BEHIND THE FACADES

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

Image: Zen zeee

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!

Image: Nghia Luong

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.

Image: Sylwia Bartyzel

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.

Image: Heidi Kaden

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.

Image: Emiliano Bar

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?

Image: Tyler Duston

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.

Image: William Olivieri

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.

Image: Nick Fewings

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.

Image: David Libeert

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.

Image: Michael Fousert

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.

Front-page worthy

Extra, extra! Read about 10 terms from the journalism world!

Image: Hümâ H. Yardım

Journalism plays a vital role in keeping us informed and connected to the world. Like any profession, it has its own unique set of terms that help journalists communicate and get the job done efficiently. These words might seem like insider jargon, but they’re key to understanding how news is gathered, reported, and presented. From "off-the-record" conversations to the "splash" on the front page, let’s explore 10 common journalism terms that are essential in the world of news reporting.

Image: CoWomen

"Off-the-record" is a term every journalist knows well. It refers to when someone shares information with the understanding that it won’t be published. This material can’t be directly quoted or attributed to the source, but it might guide a reporter’s research or provide background for future stories.

It’s a way for sources to speak freely without the fear of being publicly exposed. The trust between a source and a reporter is crucial here; break it, and you might not get another scoop.

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A "cutline" is the descriptive text that you’ll find under a photo in a newspaper or magazine. It provides the context that tells you who’s in the picture, what’s happening, and why it’s important.

Without a cutline, a photo might be interesting to look at but leave you scratching your head about the details. Think of it as a photo’s partner in storytelling, giving the image a voice. Next time you glance at a photo, don’t skip the cutline; it’s there to make sure you get the full picture.

Image: Austin Distel

A "stringer" is a freelance journalist who contributes stories to a newspaper or news outlet but isn’t on the full-time staff. They’re paid per story or by the word, making them the gig workers of the journalism world.

Stringers often cover specific areas or beats that the regular staff might not have time for, bringing in fresh perspectives and local stories. It’s a flexible role, perfect for journalists who want to write without the commitment of a full-time job.

Image: Vitolda Klein

Not to be mistaken for a suggestion or advice, a "tip" is the inside scoop—a piece of information passed to a reporter, often in confidence. Tips can come from almost anyone: a source close to a situation, an anonymous whistleblower, or even a concerned citizen. They’re the breadcrumbs that lead journalists to uncover bigger stories.

A good tip can be the spark that ignites a major investigation or an exclusive piece. But tips need to be handled with care; every journalist should verify the details before running with the story, because not every tip pans out.

Image: Adeolu Eletu

If you’re thinking of the dog, think again! The "bulldog" edition is the first version of a newspaper printed for the day, often hitting the stands early in the morning. It’s like the early bird of the newspaper world.

The bulldog might not have all the late-breaking stories, but it’s the first to deliver the day’s news to the public. Back in the day, grabbing a Bulldog edition meant you were among the first to know what was happening. Even though it’s an old-school term, it’s still a symbol of the urgency in news reporting.

Image: Aditya

In journalism, a "morgue" isn’t as creepy as it sounds—it’s simply the newsroom’s archive or library. This is where old articles, photos, and clippings are stored, serving as a valuable resource for journalists looking to dig up past stories or research background information.

The morgue is filled with stories that might have been forgotten but can still offer insights or context. In today’s digital age, the morgue might be more of a digital database, but the name has stuck around.

Image: Adolfo Félix

"HFR" stands for "Hold for Release," and it’s a directive that means you have to sit tight with that story. As you can imagine, this is not a favorite among journalists!

The material is ready, but it can’t be published until a specific time, usually because the source has set a release date or there’s an embargo in place. It’s common in journalism, especially with press releases or sensitive information. Once the green light is given, the story can go live—but not a second before.

Image: Thought Catalog

This term is common in journalism, but it was actually borrowed from the marketing and sales fields. To "pitch" a story means to sell an idea to an editor, hoping it’ll get the green light to be written and published.

A pitch needs to be compelling, well thought out, and relevant to the publication’s audience. It’s a bit like a mini sales pitch, where you convince the editor that your story idea is worth their time and space. If the editor likes it, you’re on your way to writing the next big piece. So, when journalists pitch, they’re putting their best foot forward, hoping to turn an idea into a headline.

Image: Ewien van Bergeijk - Kwant

A "splash" is the big, bold story that makes it to the front page—the story that will grab readers' attention. It’s the news piece that the editors believe will make the biggest impact or stir the most interest.

The splash is usually accompanied by eye-catching headlines and prominent photos, ensuring it’s the first thing readers see. When your story is the splash, you know it’s going to be talked about.

Image: Firmbee.com

A "dummy" in journalism isn’t an insult, it’s the layout plan for a newspaper or magazine page. This diagram shows where stories, photos, headlines, and ads will be placed before the final version is printed.

It’s a crucial step in the production process, ensuring that everything fits neatly and looks good on the page. The dummy serves as a blueprint for the issue and helps designers and editors visualize the final product.