Hi! Today I would like to present the fines and most distinctive skyscrapers in the world.

Recently I have not had time to add posts, because the school and activities took most of my free time. I will try to improve.

Enjoy!

Iconic skyscrapes 

Top 5

1.  Bank of China Tower, Hong Kong

The Bank of China Tower was the first skyscraper outside of the United States to surpass the 305-meter mark and was once the tallest building in Hong Kong.

Reflecting lights like a glittering crystal, the unusual crystalline-like structure is inspired by the bamboo plant, mimicking its strength, vitality and growth.

2. Bahrain World Trade Center, Manama, Bahrain

No doubt the futuristic Bahrain World Trade Center has given the island’s skyline a big, bright slap in the chops. But the maritime connection doesn’t stop at its stunning silhouette. 

The two sail-inspired towers that reach vertically more than 240 meters are joined by three giant wind turbines in the middle to harness the power of nature, generating approximately 13 percent of the towers' total energy needs.

3. Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai, China

Just eight meters shy of the half-kilometer mark, this giant bottle opener overtook Gin Mou Tower in 2008 as the tallest building in China, and is the latest addition to Pudong’s smoggy skyline, signifying the city’s emergence as a global financial hub.

Like many magnificent architectures in China, the Shanghai World Financial Center has a subtle connection to Chinese beliefs: the opening atop represents earth reaching up to the sky, symbolizing an interaction between the two realms. 

4. Torre Agbar, Barcelona, Spain

Torre Agbar may have the look a bullet, but it doesn’t have the metallic touch like other skyscrapers. Its design was inspired by the hills of Montserrat, letting it morph quietly into the most visible landmark of the city of blue and red.

The 144-meter-high building has two cylindrical layers. One topped by polished aluminum and the second clear and translucent glass with 40 different colors.

5. 30 St. Mary Axe, London, England

Some say it’s in an egg shape; others call it the London Bullet Building or the Cucumber Building.

In any event, the Gherkin broke London’s tradition of building boring skyscrapers. 

Officially named 30 St. Mary Axe, the harlequin-patterned building bulges out slightly from its base to reach a maximum height of 180 meters. It stands at the center of London’s financial district.

That's all for today, I begin to study history. Next post soon.

Most beautiful castles

Hi!

Today begins my adventure in blogging.

It started with the idea of one of my teachers, but I noticed that makes me a great pleasure, so I'll try to put something interesting from time to time. 

For a long time I was thinking about what could be the subject of my blog.

Beautiful places is one of interests near which is extremely difficult to pass by.

The first entry I would like to introduce you to the beautiful and magical world of castles and select 5 that will be for me the most amazing.

1.     Matsumoto Castle in Japan

Also known as the "Crow Castle"  because of its black exterior, is one of Japan's premier historic castles. It is located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture and is within easy reach of Tokyo by road or rail.

The keep the castle, which was completed in the late 16th century, maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.

Matsumoto Castle is a flatland castle because it is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers, but on a plain. Its complete defences would have included an extensive system of inter-connecting walls, moats and gatehouses.

2. Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

Is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as a homage to Richard Wagner. Contrary to common belief, Ludwig paid for the palace out of his personal fortune and extensive borrowing, not with Bavarian public funds.

The palace was intended as a personal refuge for the reclusive king, but it was opened to the paying public immediately after his death in 1886. Since then over 60 million people have visited Neuschwanstein Castle. More than 1.3 million people visit annually, with up to 6,000 per day in the summer. The palace has appeared prominently in several movies and was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle and later, similar structures.

3. Prague Castle in Czech Republic

Is a castle in Prague where the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic have had their offices. The Czech Crown Jewels are kept here. Prague Castle is the biggest castle in the world (according to Guinness Book of Records the biggest ancient castle) at about 570 metres in length and an average of about 130 metres wide.

4. Hochosterwitz Castle in Austria

Is considered to be one of Austria's most impressive medieval castles. It is situated on a 160 metres (520 ft) Dolomite rock near Sankt Georgen am Längsee, east of the town of Sankt Veit an der Glan in the state of Carinthia. The castle is one of the state's landmarks and can be seen from about 30 km (19 mi) away on a clear day.

5. Castle Of Chambord in France

The royal Château de Chambord at Chambord is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture which blends traditional French medieval forms with classical Renaissance structures. The building, which was never completed, was constructed by King François I in part to be near to his mistress the Comtesse de Thoury, Claude Rohan, wife of Julien de Clermont, a member of a very important family of France, whose domaine, the château de Muides, was adjacent. Her arms figure in the carved decor of the château.

Bonus

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in France

“Sleeping Beauty’s Castle” is a structure that stands at the centre of the Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris and is a continuation of a concept first seen at Disneyland in California. The castle is home to an Audio-Animatronic dragon, which at 27 metres from head to tail was the largest Animatronic figure ever built.

This is the end of my post today.

I hope you enjoyed it.

Very soon the next one :)