of natural Europe with man-made Europe, but it's our list so we can do what we want. In third position is the azure Reka river that flows deep under one of our favourite small nations.
In this category we admittedly combine the best of natural Europe with man-made Europe, but it's our list so we can do what we want. In third position is the azure Reka river that flows deep under one of our favourite small nations.
Silver Mine: Eisriesenwelt, Austria
What was most special about the ice caves in Austria was that we went early in the morning with a small group and had only burning phosphorus to light our path. The caves are formed by cold Alpine air which keep the formations as cool as Vanilla Ice.
What was most special about the ice caves in Austria was that we went early in the morning with a small group and had only burning phosphorus to light our path. The caves are formed by cold Alpine air which keep the formations as cool as Vanilla Ice.
Gold Mine: Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland
We haven't actually been to any other salt mines, but we can say with 85% certainty that these are the best salt mines ever! In operation since the 13th century and covered in religious salt carvings, the caves are totally wicked.
We haven't actually been to any other salt mines, but we can say with 85% certainty that these are the best salt mines ever! In operation since the 13th century and covered in religious salt carvings, the caves are totally wicked.
Thinking Outside the Rectangular Prism Award for Best Architecture
Bronze Medal: City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia, Spain
Everyone's favourite Spanish architect since Gaudí is Santiago Calatrava. He has spread his creative seed all across our odyssey from the Oriente Station in Lisbon to bridges in Venice and Jerusalem. But Calatrava's piece de resistance is in his home town, Valencia. Of course, we can't only allow it to be higher than bronze, because he didn't follow our rules, which clearly stated that only one building would be considered.
Everyone's favourite Spanish architect since Gaudí is Santiago Calatrava. He has spread his creative seed all across our odyssey from the Oriente Station in Lisbon to bridges in Venice and Jerusalem. But Calatrava's piece de resistance is in his home town, Valencia. Of course, we can't only allow it to be higher than bronze, because he didn't follow our rules, which clearly stated that only one building would be considered.
Silver Medal: Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Most contemporary French authors actually hated the Eiffel Tower. Every day, short story writer Guy de Maupassant had lunch at its bottom because it was the only place in Paris where he couldn't see it. We kinda like it. No matter how many times you've seen it before, it still amazes. And the view from the top would make even the most francophobic Englishman exclaim "Sacrebleu, c'est magnifique!!".
Most contemporary French authors actually hated the Eiffel Tower. Every day, short story writer Guy de Maupassant had lunch at its bottom because it was the only place in Paris where he couldn't see it. We kinda like it. No matter how many times you've seen it before, it still amazes. And the view from the top would make even the most francophobic Englishman exclaim "Sacrebleu, c'est magnifique!!".
Gold Medal: Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain
There simply is no building like the Bilbao Guggenheim (or Googly-Schmoog for short). Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry was able to make that rare building that reminds us of movement, light and a fish. It is truly inspiring and leaves you wondering why more architects don't take such bold decisions. Probably because they simply aren't as talented as Frank Gehry.
There simply is no building like the Bilbao Guggenheim (or Googly-Schmoog for short). Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry was able to make that rare building that reminds us of movement, light and a fish. It is truly inspiring and leaves you wondering why more architects don't take such bold decisions. Probably because they simply aren't as talented as Frank Gehry.
I was going to make fun of you for continuing with a blog that you have deemed over...
ReplyDeleteBut this was really cool!