Top 10 best cities for architecture
Conde Naste Traveller have recently revealed their top 20 cities in the world for architecture. Take a look at the top 10 on Construction Global.
10. Catalan Modernism: Barcelona, Spain
With a number of beautiful, historic buildings for tourists and architectural lovers to enjoy, Barcelona and the country as a whole is famed for its Catalan modernism. Established at the same time as the Catalan Renaissance in the nineteenth century, Modernism became an architectural movement in which Catalonia wanted to be placed on an equal level with the rest of Europe’s leading industrial developments, with the goal to become a more modernised city, with new styles and architectural exploration.
Examples of Catalan modernism include the Castell dels Tres Dragons, built between 1887-1888 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and the Central Market in Valencia. However, some of the most famous artists to depict Catalan Modernism are Antoni Gaudi and Enrique Nieto, who were behind the Casa Batlllo and Sagrada Familia respectively.
9. Bauhaus: Tel Aviv, Israel
Situated in Israel, Bauhaus architecture became a movement in the region as a consequence of German Jewish architects, who relocated to the region to escape the growing Nazi movement.
Named ‘White City,’ many of the remaining buildings have been demolished or are in need of restoration, but have been recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site.
8. Mason City, Iowa: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School
7. Art Deco: Miami, Florida
One of the most stunning architectural areas in the world, Miami Beach’s Art Deco historic district is explored by thousands of tourists a year, who visit the area to view the pastel coloured buildings and intricate architectural style from the 1920s and 1930s.
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the district has over 800 buildings remaining, with opulent interiors, which can be seen throughout a number of tours on offer.
6. French Colonial: Hanoi, Vietnam
With the French occupying Vietnam from 1873-1954, the country has heavily impacted Vietnam’s architecture, especially within Hanoi. French colonial architecture is a wonder to behold in the city, which helped place Hanoi on the map to becoming a modern city, where tourists flock to look at the stunning French colonial architecture.
Examples include St Joseph’s Cathedral, completed in 1886, the Hanoi Opera House, influenced by the Palais Garnier in Paris and the famous Hotel Metropole, visited by actor Charlie Chaplin, Mick Jagger and Stephen Hawking.
5. Baroque: Rome, Italy
Established in Rome, Baroque architecture spread throughout Europe and the US at rapid speed, spanning all forms of art from the late 16th century to early 18th century, linking with the Counter Reformation and growth of Catholicism in the city.
Famous examples of existing Baroque architecture are the Piazza Navona, the Fontana della Barcaccia and the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa.
4. Art Nouveau: Budapest, Hungary
Translated as ‘new art,’ Art Nouveau became an international movement, which was promptly succeeded by Art Deco. Famous Art Nouveau buildings in Budapest include the Parisiana Club, the Museum of Applied Arts and the Paris Department Store.
3. Classical: Athens, Greece
One of the most popular destinations for architecture lovers, Athens is famous for its food, culture and architectural delights. Classical architecture came slowly into fruition, with a number of styles available to view – such as Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan and Composite, embedded in a number of existing builds.
Famous buildings include the Parthenon, the Temple of Hephaestus and the Temple of Athena.
2. Futurism: Brasilia, Brazil
Tourists can view stunning Futuristic building, such as The Cathedral of Brasilia, National Library of Brasilia and National Museum of the Republic in the city.
1. Rococo: Russia, St Petersburg
Influenced by the Baroque style in Italy, Rococo architecture is a sight to behold in St Petersburg, Russia. Famous examples include the Chinese Palace (Oranienbaum) in St Petersburg and Catherine Palace
