Saturday, April 30, 2011

Top 5 Abandoned Modern Cities

Top 5 Abandoned Modern Cities: "

Some modern cities of the world that yesterday were full of inhabitants and life, now they’ve been abandoned. You probably know them as ghost towns. Of courses, behind every city is an interesting story. Stillness that surrounds these former human settlement seems almost palpable.


In contrast to continuous noise and chaotic human restlessness that characterizes large cities, the deafening silence that dominate these places is even harder to imagine.


5. Humberstone and Santa Laura, Chile


The city was founded in 1862 around a nitrate mines in La Palma, though it wasn’t called Humerstone firt, but much later, in 1925, when he was named in the honor of the mine manager, who brought prosperity to the settlement . Both Humbersone, and Santa Laura, neighboring town, have made ​​the most of the period in which the nitrate trade was in great demand.


In their good times, the cities got their money from mining and processing center, very active in the ’30s and ’40s. Nitrates were an essential ingredient as fertilizer component, but the a much cheaper synthetic substitute of it lead to the cities end.


Humberstone, Chile

Humberstone, Chile


Mining activity slipped on a downward slope, and with lower demand, Humberstone and Santa Laura entered into a long and sure decline. Residents began to abandon the cities, one by one, leaving in search of a better life. It only took three decades for the two sites, once prosperous and full of life, to turn into ghost towns.


But the story of the two sites does not stop there. In 1970, Chile’s government named both Humberstone, and Santa Laura, national monuments, and in 2005 they were included in World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.


Their entry under the wing of UNESCO would have to dodge the final destruction which threatens to contribute to the preservation and protection of these areas a symbol of humanity.


4. Areas of Detroit, USA


Some abandoned areas are part of some highly populated cities. Probably one of the best examples is the city of Detroit, in which you will be able to find a completely abandoned neighborhood.


“The Motor City” takes its name from the central role played in the automotive industry. When Henry Ford in the ’20s changed the assembly line system, enabling mass production, cars were considerably cheaper, leading to a significant increase in sales. When all the spinning wheels of the economy started to go faster and faster, the city prospered. In Detroit this phenomenon took place very quickly. In the 50s, with approximately two million residents, Detroit became the third largest US city.


When the American automobile industry started to go down, so did Detroit, the headquarters of the US automotive world.


Detroit, USA

Detroit, USA


In good times, the biggest car manufacturers, like Chrysler, Ford and General Motors produced 90% of all cars sold in the US. In 2005, the figure dropped to 40%. As the city money came almost exclusively from car manufacturing, the situation has escalated steadily after the threat of car manufacturers outside the continent had to beat at the gates of America.


A whole area of Detroit have been abandoned, while the few buildings that still worked was trying not to get suffocated by the mass closings. Detroit seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

The building owners had to abandon their properties once they realized that there are no buyers or no one is willing to rent them. Vandals broke the windows, messages were scrawled on walls and architectural took with them memories.


Currently the Government is trying to revive the area, but the ones that are building here prefer to tear down the old buildings in order to build other. The once stately buildings will be flattened and replaced with huge parking lots or new construction of glass and iron.


3. Hashima Island, Japan


Hashima is a small island, rocky, situated near the coast of Nagasaki in Japan. Although small in size, the island is not unimportant, as it was the main supplier of coal for Japan for nearly a century. Located over a huge coal deposit, which extends to the ocean, Hashima itself represented a great opportunity to make a fortune, could not be missed opportunity.


After identifying the establishment, the island was taken over by Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation, and such Hashima enters its peak. They prefer to corporate leaders to build new homes for workers who were brought here, but to invest their daily transportation to Nagasaki. Peak would be reached in 1959 when the island became more densely populated Hashima city in the world with 5259 inhabitants. This record is translated by 835 inhabitants in an area less than one square kilometer.


Hashima Island, Japan

Hashima Island, Japan


The end of the Second World War would bring better living conditions for residents of Hashima. TVs, radios and modern cinema halls appeared to soften life of residents. The island, once peeled, is back to life with the planting gardens right on the roofs of buildings. However, the heyday of Hashimi would be short.


In early 1974, coal decline. The whole world now prefer oil as the primary source of energy production. Mitsubishi leaders have made ​​public their decision to close the mine. In just one year, the last inhabitant left the island city and the island was completely closed. After only remaining relics of what once was the most densely populated city. Despite an already long abandoned, Hashima managed to keep themselves pretty well. And who knows … maybe it was fate or her smile again, officials with the Japanese proposal to be introduced in the exclusive list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.


2. Centralia, Pennsylvania, USA


Some time ago, Centralia, Pennsylvania could be described as a friendly town with 3,000 inhabitants, who could enjoy the usual amenities: shops, churches, hotels and bars. As in other U.S. cities, Centralia was what one might call “Boomtown. ” The first inhabitants settled here in 1866, and the settlement rapidly flourished, after profits from mining in the hilly area. In the particular case of this city, which raised at and destroyed.


The decline began abruptly in 1962 without him nothing to announce. Some workers have chosen to burn garbage in a hole dug in the ground, when they accidentally ignited a large deposit of anthracite coal which, in reality, the entire city was built. Once ignited, the fire spread to the entire network of local coal deposits, eventually causing a huge fire underground.


Centralia, Pennsylvania, USA

Centralia, Pennsylvania, USA


Both city officials, and the government have tried for years to find an optimal solution to stop the fire under the city, but without much success. Techniques such as coal burning and dynamiting the rest of his detachment blanket, digging of trenches or drowning in the embers with water separation, have failed, one by one. The last possible solution to save the city was digging a deep network of underground channels to isolate the hot spots. But the exorbitant costs of this action meant that she did not take place, ever. So, the final solution was adopted: the city had moved.


In 1981, a dark basement that burned for nearly 20 years, residents have been the icing on the cake served as the earth literally opened under the feet of a 12-year-old boy who managed to flee to save their lives. The pit 45 meters deep were coming off the surface, poisonous gas carbon monoxide.


A year later, the government has allocated a sum of 42 million dollars, required the relocation of residents Centraliei, saying the old city as a lost cause.


Currently, the roads were not covered by vegetation are marked by deep fissures and craters in an area with lush by poison gas. Many buildings were either ground fire, be leveled to prevent their burning. All that’s left standing in Centralia is unlucky town cemetery and several houses still inhabited.


1. Pripyat, Ukraine


On April 26, 1986 an explosion of spent reactor number four at Chernobyl nuclear power plant was going to change once and for all to Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Chernobyl remains in the collective memory of mankind as the worst nuclear disaster in the history of nuclear energy production. Radiation resulting from the explosion caused thousands of deaths in Ukraine, Russia and neighboring countries, but long-term effects of this disaster are far more serious: the spread of cancer, children born with birth defects, irradiation agricultural land.


Soviet officials at that time were severely criticized for not immediately informed of the high risk population that was exposed to radiation. Surrounding areas were eventually evacuated, and the government restricted the calamity.


The town where most workers lived in Chernobyl plant was also included in the prohibited area. Pripyat, which sheltered a total of 44,000 inhabitants, is located less than 5 miles from the scene. Evacuation of the wretched inhabitants occurred in record time: less than 60 hours after the accident. Pripyat, quickly became a ghost town and today offers a macabre sight, reminiscent of a human scale and drama, which seems like an unfortunate accident happened yesterday.


Pripyat, Ukraine

Pripyat, Ukraine


The land which was built the city will be irradiated for hundreds of years from now and, who knows, maybe even when danger is past, the memory of the explosion and death spread quickly that will still haunt these places.


Some have decided to ignore averismentele bold and went into “forbidden forest. ” Photos you have brought with them from other world landscapes reveals an overwhelming sadness. Pripyat is covered by vegetation, while wild animals make their bunks in what remains of buildings. The town seems frozen in time. Beds made​​, along with white sheets, classroom benches, desks, decorations, amusement park, all are in the same place where they were 23 years ago. Only vegetation began winning seats that once were streets. And people.

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Seven Endangered Wonders Of The World

Cultural and natural heritage – a gift from the past that would be passed down the future – are two sources of inspiration and primordial life. Places as diverse as the Serengeti National Park stretches from East Africa, the pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up a world heritage, whose sites, according to UNESCO, belong, regardless of the territory in which they are placed All peoples. Many of these sites live suffering some worrying threats.

Canal Grande, Venice

Even if no time has the opulence of the Serenissima Republic, today, at least in terms of lighting spectacular and enchanting city of Doges, looks great.

The problem of this city founded in 452 unique lacustrine Composition’s miraculous, is that it is sinking by about 1.5 cm per century, however efforts are massive, sustained an industrial scale, pumping water from underground structures.



Canal Grande, Venice

Canal Grande, Venice


Maldives

Although it seems almost impossible to imagine that an entire country to sink, that’s exactly what happens to the Maldives, “a tribe” of about 1,200 islands, some washed by the waters, according to specialists, contains the richest marine life in the world. 80% of these islands are nearly a meter above sea level and are a risk Pandit tragic: the continuous increase of ocean levels, a phenomenon caused by global warming.

During the 2004 tsunami, which affected the whole infrastructure of the country, many atolls in the area had disappeared permanently from the world map.


Maldives

Maldives


Snows of Kilimanjaro

Considered the highest mountain in Africa (6021 m), Kilimanjaro is a peak (the West) which the locals call it, not incidentally, Masai Ngaje Ngai, that God’s dwelling. Air or temple of transcendent is maintained and immaculate mantle of snow that it wears, regardless of the season.

In recent years, the size of the covering white-coat gradually narrowed, because the same global warming. Experts say the glaciers that seemed to last for ever will become history, in just fifteen years.


Kilimanjaro snows

Kilimanjaro snows


The Great Wall

The oldest parts of this monument, probably the most authoritative symbol of the Middle Empire, dating from the fifth century BC. Border defense building and haughty, the only human artifact visible from outer space, the wall was reinforced in the Ming dynasty (fourteenth century).

Today, nearly two-thirds of its distance of 6,400 kilometers from the border with Korea before the Gobi and were destroyed by erosion and uncontrolled development of the regions around.


Great Wall

Great Wall


Luxor, Egypt

Dating, roughly dating from the fourteenth century BC, the Luxor resort on the western bank of the Nile – which includes the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, and more than 40 temples and funerary monuments – is threatened not only by the ravages Tourism and rapacity “predators” of remains, but also by the sacred river itself.

The construction of the Aswan Dam, 40 years ago, entailed massive infiltration of water that eroded the old foundations and covered numerous graves.



Luxor, Egypt

Luxor, Egypt


Machu Picchu, Peru

Ancient Inca city is about to become a victim of its own popularity.


The ruins, discovered by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, became the most popular tourist attraction Peruvian lately. Traffic Giant (about one million visitors a year) caused destabilization and even collapse of some stone foundations. In addition, development of the area – a consequence of the wave of camper – alpine environment threatens the city was built.


Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, Peru


Coral Reef, Indonesia

In this space were discovered more than 3,000 species of fish and 600 varieties of coral, approximately 75% of the total known to put them. This ecosystem heavenly face two serious problems: over-fishing and destructive fishing (using, for killing fish, explosives or poisons).

The consequence of these criminal actions is not only the disappearance of aquatic creatures, but also destroying their habitat.


Coral reef, Indonesia

Coral reef, Indonesia

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Five Less-Known Natural Wonders

For an article on places where you can admire the fabulous views of the world came to my mind first known destinations such as Mount Everest, Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon, the Alps or the famous island of Bora Bora … but these are not a destination no surprise, they talk about all the tourist guides are long on top of world travelers. Yet, if we think of how big this beautiful planet, you must be other places that awaits guests eager to discover, to admire and photograph them.

This article is a review of only a few such facilities less known, and the subject of the most spectacular scenery in the world is far from being exhausted.


Erta Ale, Ethiopia


In 1928 british explorer Ludovico M. Nesbitt along with two Italians, became the first Europeans to have “visited” Erta Ale volcano, in a daring trip which included attending approximately 640 km crossing the Danakil Depression.


Erta Ale in local dialect means “smoky mountains” and is actually a set of five volcanoes that form an arc 80 miles long. Despite the strange landscapes breathtaking and colorful games which comes in front, Nesbitt remained insensitive, calling this place “a landscape of terror”


His reaction may be explained through the harsh conditions that explorers had to face them: high temperature (about 75 degrees Celsius during the day), the sand so hot that it burned through the soles of boots and, most likely because of thinning of the water reserves.



Erta Ale, Ethiopia

Erta Ale, Ethiopia


Depression Dankil volcanic chain that hosts Erta Ale is an area that meets one of the harshest places on Earth:a scorched plain, with a high salt content in soil composition, which lies below sea level.


In the past, this was part of the Red Sea, Danakil plateau to rise. Nearby are Lake Karume, who is among other things a substantial source of income for families outside the area, especially people living in the exploitation and sale of livestock and salt from the lake.Not very deep, but with a high mineral content, the lake is 120 meters above sea level.


Tsingy formations, Madagascar


Detached from a landscape seems alien, limestone formations on the island of Madagascar are not nearly as harmless as they seem in pictures. Sharp like daggers, they reach heights of up to 180 meters. Although they seem to compose a lonely landscape, things are not so far.


Crocodiles hiding in underground caves, pairs of curious eyes watching lemurs that hidden in tree foliage…And make sure your step! It is enough to crush a bee only to be attacked by a swarm full, eager for revenge.


If you are going on all these things mean that you are on Ankaran plateau in northern Madagascar.

Ankaran Plateau is a karst landscape par excellence. Bizarre shapes of the rocks is due to heavy rains, on average 1800 mm rainfall per year. They dissolved the soft rock solid top and the base, forming peaks increases and very sharp.



Tsingy formations, Madagascar

Tsingy formations, Madagascar


Water has infiltrated to the depth, creating caves stalagmites and stalactites that exhibit that defies imagination, while the chains of tunnels and underground caverns have remained largely unexplored.


However, the most frightening and at the same time, the landscape is the most dangerous area right in the heart of the island and is composed of formations tsingy.They were named after the sound you are out when hit, reminiscent of the sound of bells.


Springs of Pamukkale, Turkey


Any traveler unaware that reach the Asian side of Turkey, and, more specifically, near Pamukkale, will be surprised to see just in this area a large expanse of ice. Certainly not the wrong road to Turkey, through Antarctica. Most likely came from the springs of Pamukkale.


These terraces are in the form of white, big and wavy, dotted with pools of water reflecting the same time, the sky and white walls. Healing properties of water crossing the area’s history until it was beyond us. In 190 BC, Eumenes II, king of Pergamon Greek city founded the city of Hierapolis even on this plateau.


Beyond the therapeutic properties of thermal water, two sanctuaries have been discovered here, constructed in antithesis. One belongs to the god of darkness and death, Hades, and other, nearby, he is dedicated to Apollo, god of sun, music and medicine.



Springs of Pamukkale, Turkey

Springs of Pamukkale, Turkey


Pamukkale means “cotton castle”, which perfectly explains, at least from a visual standpoint. All this fantastic landscape made ​​up of walls, heights, terraces and stalactites covers a distance of 2.5 kilometers long, with a half a kilometer wide. The color white is on high content of lime and dissolved minerals that are found in water from volcanic hot springs.


Almost everything that is achieved is covered with lime water and submerged objects turn into stone in a few days.


Lakes Band-e Amir, Afghanistan


Who would have thought just the arid lands of Afghanistan can accommodate one of the most beautiful natural dams? River Band-e Amir stopped to rest at the foot of the Hindukush mountains, the place where he made ​​the bed.


And not only … contrasts of color and height resulted in the formation of a fabulous landscape at 3,000 meters altitude. Even if a lot of photographers would be motivated enough to get to these places, access is difficult, because it only works on a mountain road, which has a length of 80 kilometers.



Lakes Band-e Amir, Afghanistan

Lakes Band-e Amir, Afghanistan


Upon arrival you will be pampered with a view to a landscape almost paradise: lakes spread across a large portion of 11 kilometers, bounded by cliffs of limestone and clay, which is combined into a game of crazy colors, from white to red and from blue to green shades most unexpected. From the lakes, the water flows over natural stone dams, following different paths, which form a true network of streams, which in turn shelter vegetation.


Even in summer temperatures reach up to 36 degrees C, the lakes are always cold because they are refreshed every year from water resulting from melting glaciers.


Yellow Mountain, China


Each of us has heard at least once in a lifetime a remark like “is a fairytale land” to refer to various beautiful corner of our planet. Few of us have the opportunity to see with their eyes a place that is not a fairy tale land, but a story in itself … a Chinese philosophy perfume. A breathtaking view, made ​​of rugged peaks that pierce the clouds, with nothing scary, but rather, an image that urges you to dream.


This is Yellow Mountain. With heights up to 1800 meters, some peaks have names that stand to confirm the origins of the story of the place: Lotus Flower Peak, the Heavenly Capital Peak are only three of the 72 peaks that make up the Yellow Mountain. Consisting of granite crystallized from molten rock, these rocks have been shaped over time by nature, the same that he has endowed with a strange beauty.



Yellow Mountain, China

Yellow Mountain, China


That unique beauty of the landscape was the ultimate muse for generations of Chinese artists who have not been enough to restore wildness and innocence and surprise this place.


Yellow Mountain is open to those who want to feel the beauty and majesty. Marked trails lead trips to temples, castles, lakes, rocks and bizarre, but some routes are recommended only for professionals. In China, se spune ca fiecare chinez trebuie sa urce macar o data pe Muntele Galben.

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Most Fascinating Castles Of The World



Modern architecture, glass, building materials, geometric buildings and tech … come out every day in our way and it seems somewhat natural for them to be there. Their role is to remind us daily what century we are, but too little is a matter of inspiration for us. Maybe things will be different for future generations, as we sometimes we sigh in secret after the magnificent old buildings that reflect the culture and traditions so well in ages that have been raised.


We like to see them, admire them, photograph them, but most of all we are inside their imagination in an exercise designed to carry us to the dimensions of time lost. We propose a list of just some of the most spectacular castles of the world.


Potala Palace, Tibet


High Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa Valley, Potala Palace has its own height of 170 meters, becoming the most spectacular building of Tibet. In 637, emperor Songtsen Gampo decided to build a palace on this hill, and the structure remained unchanged until the seventeenth century, when it was incorporated into the foundations of the grandiose buildings that we admire today.



Closure of the present palace began in 1645 during the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama. Three years later, White Castle or Potrang Karpo was already completed. Between 1690 and 1694 was added Potrang Marpo, or Red Castle. To have gone through, this ambitious project required the work of over 7000 workers and 1500 artists and craftsman.



Potala Palace, Tibet

Potala Palace, Tibet


Potala Palace was slightly damaged during the Tibetan resistance against Chinese offensive in 1959. Unlike other Tibetan religious structures, the palace escaped by a miracle the destructive policy of the Chinese army. Because of this omission or lenient, one of the most magnificent buildings of mankind is to be found since the height of Marpo Ri hill.


Mont Saint- Michel, France


Mont Saint-Michel is, in fact, a medieval castle built on a small island on the Norman coast, near Great Britain. Only a narrow causeway, built in 1880, more sure about the coast. Tourists who want to get on the island must now rush to cross the road, as there were few situations when the visitors were literally sweep the waves.



Mont Saint- Michel, France

Mont Saint- Michel, France


Unlike other castles in France which started in the “career” playing the role of defensive structures or sites dedicated to art, Mont St. Michel was built to serve religious purposes, namely as a monastery. Today, the castle attracts four million visitors per year, far more than most French castles.



Predjamski Castle, Slovenia


Although every castle in the world is unique and no one resembles another, some of them, the fates (read manufacturers) have done to the “birth” a very special destiny. This is the case Predjamski castle in Slovenia, which gained fame because it is integrated into a cave, more specifically, in the second largest cave system in Slovenia. Translation of its name is more than eloquent: Castle in front of the cave.


Predjamski Castle, Slovenia

Predjamski Castle, Slovenia


The first mentions the construction dates from the thirteenth century, although it is believed that the left wing was built sometime in the first half of the twelfth century. The middle part was added in the Renaissance and the right wing was completed around 1570. Some outbuildings were subsequently added or changed later, but in 1990 he began an intensive program of renovation that aims to restore the castle image it had in the sixteenth century.


Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany


The most popular of the three castles built in honor of Louis II of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein was built in the middle of the Bavarian Alps of Germany’s current territory. Construction was started in 1869, but abandoned after the king’s death in 1886. In a fantastical imitation of a medieval castle, Neuschwanstein is rather an embodiment of nineteenth-century Romanticism. In that time, any construction work involved a tremendous grand, therefore nothing could be left to chance.



Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany


The castle was built on a plan developed, which included the fitting of various utilities and revolutionary for its time: toilets equipped with an automatic drawing of water for each floor or a hot air heating system throughout the building. Such an architectural style was not as not to attract the attention of generations of artists. Sleeping Beauty Castle from Disneyland in the U.S. is even inspired by Neuschwanstein.


Matsumoto Castle, Japan


Known locally under the name of Matsumotojo, the building that reflects the local culture so well, and is simultaneously one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. Matsumotojo successfully illustrates what is called hirajiro, a building erected on a plain, instead of a hill or mountain.


Matsumoto Castle, Japan

Matsumoto Castle, Japan


Castle and two towers were built between 1592 and 1614, benefiting from a complex system of defense, especially as they were still far from peaceful times in that period. In 1635, when military threat no longer exists, has been added a third tower, smaller, used for astronomical observations monthly. The castle has kept the interiors of wood and stone exterior works in their original form in the sixteenth century.


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Top 5 Most Beautiful Castles In Europe


Modern architecture, glass, building materials, geometric buildings and tech … come out every day in our way and it seems somewhat natural for them to be there. Their role is to remind us daily what century we are, but too little is a matter of inspiration for us. Maybe things will be different for future generations, as we sometimes we sigh in secret after the magnificent old buildings that reflect the culture and traditions so well in ages that have been raised.


We like to see them, admire them, photograph them, but most of all we are inside their imagination in an exercise designed to carry us to the dimensions of time lost. We propose a list of just some of the most spectacular castles of the world.


5. Hunyad Castle, Romania


The first mention of the castle dates from 1443 and appears in a document signed by John Hunyadi even that was kept until now. The first heir to the castle, John Hunyadi, begins around 1440 for upgrading and expansion of the fortress, giving him an impressive first appearance of medieval houses. Throughout its history, the castle had to have several owners, some of whom have tried to put his personal stamp on style. Castle has always been the first known owner, remains known for centuries as Hunyad castle.


The present form has been acquired over time, most owners intervene in one way or another, the plan. Construction was done in stages, each capturing the architectural styles of the period. In terms of style, the home influences are felt both German and French, as well as those of military origin, the most prominent being the gallery and tower Nje Bois (“fear not”), imposed parody name tint somewhat with mercenaries guarding castle.


Hunyad Castle, Romania

Hunyad Castle, Romania


Castle and passes through a second phase of construction, which terminate with the death of Hunyadi. In the next period no longer had to make significant changes to the prince Gabriel Bethlen, who begins a new series of changes imposed by civil and military reasons.


In the initial construction period plus another body, called the Palace from the great city, consisting of two levels. Gothic architecture of the stone is removed from the Hall, which has undergone a radical transformation during this period. Prince Gabriel Bethlen away, in part, elements of Gothic architecture, replacing them with those of French architecture, located in great demand at that time.


In pure military reasons, are now built two more annexes. White Tower to serve as a guardian of the castle, but at the same time was a strategic point of defense. The terrace was used for artillery fire heavy weapons. In the nineteenth century, the castle is undergoing a transformation of the third period, mainly for restoration and improvement works.


4. Malbork Castle, Poland


Malbork Castle was built by the Teutonic Order in Prussia. Marienburg was originally called, more precisely, Mary Castle. he town that developed around the building received the same name, but in 1945, returning in possession of Poland, Malbork was named.


Malbork Castle, Poland

Malbork Castle, Poland


3. Palacio da Pena, Portugal


One of the oldest buildings inspired by European romanticism, Pena National Palace was built on top of a hill located near the town of Sintra. On a clear day can be seen even in Lisbon. Built in the fifteenth century to serve as a residence, the castle was later rebuilt and donated to the church to serve as a monastery.


Palacio da Pena, Portugal

Palacio da Pena, Portugal


A strong earthquake in 1755 almost completely devastated. The palace had to regain grandeur in 1838 only after he came into possession of Prince Fernando, under whose protection has been started renovation work. Architecture is a mix between an original style ecletica and other adjacent romanticism-influenced, the bavarian style, plus an english garden.


2. Lowenburg Castle, Germany


In the nearby town of Kassel is high lofty one of the most beautiful medieval castles in appearance. However, Lowenburg or Lion Castle was built by order of Landgrave Wilhelm IX (1743-1821), a kind of Walt Disney of his era, who intended to show the new building from the start as a romantic ruin.


Lowenburg Castle, Germany

Lowenburg Castle, Germany


To be able to print the time on a construction dust still nonexistent, the manufacturer had to make a trip to England to study English style romantic ruins and set a model for future gardens. Currently, the “ruins” Lowenburg castle are seen as one of the first significant building in the neo-Gothic style in Germany.


1. Prague Castle, Czech Republic


One of the largest castles in the world (has 570 yards long and 130 feet wide), and, according to Guinness World Records, the largest castle of the old ones that were left standing. Prague Castle hosts a long history within its walls for many centuries. Czech Crown Jewels are stored in this location and even still here and most official ceremonies were held in local history. From Roman Emperors, the Czech kings, all grand chose this location for major events unfolding.


Story castle, certainly not in its current form, started somewhere in the ninth century, around the year 870. Throughout its existence, numerous owners, and times with their models, have made ​​their mark on the “image” building. Tocmai aceasta existenta indelungata a facut posibila intalnirea intr-un singur loc a mai multor stiluri arhitecturale. More specifically, all the styles that were fashionable in architecture in the last millennium.



Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague Castle, Czech Republic



Prague Castle itself is a complex but include the Cathedral of St. Vitus, St. George church, a monastery and several other smaller palaces, gardens and guard towers. Most of the castles are open to tourist visits, and many were turned intomuseums, exhibitions regularly hosts unique.

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Top 5 Alien Landscapes On Earth






The efforts of scientists to start new research missions of the planets near our solar system, hoping to identify Earth-like celestial bodies are no longer a secret to anyone. NASA is already looking for a planet for decades to replicate, though on a smaller scale, the conditions of life on Earth. But what if we change the rules of the game and looked on our own planet, places and weather conditions reminiscent of what we call the mysterious alien landscapes ?


5. Rio Tinto, Spain


Rio Tinto mines to create a surreal landscape, similar to what we call a lunar. Increased mining industry and thereby the exploited areas, has led to changes in landscape geography, and urban structure, because human settlements in the area had been relocated away from areas of operation.



Rio Tinto, Spain

Rio Tinto, Spain


Named after the river that passes through the area is famous for its red color that dominates the landscape feature gained in mining practice. Red river water is mainly due to a very high concentrations of heavy metals, which make water acidity to fall somewhere between 1.7 and 2.5.


4. Spotted Lake, Canada


Under the hot sun of summer, water from Lake Kliluk (Spotted Lake) evaporates and crystallizes the minerals, forming circles of irregular sizes. These mesh reflects the high content of mineral water, painting it in colors of blue and green. Lake contains one of the highest concentrations of minerals: magnesium sulphate, calcium and sodium sulphate, whose presence is complemented by silver and titanium.


Spotted Lake, Canada

Spotted Lake, Canada


The healing properties of water are popular with native Indians and are reflected in many local legends. One of them mentions how after a bloody battle two conflicting tribes have made ​​a pact that enabled them to treat their sick and wounded in the same lake waters.


3. Eisriesenwelt ice caves, Austria


Even if we talk again about the caves does not mean that all look the same. Especially if you are ice caves. Gives you the sensations within a frozen caves have nothing in common with what we call caves “normal. ” White surfaces, odd shapes, whose brightness changes depending on the light, do not seem to be very common on Earth. Feeling that you’re on another planet will haunt you from the first step in these caves of ice until the exit in the daylight.


Eisriesenwelt ice caves, Austria

Eisriesenwelt ice caves, Austria


Located close to Salzburg, in mountains Tennengebirge, formations of ice that extend for more than 40 miles, receiving the title of “the largest ice caves in the world. ” Although the surface looks promising for amateur cavers and geologists, only a small part of this maze is open frozen public visits.


But no one leaves here unhappy, because the surface is large enough to meet both the needs of adventurous underground, as well as those of the tourists who just want to make a visit to one of the most beautiful palaces built by hand by Mother Nature.


2. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia


You compose the landscape of strange area of Bolivia is considered, rightly, one of the most spectacular on Earth. Salar de Uyuni is itself a vast salt desert, namely the largest in the world. With an area of ​​10,582 square kilometers “crackers”, filled with active volcanoes and geysers, the dessert is a recipe for getting one of the most bizarre earthly landscapes.



Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia


40,000 years ago, the area was part of Lake Minchin, a giant prehistoric lake known. Water depletion has led to the formation of two smaller lakes, Poopo and Uru Uru, and two large salt deserts, Salar de Coipasa and Salar Uyuni. Store is expected to last about 10 billion tons of salt, of which 25,000 tonnes are extracted annually.


1. Vale da Lua, Brazil


Vale da Lua or Moon Valley gets its name because of the striking similarity to lunar landscapes. In reality, the merit rocks were eroded and carved by water courses, in shapes reminiscent of modern swimming pools, with the difference that they are natural and are placed inside the Brazilian forest.


Vale da Lua, Brazil

Vale da Lua, Brazil


Located at Chapada, 38 km from Alto Paraiso de Goiás, these formations are some of the oldest on the planet.



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Magical wedding for a Royal bride...

"By ROBERT HARDMAN

Double kiss: The newly-married couple share their first public kiss on the balcony as thousands of screaming well-wishers watch


Kate said 'I am glad the weather held off, we had a great day'

'I am so proud you're my wife' says William as he helps Kate into carriage

One million well-wishers line the streets to catch a glimpse of the couple

William tells Kate 'You look - er, you are beautiful' as she arrives at the altar

Dress was by McQueen - but where will they go on honeymoon?



Prince William emerges from Buckingham Palace in his father's dark blue Aston Martin as the crowd roars. The number plate on the rear said 'Just Wed'


Two tiny, softly-spoken words cut the pin-drop silence of a dumbstruck Westminster Abbey and sent cheers ringing from Whitehall to Bucklebury to Papua New Guinea: ‘I will.’

And with that, Catherine Middleton went from ‘Miss’ to future Queen Consort of 16 nations spanning nearly seven billion acres and a large part of the Earth’s surface.

At her side was the young man with, perhaps, a greater burden of expectation than anyone alive. And now, he no longer carries it alone.


Unexpected: William motors around Buckingham Palace with his new wife in his father's 41-year-old Aston Martin which Charles was given as a gift for his 21st birthday party


Happy couple: The Aston Martin Volante is decorated with balloons and a 'Just Wed' registration plate, as William and Catherine emerge in the soft-top vehicle


Police officers stand in front of royal supporters on The Mall in London, along the Processional Route by the Palace moments before William and Kate emerged to share a kiss


Newly wed: Prince William and his new wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, wave as they travel in the 1902 State Landau carriage along the Processional Route to Buckingham Palace


With his own no-nonsense ‘I will’, Prince William opened a new royal epoch, happily reuniting the Monarchy with those powerful memories of his late mother, all of it in front of half the planet.

Prior to this moment, the most-watched event in British history – perhaps in world history – had been her funeral here 14 years before. How many billions were watching now over supper in Sydney or breakfast in Ottawa; how many eyes prickling, throats tightening as that bravest of adolescent mourners now returned as the happiest man in the land?

The sense of a turning tide was as inescapable as Low Water on the Anglesey shoreline.

In the annals of our 1000-year-old Monarchy, this was a very good day. In the annals of the House of Windsor (created: 1917), it was a very great one.


Prince William greets Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her partner Tim Mathieson at Buckingham Palace in London after his wedding to Catherine


Royal reception: The Queen arrives at Buckingham Palace, left, after the wedding. Right, Kate's engagement and wedding rings on her finger


Kate, who has been given the title The Duchess of Cambridge, meets Governors-General and prime ministers at Buckingham Palace


Off to Clarence House: Catherine and William drive off from Buckingham Palace to Clarence House


A Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight fly over Buckingham Palace as William and Kate emerge on the balcony


The Victoria Memorial outside the Palace is filled with well-wishers celebrating the wedding


Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, emerge from the church after the wedding ceremony with Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton in the background


Buckingham Palace: Helped by her new husband, Catherine steps out of the carriage as it arrives at the Palace. Minutes later they shared their first kiss on the balcony


The happy couple hold hands during the wedding service at Westminster Abbey which was conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, centre


Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William wave to the vast crowds as they travel to Buckingham Palace in a 1902 State Landau


William appeared to have a moment of difficulty in slipping the ring onto Kate's finger... But the ceremony went without a hitch


Kate Middleton waves as she arrives with her father Michael Middleton and her sister Philippa Middleton to the West Door of Westminster Abbey in London for her wedding


A team put the finishing touches to the cake that was prepared for William and Catherine at Buckingham Palace today


Kate Middleton's Wedding Dress at The Royal Wedding - How to Plan a Budget Wedding?


Prince William and Kate Middleton Royal Wedding Celebrity Guests



David Beckham and Victoria Beckham Grand Royal Entrance at Westminster Abbey


source: dailymail
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