Juan Viedma Martinez’s Post

Bath is one of Britain's most appealing cities. With its exquisite Roman and Georgian architecture, well-preserved Roman baths and buzzing cosmopolitanism, Bath is an obligatory stop on any UK tourist trail. and swish spas that make it hard to resist. Bath’s namesake is a majestic complex of bathing facilities right in the city centre. The naturally occurring hot waters of the area have been appreciated for at least two millennia – the Romans built the surviving subterranean caverns in the first century CE, and folklore has it that the pagan King Bladud constructed his own baths here even earlier (one version claims that the waters cured Bladud of leprosy!). The well-maintained Roman facilities buried beneath street level are a unique historic treasure trove, visited by over a million tourists every year. No tour of the city is complete without a stop at the Royal Crescent. Occupying a majestic position overlooking the expanses of the Royal Victoria Park, the Crescent is a marvel of Georgian architecture. Of particular interest is No 1, which is maintained by Bath Preservation Trust as a painstaking recreation of the interior of a typical 18th-century upper-class dwelling and can now be entered and explored as a museum. Just a few yards from the Roman baths are another tourist hot spot: Bath Abbey. It was founded in the seventh century BCE by the Anglo-Saxon king of the Hwicce, Osric, then sporadically rebuilt and renovated over the years. The abbey is particularly striking to architectural enthusiasts especially for its gothic features, while its huge stained-glass windows and stone sculptures are engaging to even the most casual of observers. Still functioning both as a place of worship and as a museum of regional heritage. Have you been to Bath? Would you like to? Please post a comment. Contact me for all your holiday / travel requirements. 😎 #travel #bath #roman #history #architecture #foodie

Snow enhancing roofs of Beijing’s Forbidden City Yesterday, 23 November, snow fell in many parts of the UK. In Glasgow, we had some in the morning, but as often happens, by mid-afternoon it had melted! The scenes however took me back to Beijing. Snow, apart from start and end of winter, it is quite rare. Steady temperatures result in any falls remaining in place, only gradually melting. When snow does fall, there is often a rush of photographers to the beautiful, former Imperial garden, Jingshan Park, directly north of the Forbidden City - then it is a scramble up 45 metres high Prospect Hill to Wanchun Pavilion. This is where a panoramic view across the palace can be obtained. It is only occasionally that its tile-covered roofs can be seen snow covered. This view was in early 2017. Today, the Forbidden City is known as Gugong, or ‘Imperial Palace’. The present area dates back to 15th century of Ming Dynasty Emperor Yongle. Construction dating from 1406. The 178 acre (72 hectares) compound was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Architecturally the layout adheres to traditional Chinese geomantic practice of Feng Shui. The palace is laid out along Beijing’s Central Axis Line with a sense of architectural harmony on either side of the line. Also, as is found with many early constructions in historic Beijing, major building face south towards the sun. This image is looking south. Directly below the hill is the northern exit from the palace, known as the ‘Gate of Divine Prowess’ - just one of the many images I shot from my camera that morning. Historically, no public buildings could be built higher than the walls of the palace but after the collapse of Qing Dynasty, such areas once reserved strictly for the Imperial family were opened to the public. They could look directly down into what was known as the Forbidden City. Incidentally, just beyond the gate, particularly on the east side, where the trees can be seen, lies the Imperial Garden and the former royal living quarters. Last time I was on that hill, at Wamchun Pavilion, two years ago, in midsummer, the hottest day of the year, under cloudless skies, working on a television production on Beijing’s historic Axis. There was certainly no snow anywhere that afternoon! #china #beijing #forbiddencity #gugong #imperialpalace #mingdynasty #jingshanpark #beijingphotography

Unraveling the Mystery: How French Châteaux Become National Treasures Attention heritage professionals, architects, and history enthusiasts! Ever wondered how certain French châteaux rise to the status of national monuments? Our latest blog post delves into the fascinating process of achieving historical landmark status in France. "How French Châteaux Achieve Coveted Historical Landmark Status" explores: • The rigorous criteria for historical classification in France • Key steps in the application and evaluation process • The role of the "Monuments Historiques" classification • Benefits and responsibilities that come with landmark status • Notable examples of châteaux that have achieved this prestigious recognition This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights for: - Cultural heritage managers seeking to understand preservation standards - Architects involved in historical restoration projects - Tourism professionals looking to enhance their knowledge of French cultural assets - Property developers interested in the implications of historical status - Anyone passionate about French history and architectural preservation Discover how France balances preserving its rich architectural heritage with modern needs and learn lessons that can be applied to historical preservation efforts worldwide. Read the full article to gain a deeper understanding of this crucial aspect of cultural heritage management. Let's connect and discuss how these insights might apply to your field or projects! https://lnkd.in/gP7XdVXC #FrenchHeritage #HistoricalPreservation #CulturalHeritage #Architecture #Châteaux

Transforming Spaces, Preserving Stories🏡 What if walls could speak? In Athens, every building tells a tale. From Byzantine influences to neoclassical elegance, Athens’ homes are a testament to the city’s vibrant past. At Homestory, we’re dedicated to preserving these stories while meeting the needs of modern residents. When we take on a renovation project, our approach is simple yet profound: honor the past, and embrace the future. We restore intricate woodwork, maintain original facades, and preserve traditional courtyards—all while integrating features like air conditioning, high-speed internet, and modern kitchens. Preservation is more than maintaining beauty; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging. Residents live in a space and within a piece of history, becoming stewards of the city’s cultural legacy. Athens inspires us to innovate without forgetting where we came from. We hope to pass on this philosophy in every home we curate. ✨ Looking for a home that bridges heritage and innovation? Discover our properties in the heart of Athens. #athens #relocation #relocationpackage #greece #preserveheritage #professionals

Unraveling the Mystery: How French Châteaux Become National Treasures Attention heritage professionals, architects, and history enthusiasts! Ever wondered how certain French châteaux rise to the status of national monuments? Our latest blog post delves into the fascinating process of achieving historical landmark status in France. "How French Châteaux Achieve Coveted Historical Landmark Status" explores: • The rigorous criteria for historical classification in France • Key steps in the application and evaluation process • The role of the "Monuments Historiques" classification • Benefits and responsibilities that come with landmark status • Notable examples of châteaux that have achieved this prestigious recognition This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights for: - Cultural heritage managers seeking to understand preservation standards - Architects involved in historical restoration projects - Tourism professionals looking to enhance their knowledge of French cultural assets - Property developers interested in the implications of historical status - Anyone passionate about French history and architectural preservation Discover how France balances preserving its rich architectural heritage with modern needs and learn lessons that can be applied to historical preservation efforts worldwide. Read the full article to gain a deeper understanding of this crucial aspect of cultural heritage management. Let's connect and discuss how these insights might apply to your field or projects! https://lnkd.in/gafwgmGT #FrenchHeritage #HistoricalPreservation #CulturalHeritage #Architecture #Châteaux

A current topic in Latvia is the quality and safety of the existing housing stock. 🏚 Although it's discussed more like a trendy topic than actual problems.. Alongside the impersonality of Soviet-era housing, Latvia has some real architectural gems. And a century ago, those jewels were still rental houses 🧐 One thing is the safety of any building, of course, but there is also the architecture, the aesthetics, the pleasure we feel when we look at buildings a century old, their staircases and other elements. Since Latvia cannot pride itself on excessive wealth, it is a very sad that we are gradually losing the charm that the 20th century brought with it - rental houses and architecture in general. 📸 Here is a photograph of the staircase of a residential building. That beauty will be lost if the government does not start to separate the issues of building safety and energy efficiency from those of preserving historical evidence. I support the idea of preserving the evidence of history as a common task. Because those impersonal apartment blocks are a plague imported from Soviet times, which continues to a large extent today... just look at the beginning of the movie "The Irony of Fate".

This remembrance of Fumihiko Maki, including a mention of Hillside Terrace, recalls his warmth, humility, and curiosity. Phu Hoang and Rachely Rotem had a conversation with Maki in the summer of 2018. With that project, he gave much of the credit to the owner and would not take any himself; instead, he simply described his idea as "making space for a tree and its shade." This quote and conversation were featured in MODU's book, Field Guide to Indoor Urbanism, published five years later. https://lnkd.in/gdxKg5hk

💡The "House of the Good Shepherd" in Bratislava is an excellent example of Rococo architecture.💡 In the 18th century, when this house was built, Bratislava (then still Prešporok) was a densely built-up city, especially in the area under the castle. Urban land was very expensive and limited in this area, so every bit of available space had to be used efficiently. Some cities, including Bratislava, had rules and taxes that were calculated according to the width of the facade facing the street. Therefore, houses were built as close as possible to each other and often had very narrow floor plans to fit between existing buildings. Building narrow houses was more advantageous from a tax point of view, and this kind of thinking was common in many European cities at the time. This house is interesting because it reflects the mentality and needs of people in the past. People had to be creative in how to make efficient use of limited urban land if they wanted to live in a given location. The house is a living example of how architecture can respond to the economic and practical challenges of its time, while maintaining aesthetic value and historical significance. Its importance lies mainly in its architectural value, because it is one of the best preserved Rococo buildings not only in Bratislava, but in the whole of Central Europe. However, it became significant only later, thanks to its uniqueness and preservation, which makes it a symbol of the old castle of Bratislava. And one more thing... The name "House of the Good Shepherd" was not given by chance, but thanks to the statue on its facade (shepherd carrying a sheep) that became a characteristic feature of this building. Although the house was originally called something else, the statue of the Good Shepherd symbolically "baptized" it, and it is today known by this name among locals and tourists alike. . . . . . #historicarchitecture #urbanplanning #18thcentury #europeanarchitecture #narrowhouses #preservation #heritage #history #realestate #Bratislava

This image presents aerial views of nine cities, each showing the Urban Planning Design & Architectural ideas shaped by their #history, #geography, and #culture: #NewDelhi (#India): Designed by Edwin Lutyens, this building has a distinctive radial concentric layout that represents grandeur and royalty, with multiple roads meeting at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate. #NewYork (#USA): Created with a strict grid created in 1811 for simplicity and scalability, Central Park has become a green space amidst a vibrant landscape. #Brussels (#Belgium): An organic medieval avenue, with winding streets radiating from the Grand Place, reflecting its historical development. #Madrid (#Spain): A combination of planned squares and organic growth, with wide boulevards and public squares introduced during the Bourbon era to modernize the city. #LaPlata (#Argentina): The city was carefully designed with a parallel diagonal grid that fostered connectivity and balance. #Brasilia (#Brazil): A modernist city with a dedicated space for geography, government and culture, built by Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer to symbolize civilization. #Bern (#Switzerland): A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a medieval circular layout surrounding the meandering Aare River, emphasizing its defensive past. #Palmanova (#Italy): A star-shaped urban fortress built by Vincenzo Scamozzi during the Renaissance, showcasing military engineering and strategic urban planning. #Athens (#Greece): Organic urban expansion continues through historic monuments such as the Acropolis, which integrates ancient heritage with modern urban life, practicality and socio-political impact. #UrbanPlanning #UrbanDesign #Architecture #SustainableCities #UrbanDevelopment #SmartCities #HistoricPreservation #Design #ArchitecturalDesign #DevelopmentCities #HeritageSites #UrbanRegeneration #ModernUrbanism #CitiesOfTheFuture.

Top 3 Iconic Monuments in India You Must Visit Explore the top monuments in India with these 3 must-see landmarks. Discover the history, architecture, and cultural significance of these iconic sites. Read more info - https://lnkd.in/gWV6ytue #IndiaTourPackages #NorthIndiaTours