Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Roma. Interior del Coliseo.


Roma. Interior del Coliseo., originally uploaded by josemazcona.

El Coliseo, originalmente llamado Anfiteatro Flavio, es un gran edificio situado en el centro de la ciudad de Roma, capital de Italia. En la antigüedad poseía un aforo para 50.000 espectadores, con ochenta filas de gradas. Los que estaban cerca de arena eran el Emperador y los senadores, y a medida que se ascendía se situaban los estratos inferiores de la sociedad.

En el Coliseo tenían lugar luchas de gladiadores y espectáculos públicos. Se construyó justo al Este del Foro Romano, y las obras empezaron entre el 70 d.C. y el 72 d.C, bajo mandato del emperador Vespasiano. El anfiteatro, que era el más grande jamás construido en el Imperio Romano, se completó en el 80 dC por Tito, y fue modificado durante el reinado de Domiciano.

El Coliseo se usó durante casi 500 años, celebrándose los últimos juegos de la historia en el siglo VI, bastante más tarde de la tradicional fecha de la caída del Imperio Romano en el 476 dC. Así como las peleas de gladiadores, muchos otros espectáculos públicos tenían lugar aquí, como naumaquias, caza de animales, ejecuciones, recreaciones de famosas batallas, y obras de teatro basadas en la mitología clásica.

El edificio dejó de ser usado para estos propósitos en la Alta Edad Media. Más tarde, fue reutilizado como refugio, fábrica, sede de una orden religiosa, fortaleza, cantera y santuario cristiano.

Aunque la estructura está seriamente dañada debido a los terremotos y los picapedreros, el Coliseo siempre ha sido visto como un ícono de la Roma Imperial y es uno de los ejemplos mejor conservados de la arquitectura romana.

Es una de las atracciones turísticas más populares de la moderna Roma y aún está muy ligado a la Iglesia Católica Romana, por lo que el Papa encabeza el viacrucis hasta el anfiteatro cada Viernes Santo.

El día 7/7/2007 el Coliseo de Roma fue nombrada como una de las ganadoras en la lista de las Siete Maravillas del Mundo Moderno.

in English:

The Coliseo, originally call Flavio Amphitheatre, is a great located building in center of the city of Rome, capital of Italy. In the antiquity it owned a gauging for 50,000 spectators, with eighty rows of launching slips. Those that was near sand were the Emperor and the senators, and as it was promoted they located the layers inferiors of the society. In the Coliseo they took place fights of gladiators and spectacles public. It was constructed right to the East of the Roman Forum, and the works began between the 70 d.C and the 72 d.C, under mandate of Vespasiano emperor. The amphitheatre, that was greatest never constructed in the Roman Empire, was completed in the 80 dC by Tito, and was modified during the reign of Domiciano. The Coliseo was used during almost 500 years, having been celebrated the last games of history in the century I SAW, enough later than the traditional date of the fall of the Roman Empire in the 476 dC. As well as the fights of gladiators, many other spectacles public took place here, like naumaquias, animal hunting, executions, recreations of famous battles, and plays based on classic mythology. The building stopped being used for these intentions in the High Average Age. Later, it was reused like refuge, factory, it soothes of a religious order, strength, quarry and Christian sanctuary. Although the structure seriously is damaged due to earthquakes and the stonemasons, the Coliseo always has been seen as an icon of Imperial Rome and is one of the examples better conserved of the Roman architecture. She is one of the more popular tourist attractions of the modern Rome and still very he is bound to the Roman Catholic Church, reason why the Pope heads viacrucis until the amphitheatre each Good Friday. Day 7/7/2007 the Coliseo of Rome was named like one of the winners in the list of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Milano sii buona almeno tu


Milano sii buona almeno tu, originally uploaded by Ramón★Gris.

Mi piacciono i tuoi
quadri grigi
le luci gialle e i tuoi
cortei oh Milano
sono contento che ci sei.
Vincenzo dice che
sei fredda
frenetica e senza pieta`
ma e` cretino e poi
vive a Roma che ne sa.

Leone - Piazza Cordusio, Milano


Leone - Piazza Cordusio, Milano, originally uploaded by *Berto.

Ovvero come sentirsi a Venezia nel bel mezzo di Milano. Peccato per la rete anti piccioni...


That is like feeling itself to Venice right in the middle Milan. Sin for the net anti pigeons…

Milano, Duomo


Milano, Duomo, originally uploaded by E-S.

Da secoli ormai guardano dall'alto tutta Milano...


From centuries by now they watch dall' high all Milan…

Sant'Ambrogio e Campanile detto dei Monaci (Milano)

"con Lara in camminata"

È una delle chiese più antiche di Milano e storicamente uno fra gli edifici medioevali più notevoli della Lombardia. Iniziata nel 379, fu costruita in piccole proporzioni a tre navate senza transetto. Nel 386 fu consacrata da Sant'Ambrogio il quale, alla sua morte avvenuta nel 397, vi fu sepolto vicino ai corpi di San Gervasio e San Protasio. Nel 789 accanto alla chiesa fu costruito il monastero dei Monaci Benedettini e nel IX secolo fu eretto il campanile di destra, molto semplice, detto dei Monaci.


In English

" with Lara in camminata" It is one of the churches more ancient than Milan and historically between more remarkable the medioevali buildings of the Lombardy. Begun in the 379, it was constructed in small navate proportions to three without transetto. In the 386 it was consecrated from Sant' Ambrogio which, to its dead women happened in the 397, was buried to you near the bodies of Saint Gervasio and San Protasio. In the 789 beside the church it was constructed to the monastero of the Monaci Benedictines and in IX the century the right bell tower was erected, much simple one, saying of the Monaci. The bell tower of the canonical ones of XII the century is on the side north, while on the side south, a rare example of medioevale tower laughed them to the monaci of IX the century.

Il campanile dei canonici del XII secolo e’ sul lato nord, mentre sul lato sud, un raro esempio di torre medioevale risale ai monaci del IX secolo.

Duomo di Milano


Duomo di Milano, originally uploaded by Edgar González.

El Duomo di Milano es una catedral (Duomo) gótica emplazada en la ciudad de Milán. El Duomo de Milán es la segunda catedral católica romana más grande del mundo: únicamente la catedral de Sevilla es mayor (igual que la basílica de San Pedro en Roma, que no es catedral). Tiene 157 metros de largo y puede albergar 40.000 personas dentro. Las ventanas mayores del coro tiene la reputación de ser las mayores del mundo. Duomo di Milano, Milano, Italia


In English

The Duomo I gave Milan is a cathedral (Duomo) gothic located in the city of Milan. The Duomo of Milan is the second greater Roman catholic cathedral of the world: the cathedral of Seville is solely greater (just as the basilica of San Pedro in Rome, that is not cathedral). It has 157 meters in length and it can shelter 40,000 people inside. The windows majors of the choir have the reputation of being the majors of the world. Duomo I gave Milan, Milan, Italy

Cordusio - Milano


Cordusio - Milano, originally uploaded by Mr Karanka.

Part of Milano on the Surface.

la biscia di milano


la biscia di milano, originally uploaded by Liberty Place.

Stemma visconteo alla certosa di Pavia.
La leggenda vuole che Uberto, capostipite dei Visconti liberasse i dintorni di Milano da un fetido serpente che seminava morte e distruzione.
Questa leggenda e' ripresa anche da Flaubert nel suo racconto La leggenda di San Giuliano Ospitaliere


In English

Visconteo coat of arms to the certosa of Pavia. The legend wants that Uberto, prototype of the Visconti freed the outskirtses of Milan from fetido a snake that seeded died and destruction. This legend e' resumption also from Flaubert in its story the legend of Saint Giuliano Ospitaliere

Milano Via Orefici


Milano Via Orefici, originally uploaded by Giuseppe Andrea.

Duomo di Milano


Duomo di Milano, originally uploaded by dario.buttari.

The Duomo di Milano is a large and elaborate gothic cathedral (Duomo ) on the main square in the center of the city of Milan, Italy. This is a picture taken from the rooftop of the building during one of my yearly trips to Italy. The complexity of the building was astonishing.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Madrid Royal Palace


Madrid Royal Palace, originally uploaded by cuellar.

El Palacio Real de Madrid. Mejor en grande.
Best viewed large.

CUEVAS EN NAVALCARNERO (MADRID - SPAIN)

Estas corresponden a las halladas en una hostería llamada "De las Monjas". Donde hay un magnífico restaurante

Desde hace siglos forman parte de la arquitectura “oculta” de la villa de Navalcarnero. Nada se conoce del origen histórico de esta costumbre constructiva asociada a la conservación de los alimentos y, en especial, del vino, producción agrícola tradicional en esta zona de la provincia de Madrid.

Hay inventariadas en esta zona más de 140 cuevas

in English:
These correspond to the found ones in one hostería called " Of the Monjas". Where there is a magnificent restaurant For centuries they comprise of the architecture “hides” of the town of Navalcarnero. Nothing is known the historical origin of this associated constructive custom the conservation of foods and, especially, of the wine, traditional agricultural production in this zone of the province of Madrid. It has inventoried in this zone more than 140 caves

Madrid. Campo del Moro.


Madrid. Campo del Moro., originally uploaded by josemazcona.

El Campo del Moro es un extraordinario jardín situado bajo el Palacio Real, tras el gran desnivel que daba fortaleza defensiva a las antiguas murallas madrileñas. Para hacernos una idea del origen de su curioso nombre hay que saber que las primeras murallas de Madrid estaban donde hoy está el Palacio Real. En donde hoy está este campo se asentaron las fuerzas almoravides que querían conquistar Madrid en el año 1100. De aquel campamento surgió el nombre actual de Campo del Moro.

No suele ser muy visitado porque aunque está junto al Palacio Real y pertenece al Madrid de los Austrias; sin embargo su acceso sólo se puede realizar por el Paseo Virgen del Puerto. Queda, por tanto, queda algo retirado del típico paseo turístico.

Este parque fue adquirido por la Corona Española en tiempos de Felipe II y consiste en unas 20 hectareas de jardines.

in English:
The Field of the Moor is an extraordinary garden located under the Real Palace, after the great unevenness that gave defensive strength to the old Madrilenian walls. In order to do an idea to us of the origin of his peculiar name it is necessary to know how that the first walls of Madrid were where today it is the Real Palace. Where today it is east field the forces were based almoravides that wanted to conquer Madrid in 1100. From that one camping the present name of Field of the Moor arose. Very usually it is not visited because although it is next to the Real Palace and it belongs to the Madrid of the Austrias; nevertheless its access can only be realised by the Virgin Stroll of the Port. It is, therefore, it is something distant of the typical tourist stroll. This park was acquired by Spanish Corona in the days of Felipe II and consists of 20 hectares of gardens.

Madrid. Puente de los Franceses.

El Puente de los Franceses es un viaducto ferroviario que fue levantado sobre el rio Manzanares en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX para permitir el paso del ferrocarril del norte (Madrid-Venta de Baños-Irún).

El puente debe su nombre a la nacionalidad de los ingenieros que idearon el proyecto. Se realizó entre los años 1860 y 1862, dentro de las obras de construcción de la línea férrea del norte, que dieron comienzo en 1856, a iniciativa de la Compañía de los Caminos de Hierro del Norte de España.

Durante la Guerra Civil española, el puente fue escenario de algunos momentos fundamentales en la defensa de Madrid, significando el bautismo de fuego de las Brigadas Internacionales.

El Puente de los Franceses se sostiene sobre cinco ojos, en forma de arco de medio punto, tres de los cuales se levantan directamente sobre el cauce del río. Dado su carácter ferroviario, presenta un aire funcional, caracterizado por la práctica ausencia de elementos ornamentales.

Está construido en ladrillo rojo, si bien el dovelado aparece recubierto con sillería de piedra de granito.

in English:
The Bridge of the French is a railway viaduct that was raised on the river Apple orchards in second half of century XIX to allow the passage of the railroad of the north (Madrid-Sale de Bath). The bridge must its name to the nationality of the engineers who devised the project. It was realised between years 1860 and 1862, within the construction sites of the railway line of the north, that began in 1856, on the initiative of the Company of the Iron Ways of the North of Spain. During the Spanish Civil War, the bridge was scene of some fundamental moments in the defense of Madrid, meaning the fire baptism of the International Brigades. The Bridge of the French is maintained on five eyes, in the form of means arc point, three of which they rise directly on the channel of the river. Dice its railway character, presents/displays a functional air, characterized by the practical absence of ornamental elements. It is constructed in red brick, although the dovelado one appears covered with ashlar masonry of granite stone.

Madrid. Fuente de la Cibeles.

Las obras de la Fuente de la Cibeles comenzaron en 1780, encargándose de su realización los escultores Francisco Gutiérrez y Roberto Michel, así como el adornista Miguel Ximénez.

Esculpida en mármol de Montesclaros, consiste en un gran pilono circular sobre el que se sitúan unas rocas que hacen de soporte al carro de la diosa, el cual está tirado por dos leones. Sentada en el carro aparece la diosa Cibeles vestida con un fino manto. En la mano derecha sostiene un cetro, símbolo del poder universal, mientras que con la izquierda muestra las llaves de la ciudad.

La mayoría de la obra fue realizada por Francisco Gutiérrez, mientras que Roberto Michel se encargó de realizar los leones y parte del carro, y Miguel Ximénez realizó la ornamentación general.

Por último, a instancias de Juan de Villanueva, Alfonso Giraldo Vergaz completó su ornamentación con las figuras de un dragón y un oso, de cuya cabeza salían dos surtidores de agua potable, y que fueron retirados a mediados del siglo XIX.

Las obras finalizaron en 1792, situándose en un principio a la entrada del Paseo de Recoletos, mirando hacia Neptuno. Allí estuvo Cibeles hasta que en 1895, con motivo de la ordenación de la glorieta de Emilio Castelar, fue trasladada a su emplazamiento actual.

Lamentablemente, a lo largo de su historia, este símbolo de la ciudad de Madrid ha sido objeto de numerosos actos vandálicos que la han ocasionado importantes desperfectos; en 1841 fue robado el cañón de bronce que asomaba por la boca del oso, costando su reparación 1.800 reales. En 1931 fue arrancada su mano izquierda, y posteriormente, durante la Guerra Civil, hubo de protegerla mediante una compleja obra de ingeniería puesto que durante un bombardeo quedó muy dañada en su brazo derecho, nariz, así como en el morro de uno de los leones.

Por último, su conversión en 'musa futbolera' le está ocasionando graves desperfectos, ya que por este motivo, varias veces ha sido mutilada, e incluso teñida de pintura fosforescente.

in English:The works of the Source of the Cibeles began in 1780, being in charge of their accomplishment the sculptors Francisco Gutiérrez and Roberto Michel, as well as the adornista Miguel Ximénez. Carved of marble of Montesclaros, it consists of great pilono to circulate on which rocks are placed that do of support to the car of the goddess, which is thrown by two from Leon. Sitting in the car appears the Cibeles goddess dressed in a fine mantle. In the right hand it maintains a sceptre, symbol of the universal power, whereas with the left one it shows the keys of the city. The majority of the work was realised by Francisco Gutiérrez, whereas Michel Robert was in charge to realise from Leon one and leaves from the car, and Miguel Ximénez realised general ornamentation. Finally, at the request of Juan de Villanueva, Alfonso Giraldo Vergaz completed his ornamentation with the figures of a dragoon and a bear, whose head they left two potable water jets, and which they were retired in the middle of century XIX. The works finalized in 1792, being placed at first to the entrance of the Stroll of Calm, watching towards Neptune. There it was Cibeles until in 1895, on the occasion of the arrangement of the public square of Emilio Castelar, it was transferred to his present location. Lamentably, throughout its history, this symbol of the city of Madrid has been object of numerous vandalic acts that have caused it important flaws; in 1841 the bronze tube was robbed that showed by the mouth of the bear, costing its repair 1,800 real. In 1931 its left hand was taken, and later, during the Civil War, it had to protect it by means of a complex engineer installation since during a bombing was damaged very in his right arm, nose, as well as in the nose of one of from Leon one. Finally, its conversion in ' musa futbolera' serious flaws are causing him, since for this reason, several times it has been mutilated, and even dyed of fluorescent painting.

An angel in Madrid / Un ángel en Madrid

Madrid is sometimes said to be full of people with rushes. Much like any other big city. It's not so often that people stop to look around, and to notice some nice things that are near us. As this angel. May you, who read this, always have the time to be aware of what or who is near you.

A veces se dice que en Madrid hay mucha gente con prisas. Como en otras ciudades grandes. No es tan frecuente que la gente pare para mirar alrededor, para darse cuenta de algunos bonitos detalles que están cerca de nosotros. Como este ángel. Espero que tú, que lees esto, tengas siempre tiempo para ser consciente de quienes y qué tienes cerca.

Madrid. Hotel Palace y Fuente de Neptuno

A principios del siglo XX, el viajero que llegaba a Madrid tenía una gran dificultad en encontrar un buen hospedaje que reuniera todas las condiciones apetecibles. Para paliar esta deficiente estructura hotelera, pronto empezaron a construirse hoteles de calidad en la ciudad; así, en 1908 comenzaron las obras del Ritz, y sólo dos años después, Georges Marquet, propietario de la cadena belga Palace, decidió construir un hotel en Madrid.

Para tal efecto, Marquet adquirió un amplio solar de 6.000 metros cuadrados entorno a la plaza de las Cortes, concretamente sobre lo que había sido el palacio del duque de Lerma, construido en el primer tercio del siglo XVII, y que más tarde sería habitado por los Medinaceli.

Una vez elegido el emplazamiento, en julio de 1910, el Palace Hotel de Bruselas convocó un concurso para la construcción del edificio, que fue ganado por el arquitecto catalán Eduardo Ferrés y Puig, si bien fue posteriormente matizado por la empresa belga Leon Monnoyer et fils, quienes introdujeron modificaciones en el entresuelo y la fachada.

Las obras comenzaron en diciembre de ese mismo año y se prolongaron durante 18 meses bajo la dirección del arquitecto Manuel Álvarez Naya, costando la cantidad de 16 millones de pesetas. Inaugurado el 12 de octubre de 1912, dos años después ganó el premio del Ayuntamiento de Madrid al edificio mejor construido. En 1925 fue reformado por el arquitecto Martín Domínguez, y como el Ritz, durante la Guerra Civil fue convertido en hospital de sangre.

Tras una profunda reforma realizada en 1997, actualmente pertenece a la cadena hotelera Starwood & Resorts Worldwid, pasando a denominarse Hotel Westin Palace. En 1998 ha sido declarado Bien de Interés Cultural.

La fuente de Neptuno fue construida entre 1780 y 1784 como parte de las obras de ordenación del Salón del Prado. La obra, realizada sobre un diseño de Ventura Rodríguez, se debe al escultor don Juan Pascual de Mena quien la realizó toda ella en mármol blanco. Formalmente, consiste en un gran pilón circular en cuyo centro se encuentra el dios Neptuno -representado con una culebra enroscada en la mano derecha y el tridente en la izquierda- sobre un carro formado por una concha tirada por dos caballos marinos. Alrededor del carro se ven focas y delfines que arrojan agua a gran altura. La fuente, que en un principio estuvo situada entre el Prado de San Jerónimo y el Paseo de Trajineros, mirando a Cibeles, fue trasladada al centro de la plaza de Canovas del Castillo en 1898, lugar en donde sigue actualmente.

In English


At the beginning of century XX, the traveller who arrived at Madrid had a great difficulty in finding a good lodging that met all the tempting conditions. In order to palliate this deficient hotel structure, soon hotels of quality in the city began to be constructed; thus, in 1908 the works of the Ritz began, and only two years later, the Georges Marquet, proprietor of the chain Palace Belgian, it decided to construct a hotel in Madrid. For such effect, Marquet acquired an ample lot of 6,000 meters square surroundings to the place of Cortes, concretely on which it had been the palace of the Duke of Lerma, constructed in the first third of the century XVII, and that later would be inhabited by the Medinaceli. Once chosen the location, in 1910 July, the Palace Hotel of Brussels summoned a contest for the construction of the building, that was gained by the Catalan architect Eduardo Ferrés and Puig, although later fils was clarified by the company Belgian Leon Monnoyer ET, whom introduced modifications in the mezzanine and the facade. The works began in December of that same year and the Alvarez Naya extended during 18 months under the direction of Manuel architect, costing the amount of 16 million pesetas. Inaugurated the 12 of October of 1912, two years later he gained the prize of the City council from Madrid to the building better constructed. In 1925 Martin Domínguez was reformed by the architect, and like the Ritz, during the Civil War was turned into field hospital. After a deep reform realised in 1997, at the moment & belongs to the hotel chain Starwood; Resorts Worldwid, happening to denominate Hotel Westin Palace. In 1998 it has been declared Well of Cultural Interest. The source of Neptune was constructed between 1780 and 1784 like part of works of arrangement of the Hall the Prado. The work, realised on a design of Luck Rodriguez, must to the sculptor gift Paschal Juan of Ore that realised all she in white marble. Formally, it consists of a great circular pylon in whose center is the God Neptune - represented with a snake enroscada in the right hand and the tridente in the left one on a car formed by a shell thrown by two sea horses. Around the car seals and dolphins see themselves that throw water to high altitude. The source, that at first was located between the Prado of San Jerónimo and the Stroll of Trajineros, watching at Cibeles, was transferred to the center of the place of Canovas of the Castle in 1898, place where it follows at the moment.

Madrid. Arco de Cuchilleros desde la arcada de la Plaza Mayor.

La construcción de este arco esta relacionada con la reconstrucción y el cierre de la antigua Plaza Mayor por el arquitecto Juan de Villanueva, después del incendio ocurrido en el verano de 1790. Con esta reforma, la antigua plaza que construyera Juan Gómez de Mora, entre 1617 y 1619, no perdió su configuración rectangular, pero por medio de un sistema de arcadas se consiguió cerrar este recinto urbano y se rebajó la altura del caserío para homogeneizarlo con la que tenía la Casa de la Panadería, que se salvo de las llamas.

Una de estas arcadas, la que daba acceso a la plaza por el extremo sur occidental, es el Arco de Cuchilleros, llamado así porque en el caserío de sus alrededores, a la entrada y a ambos lados de la escalinata que lo precede, estuvieron ubicados los talleres del gremio de cuchilleros y espaderos, pues tenían como una de sus finalidades suministrar sus productos a las carnicerías establecidas en la Plaza Mayor.

La singularidad de este lugar se acrecienta con las trazas de las edificaciones aledañas, construidas la mayoría de ellas en el siglo XVII con el característico zócalo en piedra berroqueña, los lienzos de la fachada con gruesos muros de ladrillos y los huecos de las ventanas engalanados con rejerías y balconadas de hierro forjado.

Sorprende mucho al espectador los seis pisos de altura de algunas de estas edificaciones, pero más sorprendería si todavía se conservaran las ocho plantas con que originalmente se construyeron y que fueron rebajadas tras la reforma de Villanueva. Esta excepcional altura se debe al desnivel que existe entre la plaza y la Cava de San Miguel.

Otro de los aspectos que convierten a este lugar en uno de los cuadros más pintorescos de la ciudad son sus concurridos mesones, herencia de los bodegones, tabernas y hosterías del antiguo Madrid.


In English


The construction of this arc this related to the reconstruction and the closing of the old Greater Place by the architect Juan de Villanueva, after the fire happened in the summer of 1790. With this reform, the old place that constructed to Juan Go'mez de Mora, between 1617 and 1619, did not lose its rectangular configuration, but by means of a system of arches it was able to close this urban enclosure and the height of the small village stooped to homogenise it with which it had the House of the Bakery, that safe of the flames. One of these arches, the one that gave access to the place by the western South end, is the Arc of Cutlers, call thus because in the small village of its environs, to the entrance and both sides of the perron precedes that it, were located the factories of the union of cutlers and espaderos, because they had like one of his purposes of providing his products to the slaughters established in the Greater Place. The singularity of this place is increased with the plans of the bordering constructions, constructed to the majority of them in century XVII with the characteristic stone socle berroqueña, the linen cloths of the facade with heavy brick walls and the hollows of the windows engalanados with rejerías and forged iron rows of balconies. It surprises much the spectator the six floors of height of some of these constructions, but it would surprise more if still the eight plants were conserved whereupon originally they were constructed and that they were reduced after the reform of Villanueva. This exceptional height must to the unevenness that exists between the place and Cava of San Miguel. Another one of the aspects that turn to this place in one of the most colorful pictures of the city is his concurred inns, inheritance of bodegones, taverns and hosterías of old Madrid.


Madrid. Puerta de la Moncloa.

El Arco de la Victoria de Madrid (llamado también la Puerta de la Moncloa) es un monumento construido entre 1953 y 1956 por orden de Francisco Franco como conmemoración de su victoria en la Guerra Civil Española.

Está situado al Final de la calle Princesa y tiene casi 40 metros de altura.

Es obra de los arquitectos Modesto López Otero y Pascual Bravo Sanfeliú y los escultores Moisés Huertas, Ramón Arregui y José Ortells.

In English


The Arc of the Victory of Madrid (also called the Door of Moncloa) is a monument constructed between 1953 and 1956 by order of Francisco Franco like commemoration of its victory in the Spanish Civil War. Princess is located at the end of the street and has almost 40 meters of height. Lopez is work of the architects Modest Knoll and Paschal Bravo Sanfeliú and the Moisés sculptors Kitchen gardens, Ramon Arregui and Jose Ortells.

Templo egipcio en Madrid


Templo egipcio en Madrid, originally uploaded by FotosdeManuela.

Madrid


Madrid, originally uploaded by Memo Vasquez.

Llegué a Madrid una mañana nublada de octubre. De ahí subiría al norte para iniciar el Camino. Mi segunda visita a la capital española y algunos recuerdos no tan gratos del estilo particularmente hosco de los madrileños (con todo respeto). Y entonces al salir del aeropuerto, encontré una cara desconocida que me era completamente conocida. Era Víctor Nuño cámara en mano. Gracias, Peregrino. Por tu ayuda y tu amistad. Por tu consejo y por la lámpara y por el impermeable. Me ofreciste valiosas armas para luego, aún lleno de incertidumbre, emprender mi viaje en aparente soledad. Cuando me acompañaste al autobús, me dijiste: -Buen Camino, Peregrino.
Y ahí, entonces, supe que lo era.

In English


I arrived at Madrid a cloudy morning of October. Of it would raise the north there to initiate the Way. My second visit to the Spanish capital and some memories not so pleasing of the particularly sullen style of the Madrilenians (yet respect). And then when leaving the airport, I found a face not known that she was to me completely well-known. He was Victor Nuño camera in hand. Thanks, Pilgrim. By your aid and your friendship. By your advice and the lamp and the raincoat. You offered valuable arms to me for then, still full of uncertainty, to undertake my trip in apparent solitude. You accompanied when me to the bus, you said to me: - Good Way, Pilgrim. And there, then, I knew that it was it.

Madrid. Plaza de Callao.


Madrid. Plaza de Callao., originally uploaded by josemazcona.

La Plaza de Callao (Madrid) está situada en la confluencia del final de la Calle Preciados y en el punto medio de la Gran Vía. Al igual que la Gran Vía, fue construida entre los años 1910 y los años 1940. Tiene algunos edificios singulares.

El Edificio Carrión, también conocido como Edificio Capitol, es uno de los más conocidos de la Gran Vía. Fue proyectado por los arquitectos Luis Martínez-Feduchi Ruiz y Vicente Eced y Eced y construido entre 1931 y 1933. Es de estilo art déco, utiliza materiales como mármol y granito y la decoración y los muebles corrieron a cargo de la firma Rolaco-Mac.

Recibió el Premio Ayuntamiento de Madrid de 1933 y la Medalla de Segunda Clase en la Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes de 1934. En el proyecto original albergaba apartamentos, un hotel (el Capitol) una cafetería, etc. En sus plantas inferiores estaba el cine Capitol.

El primer propietario fue Enrique Carrión, marqués de Nelín.

El luminoso de neón de la marca Schweppes situado en las plantas superiores es uno de los símbolos de la Gran Vía y de la ciudad.

El cine Callao fue concebido por el arquitecto Luis Gutiérrez Soto como un gran complejo de recreo a la vez que edificio para oficinas,.

En el interior de este edificio principal o de recreo, construido entre 1926 y 1927, se dispuso una gran sala de cine y tiendas en la planta principal; almacenes, un café y sala de fiestas en el sótano y también se incluyeron locales para oficinas en el anfiteatro.


In English


The Place of Pebble (Madrid) is located in the confluence of the Appraised end of the Street and in the midpoint of the Great one Via. Like the Great one Via, was constructed between years 1910 and years 1940. It has some singular buildings. The Carrión Building, also known like Capitol Building, is one of the most known the Great one Via. Luis was projected by the architects Martinez-Feduchi Ruiz and Vicente Eced and constructed Eced and between 1931 and 1933. Déco is of style art, uses materials as marble and granite and the decoration and the furniture were the responsibility of the Rolaco-Mac company. It received the Prize City council of Madrid of 1933 and the Medal of Second Class in the National Exhibition of Beautiful Arts of 1934. In the original project it lodged apartments, a hotel (the Capitol) a cafeteria, etc. In its plants inferiors it was the Capitol cinema. The first proprietor was Enrique Carrión, Marquess of Nelín. Luminous of neon of the Schweppes mark located in the plants the superiors he is one of the symbols of the Great one Via and of the city. The cinema Pebble was conceived by the architect Luis Gutiérrez Grove like a great complex of recreation at the same time as building for offices. Inside this main building or recreation, constructed between 1926 and 1927, one had a great room of cinema and stores in the main plant; warehouses, a coffee and nightclub in the cellar and also included the premises for offices in the amphitheatre.


2006_madrid_plaza_cibeles_01


2006_madrid_plaza_cibeles_01, originally uploaded by VR2006.

MADRID: Plaza Cibeles e Palacio de Telecomunicações.

Madrid. Aeropuerto de Madrid Barajas - T4

La terminal 4 del aeropuerto de Madrid, conocida popularmente como "la T4", fue diseñada por el Estudio Lamela & Richard Rogers Partnership. Además de ser una de las mayores obras arquitectónicas, consigue un alto ahorro energético gracias a las estrategias de arquitectura bioclimática y de eficiencia energética utilizadas.

La T4 constituye una de las mayores obras arquitectónicas edificadas con más de un millón de metros cuadrados construidos. En el encargo del proyecto se especificaba que el aeropuerto debía ser capaz de albergar unos 80.000 viajeros/diarios. Sus creadores trataron de dar respuesta tanto a los problemas medioambientales del entorno y humanos, así como la adecuación a su función, teniendo muy presente las consideraciones energéticas en cuanto a eficiencia energética y menor consumo de energía.

Se trata de un espacio diáfano y luminoso con ondas de bambú, bosques de acero tornasolado, suelos de piedra caliza, vistas a la sierra, cubiertas vegetalizadas y un largo etcétera que hacen de esta terminal la principal puerta de España.

Inaugurada en febrero de 2006 ha recibido varios premios por el alabado diseño. En breve, se podrá pasar de los 35 millones de viajeros al año que Barajas recibe actualmente, a los 70 millones.


In English


Terminal 4 of the airport of Madrid, well-known popularly like " the T4" , & was designed by the Lamela Study; Richard Rogers Partnership. Besides being one of the majors architectonic works, he secures to a high power saving thanks to the strategies of bio-climatic architecture and used efficiency energetics. The T4 constitutes one of the majors built architectonic works with more of a million constructed square meters. In the order of the project it was specified that the airport had to be able to shelter about 80,000 daily travellers/. Their creators tried to as much give to answer to the environmental problems of the surroundings and humans, as well as the adjustment to their function, remembering very the considerations energetics as far as efficiency energetics and minor power consumption. One is a diaphanous and luminous space with bamboo waves, tornasolado steel forests, limestone stone grounds, views to the mountain range, covered vegetalizadas and a long list of others that make of this terminal the main door of Spain. Inaugurated in February of 2006 he has received several prizes by the praised design. Shortly, it will be possible to be happened of the 35 million travellers to the year that Barajas receives at the moment, to 70 million.


Madrid. Hotel Palace - Escalera interior.

A principios del siglo XX, el viajero que llegaba a Madrid tenía una gran dificultad en encontrar un buen hospedaje que reuniera todas las condiciones apetecibles. Para paliar esta deficiente estructura hotelera, pronto empezaron a construirse hoteles de calidad en la ciudad; así, en 1908 comenzaron las obras del Ritz, y sólo dos años después, Georges Marquet, propietario de la cadena belga Palace, decidió construir un hotel en Madrid.

Para tal efecto, Marquet adquirió un amplio solar de 6.000 metros cuadrados entorno a la plaza de las Cortes, concretamente sobre lo que había sido el palacio del duque de Lerma, construido en el primer tercio del siglo XVII, y que más tarde sería habitado por los Medinaceli.

Una vez elegido el emplazamiento, en julio de 1910, el Palace Hotel de Bruselas convocó un concurso para la construcción del edificio, que fue ganado por el arquitecto catalán Eduardo Ferrés y Puig, si bien fue posteriormente matizado por la empresa belga Leon Monnoyer et fils, quienes introdujeron modificaciones en el entresuelo y la fachada.

Las obras comenzaron en diciembre de ese mismo año y se prolongaron durante 18 meses bajo la dirección del arquitecto Manuel Álvarez Naya, costando la cantidad de 16 millones de pesetas. Inaugurado el 12 de octubre de 1912, dos años después ganó el premio del Ayuntamiento de Madrid al edificio mejor construido. En 1925 fue reformado por el arquitecto Martín Domínguez, y como el Ritz, durante la Guerra Civil fue convertido en hospital de sangre.

Tras una profunda reforma realizada en 1997, actualmente pertenece a la cadena hotelera Starwood & Resorts Worldwid, pasando a denominarse Hotel Westin Palace. En 1998 ha sido declarado Bien de Interés Cultural.



In English


At the beginning of century XX, the traveller who arrived at Madrid had a great difficulty in finding a good lodging that met all the tempting conditions. In order to palliate this deficient hotel structure, soon hotels of quality in the city began to be constructed; thus, in 1908 the works of the Ritz began, and only two years later, the Georges Marquet, proprietor of the chain Palace Belgian, it decided to construct a hotel in Madrid. For such effect, Marquet acquired an ample lot of 6,000 meters square surroundings to the place of Cortes, concretely on which it had been the palace of the Duke of Lerma, constructed in the first third of the century XVII, and that later would be inhabited by the Medinaceli. Once chosen the location, in 1910 July, the Palace Hotel of Brussels summoned a contest for the construction of the building, that was gained by the Catalan architect Eduardo Ferrés and Puig, although later fils was clarified by the company Belgian Leon Monnoyer ET, whom introduced modifications in the mezzanine and the facade. The works began in December of that same year and the Alvarez Naya extended during 18 months under the direction of Manuel architect, costing the amount of 16 million pesetas. Inaugurated the 12 of October of 1912, two years later he gained the prize of the City council from Madrid to the building better constructed. In 1925 Martin Domínguez was reformed by the architect, and like the Ritz, during the Civil War was turned into field hospital. After a deep reform realised in 1997, at the moment & belongs to the hotel chain Starwood; Resorts Worldwid, happening to denominate Hotel Westin Palace. In 1998 it has been declared Well of Cultural Interest.

Madrid wakes up


Madrid wakes up, originally uploaded by cuellar.

Madrid_Templo de Debod


Madrid_Templo de Debod, originally uploaded by maytevidri.

El Templo de Debod fue un regalo de Egipto a España (año 1968), en compensación por la ayuda española, tras el llamamiento internacional realizado por la UNESCO para salvar los templos de Nubia, principalmente el de Abu Simbel, en peligro de desaparición debido a la construcción de la presa de Asuán.
Se le calcula una antigüedad de unos 2200 años. Fue construido por el rey nubio Adijalamani de Meroe hacia 200-180 adC y dedicado al culto de los dioses egipcios Amón (Amani en idioma nubio) e Isis. Posee añadidos de época ptolemaica y romano-imperial (siglo I adC y II ddC).


In English


The Temple of Debod went a gift from Egypt to Spain (year 1968), in compensation by the Spanish aid, after the international call realised by UNESCO to save the temples of Nubia, mainly the one of Abu Simbel, in danger of disappearance due to the construction of the prey of Asuán. An antiquity of about 2200 years calculates to him. adC was constructed by the king nubio Adijalamani de Meroe towards 200-180 and dedicated to the cult of the Egyptian Gods Amón (Amani in language nubio) and Isis. It owns additions of ptolemaica and Roman-imperial time (century I adC and II ddC).

Madrid. Jardines de Sabatini.

Los Jardines de Sabatini, de estilo neoclasico, se encuentran situados frente a la fachada norte del Palacio Real, entre la calle de Bailén y la cuesta de San Vicente. Ocupa una extensión de 2,54 hectáreas.

Durante la construcción del Palacio de Oriente los arquitectos que intervinieron, primero Sachetti y luego Sabatini, proyectaron jardines en el ángulo norte del Palacio. Estos nunca se llevaron a cabo, destinándose el espacio en su lugar a las caballerizas reales donde, además de los animales, se guardaban las carrozas y coches que ahora pueden verse en el Museo de Carruajes

Estos jardines fueron construidos en los años 30 del siglo XX tras la proclamación de la Segunda República, en el lugar que ocupaban las caballerizas construidas por el arquitecto italiano Francesco Sabatini junto al Palacio Real.

El Gobierno de la República ordenó la incautación de diferentes bienes del Patrimonio Real, entre ellos éste, cediéndolo al Ayuntamiento de Madrid para poder levantar un parque público.

El proyecto fue adjudicado a Fernando Mercadal tras concurso ganador.


In English


The Gardens of Sabatini, of neoclassic style, are located in front of the North facade of the Real Palace, between the street of Bailén and the hill of San Vicente. It occupies an extension of 2.54 hectares. During the construction of the Palace of East the architects who took part, first Sachetti and soon Sabatini, projected gardens in the North angle of the Palace. These never carried out, destining themselves the space in their place to the real stables where, besides the animal, the floats and cars kept that now can be seen in the Museum of Vehicles These gardens were constructed in the years 30 of century XX after the proclamation of the Second Republic, in the place that occupied the stables constructed by Italian architect Francesco Sabatini next to the Real Palace. The Government of the Republic ordered the seizure of different goods from the Real Patrimony, among them this one, yielding it to the City council of Madrid to be able to raise a public park. The project was adjudged to Fernando Mercadal after winning contest.

Madrid. Cava de San Miguel y Arco de Cuchilleros.

Entre 1617 y 1619 el maestro de obras Juan Gómez de Mora proyectó y dirigió las obras del cerramiento rectangular de la Plaza Mayor y las trazas de su caserío, consiguiendo un espacio de representación adecuado para el Madrid cortesano de Felipe III.

Estas obras afectaron a parte del caserío de las manzanas de casas de los alrededores de la plaza, como a la manzana número 168 que cierra la plaza Mayor por su lado oeste y forma actualmente los números impares de la Cava de San Miguel. Para compensar el gran desnivel de esta manzana hubo que remodelar casi la totalidad de su caserío, construyéndose los sótanos que dan a la plaza y las plantas bajas que dan a la cava con una superposición de pisos abovedados. A su vez, dicho desnivel obligó a incrementar la altura de los edificios en tres plantas más, alcanzando una altura total de ocho plantas, algo sorprendente para las edificaciones de la época.

A raíz del incendio que sufrió la plaza Mayor en 1790, que arrasó la tercera parte del caserío, el arquitecto Juan de Villanueva se encargó de su reconstrucción consiguiendo una nueva relación de integración entre la plaza y su espacio circundante, al quedar completamente cerrada y nivelada en altura. La altura del caserío, que afectó a las casas de la manzana de la Cava de San Miguel, perdió dos plantas pues todo el conjunto debía tener la misma altura que la Casa de la Panadería.

La construcción de este arco esta relacionada con la reconstrucción y el cierre de la antigua Plaza Mayor por el arquitecto Juan de Villanueva, después del incendio ocurrido en el verano de 1790. Con esta reforma, la antigua plaza que construyera Juan Gómez de Mora, entre 1617 y 1619, no perdió su configuración rectangular, pero por medio de un sistema de arcadas se consiguió cerrar este recinto urbano y se rebajó la altura del caserío para homogeneizarlo con la que tenía la Casa de la Panadería, que se salvo de las llamas.

Una de estas arcadas, la que daba acceso a la plaza por el extremo sur occidental, es el Arco de Cuchilleros, llamado así porque en el caserío de sus alrededores, a la entrada y a ambos lados de la escalinata que lo precede, estuvieron ubicados los talleres del gremio de cuchilleros y espaderos, pues tenían como una de sus finalidades suministrar sus productos a las carnicerías establecidas en la Plaza Mayor.

La singularidad de este lugar se acrecienta con las trazas de las edificaciones aledañas, construidas la mayoría de ellas en el siglo XVII con el característico zócalo en piedra berroqueña, los lienzos de la fachada con gruesos muros de ladrillos y los huecos de las ventanas engalanados con rejerías y balconadas de hierro forjado.

Sorprende mucho al espectador los seis pisos de altura de algunas de estas edificaciones, pero más sorprendería si todavía se conservaran las ocho plantas con que originalmente se construyeron y que fueron rebajadas tras la reforma de Villanueva. Esta excepcional altura se debe al desnivel que existe entre la plaza y la Cava de San Miguel.

El Arco de Cuchilleros, llamado así porque en el caserío de sus alrededores, a la entrada y a ambos lados de la escalinata que lo precede, estuvieron ubicados los talleres del gremio de cuchilleros y espaderos, pues tenían como una de sus finalidades suministrar sus productos a las carnicerías establecidas en la Plaza Mayor.

Otro de los aspectos que convierten a este lugar en uno de los cuadros más pintorescos de la ciudad son sus concurridos mesones, herencia de los bodegones, tabernas y hosterías del antiguo Madrid.

Madrid: viaducto, desde la calle Segovia (HDR)

Los suicidas
Tradicionalmente este ha sido el lugar preferido por los suicidas en Madrid para lanzarse al vacío y encontrar la paz que la vida les negaba.
En mis idas o vueltas del trabajo encontré con frecuencia sobre el asfalto los cadáveres de quienes se habían lanzado, y sentí todo mi interior revuelto por tanta tragedia.
Hace unos años el ayuntamiento, gobernado por la derecha, colocó mamparas de vidrio para impedir o dificultar los saltos, cual alfombra que oculta lo que "no debe ser visto". No sé a qué procedimiento habrán tenido que recurrir desde entonces los dolientes suicidas.
Todos los días recorro el tramo que se ve en la foto, y, al pasar por debajo del viaducto, y antes de cruzar la línea crítica, miro hacia arriba temeroso de ser aplastado por alguno de ellos.
Descansen en paz todos los suicidas.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Intense London sky


Intense London sky, originally uploaded by bekahpaige.

Canary Wharf, London, UK


Canary Wharf, London, UK, originally uploaded by nardip.

Towering heights of London office views

One Canada Square, 8 Canada Square and 25 Canada Square are the 3 largest buildings in London today. They are respectively 235m, 200m and 200m in height. 25 Canada Square is occupied by Citigroup (middle building). One Canada Square is the tallest building in the entire UK (just behind it). 8 Canada Square is the world headquarters of HSBC and in April 2007 (to the right of citigroup), it became Britain's first building to be sold for more than £1 billion.

London City Hall


London City Hall, originally uploaded by J.Salmoral.

City Hall in London, informally known as the "Leaning Tower of Pizzas" or "Fosters Nutsack" (see also 30 St Mary Axe), is the headquarters of the Greater London Authority and the Mayor of London. It stands on the south bank of the River Thames, in the More London development by Tower Bridge. Designed by Norman Foster, it opened in July 2002.

The building has an unusual bulbous shape, intended to reduce the building's surface area and thus improve energy efficiency. It has been compared variously to Darth Vader's helmet, a misshapen egg, a woodlouse or a motorcycle helmet. London Mayor Ken Livingstone referred to it as a "glass testicle". Its designers reportedly saw the building as a giant sphere hanging over the Thames, but opted for a more conventionally rooted building instead. The building has no front or back on conventional terms but derives its shape from a modified sphere.

London Calling


London Calling, originally uploaded by Nuno Leitao.

Now get this
London calling, yes, I was there, too
An' you know what they said? Well, some of it was true!
London calling at the top of the dial
And after all this, won't you give me a smile?
London Calling

--The Clash

A Black Cab In China Town, London

China Town street scene in London.
Here you can see a famous "Black Cab" (Hackney Carriage) to the lower-left of this photo. Don't miss it when you visit London!

Black Cabs (Hackney Carriages)
Motorised hackney cabs, traditionally all black in colour, have the popular name of black cabs, although other colours also appear, most frequently when advertising campaigns call for the respraying of large groups of cabs in vivid brand liveries.

In most of the United Kingdom hackney-carriage operators use conventional four-door saloon cars, but London (and some other cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh) use specially-designed hackney carriages manufactured by just one company - LTI. These vehicles allow up to 5 passengers in the back. Luggage usually goes in the passenger compartment, but travel in the front next to the driver — these vehicles have no front passenger-seat, although a door has replaced the original open side. All models can also accommodate wheelchairs in the back. Black cabs have a turning circle of only 25 feet.

In London, hackney-carriage drivers have to pass a test called The Knowledge to demonstrate they have an intimate knowledge of London streets.

There have been different makes of taxis through the years including:

Beardmore
FX3
FX4
FAIRWAY
METROCAB
TX1
TX2

Above London..


Above London.., originally uploaded by little_frank.

Landing London Heathrow airport: wonderful London from above.

LONDON London Eye


LONDON London Eye, originally uploaded by photoidias.

The view from the top of the London Eye still ranks on the top ten of the most amazing views of my life. I recommend that you plan your journey accurately, try to get in just before the sunset so that you watch it from the top.

London's Best


London's Best, originally uploaded by Dimitry B.

Almost all iconic London landmarks in a single frame. 1 St Paul's, 2 churches, 2 skyscrapers and a routemaster...

It was quite surprising to see a Routemaster in service.

St. Paul's Cathedral, London


St. Paul's Cathedral, London, originally uploaded by Dimitry B.

St. Paul's looked a bit like Capitol on this cold winter morning, St Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral on Ludgate Hill, in the City of London, England and the seat of the Bishop of London.

St Pancras and the British Library...

under a glowering sky!

The London Eye on Christmas day

4:47 PM


4:47 PM, originally uploaded by Dior Man™.

Embankment Sphinx


Embankment Sphinx, originally uploaded by j. kunst.

London is burning


London is burning, originally uploaded by Dior Man™.

Night London Panorama with Full Moon

View from the end of Millenium Bridge. The camera was resting on the only bit of bridge which doens't shake because of runners, bikes and wind gusts.

Moon rising above the Southwark Bridge. City landmarks and the new City are visible in the distance. Street lights are reflecting in the thames.

Southwark Bridge is an arch bridge for traffic linking Southwark and the City across the River Thames, in London, England. It was designed by Ernest George and Basil Mott and opened in 1921. The bridge is owned and maintained by Bridge House Estates, a charitable trust overseen by the Corporation of London.

london at night


london at night, originally uploaded by flappingwings.

Looking south west from the Waterloo Bridge. (Best viewed large)

Exposure time: 15 seconds.

London, England.

London City Informatin

London (pronunciation ; IPA: /ˈlʌndən/) is the largest urban area and the capital of England and the United Kingdom,[7] and is also often referred to as the Capital of the World[2][3][4]. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans.[8] Since its settlement, London has been the centre of many important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival.[9][10][11] The city's core, the ancient City of London, still retains its limited mediaeval boundaries; but since at least the 19th century the name "London" has also referred to the whole metropolis which has developed around it.[12] Today the bulk of this conurbation forms the London region of England[13] and the Greater London administrative area,[14] with its own elected mayor and assembly.[15]

It is one of the world's leading business, financial, and cultural centres,[16] and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as a major global city.[17] London boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.[18] As a result, the city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and its popularity has increased over the years due to economic growth.[19]

London has a diverse population that includes a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and over 300 languages are spoken within the city.[20] As of 2006, it has an official population of 7,512,400 within the boundaries of Greater London[2] and is the most populous municipality in the European Union. As of 2001, the Greater London Urban Area has a population of 8,278,251[3] and the metropolitan area is estimated to have a total population of between 12 and 14 million.[4][5]

History

Main article: History of London

Geography

Main article: Geography of London


This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "London"

Friday, May 16, 2008

Istanbul City Information

Istanbul (Turkish: İstanbul, historically Byzantium and later Constantinople; see Names of Istanbul) is Europe's most populous city (the world's 3rd largest city proper and 19th largest urban area) and Turkey's cultural and financial center. The city covers 27 districts of the Istanbul province.[2] It is located on the Bosphorus Strait, and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn, in the northwest of the country. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is thereby the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the Byzantine Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

History

Main article: History of Istanbul
If the Earth was a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.

Napoleon Bonaparte[7]

The first human settlement in Istanbul, the Fikirtepe mound on the Anatolian side, is from the Copper Age period, with artifacts dating from 5500–3500 BC.[8] A port settlement dating back to the Phoenicians has been discovered in nearby Kadıköy (Chalcedon). Cape Moda in Chalcedon was the first location which the Greek settlers of Megara chose to colonize in 685 BC, prior to colonising Byzantion on the European side of the Bosphorus under the command of King Byzas in 667 BC. Byzantion was established on the site of an ancient port settlement named Lygos, founded by Thracian tribes between the 13th and 11th centuries BC, along with the neighbouring Semistra,[9] of which Plinius had mentioned in his historical accounts. Only a few walls and substructures belonging to Lygos have survived to date, near the Seraglio Point (Turkish: Sarayburnu), where the famous Topkapı Palace now stands. During the period of Byzantion, the Acropolis used to stand where the Topkapı Palace stands today.

After siding with Pescennius Niger against the victorious Roman emperor Septimius Severus, the city was besieged by the Romans and suffered extensive damage in 196 AD. Byzantium was rebuilt by Severus and quickly regained its previous prosperity, being temporarily renamed as Augusta Antonina by the emperor, in honor of his son.[10]

Panoramic view of the city in the 1870s as seen from the Galata Tower (full image)
Panoramic view of the city in the 1870s as seen from the Galata Tower (full image)

The location of Byzantium attracted Constantine I in 324 after a prophetic dream was said to have identified the location of the city; but the true reason behind this prophecy was probably Constantine's final victory over Licinius at the Battle of Chrysopolis (Üsküdar) on the Bosphorus, on September 18, 324, which ended the civil war between the Roman Co-Emperors, and brought an end to the final vestiges of the Tetrarchy system, during which Nicomedia (present-day İzmit, 100 km (62 mi) east of Istanbul) was the most senior Roman capital city.[11] Byzantium (now renamed as Nova Roma which eventually became Constantinopolis, i.e. "The City of Constantine") was officially proclaimed the new capital of the Roman Empire six years later, in 330. Following the death of Theodosius I in 395 and the permanent partition of the Roman Empire between his two sons, Constantinople became the capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. As well as being the centre of an imperial dynasty, the unique position of Constantinople at the centre of two continents made the city a magnet for international commerce, culture and diplomacy. The Byzantine Empire was distinctly Greek in culture and became the centre of Greek Orthodox Christianity, while its capital was adorned with many magnificent churches, including the Hagia Sophia, once the world's largest cathedral. The seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople, spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, still remains in the Fener (Greek: Phanar) district of Istanbul.[12]

In 1204, the Fourth Crusade was launched to capture Jerusalem, but had instead turned on Constantinople, which was sacked and desecrated.[13] The city subsequently became the centre of the Catholic Latin Empire, created by the crusaders to replace the Orthodox Byzantine Empire, which was divided into a number of splinter states, of which the Empire of Nicaea was to recapture Constantinople in 1261 under the command of Michael VIII Palaeologus.

Panoramic view of the Golden Horn in Istanbul, as seen from the Galata Tower. The Galata Bridge can be seen in the center of the picture. The Seraglio Point where the Topkapı Palace is located is seen at the left tip of the historic peninsula; followed by (left to right) the Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Yeni Mosque near the Galata Bridge, the Beyazıt Tower rising high in the background, and the Süleymaniye Mosque at far right, among others. The Sea of Marmara and the Princes' Islands are seen in the background, on the horizon. At the extreme left of the picture, the district of Kadıköy (ancient Chalcedon) on the Asian side of the city can be seen. Behind the Galata Bridge, towards the horizon, the Column of Constantine (which was surrounded by iron bars for restoration at the time of this photo) rises.
Panoramic view of the Golden Horn in Istanbul, as seen from the Galata Tower. The Galata Bridge can be seen in the center of the picture. The Seraglio Point where the Topkapı Palace is located is seen at the left tip of the historic peninsula; followed by (left to right) the Hagia Sophia, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Yeni Mosque near the Galata Bridge, the Beyazıt Tower rising high in the background, and the Süleymaniye Mosque at far right, among others. The Sea of Marmara and the Princes' Islands are seen in the background, on the horizon. At the extreme left of the picture, the district of Kadıköy (ancient Chalcedon) on the Asian side of the city can be seen. Behind the Galata Bridge, towards the horizon, the Column of Constantine (which was surrounded by iron bars for restoration at the time of this photo) rises.

In the last decades of the Byzantine Empire, the city had decayed as the Byzantine state became increasingly isolated and financially bankrupt, its population had dwindled to some thirty or forty thousand people whilst large sections remained uninhabited.[14] Due to the ever increasing inward turn the Byzantines took, many facets of their surrounding empire were now falling apart, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Ottoman Turks began a strategy by which they took selected towns and smaller cities over time, enveloping Bursa in 1326, Nicomedia in 1337, Gallipoli in 1354, and finally Adrianople in 1362. This essentially cut off Constantinople from its main supply routes, strangling it slowly.[15]

On May 29, 1453, Sultan Mehmed II "the Conqueror" captured Constantinople after a 53-day siege and proclaimed that the city was now the new capital of his Ottoman Empire. Sultan Mehmed's first duty was to rejuvenate the city economically, creating the Grand Bazaar and inviting the fleeing Orthodox and Catholic inhabitants to return. Captured prisoners were freed to settle in the city whilst provincial governors in Rumelia and Anatolia were ordered to send four thousand families to settle in the city, whether Muslim, Christian or Jew, to form a unique cosmopolitan society.[14] The Sultan also endowed the city with various architectural monuments, including the Topkapı Palace and the Eyüp Sultan Mosque. Religious foundations were established to fund the construction of grand imperial mosques (such as the Fatih Mosque which was built on the spot where the Church of the Holy Apostles once stood), adjoined by their associated schools, hospitals and public baths. Suleiman the Magnificent’s reign of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566 was a period of great artistic and architectural achievements. The famous architect Sinan designed many mosques and other grand buildings in the city, while Ottoman arts of ceramics and calligraphy also flourished.

Panoramic view of the historic peninsula of Istanbul, looking westwards from the southern entrance of the Bosporus at the Sea of Marmara. From left to right, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapı Palace are seen, along with the surviving sections of the Sea Walls of Constantinople. The Galata Tower is seen at the far right of the picture, across the Golden Horn. The arches and vaults of the Byzantine-era Mangana (Armoury) and the Hagios Georgios Monastery which was located inside it are seen between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, near the shore. The dome of the Hagia Irene can be seen to the right of the Hagia Sophia.
Panoramic view of the historic peninsula of Istanbul, looking westwards from the southern entrance of the Bosporus at the Sea of Marmara. From left to right, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapı Palace are seen, along with the surviving sections of the Sea Walls of Constantinople. The Galata Tower is seen at the far right of the picture, across the Golden Horn. The arches and vaults of the Byzantine-era Mangana (Armoury) and the Hagios Georgios Monastery which was located inside it are seen between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, near the shore. The dome of the Hagia Irene can be seen to the right of the Hagia Sophia.

When the Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the capital was moved from Istanbul to Ankara. In the early years of the republic, Istanbul was overlooked in favour of the new capital Ankara. However, in the 1950s, Istanbul underwent great structural change, as new roads and factories were constructed throughout the city. Wide modern boulevards, avenues and public squares were built in Istanbul, sometimes at the expense of the demolition of many historical buildings. During the 1970s, the population of Istanbul began to rapidly increase as people from Anatolia migrated to the city in order to find employment in the many new factories that were constructed at the outskirts of the city. This sudden sharp increase in the population caused a rapid rise in housing development, and many previously outlying villages became engulfed into the greater metropolis of Istanbul. Illegal construction, combined with corner-cutting methods, have accounted for the reason why 65% of all of the buildings in Istanbul are not up to standard. The concerns have increased due to the serious nature of the Izmit earthquake of 1999.


This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Istanbul"