1) LAS POZAS in MEXICO
Las Pozas is truly one of the hidden wonders of 20th-century Mexico. Located in the lush rain forest of the isolated Huasteca Potosina region of San Luis Potosi State, this remarkable surrealistic sculpture garden was created by Edward James, an eccentric British poet, nature lover, and art patron. Between 1949 and 1984, James built 36 fantastical concrete sculptures in an 80-acre parcel of jungle near the mountain town of Xilitla.
2) CHURCHES of BIERTAN CITADEL in TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA
The fortified Church of Biertan was the Evangelic Episcopal See for 300 years (1572 – 1867), and the religious centre for the Saxons in Transylvania. In 1993 it was included in the UNESCO world patrimony, being considered the most valuable of the seven Saxon attraction points included on that list.
Built between the 15th and 16th century, in Gothic style and with Renaissance influences, this monument is the one that keeps best its initial aspect. The total surface of the complex covers almost 1 hectare. The church is 45.15 meters long, 22.7 meters broad and 16 meters high.
Built between the 15th and 16th century, in Gothic style and with Renaissance influences, this monument is the one that keeps best its initial aspect. The total surface of the complex covers almost 1 hectare. The church is 45.15 meters long, 22.7 meters broad and 16 meters high.
3) MACHIYA in KYOTO, JAPAN
The use of wood is one of the hallmarks of Japanese architecture, past and present. In Kyoto, in particular, wood retains a special place in the often garish pantheon of modern Japanese building. Tucked in between pachinko and karaoke parlours, “game center” and just plain ugly mass-produced homes and “mansions,” Kyoto is still home to many beautiful examples of the best of Japanese building.
4) RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE, IRELAND
Russborough was built in 1741 by Joseph Leeson, the son of a wealthy brewer in Dublin. The architect was Richard Castle (Cassells), a great promoter of the Palladian style of architecture in 18th century Ireland. The house took approximately 10 years to build. Russborough is widely considered to be Richard Cassells's finest achievement. It was also his last as he died before Russborough was completed. It is generally acknowledged that the house was finished by Francis Bindon, a successful artist and architect from Ireland's mid-Georgian era.
5) TEATRO COLON (COLUMBUS THEATER) in BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
The Teatro Colón (Spanish) (Columbus Theatre) in Buenos Aires is one of the largest opera theatres in the world. It is the main opera house in Buenos Aires, Argentina, acoustically considered to be amongst the five best concert venues in the world. Every stair case, painting, and column tells a story and the building oozes with history and tradition. The present Colón replaced an original theatre which opened in 1857. Towards the end of the century it became clear that a new theatre was needed and, after a 20-year process, the present theatre opened on May 25, 1908, with Giuseppe Verdi’s Aïda.
6) BUDDHIST ROCK ART in NORTH PAKISTAN
The existence of large number of Buddhist stupas and monasteries in Gandhara is very sacred for Buddhists and an important part of Pakistan's historic culture. The Gandhara Civilization (500 BC to 10th Century AD), an era devoted mainly to Buddhism, has been the centre of spiritual influence as well as art and architecture. It was from here that Buddhism spread towards east as far as Japan and Korea. Despite the vagaries of centuries, Taxila and Swat Valley have preserved these heritages in art and craft. But the more fascinating is the visit of the archaeological sites spread all over Taxila, Swat and other parts of North West Frontier Province of Pakistan and the Northern Areas that have been discovered in the twentieth century. Driving on the Karakorum Highway, the history can be review by visiting petro glyphs that are found along the Indus, Gilgit and Hunza Rivers. These carvings bear not only the "guest books" of passing by traders and pilgrims but also depict the natural beliefs of fairy worshippers.
7) GINGERBREAD HOUSES, HAITI
The Gingerbread Houses are icons of Haiti’s rich and vibrant past, as well as a vital symbol for rebuilding the country. The Gingerbread Houses, with their intricate ornament and steeply pitched roofs, constitute an important period of post-colonial design and are emblematic of a uniquely Haitian architectural heritage. In October 2009, the Gingerbread Houses of Haiti were included on the 2010 World Monuments Watch in order to raise international awareness about this unique architectural heritage.
8) OLD TOWN of AVILA, SPAIN
Founded in the 11th century to protect the Spanish territories from the Moors, this 'City of Saints and Stones', the birthplace of St Teresa and the burial place of the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada, has kept its medieval austerity. One of six UNESCO World Heritage Sites found in Spain, this highest provincial capital in the country features an old town district that is entirely enclosed by medieval walls. This purity of form can still be seen in the Gothic cathedral and the fortifications which, with their 82 semicircular towers and nine gates, are the most complete in Spain.
9) CRACO in BASILICATA – GHOST TOWNS in ITALY
The medieval village of Craco is typical of the hill towns of the region with mildly undulating shapes and the lands surrounding it sown with wheat, located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera in Italy. Craco was built on a very steep summit, for defensive reasons, giving it a stark and striking appearance and distinguishing it from the surrounding lands which are characterized by soft shapes. The centre, built on the highest side of the town, facing a ridge runs steeply to the southwest where newer buildings exist. The town sits atop a 400 metre high cliff that overlooks the Cavone River valley. Throughout the area, there is more unique vegetation-less mounds formed by intensive erosion that are called "calanchi."
