VirtualTourist Member brazwhazz
| Page Views: 2,092 | My list of top 10 lists by brazwhazz - last update: Dec 6, 2007 |
Why top 10 lists? Rather than write a narrative, I thought it would be more fun for me (and hopefully more interesting for you) to make a series of top 10 lists that define my interests. So here goes!
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| Alexander Nevsky Cathedral onion domes |
Top 10 places of worship For both my girlfriend Melanie and I, one of the main draws of travelling is to see different types of architecture. This is why I made up two lists related to architecture: the first contains only places of worship, since churches and temples are usually among the most spectacular buildings in a city.
1. EXPIATORY TEMPLE OF THE SAGRADA FAMILIA, Barcelona, Spain
I can't wait to see how it will look when it's finished! In fact, we will probably go back before it's finished in order to make more donations.
2. POKROVSKY CATHEDRAL (AKA ST. BASIL'S CATHEDRAL), Moscow, Russia
Not only is the exterior out of this world, but the painted floral patterns and the infinite nooks and crannies make the inside a must-see also.
3. ALEXANDER NEVSKY CATHEDRAL, Tallinn, Estonia
It is such a shame that this beautiful church is so wrong in Tallinn. Inside, it feels like the Russians never left.
4. ACROPOLIUM, Carthage, Tunisia
OK, so the former St. Louis Cathedral is no longer a church, but it still makes my list. Its emptiness makes it even more fascinating.
5. CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA, Tonantzintla, Mexico
This one gets bonus points like no other for its interior detail. I have yet to see a place where native and Spanish art have combined as well.
6. CHURCH OF ST. ELIZABETH, Bratislava, Slovakia
Also known as the "blue church" for obvious reasons, this fairy-tale building is the Art Nouveau masterpiece of the Slovakian capital.
7. TEMPPELIAUKIO, Helsinki, Finland
I don't usually like modern architecture, but I am willing to make an exception for this one.
8. HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA, Reykjavík, Iceland
Make that two exceptions. This tribute to volcanoes towers over the city like no other building.
9. STEPHANSDOM, Vienna, Austria
If only size mattered, this one would occupy the top 3 spots on my list. The patterned roof is also amazing.
10. TRINITY CHURCH, Boston, United States
The architect, H. H. Richardson, inspired some wonderful buildings in my home town of Montreal. This is his finest work.
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| The Helblinghaus, where I intend to retire |
Top 10 non-places of worship This is my second list of architectural wonders, which features buildings other than churches and temples.
1. HELBLINGHAUS, Innsbruck, Austria
This house managed to stand out in Innsbruck's beautiful old town. I passed in front of it at least a dozen times and never got tired of it.
2. PETERHOF FOUNTAINS, Petrodvorets, Russia
The Grand Cascade is the obvious highlight here, but more fountains can be found in almost every other part of Peterhof's gardens.
3. CASA BATTLÓ, Barcelona, Spain
My personal favourite of Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona. Now, to make a friend who lives there so I can see inside...
4. HUNDERTWASSER HOUSE, Vienna, Austria
Hundertwasser left such a lasting impression on us we made a point to visit each one of his works in Vienna, including the Spittelau plant.
5. EL-JEM COLOSSEUM, El-Jem, Tunisia
Wonderfully preserved, its imposing shape is visible from everywhere in this small town. You actually expect gladiators to come out at any time!
6. HOTEL KSAR HADADA, Ksar Hadada, Tunisia
This place is worth the trip even if, like me, you haven't seen the Star Wars movie for which it was used (Episode I).
7. EAST ROW OF THE ROMERBERG, Frankfurt, Germany
It was impossible to pick only one house from the row! In fact, the way they complement each other further adds to their charm.
8. FRONTENAC CASTLE, Quebec, Canada
Contrary to what its name implies, it's a hotel, not a castle, but it's spectacular no matter what you call it.
9. PALACE OF FINE ARTS, Mexico City, Mexico
In a city filled with colonial architecture, this structure stands out from the rest. The colourful cupola will catch your eye.
10. OLYMPIC STADIUM, Montreal, Canada
As the great Linus Van Pelt would say, "all it needs is a little love." Many Montrealers hate it, but the Big O is impressive from many angles.
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Top 10 museums While museums are seldom, if ever, our main reasons to visit a city, some are definitely worthwhile. Here are those where I wouldn't mind going a second time!
1. DALI THEATRE-MUSEUM, Figueres, Spain
As a huge Dali fan, I was tempted to also put this place in my favourite buildings list. See where the man lived and let his creative genius run free!
2. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY, Mexico City, Mexico
This is the only museum where Melanie hasn't asked me how much longer it will be before we leave. It's as interesting as it is huge.
3. KIZHI MUSEUM-RESERVE, Kizhi, Russia
Set on a picturesque island on Lake Onega, it has the incredible Kizhi Pogost and many more traditional wooden buildings. Lose yourself for a day here.
4. MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, Boston, United States
Your ticket is valid for a full month, so you can space your visits and avoid museum overkill! I loved the Japanese buddhist temple room.
5. ROCCA-AL-MARE OPEN-AIR MUSEUM, Tallinn, Estonia
It is tempting to go back, if only for the traditional atmosphere of this outstanding nature spot. Feeling hungry? Head to traditioal Kolu Inn!
6. SEURASAARI OPEN-AIR MUSEUM, Helsinki, Finland
Narrowly beat out by Rocca-al-Mare counterpart, this open-air museum is also a great place to appreciate nature while discovering how people used to live.
7. KUNST HAUS WIEN, Vienna, Austria
Once you're hooked on Hundertwasser, this place is a must-see! Learn more about the man and his ideas and check out the uneven floors.
8. MUSEUM OF CIVILIZATION, Quebec, Canada
This place has such interesting exhibitions I have been there three times already... and I still haven't visited the permanent one yet.
9. SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL WORLDS MUSEUM, Wattens, Austria
Designed to whet your appetite for the huge shop that follows, this museum shows the artistic wonders that can be done with crystals.
10. MARITIME MUSEUM OF THE ATLANTIC, Halifax, Canada
I loved this place, and I'm not even interested in boats! It just goes to tell you that a well-designed museum can be fun for everyone.
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Top 10 rewarding climbs Most of our travelling is done on foot, so here's a tribute to some of our most rewarding climbs. I favoured the places we actually visited by foot (or that could have reasonably been climbed by foot).
1. BERGISEL, Innsbruck, Austria
We cheated on this one by taking the bus on the way up, but came down on foot.
Reward: The "Cafe in Turm" restaurant in the Bergisel ski-jumping stadium offers breath-taking views of the old town with the Alps as a backdrop.
2. OLEVISTE CHURCH, Tallinn, Estonia
Once the tallest church in Europe, Oleviste Church remains impressive by modern standards, especially if you climb its tower.
Reward: Panoramic view of Tallinn's wonderfully preserved Old Town.
3. EISRIESENWELT, Werfen, Austria
Here, you get to take the world's steepest cable car, and once inside the mountain cave, you climb up a dizzying number of stairs.
Reward: Outside: it's the Alps, need I say more? Inside: improbable, yet entirely natural, ice structures bewilder the eye.
4. PUIJO HILL, Kuopio, Finland
There is no public transport to Puijo Hill from Kuopio, so you must either taxi or walk up the hill.
Reward: Some of the most outstanding scenery in Finland can be seen from the observation deck of Puijo Tower.
5. TEMPLES OF THE SUN AND MOON, Teotihuacan, Mexico
Climbing these steps is made harder by the high altitude and, if you start too late, the glaring sun. So set out early!
Reward: Fascinating overhead views of this vast, and enigmatic, ancient site. Keep in mind approximately only 10% of the city has been excavated!
6. RIBAT, Monastir, Tunisia
The climb up the Ribat tower is easy (some 70 steps). The challenge lies in having more than 5-6 people at once at the top without anyone falling off.
Reward: Monastir's beautiful beachfront on one side, its historical city on the other.
7. MOUNT ROYAL, Montreal, Canada
This precious nature park right in the middle of the city attracts people of all kinds. How high you go will determine how difficult your climb will be.
Reward: Two lookouts (and thus two rewards!): the Belvedere faces east and the Olympic Stadium, while the Chalet overlooks downtown.
8. HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA, Reykjavík, Iceland
It's a gentle slope up the Skolavorduholt hill on which Hallgrimskirkja was built. Inside, an elevator will take you to the top of the spire.
Reward: Panoramic view of Reykjavík's colourful roofs and the wild nature that lies behind.
9. STADTTURM, Innsbruck, Austria
By now I guess you can tell I loved being in the Alpine part of Austria. This is another relatively easy climb that is well worth it.
Reward: The combination of the Alps and the old town remains one of my best memories to this day.
10. ZEILGALERIE, Frankfurt, Germany
The Zeilgalerie is a shopping centre, but unbeknownst to some visitors is the outside terrace at the top.
Reward: Some interesting views of Frankfurt's old town, including and shots of modern skyscrapers bordering medieval buildings.
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 Comments for brazwhazz | | | | |
Etoile2B Mon Apr 21, 2008 18:13 UTC
Happy Birthday from sunny California! Here's to many more wonderful years! | a2lopes Mon Apr 21, 2008 13:54 UTC
happy birthday Bronson and many happy returns of the day. Greetings from Lisbon | traveloturc Mon Apr 23, 2007 15:24 UTC
Dear Bronson thanks a lot for your comments on my home page .I hope that you will like the church in St PT. good luck | etrehumain Sat Apr 21, 2007 17:52 UTC
Welcome in the Thirtysomething group Braz ! Enjoy this glorious period of your life. And you know, thirty years old is great. Bonne fête ! dANz |
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