Architecture & Tradition

Architecture & Tradition ✨ Exploring the beauty of timeless architecture & cherished traditions 🌍🏛️Discover the stories behind every structure & custom 📜
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According to legend, author Mark Twain once called Alton a "dismal little river town," largely thanks to the dark history that the city had already endured prior to its heyday as a thriving river port. From those days, through the early 1900s, Alton saw more than its share of death, disease, disaster, violence, murder and even the scars of the Civil War. Now, come see how the events of the past ha

ve created the hauntings of what is now being called "one of the most haunted small towns in America." The Alton Hauntings Tour is an entertaining, often spine-tingling trip back into the history and hauntings of the city. Called the "most authentic" in the region, the tour was personally created by author Troy Taylor and based on his book, Haunted Alton!

Montmartre, Paris 🇫🇷
01/08/2025

Montmartre, Paris 🇫🇷

First held in 1434, the Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world.
01/08/2025

First held in 1434, the Striezelmarkt in Dresden is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world.

This charming snow-covered street in Boston, Massachusetts, captures the timeless beauty of winter in New England. The r...
01/08/2025

This charming snow-covered street in Boston, Massachusetts, captures the timeless beauty of winter in New England. The red brick townhouses, adorned with festive wreaths, radiate warmth amidst the falling snow. Gas-lit lanterns evoke a sense of nostalgia, illuminating the cobblestone pathway that leads into a serene and picturesque neighborhood. A true embodiment of Boston’s historic charm wrapped in a winter wonderland.

The Burgos Cathedral in Spain is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, renowned for its intricate spires and ornate faça...
01/08/2025

The Burgos Cathedral in Spain is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, renowned for its intricate spires and ornate façade. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning cathedral has stood since 1221, showcasing centuries of artistic and architectural evolution. Its grandeur and detailed carvings captivate visitors, making it a symbol of Burgos’ rich cultural and historical heritage.

Riga, Latvia 🇱🇻📸:
01/08/2025

Riga, Latvia 🇱🇻
📸:

THE  serene beauty of Riga, Latvia, blanketed in a layer of soft snow. The city's iconic skyline, dominated by the tower...
01/08/2025

THE serene beauty of Riga, Latvia, blanketed in a layer of soft snow. The city's iconic skyline, dominated by the towering Riga Cathedral, gleams with golden lights that contrast beautifully against the deep blue of the evening sky. The reflections on the Daugava River add a magical touch, as the historic buildings with their colorful facades create a postcard-perfect winter scene. Riga's timeless charm, with its cobblestone streets and Gothic spires, is accentuated in the stillness of the snowy evening, offering a glimpse into a city where history and beauty converge.

Jakub Schikaneder's "A Street in Winter" (1905) captures the haunting beauty of a quiet, snow-covered street. The dim gl...
01/08/2025

Jakub Schikaneder's "A Street in Winter" (1905) captures the haunting beauty of a quiet, snow-covered street. The dim glow of gas lamps casts a warm, golden light on the icy path, accentuating the solitude of a lone figure wrapped against the chill. The Gothic architecture looms with an air of mystery, its darkened windows hinting at lives unseen. Schikaneder masterfully evokes the melancholic stillness of winter, blending shadow and light to create an atmosphere both eerie and enchanting. This painting speaks of a time paused, where the silence of the snow amplifies the introspection of the soul.

THE Iconic Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, majestically perched atop Castle Rock as it dominates the city skyline. The gol...
01/08/2025

THE Iconic Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, majestically perched atop Castle Rock as it dominates the city skyline. The golden hues of sunset cast a warm glow over the historic stone fortress, highlighting its weathered walls and centuries-old towers. The cobblestone street leading to the castle is lined with traditional stone buildings, lamp posts, and bare trees, evoking a sense of timeless charm. A symbol of Scottish heritage and resilience, Edinburgh Castle serves as both a powerful landmark and a window into the rich history of Scotland.

THE majestic Cologne Cathedral in Germany cloaked in a pristine layer of snow. Against a soft blue winter sky, the twin ...
01/08/2025

THE majestic Cologne Cathedral in Germany cloaked in a pristine layer of snow. Against a soft blue winter sky, the twin spires rise dramatically, showcasing the intricate Gothic architecture that has made this landmark a symbol of Cologne for centuries. The surrounding cityscape, also blanketed in snow, offers a tranquil contrast to the towering grandeur of the cathedral. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cologne Cathedral is a testament to human artistry and devotion, standing resilient through time and seasons.

Can we start building churches like this again?
01/08/2025

Can we start building churches like this again?

This magical scene showcases the heart of Timișoara, Romania, during a festive evening. The vibrant Christmas market is ...
01/07/2025

This magical scene showcases the heart of Timișoara, Romania, during a festive evening. The vibrant Christmas market is adorned with sparkling lights that cascade like a star over the central square. The imposing Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral stands illuminated in the background, its intricate details glowing warmly against the twilight sky. The Ferris wheel and bustling stalls add a touch of modern festivity to this historical city, creating a perfect blend of tradition and celebration.

This breathtaking image captures the iconic silhouette of the Church of Our Lady before Týn in Prague, Czech Republic, d...
01/07/2025

This breathtaking image captures the iconic silhouette of the Church of Our Lady before Týn in Prague, Czech Republic, during a stunning orange-hued sunrise. Its Gothic spires rise dramatically above the city, evoking a sense of mystery and history. A timeless symbol of Prague's charm, the church stands as a testament to medieval artistry and architectural brilliance.

Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, known as "The Ship of the Fens." It...
01/07/2025

Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, known as "The Ship of the Fens." Its blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles features soaring arches, intricate painted ceilings, and vibrant stained glass. A beacon of history and spirituality, it remains a cultural and architectural treasure.

📍Switzerland 📸: Aventouro/Juerg Hostettler
01/07/2025

📍Switzerland
📸: Aventouro/Juerg Hostettler

Dresden, Germany, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Dresden, often referred to a...
01/07/2025

Dresden, Germany, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Dresden, often referred to as the "Jewel Box" of Europe, is a treasure trove of baroque and rococo art and design.

At the heart of the photos is the iconic Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), a symbol of resilience and rebirth, reconstructed after its destruction during World War II. Its elegant dome and intricate façade stand proudly amidst a backdrop of historic landmarks like the Semper Opera House, the Zwinger Palace, and the Academy of Fine Arts, which add to Dresden's charm. The golden angel atop the dome gleams as a beacon of the city’s spirit.

This breathtaking image captures the Seealpsee Lake, nestled within the Appenzell Alps in Switzerland. Surrounded by dra...
01/07/2025

This breathtaking image captures the Seealpsee Lake, nestled within the Appenzell Alps in Switzerland. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and lush green meadows, this alpine gem reflects the serene beauty of nature. Accessible by winding trails, the lake's tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings make it a haven for hikers and nature lovers seeking an escape into untouched landscapes.

Rovinj, Croatia 🇭🇷. Nestled along the Adriatic Sea, this picturesque gem is renowned for its vibrant terracotta rooftops...
01/07/2025

Rovinj, Croatia 🇭🇷. Nestled along the Adriatic Sea, this picturesque gem is renowned for its vibrant terracotta rooftops, cobblestone streets, and the towering St. Euphemia's Basilica that crowns the hilltop. At twilight, the harbor's shimmering waters reflect the town's golden lights, creating a magical Mediterranean ambiance.

What’s the most disappointing destination you’ve ever visited?
01/07/2025

What’s the most disappointing destination you’ve ever visited?

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Alton Hauntings Tours

According to legend, author Mark Twain once called Alton a "dismal little river town," largely thanks to the dark history that the city had already endured prior to its heyday as a thriving river port. From those days, through the early 1900s, Alton saw more than its share of death, disease, disaster, violence, murder and even the scars of the Civil War. Now, come see how the events of the past have created the hauntings of what is now being called "one of the most haunted small towns in America." The Alton Hauntings Tour is an entertaining, often spine-tingling trip back into the history and hauntings of the city. Called the "most authentic" in the region, the tour was personally created by author Troy Taylor and based on his book, Haunted Alton! We offer our History and Hauntings Walking Tours in the spring, summer and fall * Autumn season bus tours * Autumn season Dinner and Spirits Walking Tours * and Ghosts of the River Road Dinner Tours with Troy Taylor all year around! Check out the schedule on our home page at http://altonhauntings.com