Thursday, July 23, 2009
Rome: Spanish Steps
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
It all started as a competition as to how the steep hill could be urbanized to connect the square and the Trinità Church. It is common that the Piazza di Spagna is alive with people all around. It is a picturesque environment where hundreds visit each day. The steps were designed in 1717 by the little-known Francesco de Sanctis. The steps are embellished with pots that are quite an image to see in the spring time.
Keep in mind folks, that these famous Spanish Steps are not to be used for enjoying your lunch, rather they are convenient to enjoy one’s surroundings and view the beautiful Barcaccia Fountain at the base of the stairs.
By: Erica Whitehead
Banqueting House
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Being inspired by buildings in Italy, designer, Inigo Jones, decided to recreate something to their same effect in London. The Banqueting House was the exquisite result, looking like a piece of ancient Rome. It was built in 1622 and was originally a part of the great Palace of Whitehall, the sovereign’s main London residence. In 1698, a destructive fire destroyed the Palace, leaving the Banqueting House undamaged.
The Banqueting House has remarkable art by Peter Paul Rubens displayed on the ceiling. The paintings took years to complete. The building was originally intended to be used for masques, receptions, and entertainment but as soon as the ceiling was installed, the entertainment turned elsewhere because the candlelight smoke began to damage the paint. However, the Banqueting House is being used today for evening events, entertainment and other events. It can hold approximately 380 for a lunch, dinner, or banquet, while nearly 400 can enjoy a cocktail reception. What a remarkable place to experience!!
By: Erica Whitehead
By: Erica Whitehead
Fontainebleau
The commune of Fontainebleau is located about 35 miles south of Paris, and boasts the largest land area in the Ile-de-France region. It is the only commune to cover a larger land mass than Paris.
Fontainebleau is renowned for it's enormous forest which is a favorite weekend getaway for Parisians, as well as it's chateau which at one time belonged to the King's of France. The commune is also home to one of the worlds most renowned business schools, INSEAD.
Those who inhabit the commune are called Bellifontains.
From the 16th to 18th century, each and every monarch made many changes in the Palace of Fontainebleau. This included demolitions, embellishments, reconstructions and additions. While these renovations created a heterogenous character, the Palace remains a harmonious blend of styles.
