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Europe is a land of stories some in books, others in stone.  Nowhere is this more evident than in its castles. Sited on craggy hilltops, guarding river crossings, or hidden in forests, Europe's castles represent centuries of history, romance, and legend.  They range from medieval fortresses built for protection to lavishly ornamented palaces built to dazzle. To go to these castles is almost to enter another time, one in which knights roamed, queens plotted, and stories that now read like fairytales were once everyday life.  This guide takes a tour of Europe's most interesting castles, dividing those built for war from those built for magic. The Allure of Europe's Castles: Castles in Europe are not static monuments but living history.  Some are perfectly preserved while others lie in atmospheric ruin, their shattered walls still reiterating the stories of yesterday.  Often they were multi-functional: military fortresses, royal palaces, and displays of power and w...

  At the heart of Barcelona rises an architectural masterpiece so awe-inspiring, so complex, and so filled with religious iconography that it defies description in a few words.  The Sagrada Familia, or "Holy Family," is more than a basilica it is a work of artistic awe, a witness to nature, religion, and geometry, and possibly one of the biggest and most far-reaching architectural projects of all time.  Started in the late 19th century and continuing to be constructed well into the 21st century, it's more commonly referred to as Gaudí's Unfinished Symphony. Through the eyes of Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Família represents the confluence of Gothic tradition and revolutionary innovation.  Today, the Sagrada Família is one of Spain's most popular landmarks, attracting millions of travelers, pilgrims, and artists every year.  But the Sagrada Família is more than a story of stone and glass it is a story of vision, perseverance, and the eternal search for beauty. The H...

  Perched atop the Bavarian Alps, appearing like a talebook fantasy, stands Neuschwanstein Castle one of the world's most identifiable and mythologized castles.  With its spire-form towers, mist-shrouded setting, and fortress-like vistas of lakes and forests, Neuschwanstein appears to have been born from a fantasy or dream.  And in very real terms, it was.  The castle is as much a work of architecture as it is a reflection of the inner existence of its enigmatic designer Bavarian King Ludwig II. Most commonly known as the "Fairytale King," Ludwig was a man of artistic vision and personal isolation perhaps mad.  Neuschwanstein was his most complicated project, an operatic fantasy fable more driven by legend and opera than politics or prudence.  Today a breathtaking fortress attracting over 1.4 million visitors annually, it is a reminder of what human imagination can achieve as well as of that fine line between genius and madness. Here we examine the fascinat...

  In a city famous for canals, bikes, and innovation, there is also found one of the most future-proof and green buildings in the world: The Edge. Known as the world's greenest office building, The Edge has set new standards for green building in the workplace.  Carefully crafted to minimize energy use but maximize user satisfaction and integration of clever technology, this office is not merely a building it's a template for future offices. But why is The Edge so "green"? How does it minimize its carbon footprint but maximize productivity and comfort? And how did it achieve the world's highest BREEAM sustainability rating? Let's take a look at how this marvel of smart and green building was built and what the rest of us can learn from it. An Introduction to The Edge: The Edge is located in Amsterdam's Zuidas business district and serves as Deloitte's European headquarters.  It was finished in 2015 and has approximately 40,000 square meters (430,000 sq...

  In the heart of Dubai’s shimmering skyline rises an architectural marvel that redefined what humanity believed possible in the field of engineering and design: the Burj Khalifa.  Reaching an unbelievable height of 828 meters (2,717 feet), the Burj Khalifa is not only the planet's tallest tower it is a symbol of ambition, creativity, and the human condition to transcend.  But how did this engineering wonder materialize in a desert city that, just a couple of decades ago, was a modest port of commerce? To fully enjoy how Burj Khalifa defies gravity and anticipation, one must find out the vision that drives it, the groundbreaking engineering suspending it, and the economic and cultural significance it holds for Dubai and the world. The Vision Behind the Vertical Wonder: The Burj Khalifa is not just a product of engineering ingenuity it is a statement of purpose.  When the project was first conceived in the early 2000s, Dubai’s leaders envisioned the city as a global h...

  The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens stands as one of the most distinctive and enduring emblems of ancient Greece, an epitome of classical architecture, and a demonstration of the Greek civilization's mastery.  As the temple of Athena, the city's patron god, this brilliant edifice stands as a continuing fascination for historians, architects, and tourists everywhere.  In this journey, we learn about the history, structure, cultural significance, and heritage of the Parthenon, in a bid to comprehend why the monument is so a beacon of architectural excellence. The Background of the Parthenon: The Parthenon was constructed during the height of Athenian supremacy in the 5th century BCE, a period otherwise referred to as Pericles' Golden Age.  After the Persian Wars (499–449 BCE), Athens was the leading power in the Greek world.  Under Pericles, the city initiated a huge building program to celebrate its victory and reaffirm its cultural leadership.  The P...

  Hey, did you know that the Chrysler Building is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in New York City?  It's famous for its unique Art Deco architecture and has quite a history. Check out these interesting facts about this architectural marvel: Architectural and Design Features: The guy behind the design of this beauty is architect William Van Alen. You know what makes it stand out? Its Art Deco style, which is all about fancy ornamentation and cool geometric shapes. Get this: the building's spire was actually put together in secret and added in just 90 minutes.  That's some quick work! And when it was completed, it became the tallest building in the world. Speaking of height, the Chrysler Building stands tall at 1,046 feet (319 meters), including its spire. The building is made of a steel framework and covered in brick, with some snazzy stainless steel ornaments. Oh, and check out those gargoyles! They're modeled after Chrysler hood ornaments and eagles, showing off it...