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Remedios, founded in 1524, was eclipsed by Santa Clara in the late 17th century and has changed relatively little since. The main square, Plaza Martí, is dominated by two churches – the 18th-century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Buen Viaje with a fine bell tower, and the more important Parroquial de San Juan Bautista, dating from 1545. The latter is certainly one of the most beautiful churches in Cuba, particularly notable for its elaborately carved and gilded altar, as well as the only statue of a pregnant Madonna of the Immaculate Conception in Cuba, or as the locals say, in the world.<br/><br/> At the centre of Plaza Martí is the Kiosko Pando, a bandstand dating from 1909, where live 'big band' music is played weekly on Thursday nights.<br/><br/> Remedios is also famous for the Festival of Parrandas which takes place annually on 24 and 25 December.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption was originally designed and completed between 1215 and 1263 on the site of an earlier structure. It has the form of a Latin cross with a slightly projecting transept, a dome and a bell tower.<br/><br/> The dome rises from a hexagonal base with supporting columns. The lantern atop the dome was added by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The nave is separated from the two aisles by semicircular arches. The exterior and interior are constructed of white and greenish-black marble in alternating stripes, with addition of red marble on the façade.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption was originally designed and completed between 1215 and 1263 on the site of an earlier structure. It has the form of a Latin cross with a slightly projecting transept, a dome and a bell tower.<br/><br/> The dome rises from a hexagonal base with supporting columns. The lantern atop the dome was added by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The nave is separated from the two aisles by semicircular arches. The exterior and interior are constructed of white and greenish-black marble in alternating stripes, with addition of red marble on the façade.
The octagonal Florence Baptistery (<i>Battistero di San Giovanni</i>), also known as the Baptistery of Saint John, is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, constructed between 1059 and 1128 in the Florentine Romanesque style.<br/><br/> The Baptistry is renowned for its three sets of artistically important bronze doors with relief sculptures. The south doors were created by Andrea Pisano and the north and east doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The east doors were dubbed by Michelangelo the Gates of Paradise.<br/><br/> The Italian poet Dante and many other notable Renaissance figures, including members of the Medici family, were baptized in this baptistry.
The octagonal Florence Baptistery (<i>Battistero di San Giovanni</i>), also known as the Baptistery of Saint John, is one of the oldest buildings in Florence, constructed between 1059 and 1128 in the Florentine Romanesque style.<br/><br/> The Baptistry is renowned for its three sets of artistically important bronze doors with relief sculptures. The south doors were created by Andrea Pisano and the north and east doors by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The east doors were dubbed by Michelangelo the Gates of Paradise.<br/><br/> The Italian poet Dante and many other notable Renaissance figures, including members of the Medici family, were baptized in this baptistry.
Firenze or Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. It was a centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of that era. It is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called 'the Athens of the Middle Ages'.<br/><br/> A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1871 the city was the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.<br/><br/> The Florentine dialect forms the base of Standard Italian and it became the language of culture throughout Italy due to the prestige of the masterpieces by Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio, Niccolò Machiavelli and Francesco Guicciardini.
Firenze or Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. It was a centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of that era. It is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called 'the Athens of the Middle Ages'.<br/><br/> A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1871 the city was the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.<br/><br/> The Florentine dialect forms the base of Standard Italian and it became the language of culture throughout Italy due to the prestige of the masterpieces by Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio, Niccolò Machiavelli and Francesco Guicciardini.
Firenze or Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. It was a centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of that era. It is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called 'the Athens of the Middle Ages'.<br/><br/> A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1871 the city was the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.<br/><br/> The Florentine dialect forms the base of Standard Italian and it became the language of culture throughout Italy due to the prestige of the masterpieces by Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio, Niccolò Machiavelli and Francesco Guicciardini.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers) is the main church of Florence. Il Duomo di Firenze, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style with the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.<br/><br/> The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.<br/><br/> The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers) is the main church of Florence. Il Duomo di Firenze, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style with the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.<br/><br/> The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.<br/><br/> The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers) is the main church of Florence. Il Duomo di Firenze, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style with the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.<br/><br/> The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.<br/><br/> The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers) is the main church of Florence. Il Duomo di Firenze, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style with the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.<br/><br/> The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.<br/><br/> The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers) is the main church of Florence. Il Duomo di Firenze, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style with the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.<br/><br/> The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.<br/><br/> The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers) is the main church of Florence. Il Duomo di Firenze, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style with the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.<br/><br/> The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.<br/><br/> The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers) is the main church of Florence. Il Duomo di Firenze, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style with the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.<br/><br/> The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.<br/><br/> The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile.
The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers) is the main church of Florence. Il Duomo di Firenze, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style with the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.<br/><br/> The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.<br/><br/> The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile.
Remedios, founded in 1524, was eclipsed by Santa Clara in the late 17th century and has changed relatively little since. The main square, Plaza Martí, is dominated by two churches – the 18th-century Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Buen Viaje with a fine bell tower, and the more important Parroquial de San Juan Bautista, dating from 1545. The latter is certainly one of the most beautiful churches in Cuba, particularly notable for its elaborately carved and gilded altar, as well as the only statue of a pregnant Madonna of the Immaculate Conception in Cuba, or as the locals say, in the world.<br/><br/> At the centre of Plaza Martí is the Kiosko Pando, a bandstand dating from 1909, where live 'big band' music is played weekly on Thursday nights.<br/><br/> Remedios is also famous for the Festival of Parrandas which takes place annually on 24 and 25 December.
Wuwei has a population of around 500,000, mainly Han Chinese, but with visible numbers of Hui as well as Mongols and Tibetans. In earlier times it was called Liangzhou. Dominating the eastern end of the Hexi Corridor, it has long played a significant role on this major trade route.<br/><br/> Wuwei’s most famous historic artefact, the celebrated Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE) bronze horse known as the Flying Horse of Gansu, was discovered here in a tomb beneath Leitai Temple (Leitai Si) in the north part of town. Although the original is now on display in the Gansu Provincial Museum at Lanzhou, the horse’s likeness – depicted at an elegant, flying gallop, with one hoof briefly resting on the head of a flying swallow – is everywhere to be seen, most notably at the centre of Wuwei’s downtown Wenhua Square.
Wuwei has a population of around 500,000, mainly Han Chinese, but with visible numbers of Hui as well as Mongols and Tibetans. In earlier times it was called Liangzhou. Dominating the eastern end of the Hexi Corridor, it has long played a significant role on this major trade route.<br/><br/> Wuwei’s most famous historic artefact, the celebrated Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE) bronze horse known as the Flying Horse of Gansu, was discovered here in a tomb beneath Leitai Temple (Leitai Si) in the north part of town. Although the original is now on display in the Gansu Provincial Museum at Lanzhou, the horse’s likeness – depicted at an elegant, flying gallop, with one hoof briefly resting on the head of a flying swallow – is everywhere to be seen, most notably at the centre of Wuwei’s downtown Wenhua Square.
Wuwei has a population of around 500,000, mainly Han Chinese, but with visible numbers of Hui as well as Mongols and Tibetans. In earlier times it was called Liangzhou. Dominating the eastern end of the Hexi Corridor, it has long played a significant role on this major trade route.<br/><br/> Wuwei’s most famous historic artefact, the celebrated Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE) bronze horse known as the Flying Horse of Gansu, was discovered here in a tomb beneath Leitai Temple (Leitai Si) in the north part of town. Although the original is now on display in the Gansu Provincial Museum at Lanzhou, the horse’s likeness – depicted at an elegant, flying gallop, with one hoof briefly resting on the head of a flying swallow – is everywhere to be seen, most notably at the centre of Wuwei’s downtown Wenhua Square.
The Thanjavur Maratha Palace, also known as Aranmanai, was originally built by the Nayaks of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom (16th - 17th century CE). After the fall of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom, it served as the official residence of the Thanjavur Maratha.<br/><br/> When most of the Thanjavur Maratha kingdom was annexed to the British Empire in 1799, the Thanjavur Marathas continued to hold sway over the palace and the surrounding fort. The Bhonsle family continued to hold on to the palace even after the last king Shivaji II was deposed as per the Doctrine of Lapse.
Emperor Gia Long ordered the construction of Hue Citadel in 1805. The vast complex is built according to the notions of fengshui or Chinese geomancy, but following the military principles of the noted 18th century French military architect Sebastien de Vauban. The result is an unusual and elegant hybrid, a Chinese-style Imperial City carefully aligned with surrounding hills, islands and waterways, but defended by massive brick walls between 6-12 metres high and 2.5 metres thick, punctuated by towers, ramparts, a massive earth glacis, and 24 Vauban-inspired bastions.<br/><br/>The entire complex was further protected by wide moats, crossed by gracefully arched stone bridges leading to ten gates, the chief of which is Cua Ngo Mon, the south-east facing ‘Meridian Gate’. To compound the exotic hybrid effect, guard posts designed as Chinese-style miradors, complete with sweeping eaves crowned by imperial dragons, surmounted each gate. Finally, directly in front of the Ngo Mon Gate, a massive brick fort 18 metres high was constructed both as an additional barrier against malign spirits, and as a defensive redoubt.<br/><br/>The area within the Citadel - in all, 520 hectares (1300 acres) - comprises three concentric enclosures, the Civic, Imperial and Forbidden Purple Cities. Access is by way of ten fortified gates, each of which is reached by a low, arched stone bridge across the moat. In imperial times a cannon would sound at 5am and 9pm to mark the opening and closing of the gates.<br/><br/>Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty between 1802 and 1945. The tombs of several emperors lie in and around the city and along the Perfume River. Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hutong have been around for some seven centuries, dating back to the Yuan dynasty when Kublai Khan established his capital at Dadu, on the site of present-day Beijing. In fact, the word hutong is believed to derive from the Mongolian word hong tong, which means water well.<br/><br/> The Drum (Gǔlóu) and Bell (Zhōnglóu) towers were originally built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan (r.1260-1294). Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424) rebuilt the towers in 1420 and they were again renovated during the reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing (r. 1796 - 1820).<br/><br/> Both the Drum and Bell towers were used as timekeepers during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Drum (Gǔlóu) and Bell (Zhōnglóu) towers were originally built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan (r.1260-1294). Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424) rebuilt the towers in 1420 and they were again renovated during the reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing (r. 1796 - 1820).<br/><br/> Both the Drum and Bell towers were used as timekeepers during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Drum (Gǔlóu) and Bell (Zhōnglóu) towers were originally built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan (r.1260-1294). Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424) rebuilt the towers in 1420 and they were again renovated during the reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing (r. 1796 - 1820).<br/><br/> Both the Drum and Bell towers were used as timekeepers during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Drum (Gǔlóu) and Bell (Zhōnglóu) towers were originally built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan (r.1260-1294). Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424) rebuilt the towers in 1420 and they were again renovated during the reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing (r. 1796 - 1820).<br/><br/> Both the Drum and Bell towers were used as timekeepers during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Drum (Gǔlóu) and Bell (Zhōnglóu) towers were originally built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan (r.1260-1294). Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424) rebuilt the towers in 1420 and they were again renovated during the reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing (r. 1796 - 1820).<br/><br/> Both the Drum and Bell towers were used as timekeepers during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Drum (Gǔlóu) and Bell (Zhōnglóu) towers were originally built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan (r.1260-1294). Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424) rebuilt the towers in 1420 and they were again renovated during the reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing (r. 1796 - 1820).<br/><br/> Both the Drum and Bell towers were used as timekeepers during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Drum (Gǔlóu) and Bell (Zhōnglóu) towers were originally built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan (r.1260-1294). Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424) rebuilt the towers in 1420 and they were again renovated during the reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing (r. 1796 - 1820).<br/><br/> Both the Drum and Bell towers were used as timekeepers during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Drum (Gǔlóu) and Bell (Zhōnglóu) towers were originally built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan (r.1260-1294). Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424) rebuilt the towers in 1420 and they were again renovated during the reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing (r. 1796 - 1820).<br/><br/> Both the Drum and Bell towers were used as timekeepers during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Drum (Gǔlóu) and Bell (Zhōnglóu) towers were originally built in 1272 during the reign of Kublai Khan (r.1260-1294). Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424) rebuilt the towers in 1420 and they were again renovated during the reign of Qing Emperor Jiaqing (r. 1796 - 1820).<br/><br/> Both the Drum and Bell towers were used as timekeepers during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
Trinidad was founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514 as Cuba’s third European colonial settlement. Initially it prospered as a gold-mining centre, and also as a base of operations for the conquistador Hernán Cortés during his 1518 invasion and conquest of Mexico. Subsequently, Havana replaced Trinidad as the main base for Spanish operations against the Central American mainland, but by this time the fertile soil around Trinidad was already replacing locally mined and Mexican gold with sugar cane.
Trinidad was founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514 as Cuba’s third European colonial settlement. Initially it prospered as a gold-mining centre, and also as a base of operations for the conquistador Hernán Cortés during his 1518 invasion and conquest of Mexico. Subsequently, Havana replaced Trinidad as the main base for Spanish operations against the Central American mainland, but by this time the fertile soil around Trinidad was already replacing locally mined and Mexican gold with sugar cane.
Loei (Thai: เลย) Province is located in Thailand's upper North-East. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok. In the north it borders Xaignabouli and Vientiane Provinces of Laos.<br/><br/> The province is covered with low mountains, while the capital Loei is located in a fertile basin. The Loei River, which flows through the province, is a tributary of the Mekong which, together with the smaller Hueang River, forms the northern boundary of the province with neighboring Laos.<br/><br/> Although temperatures in the hot season (April-May) can be more than 40 degrees Celsius, the province is the only one in Thailand where temperatures regularly drops below freezing at night in the cold season (December-January).<br/><br/> Loei is rich in national parks, including especially Phu Kradung, Phu Ruea, Phu Suan Sai (also known as Na Haeo) and Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary.<br/><br/> In 1853 King Mongkut (Rama IV) founded the city of Loei to administer the increasing population in what was then a remote area. In 1907 the province was created by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The province is also famous for the Phi Ta Khon festival held at Dansai during the 6th lunar month to make merit and honour the spirits of the ancestors - a colourful mix of Buddhism and spirit worship.<br/><br/> The symbol of the province is the stupa (chedi) at Phra That Si Song Rak in Dan Sai, which was built in 1560 by King Maha Chakrapat of Ayutthaya and King Chai Chetha of Lan Xang as a symbol of friendship between the Siamese and Lao kingdoms.
Loei (Thai: เลย) Province is located in Thailand's upper North-East. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nongbua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok. In the north it borders Xaignabouli and Vientiane Provinces of Laos.<br/><br/> The province is covered with low mountains, while the capital Loei is located in a fertile basin. The Loei River, which flows through the province, is a tributary of the Mekong which, together with the smaller Hueang River, forms the northern boundary of the province with neighboring Laos.<br/><br/> Although temperatures in the hot season (April-May) can be more than 40 degrees Celsius, the province is the only one in Thailand where temperatures regularly drops below freezing at night in the cold season (December-January).<br/><br/> Loei is rich in national parks, including especially Phu Kradung, Phu Ruea, Phu Suan Sai (also known as Na Haeo) and Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary.<br/><br/> In 1853 King Mongkut (Rama IV) founded the city of Loei to administer the increasing population in what was then a remote area. In 1907 the province was created by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The province is also famous for the Phi Ta Khon festival held at Dansai during the 6th lunar month to make merit and honour the spirits of the ancestors - a colourful mix of Buddhism and spirit worship.<br/><br/> The symbol of the province is the stupa (chedi) at Phra That Si Song Rak in Dan Sai, which was built in 1560 by King Maha Chakrapat of Ayutthaya and King Chai Chetha of Lan Xang as a symbol of friendship between the Siamese and Lao kingdoms.
Phat Diem Cathedral is located in Kim Son district of Ninh Binh Province. It is one of the most celebrated and unusual churches in Vietnam. Phat Diem church architecture is a synthesis of Sino-Vietnamese and French Catholic styles.<br/><br/> Catholicism came early to Phat Diem. Alexandre de Rhodes, a Jesuit from Avignon who first developed Vietnam’s quoc ngu writing system, preached here as long ago as 1627, but it was a Vietnamese priest, Father Tran Luc (also known as Cu Sau or ‘Old Six’) who conceived and organised the construction of Phat Diem’s extraordinary cathedral between 1875 and 1898.<br/><br/> The cathedral complex is dominated by a monumental bell tower with curved Chinese eaves and triple gateway that could easily be mistaken for the entrance to a Vietnamese temple, were it not for the angels and crucifixes prominently in evidence. Behind the bell tower the main body of the cathedral extends back along a dark, cool nave about 75 metres (246 ft) long, the roof supported by the gigantic trunks of 52 single ironwood trees, the Latin rubric pax domini, ‘the peace of the lord’, inscribed on many.<br/><br/> An altarpiece of extraordinary cultural syncretism frames the altar, cut from a single block of marble. The centrepiece, behind a large crucifix, is a statue of the Virgin and Child, but the whole is completely surrounded by a background of elaborate crimson lacquer and gold leaf, more like the Temple of Literature in Hanoi than a Catholic church.<br/><br/> To compound the syncretic effect, a barred shrine houses a statue of the Virgin Mary in a gilded mandarin’s palanquin, while representations of phoenixes, lions, bamboo groves, peach blossoms and other typically Vietnamese motifs are carved into the pillars and elaborate ceiling joists. Beside the main door to the cathedral, the figures of two angels are incised into the stone.<br/><br/> Outside, in front of the cathedral, is a statue of the Virgin Mary carrying the Christ-child in her arms. As is quite common in Vietnam, the appearance of the ‘Mother of God’ bears much in common with Sino-Vietnamese statues of Guanyin, the ‘Goddess of Mercy’ – but here the syncretism is compounded by the Virgin’s dress, as she is clad in an elegant Vietnamese ao dai.
Phat Diem Cathedral is located in Kim Son district of Ninh Binh Province. It is one of the most celebrated and unusual churches in Vietnam. Phat Diem church architecture is a synthesis of Sino-Vietnamese and French Catholic styles.<br/><br/> Catholicism came early to Phat Diem. Alexandre de Rhodes, a Jesuit from Avignon who first developed Vietnam’s quoc ngu writing system, preached here as long ago as 1627, but it was a Vietnamese priest, Father Tran Luc (also known as Cu Sau or ‘Old Six’) who conceived and organised the construction of Phat Diem’s extraordinary cathedral between 1875 and 1898.<br/><br/> The cathedral complex is dominated by a monumental bell tower with curved Chinese eaves and triple gateway that could easily be mistaken for the entrance to a Vietnamese temple, were it not for the angels and crucifixes prominently in evidence. Behind the bell tower the main body of the cathedral extends back along a dark, cool nave about 75 metres (246 ft) long, the roof supported by the gigantic trunks of 52 single ironwood trees, the Latin rubric pax domini, ‘the peace of the lord’, inscribed on many.<br/><br/> An altarpiece of extraordinary cultural syncretism frames the altar, cut from a single block of marble. The centrepiece, behind a large crucifix, is a statue of the Virgin and Child, but the whole is completely surrounded by a background of elaborate crimson lacquer and gold leaf, more like the Temple of Literature in Hanoi than a Catholic church.<br/><br/> To compound the syncretic effect, a barred shrine houses a statue of the Virgin Mary in a gilded mandarin’s palanquin, while representations of phoenixes, lions, bamboo groves, peach blossoms and other typically Vietnamese motifs are carved into the pillars and elaborate ceiling joists. Beside the main door to the cathedral, the figures of two angels are incised into the stone.<br/><br/> Outside, in front of the cathedral, is a statue of the Virgin Mary carrying the Christ-child in her arms. As is quite common in Vietnam, the appearance of the ‘Mother of God’ bears much in common with Sino-Vietnamese statues of Guanyin, the ‘Goddess of Mercy’ – but here the syncretism is compounded by the Virgin’s dress, as she is clad in an elegant Vietnamese ao dai.
Kandy is Sri Lanka's second biggest city with a population of around 170,000 and is the cultural centre of the whole island. For about two centuries (until 1815) it was the capital of Sri Lanka.
Kandy is Sri Lanka's second biggest city with a population of around 170,000 and is the cultural centre of the whole island. For about two centuries (until 1815) it was the capital of Sri Lanka.
The Degaldoruwa Buddhist temple is a cave temple and was built originally in 1771 CE by King Kirti Sri Rajasinha (1747 - 1782), a member of the Madurai royal family. The beautiful frescoes, painted by the samanera (unordained monk) Devaragamapola Silvatenna in 1771-72, capture 18th century Kandyan life with amazing detail and vivaciousness. Some paintings depict the king and the royal family. The artist-monk started a trend, and the Dambulla Caves were subsequently redecorated in the same style as were other temples.<br/><br/> Kandy is Sri Lanka's second biggest city with a population of around 170,000 and is the cultural centre of the whole island. For about two centuries (until 1815) it was the capital of Sri Lanka.
The Gangatilaka Vihara, built in the 1960s, is a huge hollow dagoba next to the Kalu Ganga river.
Wat Kalayanimit, next to the Chao Phraya River, in Thonburi was built in 1825 by Chaophraya Nikonbodin, who then donated the temple to Rama III (King Jessadabodindra) of the Chakri Dynasty.
The Royal Palace (Preah Barum Reacha Veang Nei Preah Reacheanachak Kampuchea) and Silver Pagoda, in Phnom Penh, is a complex of buildings which serves as the royal residence of the king of Cambodia. Its full name in the Khmer language is Preah Barom Reachea Veang Chaktomuk. The Kings of Cambodia have occupied it since it was built in the 1860's, with a period of absence when the country came into turmoil during and after the reign of the Khmer Rouge.<br/><br/> The palace was constructed after King Norodom relocated the royal capital from Oudong (Udong) to Phnom Penh in the mid-19th century. It was gradually built atop an old citadel called Banteay Kev. It faces towards the East and is situated at the Western bank of the four divisions at the Mekong River called Chaktomuk (an allusion to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation).
The earliest historical record of the Paoay area dates back to 1593, becoming an Augustinian independent parish in 1686. Building of the present church was started in 1694 by Augustinian friar Father Antonio Estavillo, and it was completed in 1710. The church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building.
The earliest historical record of the Paoay area dates back to 1593, becoming an Augustinian independent parish in 1686. Building of the present church was started in 1694 by Augustinian friar Father Antonio Estavillo, and it was completed in 1710. The church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building.
The earliest historical record of the Paoay area dates back to 1593, becoming an Augustinian independent parish in 1686. Building of the present church was started in 1694 by Augustinian friar Father Antonio Estavillo, and it was completed in 1710. The church is famous for its distinct architecture highlighted by the enormous buttresses on the sides and back of the building.
St. William Cathedral, also known as Laoag Cathedral, was originally built in 1612 by Augustinian friars to replace a wooden chapel. It is known for its Italian Renaissance design and its Sinking Bell Tower, which sinks into the ground at a rate of an inch a year.<br/><br/> Laoag (Ilocano for 'light or clarity'), is an old, flourishing settlement known to Chinese and Japanese traders when the Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo arrived at the northern banks of Padsan River in 1572. Augustinian missionaries established the Roman Catholic Church in the area in 1580 and designated Saint William, the Hermit as its patron saint.
Wat Phra nang Sang was founded in the 19th century by a local lady of good family, hence the name, phra nang sang, meaning ‘built by the revered lady’. Her real name seems to have been forgotten. According to local lore, she travelled to Sri Lanka on a pilgrimage and, to give thanks on her safe return, she sponsored the building of this temple. Later she fell foul of a local ruler who ordered her head cut off, only to find her blood flowed white with purity.
Wat Plai Klong, also known as Wat Buppharam, was built in 1652 (late Ayutthaya period) during the reign of King Prasat Thong (r. 1629 - 1656). It is the oldest temple in Trat.
Wat Chalong is dedicated to two highly venerated monks, Luang Pho Chaem (Luang Pho Cham) and Luang Pho Chuang, who with their knowledge of herbal medicine helped injured local residents fleeing the tin miners rebellion of 1876.