Tag: LVYEM

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” →

"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” →

"Alcala de Henares", Blog English, Country, Spain

The “San Bernardo Monastery” in “Alcalá de Henares”

The monumental facade of the Monastery of San Bernardo, was the first thing that caught our attention of this structure. Although it is very simple, of the “curtain” type, the contrast of the reddish tones of the brick, with the white stone that divides the three symbolic spaces of the temple, make it look very beautiful. Observing carefully this façade, we notice that the lower space is the most sober, which is the one used by the faithful; the middle body is dedicated to the archiepiscopal dignity, that is why there are the founder’s shields and a niche with the image of San Bernardo; and the upper one, topped by a triangular pediment, which corresponds to the heavenly area. Continue reading “The “San Bernardo Monastery” in “Alcalá de Henares”” →

Blog English, Country, France, Paris

Saint Chapelle, Paris

For a long time we had admired photographs of the stained glass windows of “Sainte-Chapelle” or the Holy Chapel of Paris. Not one photo can live up to the wonder encountered upon arriving there. It is a privilege to witness live and in full color so much beauty concentrated in a relatively small space. And, although it is not comparable to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic art, being considered one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Continue reading “Saint Chapelle, Paris” →

Blog English

The Garden of Isabella II, Aranjuez

In the beautiful city of Aranjuez (Madrid, Spain), in front of the “Plaza de San Antonio”, we find the Garden of Isabel II, also known as the Garden of the Little Princess. It is said to be the first landscaped space for public use in this city and possibly one of the first of its kind in Spain. The work was carried out between 1830 and 1834. Continue reading “The Garden of Isabella II, Aranjuez” →

"Seville", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Giralda of Seville

We would say that the Giralda is the most photographed bell tower in Seville. From different points of this beautiful Spanish city, both walking and from the viewpoint of the Setas, you can see the Giralda standing elegantly next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Sede. And although today, there are buildings that exceed its height, in its day, the Giralda was the tallest tower in the world standing at 97.5 meters high or 320 feet. In 1928 the cathedral, including the Giralda, was declared a National Monument and in 1987 it was added to the list of World Heritage Sites. Continue reading “The Giralda of Seville” →