Country: Ecuador | Type: Cultural | Theme: Colonial, Urban Landscape Introduction to the Historic Centre of Cuenca The city of Cuenca, also known as Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca, is the third largest city in Ecuador with a population of around 500,000. It serves as the capital of the Azuay province and is situated in the Andes Mountains at an …
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Christian, Religious Structure Introduction to Chartres Cathedral Located in north-central France in the city of the same name, Chartres Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral considered among the best examples of High Gothic architecture in France. Built between 1193 and 1250, it is lauded by secular tourists for its architecture and by Christian pilgrims who travel …
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Archaeological, Medieval, Urban Landscape Introduction to Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments The name “Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments” refers to a collection of notable monuments in the city of Arles, which is located in the far south central region of France. Spread over approximately 65 hectares (160 acres), the site includes an amphitheatre that dates back to …
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Archaeological, Rock Art Introduction to Prehistoric Sites of the Vezere Valley Located in southwestern France, the Vezere Valley is famous for its 147 Paleolithic sites and 25 caves decorated with prehistoric art, including the famed Lascaux cave. Indeed, the natural formations of this river valley contain some of the best preserved early artworks ever discovered, and …
Country: Egypt | Type: Cultural | Theme: Archaeological, Burial Introduction to Pyramid Fields of Giza Memphis, located in Egypt, was the capital of the Old Kingdom and today contains numerous ancient monuments. Some of its highlights include rock tombs, temples, pyramids, and ornate mastabas. This area, in ancient times, was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Some of the well-known …
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Post Medieval, Urban Landscape Introduction to Paris, Banks of the Seine Paris is a river city, its history and commerce largely affected by the River Seine and what emerged through the centuries on the banks of that river. Indeed, the Seine has played both an economic and defensive role in the city, particularly between the 16th …
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Palace, Secular Structure Introduction to the Palace and Park of Fontainebleau One of the grandest and largest of all the French royal chateaus, the Palace of Fontainebleau and its accompanying park are situated about 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Paris in the north central region of France. The building of this magnificent structure began in the …
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Fortifications, Secular Structure Introduction to Fortifications of Vauban A collection of 12 groups of fortified buildings and other sites, located along the northern, eastern, and western borders of France, the Fortifications of Vauban are named for the military engineer who designed them. Sebastian Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707) was considered the best designer of fortifications of …
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Ancient Rome, Archaeological Introduction to Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct) Located about 25 km (15 miles) from the city of Nimes, the Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge that was built around the year 50 A.D. It served as part of a system that transported water from the Eure spring, located near Uzes, …
Country: France | Type: Cultural | Theme: Christian, Religious Structure Introduction to Amiens Cathedral Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, Amiens Cathedral – along with Chartres and Reims – is one of three 13th Century High Gothic churches in France. The largest cathedral in the country, Amiens was built to house the head of St. John the Baptist, retrieved from Constantinople …
