Evening View of Scottish Castle

Scottish castles are buildings that combine fortifications and residence, built within the borders of modern Scotland. Castles arrived in Scotland with the introduction of feudalism in the twelfth century. Initially these were wooden motte-and-bailey constructions, but many were replaced by stone castles with a high curtain wall. During the Wars of Independence, Robert the Bruce pursued a policy of castle slighting. In the late Middle Ages new castles were built, some on a grander scale as "livery and maintenance" castles that could support a large garrison. Gunpowder weaponry led to the use of gun ports, platforms to mount guns and walls adapted to resist bombardment.

Much of this castle rebuilding was planned and financed by James Hamilton of Finnart (c. 1495–1540), in addition to his work at Blackness Castle, Rothesay Castle, the house at Crawfordjohn, the "New Inn" in the St Andrews Cathedral Priory and the lodging at Balmerino Abbey for the ailing Queen Madeleine. Rather than slavishly copying continental forms, most Scottish architecture incorporated elements of these styles into traditional local patterns, adapting them to Scottish idioms and materials. Similar themes can be seen in the private houses of aristocrats, as in Mar's Wark, Stirling (c. 1570) and Crichton Castle, built for the Earl of Bothwell in 1580s. Sources

Comments

Chrysler Building, An Art Deco Style Skyscraper, New York City

Chrysler Building, An Art Deco Style Skyscraper The Chrysler Building is an Art Deco style skyscraper in New York City, located on the east side of Manhattan in the Turtle Bay area at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue. At 1,046 feet (319 m), the structure was the world's tallest building for 11 months before it was surpassed by the Empire State Building in 1931. It is still the tallest brick building in the world, albeit with an internal steel skeleton. After the destruction of the World Trade Center, it was again the second-tallest building in New York City until December 2007, when the spire was raised on the 1,200-foot (365.8 m) Bank of America Tower, pushing the Chrysler Building into third position. In addition, The New York Times Building, which opened in 2007, is exactly level with the Chrysler Building in height. Both buildings were then pushed into 4th position, when the under construction One World Trade Center surpassed their height. Chrys...

San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Bakio, Spain

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a picturesque island located off the coast of Bakio, Spain. This tiny island is connected to the mainland by a narrow stone bridge and is home to a stunning medieval monastery that dates back to the 10th century. The island is accessible via a winding stone path that leads visitors up to the monastery, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and coastline. Along the way, visitors can ring the monastery's bell three times and make a wish, a tradition that dates back centuries. Aside from its religious significance, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is also known for its natural beauty. The island and surrounding area are part of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a protected area that is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. Visitors can take guided tours of the reserve to learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as the region's unique geology and ecology. In addition to the monastery and reserve, the nearby town of Bakio is a ...

Jacob's Well - Wimberley, Texas

Jacob's Well is a natural spring located in Wimberley, Texas. It is one of the longest underwater caves in Texas, with a depth of around 140 feet and a diameter of about four feet. The well is also known for its crystal-clear water and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular destination for visitors to the area. The well is fed by the Trinity Aquifer, which provides a constant supply of fresh, clean water. The water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom of the well, where you can see the entrance to the underwater cave system. The area around Jacob's Well is also popular for hiking and swimming. There are several trails that lead through the surrounding hills and forests, and the well itself is a great place to take a refreshing dip on a hot day. However, visitors should be aware that swimming in the well can be dangerous, as the depth and underwater cave system can pose risks to inexperienced swimmers. Overall, Jacob's Well is a unique and beautifu...

Destinations Planet

Search This Blog