BEHIND THE FACADES

Did You Know You Can Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

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Buildings are more than just their structures; they hold stories, secrets, and even marks of their original builders. Some iconic buildings are known for the unique construction methods used to erect them, while others became famous for the historical events that took place inside.

Let’s explore the tales and stories behind some of the 10 most interesting architectural marvels in the world!

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The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the entire world, though it still has a few secrets that most people ignore. For example, did you know that hidden within the wrought iron lattice of the Eiffel Tower lies a cozy apartment?

The dream unit was designed by Gustave Eiffel himself to be used as his private retreat and studio. Today, visitors can see a recreation of his office that includes wax sculptures of Eiffel, his daughter, and Thomas Edison.

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The Taj Mahal is laden with secrets and all sorts of design tricks that baffle even modern architects. One of the most remarkable is the optical illusion that visitors experience when they view the massive monument for the first time. When framed by the main gate the Taj Mahal seems enormous, but as one moves closer, it shrinks.

The angles and proportions of the entrance were carefully calculated in order to create this effect, and this goes to show the amount of attention to detail Mughal architects had.

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The Leaning Tower of Pisa's iconic tilt wasn't intentional but rather the result of an engineering miscalculation. As construction progressed, the soft ground beneath one side of the tower began to sink, causing the famous lean.

Interestingly, many attempts have been made to prevent the tower from toppling, but some tilt was intentionally preserved as making the tower straight would rip it of its historical identity. In fact, were it not for its soft foundations, the tower might have not survived until now, because the dynamic soil-structure relationship helped it withstand at least four strong earthquakes since the year 1280.

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When the Empire State Building was under construction during the Great Depression, it was a race against time and finances. Competing with the Chrysler Building for the title of the world's tallest skyscraper, the Empire State Building rose at an astonishing pace, taking only 20 months of construction from start to finish!

It was built at such record speed that not only was it completed ahead of schedule, but it also remained under its original proposed budget. Quite impressive, huh?

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The Sydney Opera House is synonymous with architectural brilliance, but its construction was marred by a bitter feud between architect Jørn Utzon and the project's overseers. The visionary design - and particularly the iconic sail-like roof - faced numerous engineering challenges that pushed the project over its initial budget. In fact, things got so heated that Utzon himself resigned in 1966, way before the building was completed.

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Rome was - presumably - not built in a day, and the Great Wall of China wasn’t either, and by a long shot. It actually took over 2,000 years to build it in its entirety, with each successive dynasty in power continuing the project during their reign.

Also, this was not done without human suffering: thousands of laborers, including soldiers and prisoners, toiled under harsh conditions to keep enlarging the monumental structure. Some even claim that deceased workers were often buried within the wall, as a haunting tribute to their sacrifice.

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Akin to a vertical small city, the Burj Khalifa’s massiveness cannot be understated. Its construction pushed the boundaries of engineering, with a team of international experts overcoming numerous challenges, including extreme temperatures and high winds.

Did you know that it takes three full months only to clean the windows from top to bottom? The building also hosts the world’s longest single-running elevator, which services 140 floors!

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For over five centuries, China's Forbidden City served as the imperial palace and political center of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Behind its majestic walls, once accessible only to the emperor, his family, and trusted officials, lie countless secrets and legends. One intriguing curiosity is that the ancient palace is still inhabited by some of its original dwellers: stray cats!

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, cats were welcome within the palace’s walls as the fluffy companions of the royal family, and long after the dynasties disappeared the cats remained in the Forbidden City, effectively making them the last living descendants of Chinese royalty.

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Almost everything about the Colosseum is jaw-droppingly insane. But one of the most overlooked facts is its use as a venue for naval battles. Yes, you read that right! In addition to the gladiatorial contests and wild animal hunts, the Colosseum's massive arena was occasionally flooded to recreate epic sea battles known as "Naumachia." These spectacles, complete with replica ships and trained sailors, as one could imagine, provided unsurpassed entertainment for ancient Romans.

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Originally built as a medieval fortress in the 12th century, the Louvre has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. From a royal residence to a public museum, its layered architecture reflects the changing tastes and priorities of French monarchs and leaders. Nowadays, it is home to an astounding amount of art. Actually, it is literally impossible to see the entirety of it in just one visit. Were you to spend just 30 seconds per artwork, it would take you a hundred days to see it all.

PHILOSOPHY TO GO

10 Essential Nuggets Of Wisdom From Ancient Philosophers

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Ancient philosophers may have lived in a time long past, but their ideas continue to resonate with us today. In their pursuit of understanding the complexities of existence, they often came up with simple yet profound insights that still hold relevance in our modern lives.

Join us as we uncover 10 fundamental ideas from antiquity’s wisest minds.

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"To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom"

Socrates, the father of Western philosophy, urged individuals to delve deep into self-awareness. He famously argued that an unexamined life was not worth living, as understanding oneself is the key to living a fulfilled life. By questioning our beliefs, desires, and motives, we can navigate the complexities of existence with clarity and purpose.

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"Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you"

Confucius emphasized the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. His Golden Rule of treating others the same way we expect to be treated ourselves is a timeless reminder of the power that empathy and compassion have in fostering harmonious relationships and societies.

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"There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will"

Stoic philosophers like Epictetus taught the concept of focusing only on what is within our control and accepting what is not. This principle liberates us from unnecessary worry about external events, enabling us to focus our time and energy on actions that can actually make a difference in our lives.

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"Virtue is the golden mean between two vices, the one of excess and the other of deficiency"

Aristotle advocated for moderation in all things, promoting the idea of finding the balance between extremes. Whether it's in pursuing pleasure, seeking knowledge, or exercising virtues, maintaining a middle path fosters harmony and avoids the pitfalls of excess.

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"Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being"

The ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi extolled the virtues of simplicity and spontaneity. By embracing the natural flow of life and shedding unnecessary complexities, we can find true contentment and peace within ourselves.

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"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not"

Epicurus defined pleasure as the absence of pain and tranquility of the mind. His philosophy encourages seeking simple pleasures and cultivating inner serenity rather than chasing fleeting desires that go nowhere, leading to a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

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"No one ever steps in the same river twice"

Heraclitus famously argued that change is the only constant in life. Just like the waters of a running river are never the same, every element of existence transforms yet simultaneously retains an element of itself. Embracing this inevitable part of life allows us to adapt and grow, finding strength in the ebb and flow of things.

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"The greatest wealth is to live content with little"

Diogenes, the Cynic philosopher, lived a minimalist lifestyle to demonstrate the insignificance of material possessions. Allegedly, when asked by Alexander the Great what he could do for him, he bluntly asked the monarch to move so he would stop blocking his sunlight. His radical rejection of both wealth and social status challenges us to reassess our priorities and find true value in the intangible aspects of life.

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"Accept the things to which fate binds you"

The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius embraced stoicism and with it the idea of fate and the impermanence of life. By acknowledging the inevitability of death and adversity in life, he sought to cultivate inner resilience and focus on living virtuously in the present moment.

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"Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all"

Hypatia, a renowned mathematician and philosopher in ancient Alexandria, championed the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual inquiry. Despite societal constraints placed on women during her time, she fearlessly pursued learning. A tragic heroine of antiquity, she teaches us that thinking is our utmost right, and the only way to reach truth is learning from our mistakes.