Nestled away in northeastern Arizona lies the spectacular Canyon de Chelly National Monument. This extensive canyon was cut by the tributaries of the Chinle Creek which has shaped and formed the landscape over thousands of years to the way we see it today. Located entirely within the bounds of the Navajo Nation near the border of New Mexico, Canyon de Chelly, pronounced Canyon “de-shay”, is a wonder to see.
Category: Architecture
Nestled in northern New Mexico, about a half hour drive northeast of Farmington, lies the Aztec Ruins National Monument. This preserve seeks to protect a 900 year old Pueblo “Great House”. Thanks to the wonderful condition of the standing ruins, visitors are given a unique chance to walk through and get their own intimate experience with the style and intricacies of ancient Pueblo architecture. And remarkably, this national monument is free for anyone to visit.
St. Mark’s Basilica stands out like a gem within St. Mark’s square. This domed architecture covered with ancient mosaics is open daily to the public and is absolutely a must-see if you are visiting this gorgeous city.
Walking across Saint Mark’s square, the Doge’s Palace sits royally upon the shores of the Grand Canal. The Gothic architecture, ornate artwork, and inner political workings offer visitors a glimpse of the non-religious part of life for historic Venetians.
We were visiting family in Charlotte and were searching for something fun to do with our 2 year old son. Hands down, the Reedy Creek Nature Center, Park, and Preserve was the most fun we had while visiting this beautiful city. From a playground, to a nature center, to hiking trails, to archaeological ruins, this park has it all. And I can honestly say that there is something here for everybody.
On the northern side of the small Greek Island of Ikaria is the Osias Theoktistis Monastery. The architecture of the small monastery is a traditional church, like most of the other ones located on this beautiful island. However, the small chapel, Theoskepasti, located just next door, has the most unique architecture. Built into a cave underneath a large, flat rock, from the outside, the Theoskepasti chapel looks more akin to a mushroom house than a place of worship. It is an absolute gem to see!
Within the small town of Hólar in northern Iceland, Nýibær provides visitors with a glimpse of the past. Public access to this historic turf house allows one to see what rural Icelandic life was like in the past and it really is cool to see!
If you’re traveling through the small town of Hólar in northern Iceland, you should stop by the the Auðunnarstofa or Auðun’s House. This is a replica of an ancient Icelandic house serves today as the Hólar Bishop’s Office.
Hólar, Iceland is a small little town in the northern part of the country that has so much history and drama within its walls. No stories are probably more dramatic than that of Bishop Jón Arason, the last Catholic Bishop of Iceland.
Nestled within the small town of Hólar, Iceland, you can find the Hólar Cathedral. As part of the Church of Iceland, the Hólar Cathedral is the official church of the Bishop of Hólar and is the latest of a long line of historic churches.