Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat



Angkor Wat (or Angkor Vat) (Khmer: អង្គរវត្ត), is a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation—first Hindu, dedicated to Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.

Seven Wonders of the World- Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal (pronounced /tɑdʒ mə'hɑl/ or pronounced /tɑʒ mə'hɑl/; Hindi: ताज महल; Persian/Urdu: تاج محل) , is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, that was built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

The Taj Mahal (also "the Taj") is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."

While the white domed marble and tile mausoleum is most familiar, Taj Mahal is an integrated symmetric complex of structures that was completed around 1648. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer of the Taj Mahal.

source: wikipedia

Eilean Donan Castle

February theme-Castles


For those who like to have a royal-like wedding with a castle as the location, Eliean Donan in Scotland is one of the popular venues for this memorable occasion.



Eilean Donan is in Scotland, close to the village of Dornie. It is named after St. Donan, a celtic saint of the Dark Ages.


The original castle was built in 1220 for Alexander II as a defence against the Vikings. By the late 13th century it had become a stronghold of the Mackenzies of Kintail (later the Earls of Seaforth). In 1511, the MacRaes, as protectors of the MacKenzies, became the hereditary Constables of the Castle.

In 1539 Iain Dubh Matheson, chief of the Clan Matheson died whilst defending the Castle on Eilean Donan island against the Clan MacDonald of Sleat on behalf of the Clan MacRae and Clan MacKenzie.

In April 1719 the castle was occupied by Spanish troops attempting to start another Jacobite Rising. The castle was recaptured, and then demolished, by three Royal Navy frigates on 10–13 May 1719. The Spanish troops were defeated a month later at the Battle of Glen Shiel.

The castle was restored in the years between 1919 and 1932 by Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap. The restoration included the construction of an arched bridge to give easier access to the castle. In 1983 The Conchra Charitable Trust was formed by the MacRae family to care for the Castle.


source of information: wikipedia

Swan Castle

February theme-Castles

I have never wished to live in a castle. Most of them are old architecture that they do not have the modern conveniences of contemporary buildings and residences. They are also very expensive to maintain. Like this Swan Castle in Germany.



Neuschwanstein means "New Swan Stone" in German. The castle was opened to the public 7 weeks after Ludwig's death to raise money for all his debts. They get about 6000 tourist per day.

Background of the castle.

Neuschwanstein is the same castle that inspired Walt Disney to create his famous logo. It is a very tourist thing to do but it is really a must see. There are very few places like this in the world. It has the look and all the right historical elements including murder and mayhem. Ludwig embarked on his dream home and completed about 1/3 of it before he was murdered. Ludwig did not' use an architect to design the place. Instead he employed a set designer from the theater. He was obsessed with the composer Wagner. Lucky guy that Wagner as the king's patronage kept him in the green. There are many scenes from Wagner's operas painted in the interior. Ludwig was declared mad by the Bavarian government and removed as king. Two days after he was assigned a psychiatrist both he and the doctor were found drowned in a nearby lake in the summer of 1886.

Castelo de San Angelo-Rome-Castle

February theme-Castles

Castelo de San Angelo

One of the landmarks visited by the family when my brother was still staying in Italy.



It was built in Rome by the Emperor Hadrian. It was originally created as a tomb but was mostly used as a defense fortress. From its top place, a wonderful view of Rome is presented.

Its original structure was begun in 139 by emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum personal and family (tombs of Adriano), come to be completed by Antoninus Pius in 139. The monument, in travertine, was adorned by a quadriga in bronze, led by Adriano.

Soon, however, its role has changed and is used as a military building.In that capacity, joined the Aurelian Walls at 403.

ts current name dates back to 590, during a major epidemic of plague that struck Rome. At that time, Pope Gregory I said have seen the St. Michael Archangel on the top of the castle, which embainhava your sword, indicating the end of the epidemic. To celebrate this appearance, a statue of an angel crown the building: originally a marble from the Raffaello Montelupo, and since 1753, a bronze statue of Pierre van Verschaffelt on an outline Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

During medieval times this was the most important strongholds belonging to the Popes. Also served as prison for many patriots at the time of the movement of unification of Italy occurred in the nineteenth century.

From its terrace above, it has a magnificent view of the Tiber, the buildings of the city and even the domo top of St. Peter's Basilica.

Château de Chenonceau - France-Castle

February theme-Castles

The Menier family, famous for their chocolates, bought the dilapidated château and asked Bernard Voisin to restore this once used as hospital during World War 1.




Château de Chenonceau in France, was designed by Philibert Delorme and built in the 11th century.

The original manor was torched in 1411 to punish owner Jean Marques for an act of sedition. He rebuilt a castle and fortified mill on the site in the 1430s. Subsequently, his indebted heir Pierre Marques sold the castle to Thomas Bohier, Chamberlain for King Charles VIII of France in 1513. Bohier destroyed the existing castle and built an entirely new residence between 1515 and 1521; the work was sometimes overseen by his wife Katherine Briçonnet, who delighted in hosting French nobility, including King François I on two occasions.

for more of the history of the castle, go to Château de Chenonceau.