Tag: urban sketching

Drawing of a violin at the Cremona Violin Museum

Cremona Travel Guide – What To Do And See In Italy’s Historic Violin Capital

November 2, 2021

With its terracotta rooftops, pale yellow and red brick buildings, and grand medieval towers, Cremona in the northern Italian region of Lombardy is one of Italy’s underappreciated gems. The grand Cathedral of Cremona and the Torrazzo tower are some of the most impressive sights in the city, and its cultural heritage and history of violin … More Cremona Travel Guide – What To Do And See In Italy’s Historic Violin Capital

Drawing of Cremona town hall Palazzo del Comune

Cremona’s Medieval Town Hall, The Palazzo Del Comune

October 26, 2021

Situated in the heart of the Italian city of Cremona, the Cremona Town Hall (Palazzo del Comune) is one of the city’s most impressive medieval buildings. The building is located on the Piazza del Comune, just opposite the Cremona Cathedral. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if … More Cremona’s Medieval Town Hall, The Palazzo Del Comune

Drawing of Amsterdamse Poort city gate in Haarlem

Amsterdamse Poort – Haarlem’s Last Surviving City Gate

October 5, 2021

The Dutch city of Haarlem, capital of the North Holland province, is a historic city filled with reminders of its medieval and Dutch Golden Age Roots. Its grand Gothic cathedral, the St. Bavokerk, is the centrepiece of the city, and the windmill Molen de Adriaan and the Haarlem Cathedral are also impressive buildings of the … More Amsterdamse Poort – Haarlem’s Last Surviving City Gate

Drawing of Maputo Central Train Station museum Museo dos CFM historic train exhibit

Maputo Central Train Station – Is This Africa’s Most Beautiful Station?

August 24, 2021

One of the most iconic buildings in Mozambique’s capital is the Beaux-Arts style Maputo Central Train Station. Known for its beautiful facade and grand central some, the eye-catching station design is sometimes incorrectly credited to Gustav Eiffel, designer of the Eiffel Tower. The station has a museum with historic trains on display, and was even … More Maputo Central Train Station – Is This Africa’s Most Beautiful Station?

Drawing of Prague Orloj astronomical clock On the wall of Town Hall Prague

The Most Impressive Astronomical Clocks From Around The World

July 13, 2021

Astronomical clocks are not just regular clocks. These elaborate and enormous timepieces display astronomical information such as the time, date, positions of the sun and moon, tides, lunar phases, and even zodiac signs. They’re also works of art and engineering masterpieces, first coming to widespread prominence in medieval European cities. Proudly displayed in public spaces, … More The Most Impressive Astronomical Clocks From Around The World

Sketch of Zytglogge Astronomical Clock in been Switzerland

How The Zytglogge Astronomical Clock In Switzerland Inspired Einstein

July 6, 2021

Switzerland’s small capital city Bern is home to the Zytglogge Astronomical Clock, a masterpiece of medieval clockmaking. Overlooking the charming UNESCO-listed Old Town streets below, the clock is installed in one of the city’s oldest monuments, the Zytglogge tower. While it would still be several centuries until the Swiss dominated the craft of watch-making, this … More How The Zytglogge Astronomical Clock In Switzerland Inspired Einstein

Urban sketch of Rouen astronomical clock Le Gros Horloge Clock Face

Le Gros Horloge – The Medieval Astronomical Clock Of Rouen

June 29, 2021

Le Gros Horloge (the Big Clock) is an ornate astronomical clock located on an archway in the French city of Rouen, capital of Normandy. A Gothic-style masterpiece in design and engineering, the clock is one of the proud centrepieces of the old town of Rouen. With pedestrians passing underneath the arch over Rue du Gros-Horloge, … More Le Gros Horloge – The Medieval Astronomical Clock Of Rouen

Pencil drawing of the torrazzo of cremona astronomical clock italy

The Astronomical Clock Of The Torrazzo Of Cremona

June 22, 2021

Italy’s tallest brick tower, the gorgeous Romanesque-style Torrazzo of Cremona, is also home to the world’s largest astronomical clock. The clock, sitting uncharacteristically low on the tower so everyone can read its face, is beautifully painted with zodiac symbols against a blue sky. The clock is extraordinarily large, and is even larger than London’s Big … More The Astronomical Clock Of The Torrazzo Of Cremona

Drawing of Prague Orloj astronomical clock On the wall of Town Hall Prague

The Prague Astronomical Clock And The Curse Of The Clockmaker

June 15, 2021

Prague Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj) is one of the world’s most beautiful and fascinating timepieces, a medieval artefact which has been running for over 600 years. Prague Astronomical Clock is located on the south wall of the Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square. Covered with details and carvings in a Gothic style, it … More The Prague Astronomical Clock And The Curse Of The Clockmaker

Sketch of the astronomical clock at Hampton Court England

Hampton Court Astronomical Clock – Henry VIII’s Extravagant Timepiece

June 8, 2021

One of England’s most magnificent astronomical clocks is Hampton Court astronomical clock, a sixteenth-century masterpiece located in Hampton Court Palace. As King Henry’s lavish residence was designed to celebrate his wealth and magnificence, the astronomical clock served as an extra symbol of royal prestige. Built not only for decorative purposes, it was also vital to … More Hampton Court Astronomical Clock – Henry VIII’s Extravagant Timepiece