Las Setas of Seville – A modern artistic structure in a historical city

A street level view at night of Las Setas, located on the La Encarnación square in Seville, Andalusia, Spain

Whether you love it or hate it, this unique and futuristic-looking structure, popularly known as Las Setas of Seville, stands in stark contrast to the rest of Seville that prides itself on world-famous historical monuments. Because it resembles mushrooms, it got its name Las Setas, which means ‘The Mushrooms’ in Spanish. However, it is officially … Read more

Aihole Durga Temple: A Unique Fusion of Architectural Styles

West side view of the Durga Temple in Aihole, Karnataka, India

A masterpiece of Chalukya temple architecture Undoubtedly, the Durga Temple at Aihole is an architectural masterpiece and a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the Badami Chalukyas. With its unusual shape and structure, it stands out from the rest of the temples in this area. It could even be mistaken for a Greek … Read more

Prambanan Bas-Reliefs

Ramayana Bas-Relief - Rama, Sita and Lakshmana leaving Ayodhya for exile

Exquisitely carved bas-reliefs Prambanan is a massive Hindu temple complex (also known as Rara Jonggrang complex) located 11 miles northeast of Yogyakarta in Indonesia. Built around 900 CE, this complex contains multiple temples dedicated to Hindu gods and goddesses. Carved into the walls of these temples are the beautiful bas-reliefs that depict scenes narrated in … Read more

La Giralda: A harmonious blend of Moorish and Renaissance architectural styles

A view of the Seville Cathedral from Las Setas of Seville, Spain

The magnificent campanile of the Seville Cathedral When you look at the Giralda, it is hard to imagine that it is a product of two entirely different cultures. The lower half is part of the minaret built in the 13th century by the Almohads – a Moorish dynasty originated from North Africa. The upper half … Read more

Sacristía Mayor: The Main Sacristy of the Seville Cathedral

Custodia de Arfe in the Sacristía Mayor of the Seville Cathedral

A Magnificent Building that Houses Valuable Art Treasures Attached to the south side of the Seville Cathedral, the Sacristía Mayor (Main Sacristy) is a Greek cross-shaped building crowned by a circular dome at the crossing. Surmounting the dome is a beautiful roof lantern built to provide daylight to the hall below. The work on this … Read more

Sala Capitular: The Chapter House of the Seville Cathedral

South section of the dome of the Chapter House attached to the Seville Cathedral, Andalusia, Spain

A Magnificent Building Unique in Design and Rich in Decoration No visit to the Seville Cathedral is complete without seeing to the incredibly beautiful Sala Capitular (Chapter House), an ellipse-shaped hall attached to the southeast corner of the building. It is a highly ornate hall crowned by a magnificent dome that is elliptical in shape … Read more

Kappe Chennigaraya Temple

North facade of the Kappe Chennigaraya Temple, situated inside the Belur Chennakeshava Temple complex in Karnataka, India

Kappe Chennigaraya is a smaller temple situated in the south side of the Belur Chennakeshava Temple complex in Karnataka, India. Commissioned by Shantala Devi, the pattada rani (principal queen consort) of King Vishnuvardana, the builder of the main Chennakeshava Temple, the construction of the Kappe Chennigaraya Temple began at the same time as the main … Read more

Cave 4 at Badami: A Journey into Jain Heritage

Sculptural relief of Bāhubali in Cave - 4, the fourth of the rock-cut caves of Badami, Karnataka, India

Discover Badami Cave 4, the smallest and the only Jain basadi among the Badami cave temples, and a remarkable testament to Jain faith, art, and philosophy. Dedicated to Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, the cave features exquisite sculptures of Mahavira, Adinatha, Parshvanatha, and Bahubali, along with elegant pillars and beautifully decorated ceilings. The presence of a Jain basadi alongside Hindu cave temples reflects the peaceful coexistence of different religious traditions in ancient India and the spirit of religious tolerance that flourished under the Early Chalukyas.

Cave 1 at Badami: Exploring the World of Shiva

Nataraja panel showing Shiva performing the cosmic dance, carved into the right side extension of Cave 1, the first of the four of rock-cut caves of Badami, Karnataka, India

Explore Badami Cave 1, the oldest of the famous Badami Caves and a masterpiece of Early Chalukya rock-cut architecture. Dedicated to Shiva, the cave features magnificent sculptures of Nataraja, Harihara, Ardhanarishvara, and other Hindu deities, offering a fascinating introduction to one of India’s greatest cave temple complexes.

Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Navaranga

Main entrance and the facade on the east side of the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, Karnataka, India

Located in Belur, about 137 miles west of Bangalore in Karnataka, India, the Chennakeshava Temple is an architectural masterpiece and engineering marvel. Dedicated to Vishnu, it is one of the most beautiful temples in India, and with its unique style and features, it stands out from all the rest. Built by the Hoysalas in the … Read more

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