Having been to our fair share of castles and palaces, there’s something so grand about this one. The sheer size of it is one thing. The thoughtfully curated collections also showcase up to five centuries of Danish history through art, furniture, and more. We love their more modern art collection too.

Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco, California

The iconic chocolatier Ghirardelli (now found nearly everywhere) occupied this space originally as a chocolate factory and it’s been a landmark since 1862.

Travel, CityYafen LiangAugust 14, 2024travel, city, ghirardelli, ghirardelli square, san francisco, california, cali, chocolate, architecture, sanfranciscoComment

The Painted Ladies in San Francisco, California

The Painted Ladies in San Francisco’s Alamo Park neighborhood are a collection of colorful Victorian and Edwardian style houses in the Alamo Square neighborhood, known for their vibrant pastel painted facades.

Travel, CityYafen LiangMarch 15, 2024travel, san francisco, california, usa, alamo park, painted ladies, victorian, architecture, housesComment

Templo Romano in Córdoba, Spain

The Romans have indeed been everywhere. This particular set of ruins was discovered in the 1950s when City Hall was under expansion. It’s perhaps not the only ruins in existence, but the excavation unearthed a relatively intact structure.

City, TravelYafen LiangSeptember 6, 2022travel, city, ruins, templo romano, roman ruins, roman, column, architecture, roman architecture, cordoba, spain, espana Comment

Palacio de Viana in Cordoba, Spain

Palacio de Viana or Viana Palace is a now museum whose name originates from its last owner, the Marquisate of Viana. It boasts lush gardens, intricate stonework in the twelve courtyards, and well-kept historical rooms. Visitors can take a self-guided tour following their leaflet or opt for a guided tour.

City, TravelYafen LiangAugust 15, 2022city, travel, spain, cordoba, palacio de viana, viana palace, viana, palace, courtyard, medievel, architecture, history, historicComment

Arco da Rua Augusta in Lisbon, Portugal

The Arco da Rua Augusta was built in 1755 to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake and was completed in 1873. Today, it functions as a historical building and visitor attraction, offering views of the city’s hills and the Praça do Comércio down below.

Travel, CityYafen LiangJune 7, 2022travel, city, arco da rua augusta, lisbon, portugal, arch, architecture, praca do comercio, lisboaComment

Carmo Convent in Lisbon, Portugal

The Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel or Convento da Ordem do Carmo is a former Catholic convent in Lisbon. The building was partially destroyed during the 1755 earthquake. It enjoyed the typical life of a church until the earthquake, which destroyed the library. In 1902, construction began to restore the facade and build some arches. Today, the space is an archaeological museum and much of the main space is open air.

Travel, CityYafen LiangFebruary 23, 2022travel, city, lisbon, portugal, lisboa, carmo convent, convent, church, ruin, ruins, architecture, elevador de carmoComment

Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal

Jerónimos Monastery was formerly home to the Order of Saint Jerome. Construction began in 1501 and was completed nearly a hundred years later. The architectural style is Manueline, which is elaborate, ornate, draws on maritime influences and themes and also known as Portuguese late Gothic. Every corner features whimsy and layers of architectural detail. There are two floors accessible to the public and the space surrounds an inner courtyard.

Travel, CityYafen LiangJanuary 11, 2022travel, city, lisbon, portugal, jeronimos monastery, monastery, church, museum, architectureComment

Park and National Palace of Pena in Sintra, Portugal

The Park and National Palace of Pena in Sintra, Portugal is a national treasure. King Ferdinand II contributed to erecting this grand palace and incorporated styles of 19th-century romanticism and has Manueline and Moorish styles of architecture that is evident in the archways, towers, and domes.