Author: La Viajera y El Mochilero

Blog English, Country, France, Paris

The Saint-Michel fountain in Paris

It was the last great Parisian fountain located on a facade since subsequently, all monumental fountains were placed in squares or parks. The Saint-Michel fountain, is a Parisian fountain located in the 6th arrondissement of the city, situated in the corner between the boulevard Saint-Michel and Place Saint-André-des-Arts. We happened to visit it at a time when it was surrounded by tents due to an artisan market that was taking place at the end of May. Continue reading “The Saint-Michel fountain in Paris” →

"San Lorenzo del Escorial", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Royal Monastery of “San Lorenzo de El Escorial”

Just as grandiose and majestic as its name suggests, so is the Royal Monastery of “San Lorenzo de El Escorial”, when you look at it up close. In 1931 it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and in 1984 it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Continue reading “The Royal Monastery of “San Lorenzo de El Escorial”” →

Blog English, Country, France, Paris

The Arch of Triumph – L’Arc de Triomphe

At last we got the opportunity to see and climb to the top of the most famous triumphal arch in the world, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Although Napoleon Bonaparte ordered its construction in 1806, to commemorate the victory in the battle of Austerlitz, it was during the mandate of Louis-Philippe that it was completed in 1836. Its construction lasted thirty years and its architect was Jean-François Chalgrin. Continue reading “The Arch of Triumph – L’Arc de Triomphe” →

"Leon", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Basilica of San Isidoro de Leon Part 1: Exterior and Interior

We arrived very early at the Plaza San Isidoro in León to have our encounter with its Basilica, considered one of the most outstanding Romanesque style architectural ensembles in Spain. This distinction has been earned due to its history, architecture, sculpture, and the conservation of very important Romanesque elements. Continue reading “The Basilica of San Isidoro de Leon Part 1: Exterior and Interior” →

"Seville", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Royal Alcazar of Seville Part 2: Palaces, Courtyards and Halls

The Palace of King Don Pedro is the great Mudejar contribution to the “Alcázar” of Seville (1364-1367). The façade of this great palace unfolds in the Patio othe Hunt (“de la Monteria”) like a great altarpiece. It responds to Muslim and eventually Byzantine schemes and shows a tripartite organization. Continue reading “The Royal Alcazar of Seville Part 2: Palaces, Courtyards and Halls” →

"Seville", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Royal “Alcazar” of Seville Part 1: Entry, Halls y Patios

The Royal “Alcazar” is one of the most visited monuments in Spain and is the residence of the Spanish royal family when they visit Seville, making it the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. In 1987, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, along with the Cathedral of Seville and the “Archivo de Indias”. Continue reading “The Royal “Alcazar” of Seville Part 1: Entry, Halls y Patios” →

"Malaga", Blog English, Country, Spain

Malaga Cathedral

Facing the Bishop’s Square in Malaga, stands the Holy Church Cathedral Basilica of the Incarnation, a temple considered as one of the most valuable Renaissance jewels of Andalusia, Spain. The history of the Cathedral is closely related to the Great Mosque on which it was built, located inside the Arab walled enclosure. Its origin dates back to 1487, the year in which the city of Malaga was re-conquered by the Castilian troops. It was then when the Aljama Mosque was converted into a Christian Cathedral. Continue reading “Malaga Cathedral” →