monument

Bayon temple in Angkor

The Bayon temple is my favourite site in the sprawling ruins of Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the 12th century as the main temple in the ancient capital Angkor Thom, the temple features intriguing faces that jut out of the towers. The bas reliefs that adorn the walls are another fascinating feature of this magnificent temple.

Read the accompanying post: ‘The Wonders of Angkor Wat‘.

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Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 Asia 1 Comment

Spectacular Easter Island

Easter Island is famous the world over for its mythical statues. However, the scenery, from volcanic cones to massive cliffs and secluded beaches, is another great reason to visit this fascinating island. Here’s a photo of Ahu Tongariki, the largest platform with 15 statues (or moai), with impressive cliffs as a backdrop.

Read the accompanying post: “Things to See and Do on Easter Island“.

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Thursday, December 29th, 2011 South America 1 Comment

The monastery in Petra

The Treasury is the first major monument every visitor to Petra sees as they exit the Siq (the narrow canyon that leads visitors into Petra). The monastery, located high up in the mountains, is another monument that cannot be missed. Visitors can choose to hike to the monastery (a 20-30 minute hike) or ride a mule. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular sight at the top!

Read the accompanying post: “Ten Things To Do in Petra“.

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An awestruck visitor at the door of the monastery

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Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 Asia No Comments

Inside the Salta Cathedral

The Cathedral in Salta, Argentina, has a lavish interior with arches, towering columns and stunning frescoes. While you’re there, check out the 3D-like floor. This style, called  trompe l’oeil (French for ‘deceive the eye’), was used in many churches, monasteries and official buildings throughout Europe – a magnificent example can be found in the Charterhouse of Calci in Tuscany. The Cathedral in Salta has the exact same cube floor pattern as the monastery in Calci!

Read the accompanying post: “Some Lazy Days in Salta“.

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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 South America No Comments

Beehive houses in Harran

Harran is a small town in southeastern Turkey which can trace its origins to the third millenium B.C.! The town was inhabited by a succession of major powers including the Assyrians, Persians and the Romans, and was for centuries an important trading and scholastic centre. Little of the ancient town can be seen today, aside from the ruins of the 8h century University of Harran. Harran is most famous for its adobe beehive houses. Constructed without wood, these houses were built in accordance with a design that’s thousands of years old.

Read the accompanying post: “A Tour of Eastern Turkey“.

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Thursday, November 17th, 2011 Asia 1 Comment
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