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The essence of a country and culture mainly lies in its architecture. If you’re from an architecture-loving country and miss being around the gorgeous monuments and buildings, here is a shortlist of countries that will help you find some famous cultured buildings and the reason for their locations:
Granada (Spain) – Moorish Architecture
Spain is known for its beautiful Mediterranean Beaches, Cathedrals, and football (soccer) teams. But did you know that you can find Moorish, a variant of Islamic architecture in Southern Spain? Spanish architecture comprises the combination of Moorish and Gothic cultured buildings that everyone marvels at. The Moorish culture, from Northern Africa, reached Spain as the Moors invaded the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) in around the 700s. Although mosques are the most common examples of Moorish and Islamic buildings, motifs or etches of similar types can be seen on houses and offices. The most famous examples of Moorish architecture are the Mezquita or Grand Mosque of Cordoba and the Alhambra Palace.
Durban (South Africa) – Indian Temples
South Africa is rich in natural beauty and animals. However, cultural diversity is one of the main aspects that attract tourists from all over the world. Durban is also called ‘mini India’ due to its influential Indian population. In 1860, indentured laborers from India were introduced to the British colony on the coast of Durban. This was followed by a number of immigrants from the subcontinent forming the largest Indian community outside their country. The elegant Hindu temples and sculptures are moreover of the South Indian style and symbolize peace and respect. The most famous temples include the Durban Hindu Temple and the Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple.
England – Cathedrals of France
From the very beginning, other European cultures have been prominent in England. Gothic cathedrals and churches are religious buildings created in Europe between 1200 and 1600. The cathedrals are well known particularly for their great height and their extensive use of stained glass to fill the interiors with light. The Gothic style is known to have first appeared in France which quickly spread throughout England and consequently simply branched as ‘The French Style’. The English Gothic Cathedrals emphasize the length of the buildings rather than their height, whereas the French ones tend to be taller. The most gorgeous and beautiful French Gothic cultured cathedral found in England is the Canterbury Cathedral.
A pattern that seems to be prominent is that a different culture in a region mostly came in with colonization or neighboring influence. Like every coin has two faces, every event in history has its own pros and cons. And one of the pros related to foreign invasion is the spread of culture that makes a country or empire rich in its heritage.
