7 Wonders of the 21st century
The 7 Wonders of the 21st Century feature amazing successes redefining human creativity and engineering capability. From the calm Temple of Buddha's Origin in Leshan,…
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Precisely built to be the last line of protection for historic cities and their people, massive stone walls are silent sentinels from a bygone age. Although many ancient cities have given in to the ravages of time, some have survived and their ruins provide a fascinating window into the past for both people and tourists. Each of these amazing cities, surrounded by breathtaking walls, has rightfully found place on the esteemed UNESCO World Heritage List.
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Long a sought-after summer destination, Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is known for its rich history and mesmerizing beauty. Thanks in part to its leading part as King’s Landing in the critically praised Game of Thrones series, its popularity has surged even more recently. But the city’s appeal goes much beyond its TV glory; its imposing walls bear witness to its extraordinary past.
Over centuries, from the 13th to the 17th, Dubrovnik’s magnificent architectural and engineering achievement was built over. Designed painstakingly to protect the city and its people from possible hazards, this vast defensive system covered an astounding 1940 meters. Rising to 25 meters on the landward side and varying in width from 4 to 6 meters on the seaward side, the walls created an impenetrable barrier that has endured over time.
The fortifications of Dubrovnik go much beyond mere walls. Comprising a sophisticated network of defensive systems, sixteen imposing towers acting as vantage points and artillery positions Strategically positioned three strong fortresses around the city added more layers of defense. As naturally occurring barriers, three moats discouraged possible invaders even more. Rising out from the main wall, six bastions provided flanking fire and improved defensive capacity. Known as cantons, two corner fortifications strengthened the most sensitive areas of the walls. Initially lines of protection were three pre-walls with towers on each side. At last, two city drawbridges and two fortifications finished this complex network to guarantee city security.
Today, Dubrovnik’s walls are a living tribute to the city’s resiliency and inventiveness rather than only relics from the past. They invite guests to travel through time, to follow in the footsteps of past defenders, and to wonder at the architectural mastery of their builders. Breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town, and the nearby islands will reward you as you meander around the ramparts. Along with secret corners, little cafes, and historical sites providing peeks into Dubrovnik’s rich cultural legacy, you will also come across.
Jerusalem is evidence of the continuing power of faith and the passage of time since it is a city rich in history and respected by three different religions. Built on imposing walls of the 16th century, the Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Exploration of a fascinating tapestry of cultures, customs, and holy sites awaits inside these walls.
A physical reminder of Jerusalem’s turbulent past, the walls of the marvel of architectural and technical mastery, Old City, stand Constructed during the Ottoman Empire, they span about 4 kilometers and encircle a labyrinthine system of tiny lanes, busy markets, and holy sites. Each of four gates—Jaffa Gate, Damascus Gate, Lion’s Gate, and Dung Gate—offers access to this enchanted enclave with own history and character.
A constellation of holy sites calls pilgrims and guests from all around the Old City walls. One of Islam’s holiest sites, the al-Aqsa Mosque, and the famous Dome of the Rock, a masterwork of Islamic architecture, call the great plaza revered by Jews, Muslims, and Christians the Temple Mount. Remarkably symbolic of Jewish faith and resiliency, the Western Wall is a remnant of the Second Jewish Temple nearby. For Christians, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—thought to be the scene of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial—has great spiritual meaning.
Jerusalem’s Old City is a vivid tapestry of cultures and customs outside its religious sites. With its old monasteries and churches, the Armenian Quarter radiates calm. Pulsing with life is the Jewish Quarter, a labyrinth of old synagogues and little lanes. Home to busy souks and the Via Dolorosa, the road Jesus is thought to have followed on his way to crucifixion is a hive of activity. With so many churches and pilgrimage sites, the Christian Quarter is a peace refuge.
Discovering Jerusalem’s Old City is a trip of the heart and mind, a voyage across time. Wandering through its historic streets will take you to another age with the rainbow of sights, sounds, and smells you come upon. Minarets’ echoes of calls to prayer, the aroma of spices filling market booths, the sight of pilgrims deep in prayer—all these sensory experiences come together to create an exciting and humble environment.
A physical reminder of a past time, Ávila is a city in central Spain. The city’s most famous feature is its amazing 12th-century walls, which encircle the old city center—identified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. An outstanding example of medieval architecture, the walls reflect the great legacy and history of the city.
Ávila’s wall construction was meant to be a strategic reaction to the unstable political climate of that age, not only for protection. Built among the conflict between Castile and Leon, these buildings were meant to protect the city’s citizens from possible hazards. Rising to heights of up to 12 meters and spanning 2.5 kilometers, the walls presented a strong barrier discouraging attackers and ensuring the city’s safety.
Ávila’s walls are a magnificent architectural wonder as well as a great technical achievement. Their building, using granite blocks taken from the surrounding mountains, provides proof of the builders’ skill and artistic vision. There are ninety stone towers all around the walls, each with unique character and use. Nine deliberately placed city gates equipped the city with both defensive barriers and access points.
One can explore the remarkably well-preserved medieval city Ávila inside its walls. The little, winding lanes lined with historic buildings and old homes carry tourists to another era. Evidence of the city’s rich religious legacy are its Romanesque and Gothic churches, including the grand Ávila Cathedral. Located in the middle of the city, the energetic Plaza del Mercado Chico is evidence of Ávila’s dynamic past and a focal point of activity.
Walking alongside Ávila’s fortifications makes one feel just like they are living in another era. Walking on the ramparts will let you take breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the snow-covered Sierra de Gredos, and the red-brown rooftops of the city below. You will discover quiet neighborhoods, beautiful gardens, and important historical sites that highlight the varied cultural legacy of Ávila during your visit.
Following many centuries of exploration, Spain expanded its empire to the Americas and founded colonies there in the New World. The Spanish monarchy sought to protect its recently acquired wealth and influence from an ongoing threat— pirates—during this period of exploration and growth. Built as a strong fortification, Castillo de San Felipe shields the Caribbean port of Cartagena—a vital hub for trade and mobility.
Under the activities of buccaneers and privateers aiming at Spanish galleons transporting priceless riches from the Americas, there was a period of marine turbulence marked in the 17th century. Understanding Cartagena’s vulnerability, the Spanish set out to fortify the city’s defenses aggressively. Named for Spain’s King Philip IV, the Castillo de San Felipe was the last product of this work, a strong fortification meant to discourage any possible attacker.
Remarkable architectural accomplishment, the Castillo de San Felipe is evidence of the inventiveness and tenacity of its builders. Carefully designed to withstand cannon fire and discourage boarding parties, the large system of walls, tunnels, and ramparts The fort’s prime location on San Lázaro hill provided a commanding view over the harbor and surrounding terrain, allowing defenders to spot and face possible threats from a distance.
The complex tunnel system of the fort, intended to confuse and trap invaders, defines it The subterranean tunnels also served as weapon and food storage, so ensuring the fort’s capacity to last over protracted sieges. Made of coral stone and reinforced with earthworks, the fort’s walls were especially designed to absorb cannon fire and lessen damage done. Strategically placed around the perimeter, a multitude of fortifications and artillery positions provided overlapping firing zones, making it quite difficult for assailant to advance undetectably.
Although never under a major siege, the Castillo de San Felipe was instrumental in safeguarding Cartagena’s wealth and in determing pirate attacks. These days, the fort honors the rich past of the city and relentless resiliency. The kept-up walls, tunnels, and fortifications let guests see a time of naval warfare and colonial supremacy. As you explore this magnificent tower, you will be taken to a time when the Caribbean was a front line for strong empires and national fate was unknown.
Situated in the middle of southern France, carcassonne is a physical reminder of a time past. The city’s most amazing feature is its remarkable twin ring of medieval fortifications that encircle the recognized UNESCO World Heritage site, the old city center. An outstanding example of medieval engineering, the walls reflect the city’s rich past and cultural legacy for always.
Built over a long period, the walls of Carcassonne were a major strategic asset for the city and presented a great barrier to invaders. Comprising 29 circular towers, each a monument to the ingenuity of medieval military architecture, the 1250-meter inner wall is ornamented. Comprising 1320 meters in length, the outer wall has 18 towers that improve the defensive capacity of the city. These walls taken together formed an unbeatable stronghold protecting the city’s citizens and ensuring its wealth.
Within the limits of the city, the Château Comtal is an outstanding 12th-century castle. It represents the power and value of the people who formerly called that area home. With its grand towers, strengthened walls, and finely decorated interiors, this architectural masterpiece offers a window into the life of mediaeval nobility. Visitors have the chance to fully experience a past time by exploring the halls, courtyards, and ramparts of the castle.
Walking next the Carcassonne fortifications transports one to another era. Walking on the ramparts will allow you to take breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the vast Languedoc region’s vineyards, and the red clay rooftops of the city below. Discovering Carcassonne will expose secret nooks, beautiful gardens, and important historical sites offering insights into the several cultural legacy of the city.
Meandering and narrow thoroughfares lined with a variety of businesses including stores, restaurants, and coffeehouses define the vibrant and busy society the fortifications enclose. An outstanding example of Gothic architecture, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus bears evidence to the religious legacy of the city. Located in the middle of the city, the colorful plaza known as The Place Carnot is a focal point of great activity and evidence of Carcassonne’s continuous vitality.
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