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Gate at Maharaja's Palace

Maharaja’s Palace, Mysore

The Wodeyar maharajas (kings) didn’t spare any expense when they constructed this grand palace – twice. The original structure was gutted in an 1897 fire, and the current one was completed in 1912. This is the main attraction in Mysore, and for good reason. The interior is striking – bright colors, stained glass, lots of […]

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Gateway of India with Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Background

Gateway of India

This grand arch faces out to Mumbai Harbor from the tip of Apollo Bunder in Colaba, Mumbai’s southernmost district. It was built to commemorate the 1911 royal visit of King George V (although completed in 1924) and is based on the Islamic styles of 16th century Gujarat.

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Campanile-1

Campanile de San Marco

This 30m tall bell tower is visible from many points in Venice. It was constructed in 888 and, after it collapsed in 1902, was rebuilt exactly as it was. It was used as the city’s main lighthouse. Today, a lift raises visitors to the top for incredible panoramic views.

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Venice Clock-1

Torre dell’Orologio, or astrological clock

This Early Renaissance building with a gold-leafed clock was originally a showpiece for Venice. It was placed strategically so as to be visible from the lagoon to announce Venice’s wealth and beauty to visitors. The structure was built in 1496-99. Mauro Codussi designed it and the father-and-son team Gian Paolo and Gian Carlo Ranieri built […]

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Riesensaal

Imperial Court, Innsbruck, Austria

Really, Imperial Palace 2.0. In 1460, Archduke Siegmund the Rich constructed a grand Gothic-style palace that was subsequently enlarged to an even grander status by Maximilian I. When Empress Maria Theresa came along, though, all she saw was a tear-down. From 1754-73, the palace was rebuilt in Maria Theresa’s preferred Baroque style to include four […]

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Goldenes Dachl

Goldenes Dachl, Innsbruck, Austria

  The Golden Roof is actually copper, and was built in the 1490’s to shade the imperial court’s balcony, which has a full view of the square below. The balcony is adorned with replicas of Moorish dancers performing for (of course) Maximilian I, who apparently got into a hot tub time machine to include both […]

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Petit Palais Courtyard

Petit Palais

  This palatial palace, across from the Grand Palace, houses the Musée des Beaux Arts de la Ville de Paris. The collection is a bit of a hodgepodge and includes decorative arts, paintings and sculptures spanning ancient Greek and Roman times to the twentieth century. Pieces by Monet, Courbet, Delacroix, Rodin, Pisssarro and other greats […]

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Esch sur Sure Castle

Esch-sur-Sûre Castle

  This castle sits high on a hill and is protected by a sharp turn in the River Sûre, which surrounds the town and the castle on three sides, providing a natural moat. The structure is in ruins, but the 250 residents of Esch-sur-Sûre can sleep at night since there’s little risk of getting attacked. […]

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Vianden Castle

Vianden Castle

  This castle is one of the largest medieval monuments in Northern Europe and the main sight in Vianden. Construction began in the 11th century and continued for more than 300 years. When it was finally completed, the Nassau family, who had inherited Vianden, didn’t care to move in and continued to rule from afar. […]

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