China Town in New York

This district in low Manhattan is a second largest Chinese enclave in USA. Also it’s one of the oldest Chinese enclaves out of the China.

One of the advantages of the USA in common and New York in particular, is that during the visit to this country you can explore different cultures from the different regions. I never had been in the Asia before so I decided to go to the China Town in New York and feel a piece of China at the heart of the North America.

Photo. China Town in New York

China Town in New York originates from 1840, when the first businessman from China Ach Ken received from the US government permission to open cigarette's shop. Since at that time the area of China Town was a real slum with low cost of rent he chose it for dwelling. Arch Ken has been successful in business; lately he bought in this district the entire building and began to rent it to other immigrants from China.

In 1965 US government adopted a special act for immigrants which gave permission for many immigrants from China to come in USA. Of course many from them settled in the China Town of New York and as result the district very quickly grew up.

Today the China Town is not a cheap district for living. The district borders with SoHo which is know for its luxury apartments and facet between two districts is very subtle.

Is this police car? :)

Today the China Town in New York is a big fish market where you can find exotic products from China. Also here a lot of shops where you can buy furniture, dress and electronics made in China.

And of course here there are a lot of restaurants of traditional Chinese kitchen where you can test exotic dishes. Also you can find here subsidiaries of Chinese banks.

Hard Rock Café in New York

Mainly I write about historical places but today I feel inspiration to write about the place which should be visited by everyone who loves rock music. I’m going to share my memories about the Hard Rock Café in New York.

What is the most famous street in New York? Yes, it’s Manhattan. So when I first time visited the city I went there. I was not going visit Hard Rock Café. Even more. At that moment I had no idea that such restaurant exists in the city. But when I found it I passed inside without any doubts and hesitations.

Photo - Hard Rock Cafe in New York

My first perception of the place was - this is the restaurant (before, I thought that Hard Rock Café in New York - is a museum). Second perception, that the prices here are affordable for everyone. I don’t remember exact number of my spending but for 20 USD you can have here nice dinner.

What is nice – is that nobody smokes here. I worried about it because Hard Rock Café – is a temple of the Rock music. But all my fears disappeared as soon I came inside.

And of course Hard Rock Café in New York wields some interesting artifacts which belonged to the rock legends. I did not shoot them all because it was too many and I made photos of those in which I was most interested. Near the entrance to the café there is shop where you can buy some souvenir to remember this place.

Avila

Avila, which stands in the surrounding of medieval walls, is very picturesque city. At the first glimpse, may seem that the Avila reminiscent of the one of the eastern cities. But when you approach to the city all memory of the East is dispersing with emergence of the endless number of medieval Christian churches.

Avila, the capital of the Spanish province, is most alpine city in the country. The city located at the altitude of the 1130 meters. The city already was known under the name of Ovila in the Celtiberians times. The fact that Avila in the ancient times was very important political and trade center can be traced by the numerous remains of these times such as sculptures and survived parts of the buildings.

Avila. Church San Pedro. Photo provided by the Selbymay under CC BY 3.0 license

In the 714 Avila has been captured by the Moors and after the three centuries it was gained by the troops of Raimundo de Borgonya. By the order of the Castilian king all Moors were evicted from the Avila and the city was populated by the famous families from the Leon, Asturias and Galicia.

Soon after, Avila become one the significant centers in the Castilia. During the long period Avila stood at the border between Moors and Christian and with the Salamanca the city was called as the “fortress of the Christian world”. Then Avila was the city-fortress and even today a lot of buildings in the central part of the city look like the citadel than the ordinary houses.

Avila. City Walls. Photo provided by the Yildori under CC BY 3.0 license

Avila often served as the residence of the Castilian kings. Also it was one of the popular pilgrim centers. Today the city has one of the best preserved medieval ensembles in Europe. Avila is very popular among the sightseers and tourists are huddling on the cities streets.

Avila sights

The main attraction of the city is the old fortress with 88 towers which stand after every 25 meters. Total length of the walls is 2526 meters. Today Avila is most powerful and best preserved fortress in Spain.

The oldest church in the town - is the small San-Andres church which originates from the 11 century. In the ornament of church you can see the influence of the masters from the North Spain and most probably this church has been built by the masters from Leon. Another prominent old church in Avila – is a San-Pedro which has been built in the 12 century.

Most prominent church of Roman style in Avila – is church of San-Vicente which has been built in the 12 century. According to the legend this church stands over the burial place of two saints. The construction of the church lasted during the century, so San-Vicente was finished in the 13 century.

Avila. Church of San Vicente. Photo provided by the Selbymay under CC BY 3.0 license

The façade of the San-Vicente differs by the sparse style and décor. For me, the most interesting are the scenes of fight between virtue and vice which can be seen on the south portal.

The church of San-Segundo (1519) has been built over the tomb of the Saint Segundo who baptized the city.

The Cathedral of Avila another prominent example of the church architecture of the city. Don’t miss the central altar of the Cathedral which was made from the walnut in 1555 by the Cornelius from the Netherlands. The nine chapels of the Cathedral were built in the different time and serve as the burial place for the prominent people of Avila.

In the Middle Ages Avila was called as the “city of stones and saints”. This city which stands in the stone area at the shore of the Adacha river – is the one of the focal centers of pilgrimage in Spain.

But Avila can boast not only by the church architecture. In the city you can find a lot of civilian buildings as well. For example, the Palace of Polentinos which has been built in the 1535. The patio of this building – is the best example of the Renaissance in the city.

Avila. Palace of Polentinos. Photo provided by the Dahis under CC BY 3.0 license

Another prominent examples of Renaissance in the city are Palace of los Aguilas and Casa de los Davila.

And to feel some bustle of the medieval city, after the exploring such places of tranquility as churches and abbeys, visit the central market of the city. It seems that the market still has east spirit. And prowling and huddling on the market is the best way to feel the spirit of the Middle Ages in the city.

Avila. Placa del Mercado . Photo provided by the Elena F D under CC BY 3.0 license

Arch of Titus

During the reign of the Flavian dynasty in the Rome were built most prominent architectural monuments.

The writer of the ancient Rome Aelius Aristides (117-180) left these words filled with admiration about the city: “Like strong man lifts others and bears them on his shoulders, so Rome soars over the other cities and bears the civilization to the divine height”

Really, in the second century Rome even surpassed in its grandeur such cities as Athens and Alexandria.

One of the most popular types of buildings in the Rome were Arches of Triumph which were built to commemorate the victories of the Roman weapon. These buildings were built not only in Rome; they also erected in the Roman provinces, to remind to the locals the strength of the Roman army.

Arch of Titus. Photo provided by the Alexander Z under CC BY 3.0 license

Arch of Titus has been built in the 81 to commemorate Roman victory in The Jewish War. Arch was built from the white marble which was delivered from the Greece. At first glimpse the structure of the Arch is too plain but the ideal proportions of the Arch make it the best one in the Rome. Arch was topped with the statue of Titus which was shown in the image of God. Also Arch has the inscription devoted to the Titus and his father Emperor Vespasian.

Middle part of the Arch adorned by the statue of the Victory with the wreaths. On the inner parts of the Arch we can see relieves which show triumph of the Titus. It’s very precious for historians and for those who interested in the Roman history because they depict the scenes of the ordinary life.

Arch of Titus. Gaspar van Wittel

On the relieves we can see the weapons of the legionaries, their garments and of course their trophies. Romans took a lot of trophies on that war. They sacked Jerusalem and brought a lot of citizens of that city as their prisoner. Of course they also brought a lot of the gold to the city. They used the slavery work of their prisoners and the gold to build famous Colosseum and other building in the Rome.

In the Middle Ages the Arch of Titus was included into the defensive system of the Rome. Probably the Arch has been used as the city gate. In the 1821 the Arch was refurbished (by that time it was in the poor conditions) by the Pope Pius the Seventh.

Arch of Titus was used as the general model for many Arches in the Europe. For example, it was used as model to build Arch of Triumph in Paris in the 1806.

Arch of Titus. Photo provided by the Sebastian Bergmann under CC BY 3.0 license

Arch of Titus. Photo provided by the MiguelHermoso under CC BY 3.0 license

Arch of Titus. Photo provided by the Steerpike under CC BY 3.0 license

Alcazar of Segovia

Like other, Alcazar of Segovia has been built by the Moors although archaeological excavations show that it originates from the Roman fortress. This version could be confirmed by the fact that the Segovia existed in the Roman times and today we can see some Roman artifacts in the city.

First name of the fortress is unknown. First time in the documents it was mentioned as “fortress at the hill” but in 1155 fortress has been mentioned as Alcazar.

Today a little reminds about those times. Only portico on the north side of the castle and the Big Hall were preserved from the initial building.

Alcazar of Segovia. Photo provided by the Fernando García under CC BY 3.0 license

Alcazar of Segovia located at the very beautiful place on the top of the hill at strategic point. It was built as the fortress but for centuries of its existence it was the royal residence, the military school and even the jail.

The view of Alcazar in the times of the king Alfonso 8 remains unknown. What we know, is that Alcazar was built from the wood. After the Alfonso and his wife queen Eleonora chose the castle for their residence instead of the wooden fortress began construction of the stone castle.

Alcazar of Segovia. Photo provided by the Macueo under CC BY 3.0 license

During the centuries the Alcazar of Segovia served the royal residence and the key fortress in the defensive system of the Castile. In 1474 castle played very important role in the history of Spain. When the news about the death of the king Enrike reached Castile Isabella (who was one of the pretenders for the throne) refuged inside the castle. After receiving the support from the citizens of Segovia she has been crowned in the Alcazar and became the queen of the Spain. Later she married for the king of Aragon and with this marriage the Spain was amalgamated.

Alcazar of Segovia. Photo provided by the PMRMaeyaert under CC BY 3.0 license

In the times of the reign of the king Phillip II Alcazar of Segovia was again rebuilt. But after Phillip chose Madrid as the capital of the Spain and his residence Alcazar of Segovia began to decline.

For two centuries the castle became the jail. Only in 1762 king Carl Third founded in the castle the Royal Military School. In the 1862 Alcazar of Segovia was badly damaged after the fire. For long time it stood in the bad conditions until it was refurbished in the 1882.

In the 1953 the Alcazar of Segovia became the museum. Today it’s the one of the main attractions of Segovia and one of the most visited places of Spain.

Alcazar of Segovia. Photo provided by the Selbymay under CC BY 3.0 license

Glyptothek

The foundation stone of this temple of Sculpture was laid on 23 April 1816. The construction started thanks to King Ludwig who was great fan of the Greece culture and collected the ancient Greece sculptures.

Ludwig also contrived the word Glyptothek which means “repository of sculpture”. He granted this work to the Leo von Klenze who also built the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.

During the Second World War the Glyptothek was badly damaged. The museum was reopened on 28 April 1972 and now the place where the Greek and Roman sculptures are exhibited.

Below some of the sculptures which you can see at the museum

“Barberini Faun”. About 220 BC. This sculpture was found near the Castel San’t Angelo and for a long time been in the Palazzo Barberini.

Medusa Rondanini. The Medusa Gorgon whose look would turn everybody who gazed at her to the stone.

Bust of Athena. Roman sculpture after the Greek original of about 380 BC

Heard of Ares. Roman sculpture after the Greek original of about 430 BC

Eirene, goddess of peace. Roman sculpture after the original of 370 BC which stood at Agora in Athens

Sculptures from the Temple on Aegina

Alexander the Great. Roman sculpture

Marcus Aurelius. More known as philosopher then the Emperor

Salamanca

The city of Salamanca was founded by the Celtic tribe in the pre-roman times of the Spanish history. During the Punic War the city has been attacked by the troops of Hannibal. Later Salamanca became the part of the wide Roman world.

It was very important city of antiquity. According to the witness of Roman historian Polybius, Salamanca laid on the so called “Silver way” which connected the Mediterranean and the Spain.

But most of its glory Salamanca gained in the medieval times when the city got the name – “Golden city” because of its treasures and magnificent architecture.

In the beginning of the 8 century Salamanca has been conquered by the Moors. After the few centuries Christians re-gained control over the city. Most prominent event in the city’s history occurred in the 1200 when the king Alfonso Tenth founded in the city University, third in the Europe. Soon after the University of Salamanca became well known across the Europe and Pope Alexander Fourth even called it as the “luminary of the Christian world”.

Salamanca Spain. Photo provided by the Jiuguang Wang under CC BY 3.0 license

The University of Salamanca related with the most prominent names in the Spanish literature. For example, with name of Cervantes who lived in Salamanca and studied at the University. We can even say that the Spanish literature was born at this city.

Current building of the University originates from the 1433. In the 1529 Antonio Nebriha adorned façade of the University in the style of “plateresko”. This style got its name from the Spanish word “plato” (silver) and epitomizes the Spanish Renaissance in the architecture.

The complex of the University in Salamanca includes a few colleges, hospital and the library which consists from more than 160000 of medieval books and adorned by the magnificent frieze “Heaven of Salamanca”.

Salamanca Plaza Mayor. Photo provided by the Stef Mec under CC BY 3.0 license

The University in Salamanca also includes famous palace of the “Palacio Anaya” and the house of the Casa de las Conchas which is the one of the symbols of the city. The walls of this house adorned by the sinks carved from the stone. And this is why this house got its name because the “Conchas” from the Spanish could be translated as the sink. Opposite of this building you will find the abbey of the La-Clersia which has been built in the 17 century.

After the walk through the University complex and the its surroundings it’s time to visit the central square of the Salamanca – the Placa Mayor. This square originates from the middle of the 18 century and reckoned as the one of the most beautiful in the Spain.

Nearby there are a lot of monuments among which stand out the Old and New Cathedrals.

Salamanca New Cathedral. Photo provided by the Jentges under CC BY 3.0 license

The Old Cathedral of Salamanca has been built in the 12 century. To get inside it’s possible only from the New Cathedral which originates from the 16 century. Today the Old and New Cathedral is the one complex and for those who do not know that these different buildings, it’s very hard to secede one from another.

Among the treasures of the New Cathedral there is legendary cross which had been used by the El Cid when he fought with Moors. Also about the times of Reconquista in Salamanca reminds the castle of Clavero which originates from the 15 century.

And yet the Salamanca more famous for its beautiful palaces and churches. For example, the palace of Salina which dates from the 16 century. This palace is one of the most prominent palaces of Renaissance in the Spain.

It’s worth mentioning about the narrow streets of Salamanca which give special charm to the city. It’s the places where blended the history and modernity. You can wonder these streets endlessly and every time discover something new about this magnificent city in Spain.

Salamanca Casa de las Conchas. Photo provided by the Paelb under CC BY 3.0 license

Salamanca Palace of Muertes. Photo provided by the Piutus under CC BY 3.0 license

Salamanca Palace Salina. Photo provided by the Alejandro Moreno Calvo under CC BY 3.0 license

Salamanca Cafe Novelty. Photo provided by the Pravdaverita under CC BY 3.0 license

Caceres

Caceres (the city located south-west from the Madrid) is a quite modern city with the wide boulevards, highways and modern blocks but in the heart of the city, in the surrounding of the medieval walls, lays old center of the Caceres which in Spain can contest with Toledo.

The well preserved historical center of the Caceres differentiates by the variety of the architectural styles of the 8-17 centuries and pertains to the most beautiful cities of the Europe.

Caceres originates from the 34 BC. In the Middle Age the city played important role in the wars between Moors and Christians. In the 12 century the Moors fortified the city and built strong walls around it with a lot of the loopholes and strong stonework. In the 1229 the city was conquered by the king Alphonse Ninth and became the part of the Castilian kingdom.

Caceres Spain Plaza Mayor Arco. Photo provided by the Jsanchezes under CC BY 3.0 license

Historical center of the Caceres located at the hill in surrounding of the walls with the 12 towers and 5 gates. The main part of this defensive system has been built by the Moors but in the some places you can notice the vestiges of the Roman work. The oldest buildings located in the east part of the walls. It’s the Tower of the Cross (originates from the first century) and the Tower of the Council (originates from the second century).

Usually sightseers start their walk on Caceres from the local Placa Mayer in the east part of which there are ancient towers and walls. At the square there is a staircase which can lead you to the gates of the Arco de Estiliya.

From this gate you can pass to the square of Santa Maria which is the heart of the medieval town. The main monument of this place – is the city’s cathedral which shares the name with the name of the square. This cathedral has been built in the Gothic style but of course in its guise there are elements of the others styles.

Caceres Spain Plaza Santa Maria. Photo provided by the GianniG46 under CC BY 3.0 license

In opposite of the cathedral you can find a few palaces. For example, the Casa of Carvackal which was built in the 15 century or the Bishop's Palace which originates from the 1567.

The second square of the Caceres which is very popular among the tourists it’s the square of the Santa Chorche. This place looks differently from the square of the Santa Maria. The dominant color here – the bright white. The square surrounded by the mansions of the Renaissance style. Also don’t miss the old abbey of the San-Francisco which originates from the 17 century. In the north part of the square there is mansion Golfinos de Abacho (15 century) in which lived royal pair of Ferdinand and Isabella when they visited the city.

Another noticeable part of the city – is the Velates square. Initially here was the located the city’s citadel (in the Spain it’s called Alcasar) but today you will find the palace of the Velates in place of it. This palace hosts the city’s museum. If you don’t hurry up, please, visit this museum since it has a lot of interesting artifacts.

Caceres Cathedral. Photo provided by the Olarcos under CC BY 3.0 license

Temple of Hephaestus

This temple has been built in the middle of the 4 century BC in the times when Athens reached the maximum point of its political influence. Temple dominates over the Agora of Athens and was dedicated to the Hephaestus.

This temple is very well preserved. As I know, it was only one building of antiquity in Athens which saved its columns, relief, walls and roof. When Greece become independent in the 19 century, the temple hosted first National Archeological Museum of the Greece.

Stoa of Attalos

This ancient passage has been built by the King Attalos in the 2 century BC and inherited its name from the king’s name. So today we know this building as the Stoa of Attalos.

In the ancient times the Stoa had twin purpose. It was the market place with a lot of different shops and the place for entertainments. I think that the Stoa of Attalos could pretend to be the first supermarket in the world.

Stoa of Attalos located near the entrance to the Agora. Today it’s very well refurbished building which hosts the Museum of the Agora inside. In the museum you can see a lot of artifacts from the ordinary life of ancient Athenians: sculptures, pottery, mosaics, etc.