Latest news with #Romanesque
Winnipeg Free Press
7 days ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Historical society announces Top 10 endangered buildings
The Manitoba Historical Society is getting the word out about some of the province's most threatened historic buildings before they fall further into neglect. The society released its annual Top‑10 Endangered Structures list on Wednesday, a selection of provincial sites plagued by vacancy, decay or redevelopment pressures. Gail Perry, chair of the society's historic preservation committee, said the main goal of releasing the list is to educate Manitobans about the under-maintained buildings that are historically important. MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS The Peck building at 33 Princess Street in Winnipeg is on the Manitoba Historical Society's annual list of the Top 10 endangered structures in Manitoba for 2025. The buildings are considered historically significant landmarks that face uncertain futures due to neglect, development pressures, or lack of awareness. 'An engaged community is always a better community,' said Perry. 'If people become aware and learn more about these structures, perhaps they will want to help preserve them so others can enjoy the stories that these structures tell.' Each structure in this year's edition represents a different building type that displays a different aspect of Manitoba architecture, Perry said, adding they tell stories about Manitoba's past, present, and future. The Peck Building, a six‑storey landmark on Princess Street in the Exchange District has been empty for years. Perry noted that is often the clearest sign a building's future is uncertain or in danger, as unoccupied structures miss out on day‑to‑day upkeep and become more susceptible to fire, trespassing, or simply being forgotten. Built in 1893 by architect Charles Wheeler, the Peck's first four floors exhibit Romanesque styling, complete with rounded arches, richly detailed brickwork, and decorative carved faces. Fourteen years later, John D. Atchison added two more storeys using similar materials and window alignment. St. Peter Dynevor Anglican Rectory, at 1147 Breezy Point Rd., in the RM of St. Andrews is listed as the No. 1 endangered building. Also included on the list are the Canadian National Railway turntable in Dauphin and the town hall in Hartney, southwest of Brandon. Bruce Evans, reeve of the RM of Grassland, where Hartney is located, said he is not surprised the town hall is featured. 'It's in a pretty bad state right now,' said Evans. 'The roof is suspect, and the other thing is that it was deemed to have asbestos in it.' Evans said the building hasn't been in use for several years and that there's been some chatter in the community about revamping it, but it's such a significant project that the municipality doesn't have the money for it. Last year, the society included Holy Trinity Anglican Church on Smith Street in downtown Winnipeg on the endangered list. It may have contributed to the decision by CentreVenture Development Corp. to invest in a feasibility study to revamp the iconic building. The church was built in 1883-84 without a foundation, a common practice at the time. It will cost in excess of $7 million to repair it. Wednesdays Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences. Perry said none of the buildings on this year's list faces immediate threat, but their long‑term survival depends on public attention today. She encouraged all Manitobans to pay more attention to the architecture around them and reach out to elected officials, heritage groups or simply spark conversations within their communities if they notice a potentially endangered building. 'Don't be afraid to stop and look around, and you'll appreciate what's there, because if you look a little bit closer, you'll see things that you didn't quite notice,' she said. The Winnipeg Architecture Foundation offers tours of the city's popular landmarks and structures, which are free of charge. More details on this year's Top‑10 list are available on the society's website.
The Age
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Rome's forgotten river is actually home to some of its greatest sights
4 Peek through the keyhole at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta Atop the Aventine Hill, one of Rome's magnificent seven mounts and the site of the gorgeous Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) overlooking the Tiber, is this Roman novelty. You'll probably have to queue for a glimpse, but it's worth it for the perfectly framed, almost-too-good-to-be-true view of St Peter's Basilica, flanked by poplar-like trees, that can all be enjoyed through the bronze keyhole in the huge priory door. 5 Relive the classic scene from Roman Holiday Resist, if you can, the urge to queue before Bocca della Verita, or the 'Mouth of Truth' for an obligatory photo (and definitely don't place your hand in the mouth). But do pause to admire this slightly scary-looking medieval carving as you enter the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin, distinguished by its elegant Romanesque bell tower. Film buffs will recall that Bocca della Verita features in Roman Holiday, the delightful 1953 Hollywood romantic comedy. In it Gregory Peck plays a hilarious practical joke – relating to the legend that claims that if you place your hand in the carving's mouth and tell a lie its jaws will snap shut – on his co-star, Audrey Hepburn. 6 Stroll along the quiet banks of the Tiber A great way to escape the Rome ruckus is to take a walk along the Tiber's serene banks, something few Romans do. The river's 13-metre embankments – built in the 19th century to contain the river and prevent flooding – were scrubbed of graffiti in time for this year's Papal Jubilee though doubtless it's returned. While the embankments do spare Rome from periodic flooding they also deny the city a relationship with the river akin to that of Paris and its Seine. 7 Capture the classic Tiber River scene at dusk One of the eternal images of the Eternal City is the photo opportunity that presents at dusk from Roman Emperor Hadrian's 134 AD Ponte Sant'Angelo. In the right conditions, as night begins to wrap itself around Rome like a papal cloak, feathery pink clouds can form around the orb-like dome of St Peter's Basilica, with even the capital's much maligned, all aglow, waterway picture-perfect in the rapidly fading light.
Sydney Morning Herald
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Rome's forgotten river is actually home to some of its greatest sights
4 Peek through the keyhole at Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta Atop the Aventine Hill, one of Rome's magnificent seven mounts and the site of the gorgeous Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) overlooking the Tiber, is this Roman novelty. You'll probably have to queue for a glimpse, but it's worth it for the perfectly framed, almost-too-good-to-be-true view of St Peter's Basilica, flanked by poplar-like trees, that can all be enjoyed through the bronze keyhole in the huge priory door. 5 Relive the classic scene from Roman Holiday Resist, if you can, the urge to queue before Bocca della Verita, or the 'Mouth of Truth' for an obligatory photo (and definitely don't place your hand in the mouth). But do pause to admire this slightly scary-looking medieval carving as you enter the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin, distinguished by its elegant Romanesque bell tower. Film buffs will recall that Bocca della Verita features in Roman Holiday, the delightful 1953 Hollywood romantic comedy. In it Gregory Peck plays a hilarious practical joke – relating to the legend that claims that if you place your hand in the carving's mouth and tell a lie its jaws will snap shut – on his co-star, Audrey Hepburn. 6 Stroll along the quiet banks of the Tiber A great way to escape the Rome ruckus is to take a walk along the Tiber's serene banks, something few Romans do. The river's 13-metre embankments – built in the 19th century to contain the river and prevent flooding – were scrubbed of graffiti in time for this year's Papal Jubilee though doubtless it's returned. While the embankments do spare Rome from periodic flooding they also deny the city a relationship with the river akin to that of Paris and its Seine. 7 Capture the classic Tiber River scene at dusk One of the eternal images of the Eternal City is the photo opportunity that presents at dusk from Roman Emperor Hadrian's 134 AD Ponte Sant'Angelo. In the right conditions, as night begins to wrap itself around Rome like a papal cloak, feathery pink clouds can form around the orb-like dome of St Peter's Basilica, with even the capital's much maligned, all aglow, waterway picture-perfect in the rapidly fading light.
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Pretty European city frozen in time where 'prices haven't changed in a decade'
Nestled almost two hours away from Munich and three hours from Frankfurt, Bamberg in Germany, is one of Europe's most picturesque, well-preserved, and affordable holiday hotspots. Tucked away in Upper Franconia, Germany, lies the charming town of Bamberg, a hidden gem that's a must-visit for fans of beer, Bratwurst, and affordable holiday destinations. Located nearly two hours from Munich and three hours from Frankfurt, this picturesque town boasts a UNESCO World Heritage status and is often hailed as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Nicknamed the "Franconian Rome", Bamberg is built on seven hills and is steeped in history, with an array of architectural wonders dating back to the Middle Ages. This quaint Bavarian town, home to just under 76,000 residents, seamlessly blends modern life with historic cultural treasures of global significance. As you wander through the streets, you'll discover buildings that have stood the test of time, while the town centre is filled with ornate palaces and medieval castles. History buffs will be captivated by the stunning 13th-century Bamberg Cathedral, one of Germany's most famous cathedrals, built between 1211 and 1237. This late Romanesque and early Gothic landmark is notable for being one of the only papal graves in Germany, housing the marble sarcophagus of Pope Clement II. Another unmissable attraction is St. Michael's Monastery, a Baroque church boasting a breathtaking "celestial garden" with over 578 flowers and herbs, as well as a terrace offering a panoramic view of the town. In addition to its rich history, Bamberg is also celebrated for its lively beer culture, boasting 13 breweries in the town and 60 more in the surrounding area, reports the Express. Beer enthusiasts can sample the city's famous hand-crafted brews, including the unique smoked beer, Rauchbier, available at local breweries Schlenkerla and Brauerei Spezial. Beyond its breweries, Bamberg offers a range of local culinary delicacies, such as Schäuferla, a roasted pork shoulder marinated in a meat stock and dark beer broth, served with potato dumplings and cabbage. Another standout dish is the blue sausages, Blaue Zipfel, which are boiled in a seasoned stock to create a rich, smoky flavour, typically served with sauerkraut, a pretzel, and a pint of smoked beer. Travel vlogger Wolters World recently featured Bamberg in his YouTube video, "The Best Cheap European Destinations", revealing that it's his "favourite city" to visit in Germany. He joked that prices in Bamberg have remained unchanged for the past decade, making it a budget-friendly option compared to other German cities. Visitors can explore the city's historic landmarks, such as Altenburg Castle, the Old Town Hall, and the 17th-century Neue Residenz palace, with its ornate ceilings, tapestries, and rose garden. Though it may take a few hours to reach Bamberg by train or flight, the journey is certainly worth it for those who are fans of bratwurst, beer, and history. Bamberg's captivating charm and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for tourists.
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful 'Venice of the North' city is one of Europe's most underrated cities
With thousands of tourists flocking to cities like Amsterdam and Venice, this beautiful city in Belgium, named the "Venice of the North" is one of Europe's most underrated and is far less crowded While Amsterdam and Venice are flooded with tourists, a picturesque Belgian city known as the "Venice of the North" is one of Europe's hidden gems, boasting fewer crowds and just as much charm. Situated on Belgium's northwest coast, this enchanting city offers cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, canals and a rich history, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more authentic experience. Only an hour's train ride from Brussels, Bruges has preserved its quaint, romantic atmosphere, making it a top choice for tourists seeking a less crowded alternative. The city's remarkably well-preserved medieval centre features towering buildings, rows of gabled houses, pointed arches, ornate facades, and barrel vaults seamlessly blending history with modern trends. Bruges' oldest buildings, showcasing early Romanesque and Gothic styles, are still standing, including the iconic 13th-century Belfry of Bruges bell tower. For a small fee, visitors can climb the 366 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the town and its surroundings, reports the Express. Other must-see attractions include the Museum of the Church of Our Lady, home to the world's second-tallest brick tower, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, which houses a cloth believed to be stained with the blood of Jesus. Bruges, often likened to Venice, boasts a complex network of canals linking various parts of the city. The majority of attractions are within walking distance, and those that aren't can be reached via a picturesque canal ride. Initially used for transport and commerce, these canals now play a vital role in the city's culture, offering a Venetian experience without the throngs of tourists. Another way to explore Bruges is by horse-drawn carriage. Setting off from one of the main squares, these carriages navigate the city's winding cobbled streets, crossing ancient bridges and passing through other significant squares, all while the coachman provides commentary, according to Visit Bruges. However, it's worth noting that these rides do not operate when temperatures exceed 30°C to protect the horses' welfare. Bruges also serves as a cultural and artistic hub, housing numerous world-class museums such as the Groeningemuseum and the Memling Museum, which display Flemish and Dutch art, statues, and sculptures. The city also celebrates contemporary art, hosting the Bruges Triennial every few years, where artists erect modern installations throughout the city. Renowned for producing the finest chocolate globally, Bruges boasts some of the richest chocolate in the nation. This charming city is home to numerous Belgian chocolate shops, where expert chocolatiers utilise premium ingredients like high-quality cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and fresh local dairy products to craft their exquisite chocolates, as noted by Fodor's Travel. Visitors can indulge in an array of flavours and fillings, including nuts, liqueurs, and fruits, and even explore the chocolate museum, Choco-Story Brugge, which offers a glimpse into the history of chocolate-making and hands-on workshops. For a more substantial culinary experience, Bruges' restaurants, nestled within the city's historic buildings, serve a delightful blend of Belgian and French cuisine. Be sure to try the crispy Belgian frites, or "pommes frites" which are often accompanied by an assortment of side sauces, including truffle mayonnaise, BBQ and Indian curry. Flemish Stew is another local favourite. If you prefer to avoid the summer crowds and heat, Bruges hosts one of Europe's most enchanting Christmas Markets, making it an ideal winter destination. Visitors to Bruges' historic centre have described their experience as a "fairytale" on Tripadvisor, with one reviewer noting, "The medieval architecture, with its charming gabled houses and serene canals, creates a magical atmosphere." Others have praised it as the "prettiest town in Belgium" and "a place that everybody should visit."
