Erechtheion

Erechtheion was a most sacred place in ancient Athens. Temple has been dedicated not only to the one god but to many gods and heroes honored in Athens. Also Erechtheion has been a shrine of first Athenians kings.

Like others buildings of Acropolis Erechtheion has been built between 421 and 406 BC during the wide reconstruction of Athens after the Persian War. Or better to say that temple has been restored after old Erechtheion was turned into ruins by Persian troops.

According to the Greek legends, Erechtheion was built on a place of bet between Poseidon and Athena for the right to be the backer of the city. Poseidon stabbed his trident and gave to Athenians the source of water while Athena raised the olive tree. Athenians decided that the gift of Athena was more valuable for them and named their city after her.

Photo. Erechtheion. Caryatids

But the temple itself was named in honor of Erechtheus who was the first king of Athens and it was a sanctuary of Erechtheus and Athena. Also the cult of Poseidon was worshiped here.

It was not easy task to build temple on this place because it’s uneven. But ancient architects did it. Erechtheion had a big cella which has been partitioned into a three rooms. In one of them was keeping the wooden statue of Athena.

It was generally accepted that this statue has been made from sacred olive tree and it was created not by human but by the divine hand of one of the Olympic gods. During the Panathenaic celebrations statue was dressing into the special mantle which was weaved by the young Athenians women. Before the statue always glowed gold lamp.

Beneath the Erechtheion was secret underpass which led to the cave of Acropolis snake. This snake was sacral for Athenians. During the Persian Wars they agreed to leave the city only after they heard that snake left the cave and will follow to them in their exile.

On all sides Erechtheion has been adorned by Ionic porticos. The most wonderful from them was south portico (the Porch of the Caryatids) where columns portrayed dancing women. Today you can see their copies while original Caryatids are kept in Museum of Acropolis.

Erechtheion was most graceful temple of Acropolis. It got the admirations of many ancient philosophers, artists and even kings.

In the Middle Ages Erechtheion served for different purposes. In some period it even was a harem of Turkish rulers in Athens.

It was badly damaged during the War of Independence when Acropolis has been stormed by Turkish troops. In nowadays Erechtheion has been carefully restored. Of course not fully but enough to give you idea how it looked at the Golden Era of Athens.

Today Erechtheion has modern legend related with Caryatids. In 19 century one of them was lost and since the others cry every night and call her. Of course, Acropolis is closed on the nights so you cannot attest it.

And most spectacular pictures of Erechtheion you can make from opposite hills.

Michaelskirche

This Jesuit church has been built in the end of 16 century by the edict of Duke Wilhelm V. It was the time of struggle between Reformation and Counter-Reformation and by construction of Michaelskirche Wilhelm had tried to foster Jesuits in Munich. Btw, it was a largest Renaissance church from north of the Alps.

Michaelskirche’s façade reminds the façade of Il Gesu in Rome which was a standard for all Jesuit churches. Of course church has own traits. On its façade you can see the statues of famous Bavarian rulers. Also don’t miss the statue of St Michael piercing the Dragon which was casted from bronze. This statue has been created by Hubert Gerhard in 1585.

Facade of Michaelskirche. Photo provided by the Bbb-Commons under CC BY 3.0 license

The interior of Michaelskirche is very spacious. At the choir of the church you can find altar decorated by Christoph Schwarz. One of his paintings portrays the fall of rebellious angels.

Michaelskirche is a shrine of some members Wittelsbach dynasty. Here you can find tombs of Maximilian I, Ludwig II and of course the Wilhelm V who was founder of the church.

Also behind the church you can find so-called Alte Akademie; college which has been built at the end of 16 century by Sustris.

Interior of Michaelskirche. Photo provided by the Harro52 under CC BY 3.0 license

Bürgersaal

This church in Munich has been built in 1778 by designs of Italian architect Giovanni Antonio Viscardi. Originally it has been contrived as a main church of Munich assembly and from it fact church got its current name – Bürgersaal

Behind the plain façade of this church you can find lavishly decorated two-storey interior.

Facade of Bürgersaal. Photo provided by the Bbb under CC BY 3.0 license

At the first storey of Bürgersaal there is a tomb of Rupert Mayer who gave his life to victory under the Nazis.

At the second storey don’t miss wonderful stuccowork by Joseph Georg Bader. Also you can find there paintings by Anton von Gumpp.

Unfortunately church was partly destroyed during the last war and some of its masterpieces were damaged. But after the war it was carefully restored. Among the survived arts is altar by Andreas Feistenberger which has been created in 1710.

Interior of Bürgersaal. Photo provided by the Andreas Praefcke under CC BY 3.0 license

Interior of Bürgersaal. Photo provided by the Andreas Praefcke under CC BY 3.0 license

Altar of Bürgersaal. Photo provided by the Andreas Praefcke under CC BY 3.0 license

Karlstor

Karlsor is a remnant of old fortifications in Munich. Probably you will enter the old city through these gates. Originally it had name the Neuhauser Tor but after the 1791 Elector Karl Theodor decided to dismantle medieval fortifications of the city and extend Munich the Gates were renamed to homage this man.

Previously Karlstor had three towers but one of them was used as depot for gunpowder what caused its demolition in 1861 after a big burst. After it the gates were rebuilt by Domenico Zanetti who changed its design a little bit. He also decorated Karlstor by the bronze sculpture which has been transferred here from the Marienplatz.

Munich

If you visit Munich you will be nicely surprised that Germany is not so boring and rigorous country as many people accustomed to think. Munich is a one of the most dynamic, cheerful, kind and at the same time mysterious cities in Germany.

To say that Munich is a “country inside the country” will be too plain. But it’s true. It really differs from the rest of big megacities in Germany. And here there are the best things which you could probably find in Germany: best soccer team, best old city, best opera and best beer in the country.

But why I put the beer at the end of the roaster? It’s not correct. We can literally say that Munich as city grew from the beer. Some historians can dispute the beer version of Munich inception but at least the official version of Munich history confirms it.

In 724 to city of Freising (which is located in 30km from Munich) come Bishop Korbinian. He found that locals already Christians but in their worship they use some pagan rites. To “set order in the heads” of locals Korbinian decided to found the abbey at the top of the Nerberg mount.

Photo.Panarama of Munich

In their free time monks brewed some drinks and in one day of 11 century they had brewed beer!!!

With times around this abbey grew a lot of settlements and one of them (Petersbergel) in 1158 mentioned as villa Munich. Since this year treated as the year of Munich beginning. Today at the Petersbergel hill in Munich stands oldest church of the city – St. Peter Church.

In 16 century Munch has been enriched by the wonderful buildings but most beautiful buildings of the city were built one century ago. A lot of contribution into the city development made King Louis First who sad that he will be restless until Munich will not look like the Athens.

In 1816-1830 he built one of the most famous museums in Europe – Glyptotek which holds today Greek ancient sculptures. He also invited to Munich many famous artists from Germany and founded Pinakothek.

From my point of view most important event in Munich history happened in 1810 when before the city’s gate was celebrated marriage of King Louis. Citizens of Munich were so pleased by celebration that they decided celebrate it every year. Such appeared famous Oktoberfest in Munich.

In Munich history you can find a lot of funny stories. For example, at one moment they had most progressive and most ecology friendly system of streets cleaning. Idea was very simple. Each quarter in Munich should had have two pigs which tidied up streets in natural way.

What is important in Munich is that you can stroll over the city and not pay attention to the weather. Even in rainy day you can occupy yourself by visiting a lot of Munich museums or sitting in one of the beer restaurants.

In sunny day you can go to the English park or walk over the city’s historical center and watch mosaics and paintings on the Munich homes. And don’t try to discover Munich in one or two days. It’s impossible. If you don’t have enough time just held off undiscovered sights for the next visit.

Propylaea

The way to the Acropolis in Athens leads through Propylaea; ancient building which as other monuments of Acropolis has been built in time of Athen’s extreme power. Propylaea were designed in way to suppress foreign visitors of Athens before they was coming into Acropolis.

One of the rivals of ancient Athens, the strategist city of Thebes Epaminondas, once said that if Thebes has Propylaea they will surpass by beauty the Athens.

Despite the fact that work under the Propylaea was interrupted during the Peloponnesian War, Mnesikles (who was the architect of Propylaea) managed to finish it and create the building which was admired by all over the ancient world. The Propylaea is rectangular building with two porticos on its flanks. It had five entrance doors with columns of Ionic and Doric styles after which visitor came into the vast vestibule which had a lavish interior with ceiling adorned by the gold star.

Photo. Propylaea in Athens

At the north flank of Propylaia was established so-called Pinakothek the first art-gallery of the world. After the Propylaea the word of Pinakothek was spread over the world as meaning of art museum.

The climb to the Propylaea in ancient times was leading on the road of 80 meters length and 20 meters wide. This road was convenient not only for people. It was designed also to facilitate delivery to Acropolis the loads.

In the times of ruling of Emperor Claudius another one memorial staircase was built and in the 3 century next to Propylaea were built gates of Bele which are named in honor of French archaeologist Ernest Bele.

In the Middle Ages Propylaia served for different purposes. Generally it shared the fate of other buildings in Acropolis. It was an archbishop’s palace, the residence of Lord of the Latin Empire and when the Athens were got by Turks, it became the fortress.

Photo. Propylaea in night

As a fortress Propylaea were badly damaged a few times. First time it struggled from the gunpowder exposure and next time Propylaea suffered from the lightning which blew to the Propylaea and fired it.

In the 13th century to the Propylaea was added watch tower which has been dismantled in 1874.

In the modern times Propylaea often used as model for other buildings. For example in accordance to its design was built Propylaea in Munich.

Palazzo Piccolomini

If in Siena you go further on Banchi di Sotto you will face Renaissance Palazzo Piccolomini which has been designed by Bernardo Rossellino for Pope Pius II. You very easy recognize the building because on its façade there is Pius’s coat of arms which holds almost all of its space.

Today Palazzo Piccolomini holds city’s archive - Archivio di Stato – which with its thousands of undiscovered texts is a real paradise for those who are interested in medieval history.

I advise you do not miss the inner yard of Palce from which you can see very rare view of Campo.

Palazzo Piccolomini. Photo provided by the Sailko under CC BY 3.0 license And of course visit the Museo delle Tavolette di Biccherna where you can see old books and manuscripts. Most of them are accounting and taxes record. And most interesting part of the museum is so-called Tavolette, exhibition of wooden painted panels which had used to adorn the books.

Among the these paintings note the works of Sano di Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti whose works you probably saw on the walls of Palazzo Pubblico. Also notice who these paintings evolved. If their earlier versions depict more religious themes older more dedicated to the secular life. And notice that most of the paintings have on their background depicted Siena with the Virgin.

Palazzo Piccolomini. Photo provided by the Sailko under CC BY 3.0 license

The Sienese demolish the fortress of the Spanish 1552. Panel in Palazzo Piccolomini

Botanical Garden Athens

Botanical Garden in Athens was created in 1840 by decree of Queen Amalia. Athenians also call this garden – “Royal Park”. Amalia was very passion about taking care of Garden and even had used Royal Navy to bring plants from remote locations of the world.

Park was designed by Friedrich Schmidt who also spent a lot of time in search of sparse plants. After Greece became the Republic Botanical Garden partly lost its grandeur which it had in 19 century. But it remains one of the attractive places in the city.

Photo Botanical Garden of Athens

In additional to the lot of plants, you can see the remains of old aqueduct and Roman mosaics. Also you can visit a Botanical Museum and old zoo.

At the south part of the park there is so-called Zeppion, conference hall, which was built in 1888 by Theophil Hansen. Next to it there is small café where you can have a rest after the stroll over the Garden.

Loggia di Mercanzia in Siena

If you step to the Banchi di Sotto street first building which you will see will be the Loggia di Mercanzia which is also called Loggia dei Mercanti. This loggia has been built in the first quarter of 15th century to facilitate trade operations in Siena.

It was built in the style of late Gothic with niches adorned by the sculptures designed by Vecchietta and Antonio Federighi.

Loggia di Mercanzia. Photo provided by the LigaDue under CC BY 3.0 license

Loggia di Mercanzia. Photo provided by the Sailko under CC BY 3.0 license

Duomo Siena

Duomo in Siena is a one of impressing buildings in Italy. It has been built on the highest point of the city over the ruins of ancient Roman temple. In its interior Duomo holds masterpieces of such artists as Nicolo Pisano, Donatello and Michelangelo.

City’s Cathedral (Duomo) was almost finished in 1215. But soon after, the authorities in Siena began to think how to extend it to highlight the power of the city in the region.

First attempt to do it happened at the beginning of 14 century when below the Duomo was endeavour to build the Baptistery. It was unsuccessful and in city even thought to demolish Duomo and start new building from scratch. But after careful consideration they decided extend Duomo by adding new nave out toward the Campo. It was again unsuccessful and after that city had faced with epidemic of Black Death and all plans about the Cathedral extension were held off.

Duomo in Siena. Photo provided by the Ryzopt under CC BY 3.0 license

You can see unfinished part of Duomo at the north side of Campo. Cathedral stands unfinished but it may be the loveliest Cathedral in the world.

It has wonderful mix of the Romanesque and Gothic styles with façade adorned by the lines of white and black marbles (this idea come to the city from Pisa). The low level of Duomo façade adorned by statues of philosophers and prophets designed by great artist Giovanni Pisano. Of course today those statues are replaced by the copies while originals kept in Museo dell’Opera.

The Campanile of the Duomo has been built a century after. In the same century Gothic rose window was added to its façade. Mosaics of the façade were executed only in 19th century by Venetian artists. One of the main attractions of the Duomo – is its floor which adorned by the panels which portray biblical scenes.

These panels were executed between 1349 and 1547 and almost all artists of the Siena who lived in this period tried to pay their contribution to this work.

Duomo in Siena. Photo provided by the MarkusMark under CC BY 3.0 license

Another masterpiece of Duomo in Siena – is a pulpit which has been designed by Nicola Pisano in 1268 soon after he had finished the similar work in Pisa. Next to it there is Tino di Camaino’s Tomb of Cardinal Petroni which became the standard for the tomb’s design in Italy in next few centuries.

Young Michelangelo had carved statues of four saints of the Duomo’s altar. He had to create another ten statues but he left the city because was hired by Florentines to create the statue of David.

In the Renaissance cappella of di San Giovanni Battista you can see Baptis by Donatello which has been cast in 1457. Don’t miss the murals of this chapel designed by Pinturicchio.

Last magnificent work in Duomo – is Cappella Chigi, or Cappella del Voto which has been built by Bernini as bequeathing of Pope Alexander VII who was born in Siena.

Floors in Duomo. Photo provided by the Sailko under CC BY 3.0 license

Interior of Duomo. Photo provided by the Michal Osmenda under CC BY 3.0 license

Interior of Duomo. Photo provided by the Leon Petrosyan under CC BY 3.0 license

Altar in Duomo. Photo provided by the Leon Petrosyan under CC BY 3.0 license

Pulpit. Photo provided by the JoJan under CC BY 3.0 license

Füssen

Often the city of Füssen considered by the tourists as the short stop during their visit to the famous Schloss Neuschwanstein. But it’s undeservedly for this small charming town which is located in the foothills of the Alps. It has everything to be a nice destination for summer vacation.

Füssen is known from the Roman times. Through city passed trade road which connected the cities of north Italy with Germany.

In 1313 Füssen became the summer residence of bishops of Augsburg what caused a rapid development of the city. But sky's not always were blue over the city. It was destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and badly damaged during the fire in 1713.

Photo. Center of Füssen

New impulse in its development Füssen got in 1803 when it became part of the Bavarian Kingdom.

Main sight of the city – is a old castle which is dominates over the Füssen. Its façade adorned by the wonderful frescos of 1499. Today castle houses the art museum. Another important sight of the city - Benedictine monastery – originates from the 9th century. Today it also hoses the museum dedicated to the town’s history. Next to it there is it is St Mang-Kirche which has been built in 1720.

Füssen is famous for its painted houses. For example, Heilig-Geist-Spitalkirche executed by Joseph Anton Walch in 1749.

Photo. Castel of Füssen