Just outside Howick, some 56 miles south of Durban, South Africa, on the R102 highway, Nelson Mandela was put in handcuffs and led away to be incarcerated for the next 27 years on Robben Island. It was August 1962, and after his arrest by apartheid security forces, Mandela was charged with treason and sentenced to life imprisonment.
After a campaign to free him went worldwide, he became a symbol of the fight for equality in South Africa. After his release he led his country as President, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and became an international statesman welcomed around the world. He died in 2013, aged 95, and his birthday, 18 July, is now internationally celebrated as ‘Mandela Day’.
It was back at that spot where his arrest took place, between farmland that once was roamed by the Zulus, that Mandela was honoured by the unveiling of this striking sculpture on 5 August, 2012, exactly 50 years later. Created by Marco Cianfanelli, the work is made from 50 steel charcoal columns that create Mandela’s head when viewed from a certain angle.
“The front of the sculpture is a portrait of Mandela, it has vertical bars which represent his imprisonment,” said Cianfanelli. “When you walk through the structure it’s radiates like a burst of light, which symbolises the political uprising of many people and solidarity.”
The unveiling was attended by the current premier Jacob Zuma, and his hope is that the site could become part of a political tourist trail for those exploring the country, and that South Africans cherish it as a heritage site. Nearby are Howick Falls, where the Umgemi River falls over 300 feet on its way to the Indian Ocean, and Howick honoured Mandela with “The Freedom of Howick” back in 1996. An older plaque marking Mandela’s imprisonment stands opposite the sculpture.
Whether or not it moves onto the tourist trail, the sculpture itself will hope to maintain the memory of one of the world’s most inspiring political figures of the last century well into this one – and the next.
Nelson Mandela sculpture, R102 highway outside Howick, located on the N3 freeway, around an hour’s drive south of Durban.
Latvian legend tells of the Castle of Light, which represents the height of wisdom, and the Glass Mountain, in which a damsel waited for a knight to save her. With its glass cladding and transparent lantern forming its apex, the new National Library of the Baltic nation evokes those legends while standing as a beacon on Riga’s skyline.
Founded in 1919, the National Library of Latvia has made use of some 30 buildings in its history. Prior to the completion of this project, its collections were spread across six separate buildings, including one repository. The new library, at nearly 600,000 square feet, represents the realization of a consolidation first proposed in the late 1920s.
Anchoring the “new” section of the 800-year-old city, the library is a major cultural center firmly rooted in the 21st century. Situated at the terminus of a bridge spanning the River Daugava, it was envisioned by the design team as a place to store, preserve, and make accessible the country’s cultural heritage. To that end, it is supported by state-of-the-art technology that allows for easy digitization and safe storage.
With the exception of the curtain wall, the library was largely constructed with local materials. Offices are arrayed along the south elevation and protected by sunscreens, while north-facing reading rooms are bathed in natural light.
The library’s form dovetails with functionality by accommodating the various collections areas. Presented in vertical arrays in appropriately sized spaces, they all connect to the central stack core. A full wall display of books donated by Latvians as a symbolic gesture soars through the atrium and teases the massive adjacent stack area. The atrium itself, with its central stair, provides connectivity to all the public levels and serves as a unifying element that illustrates the library’s logical organization and circulation.
A GIANT BUDDHA PERCHES ATOP a colorful pedestal at Kande Viharaya, an 18th-century hilltop temple. Sitting cross-legged, he stares straight ahead over the walkway, his expression empty. At 160 feet tall, he’s one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues in the world.
The massive statue has been successful at drawing more locals to the historic temple since it was unveiled in 2007. It’s an eye-catching sight, one you’re sure to notice from a distance. However, the amazing Kande Viharaya has far more to offer than just its signature statue.
Since it was founded in 1734, the temple has been an important site for Sri Lankan buddhism. Though it has changed throughout the centuries, thanks to new additions and necessary maintenance, it hasn’t strayed too far from its original basis. As such, the government officially recognizes it as an archaeological site.
Step inside the temple and you’ll discover it houses a library, museum, and figures of Sri Lanka’s past kings. You’ll of course find more statues of Buddha, though they’re obviously much smaller than the one that greets visitors. There’s also Bodhi Tree, thought to be more than 300 years old, and a beautiful stone moonstone, a classic feature of architecture first seen in Sri Lanka’s Anuradhapura Kingdom.
The Tallinn TV tower is the tallest structure in Estonia, standing proudly in the skyline as a banner of the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics.
Construction of the giant tower began in 1975 in order to provide a higher quality broadcast for viewers of the 1980 Olympics, and was completed just in time for the games. A total of 32 construction companies took part in building its three main components: the 625-foot (190-meter) reinforced concrete trunk, the 400-foot (124-meter) steel antenna, and a support structure wrapping around the perimeter, 50 stories straight up.
More than 17,500 tons of a specialized concrete mixture, developed by the Tallinn Polytechnic Institute, and 235 miles (380 kilometers) of reinforcement rods make up the tower and secure it safely. It’s located just northeast of Tallinn, Estonia’s capital and largest city.
The dizzying viewing tower is open to the public, and provides visitors with a 360-degree view of Estonia’s Muuga forests, metropolitan Tallinn, and the coast of the Gulf of Finland. The observation deck provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about Estonia’s history and famous landmarks, and brave souls can opt to step out onto the edge of the tower in a harness. If you’d rather skip the strapping in, at 575 feet (175 meters) above the ground, even from behind windows the view will take your breath away.
As its name implies, The Dragon Bridge with the shape of the dragon is 666m long, 37.5m wide across the Han River. With a cost of nearly VND 1.5 trillion ($88m), it offers six lanes for traffic and first opened on March 29, 2013, to celebrate the 38th anniversary of Da Nang’s liberation. As you might or might not know, the design of Dragon Bridge is associated with the history of new architectural art in Da Nang. It is acquired from a competition among famous architects to bring the most exclusive design for the bridge. Two architects from the US with the design of a flying dragon has won the competition.
The Distinct Structure of Dragon Bridge
Not only is the bridge with one of a kind architecture in Vietnam but Dragon Bridge also is the arterial road of the city that provides the shortest road from Danang International Airport to other main roads in the city. Dragon Bridge, with the shape modeling a majestic dragon of the Ly Dynasty flying to the East Sea, is one of the most iconic architectures in Danang.
Dragon’s tail is stylized with the design of a blooming lotus flower, the traditional flower of the idyllic Vietnamese countryside. The undulating dragon’s body reaching the sea shows the ambition of Danang to integrate with friends all around the world. In terms of stability, 5 coating layers will prevent the bridge from corrosion and impacts of weather as well as bring the eye-catching golden color for the bridge.
Events at Dragon Bridge
Night is the best time to see Dragon Bridge. Featuring 15.000 LED lights, it turns into a real dragon with a dazzling light effect. Moreover, Dragon Bridge attracts many visitors with several events and performances at night.
Fire and water performance
To all Danang visitors, along with learning about the Dragon Bridge history, watching the fire-breathing performance of Dragon Bridge is one of the most exciting moments. Fortunately, you can easily witness fantastic performances during the weekend without paying a penny. Regularly, at 9 o’clock on Saturday and Sunday nights, Dragon Bridge will provide residents and tourists with fantastic fire and water performance.
The first performance is a fire-breathing show that comes in 2 turns with 9 times of fire each wave. You will be amazed by the dazzling lights combining with the fire that comes out from the dragon’s head. Many tourists love the second show, which is a much shorter water performance than the former one. It includes 3 turns but only 1 time of water per turn.
The best place to enjoy the performance
On the bridge: When the show starts, vehicles are not allowed to pass the bridge. Since then, you can enjoy the performance right on the bridge. However, you should stay away from the dragon’s head, or else you might get wet during the water-breathing show.
Under the bridge (Tran Hung Dao Street): Tran Hung Dao street crosses the Dragon Bridge right under the dragon’s head. Thus, it is the best place to enjoy the performance. Moreover, you can enjoy drinks at many sidewalk bars along the street.
From Bach Dang Street: Bach Dang Street is located at the end of the bridge. From here, you can enjoy both the performance and the poetic beauty of the Han River. However, you should get to the second floor of some cafe shops that have a balcony for a better view.
From high above: A more exciting place to see the performance is from the top of many buildings near the bridge. You can enjoy the performance and the dazzling Danang night.
From other bridges: Danang is the city of famous bridges such as Han Bridge or Tran Thi Ly Bridge. Since they are paralleling with the Dragon Bridge, you can see the water and fire performance from both two bridges.
Danang International Firework Festival (DIFF)
Danang is a destination of not only beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and delicious traditional food but also famous international events such as Danang International Firework Festival (DIFF). Once a year, many fireworks competitors from all around the world will gather in this coastal city to attend the biggest firework competition of the year. Since the firework performances will take place in the Han River, Dragon Bridge is one of the best places to enjoy the firework for free.
Unfortunately, if you want to enjoy both the performance and the music fully, you should arrive soon before the show begins as there will be a massive crowd on the bridge.
How to get to Dragon Bridge
The point of departure: Hoi An
You can choose to take a bus to Dragon Bridge during day time. It is an affordable and convenient way to travel since the ticket is only VND 20,000 per person. Plus, there will be a bus every 20 minutes to take you from Hoi An to Danang. If you want to ride a motorbike to Dragon Bridge, go along the An Bang highway. Then take a left turn at the roundabout where you will see the “Thanh Hien” seafood restaurant. Go along the Vo Van Kiet Street and you will see our dragon.
The point of departure: Danang
If your hotel is near My Khe beach, reach Vo Nguyen Giap Street and take the left turn to Vo Van Kiet Street. Go ahead, and you will see the bridge. You can also reach the bridge by heading to Tran Phu Street and take the left turn.
Khaju Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in Iran. As well as being a bridge and weir, this bridge functions as a building and a place for public meetings. It is decorated with paintings and tile works. It is a thorough sample of Persian architecture. After 350 years of being constructed, the bridge is still working. It functions as a recreation center aiming at social interactions and cultural exchange.
Construction
Pole Khaju or Kahju Bridge is the finest bridge in Isfahan. This bridge was built in order of Shah Abbas II, the Persian Safavid King, in 1650.
Amazing Feature
Besides functioning as a bridge and a weir, it also functions as a building and a place for public meetings. This bridge is decorated with artistic tilework and fabulous paintings. There is a pavilion in the center of the structure that Shah Abbas (King Abbas) has once sat on and admired the view. Although, the only remnant of the king’s chair is a stone seat.
Architecture
It is one of the true examples of Persian architecture and shows the Safavid cultural influence in Iran. As Upham Pope puts it:
The culminating monument of Persian bridge architecture and one of the most interesting bridges extant…where the whole has rhythm and dignity and combines in the happiest consistency, utility, beauty, and recreation.
It has 23 arches with a length of 133 meters and a width of 12 meters. The bridge passway is 7.5 meters wide and this two-storey bridge is made of bricks and stones. It is good to mention that it has 21 larger and 26 smaller inlet and outlet channels. Notably, the stone pieces used in the bridge are 2 meters long. They repaired the bridge in 1873.
Bridge Usage
Due to sluice gates under the archways over the river, it regulates the water flow in the river. When the sluice gates are closed, the water level rises, so it facilitates the irrigation of many gardens along the river. Notably, the lower level of the bridge is accessible for pedestrians and is a suitable shady place for relaxing.
Air Circulation
The pedestrian level of the bridge makes a vaulted space within arches that make it a microclimatic condition. So that weather flows and produces a cool climatic condition.
The stepped cascade for enhancing the effectiveness of the flood control is on the western side of the bridge. People also gathered there together to do their laundry or meet with each other due to the coolness of the flowing water.
The Bridge Beauties
Today original paintings and beautiful tile work are available on the bridge. Additionally, the bridge is still working, although it’s been 350 years after its construction. It functions as a recreation center, social exchange, and culture.
The amazing arches inside the bridge catch everyone’s attention right at first sight, especially at nights when they are decorated with luminous lights.
The realization of the technical building facilities within the scope of the architecture led to a planning model with five thematic blocks: Hall, Premiere, Forum, Gastronomy
Hall
A low-tech concept optimized ecologically using high-tech methods
The technical solution here is based on previous experience with large halls. All of the necessary features were realized successfully according to a low-tech concept. The interrelations of daylight and artificial light with ambient climate and acoustics influence people’s feeling of well-being in the Hall. The concept for the technological building systems takes up these relationships and integrates them in an interdependent manner, adapting their range of influence by modifying their dimensions or building in appropriate control mechanisms. A major goal in designing the systems was to save energy. This aim is achieved by minimizing the mechanical apparatus for ventilation, heating and cooling. The gigantic Hall is thus conceived as a solar-heated, naturally ventilated sub-climatic area, a multifunctional space that does not follow the otherwise customary requirements for heating and ventilation.
A natural air supply is generated by thermal currents, wind pressure and turbulences when air accumulates in the area of the facade and roof projection. Air intake and outflow take place through automatically controlled vents. The “natural aeration” system provides sufficient fresh air to the Hall.
The Hall’s roof system has special significance for the complex made up of heat, cold and air. A 3D simulation of thermal currents and air streams was conducted in order to investigate the spread of exhaust fumes from the cars driven on the Premiere level. Iterative calculations were then carried out to optimize the arrangement of air intake and outflow vents for natural air exchange in such a way that it was possible to remain below the permitted threshold value of around ten percent.
Premiere
Exhaust gas diffusion prevented through negative pressure
The key task of the new BMW Welt is to deliver cars – in the Premiere section – with all concepts geared toward enhancing the experience of delivery. Because of the exhaust gases that this task involves, special considerations and calculations had to be made in terms of the ventilation plan, since the Premiere is open to the Hall – the major space in this world of experience. Beyond merely fine-tuning the volume of air intake and outflow currents, it was also important to extract the exhaust fumes directly and pump in fresh air. Planning here was based on an assumed turnover of 40 cars per hour, or 250 cars per day.
Forum
A room-in-a-room for maximum flexibility
The Forum is a separate event area for up to 1,200 persons, equipped to meet all the specifications for a full-fledged theater or conference room.
The ventilation technology fulfills the high demands on comfort and soundproofing placed on such a sensitive area when it is situated in the middle of other function areas. The technical facilities for this special area were conceived independently, including a plan for integrating them into the architecture. Air is supplied laterally via air jets and is extracted through the ceiling as exhaust air. Based on the number of people in the room, infinite adjustment of the required air volume is possible.
Tower
Island solutions place high demands on building systems to ensure well-being
The technical equipment discreetly supports the gastronomic functions. In places where guests spend longer periods of time, air sources are placed near the floor. In order to ensure pleasant air quality even near the glass facades, the vertical facade support profiles are heated to prevent the cold downdrafts typical for this kind of construction.
Double Cone
An event space offering all the options of a public assembly place
The Double Cone is used as an exhibition space and for special events. Air is brought in by means of a low-induction system along the base of the facade and streams into the roof through the opening at the top of the cone. Floor air conditioning and air circulation coolers in the wall and floor areas ensure the necessary comfort level. In the in-between seasons, natural ventilation via facade shutters is used. The structural design of BMW Welt represents a special challenge when determining how to conduct supply lines. Because of the vast support-free space, which is borne by only 11 columns plus the elevator shafts, the supply cross-sections for the Lounge floors and the Tower had to be integrated into the few supporting core cross-sections. This situation necessitated close coordination at a very early project phase between those responsible for structural engineering, the routing of facility services and building technology.
Brest Fortress, one of the most important places in Belarus, dates back to the 19th century and became a key symbol of Soviet resistance in World War 2
History of Brest Fortress
Brest Fortress was built in the 1830s-early 1840s at the meeting-point of the rivers Bug and Mukhavyets.
During construction, the entire town was relocated to a new position 2km away.
St Nicolas Church was built in 1851-1876. Much of it was severely damaged during World War 2.
The site occupies more than four square km, although many of the outer defences were damaged or destroyed during the wars of the 20th century.
There is a citadel at the centre of the fortress, linked to three artificial island fortifications by bridgeheads:
Kobrin fortification (north-eastern side)
Terespol fortification (western island)
Volyn fortification (south-eastern island)
The fortress was captured by the German army in 1915 and after World War 1 remained within Polish territory. In 1930 it became infamous as a prison in Poland in the aftermath of the Brest Elections.
In 1939 Brest Fortress was assigned to the Soviet Union. It earned the title of Hero Fortress for the courage demonstrated by Soviet soldiers when they fought against the German army in 1941. Whilst the Nazis took the town of Brest – 90% of which was destroyed in the fighting – the two regiments garrisoned inside the fortress held out.
For the people of Belarus, Brest Fortress remains a famous symbol of the Soviet resistance during World war 2.
Brest Fortress today
Brest Fortress is one of the most important places to see in Belarus and by far the largest tourist attraction in Brest.
The fortress was not rebuilt at the end of the war, but instead became a shrine to the terrible and heroic events that took place there.
The entry of the fortress represents a huge star cut into a concrete block. The radio announcer informs about the invasion of the German army.
As you walk up to the centre of the fortress you see “Thirst”, a large monument depicting an injured soldier trying to get some water from the river. The monument reflects the bravery of the last remaining soldiers who defended the Fortress for many days without food or water.
The main part of the memorial is the Square of Ceremonies, leading to the Museum of the Defence of Brest fortress and the ruins of the White Palace.
The Bayonet Obelisk, 100m high, can be seen from any part of the fortress, and is linked to the main Courage monumentby 3 rows of tombstones. Only 216 of the 850 defenders who died here are known.
The Courage monument stands 33.5m high and tells the story of the heroic defence of the fortress through a series of carvings. There is an eternal flame which is guarded by 4 teenagers from the Pioneers Corps.
There is an Eternal Fire in front of the remnants of the former engineering department.
Further in to the Fortress you will find the iconic Kholmsky Gate, with its bullet-riddled walls.
Mount Rushmore depicts the faces of four former U.S. Presidents (from left to right):
George Washington, first president
Thomas Jefferson, third president
Theodore Roosevelt, twenty-sixth president
Abraham Lincoln, sixteenth president
The four, 60-foot granite faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial draw more than three million visitors each year, and that’s just for each head!
The first blast on the mountain occurred in 1927. Under the direction of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, 400 workers labored through hot summers and cold winters to create the sculpture, nearly 500 feet up the side of the mountain. More than 90 percent of the mountain was carved using dynamite. The fine details of the faces were achieved with a jackhammer. Operators hung from the top of the mountain in bosun chairs held by steel cables. Despite the dangerous work, during the 14 years of construction, not a single person died. The memorial was officially declared complete on October 31, 1941.
However, Gutzon Borglum’s vision was not totally completed – original plans included head-to-waist depictions of the presidents. When Borglum died suddenly in July 1941, his son, Lincoln, tried to continue his father’s work, but funding ran out as America entered World War II. Visitors wanting to see a model of Borglum’s original dream can view it at the Sculptor’s Studio located at the Memorial.
Another part of Borglum’s grand vision was for a Hall of Records to be carved into the canyon behind the faces. Borglum envisioned a majestic room that held important documents like the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Borglum started blasting the hall, but never finished it.
On August 9, 1998, Borglum’s Hall of Records was somewhat completed when a repository was placed in the floor of the hall entry. Inside a titanium vault are sixteen porcelain enamel panels inscribed with the story of Mount Rushmore, the reasons for selecting the four presidents and a short history of the United States. The Hall of Records is not accessible to visitors, but is left as a record for people thousands of years from now.
The museum stems back from 1906. The creators of this unique open air museum were Teodora and Izydor Gulgowski, who first in Poland started this concept.
They bought a peasant cottage and they gathered the typical household and farm, and a valuable collection of gold-embroidered traditional hats (czepiec), paintings on glass and ceramics.
At this moment open air museum is situated on 22 ha area and is situated at the Lake Gołuń. It consists of 45 objects: cottages, manor houses, school, blacksmith shop, windmills, church, farm buildings and workshops.
They present the richness and diversity of rural architecture from the period from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. The interior consists of authentic furniture, and other household elements.
Kashubian region is called Szwajcaria Kaszubska (Kashubian Switzerland) thanks to the local hills and lakes. Kashubia region is famous for its amazing nature, landscapes and historic sights such as castles, churches, monasteries.
Between the World Wars Kashubia was part of Poland. For coenturies the border – Teutonic, Prussian, or German – ran not far from here, but this land was Polish. Due to dense forests and deep waters the Kashubes lived here in isolation, preserved their culture, language and customs.
Nowadays there is half-a million of Kashubians and their language is a recognized language, not only the words differ but also spelling and phonetics. When in Kashubian region you can spot everywhere the names of places written in two languages: Polish and Kashubian.
In 1939 Brest Fortress was assigned to the Soviet Union. It earned the title of Hero Fortress for the courage demonstrated by Soviet soldiers when they fought against the German army in 1941. Whilst the Nazis took the town of Brest – 90% of which was destroyed in the fighting – the two regiments garrisoned inside the fortress held out.
Unlimited Travelers Corp 