mzPOTTER

London’s Big Ben -part 2-

The name “Big Ben” was put in the original 16-tonne bell tower, cast in 1856. Since the tower was not yet finished, the bell was installed in the New Palace Yard but the bell was broken, and finally rebuilt in a 13.8-ton bell, which is used today. The new bell was mounted on the tower in 1858 with four more bells, which are responsible for providing the rooms.

On September 7, 1859 the clock became operational.

london's big ben london's big ben london's big ben

london's big benA replica of a 6-meter tower made of metal, known as Little Ben is located near Victoria Station. Other towers in different parts of the world have been inspired by the appearance of “Big Ben”, including the clock tower of the “Gare de Lyon” in Paris and the Peace Tower of the Parliament of Canada in the Ottawa.TambiĆ©n Watch Pachuca, Hidalgo in Mexico, and relates that his machine was purchased in the same factory. Continue reading

London’s Big Ben -part 1-

london's big ben

Big Ben is the name known to the Parliament Clock Tower, located in London and the Great Bell of Westminster, the largest of the bells that are within the Tower and are part of the Great Clock Westminster. The tower is located at the northwest corner of the building that houses the headquarters of the two Houses of the British Parliament.

The name “Big Ben” is universally used to refer to the tower in general. However, officially refers specifically to the main bell inside the tower. This bell is in charge of counting the hours. It is also said that the name was given in honor of the first charge of construction, Benjamin Hall. This watch is a symbol representing London. Continue reading

St. Petersburg, Russia -part 2-

st. petersburg, russiaWhat to see in St. Petersburg?

Sights and attractions organized by region – to plan day trips

The most interesting routes for walks pass through the Nevsky Avenue, Neva embankments, piers Moika channel, Canal Griboedov, Fontanka. Must see places of St. Isaac, the Decembrists, Arts, Theatre and the nearby area (Cathedral of St. Nicholas, romantic bridges, Canal Kriukov, “Dostoevsky’s neighborhood).

We should not leave the “Arrow” Vasilievsky Island and the Fortress of Peter and Paul. Outside of St. Petersburg you can visit the spectacular summer residence of the czars as Petergoff, Pushkin and Pavlovsk (parks and palaces). Continue reading

St. Petersburg, Russia -part 1-

st. petersburg, russia

St. Petersburg is the second largest city of Russia (4.6 million), and also their “tourist capital.” It is an imperial city, founded in 1703 by Russian Emperor Peter the Great as the new capital of Russia in the Neva River delta, full of history of Russian tsars, court intrigues and revolutions. Following the political changes, the city changed its name several times and is also known as Petrograd and Leningrad. Continue reading

Deoksugung Palace, Seoul

deoksugung palace, seoul

Located at the corner of the intersection of crowded streets of downtown Seoul, Deoksugung Palace is, among other things, a palace famous for its elegant path of stone wall. As the only palace that stands alongside modern buildings adds uniqueness to the landscape.

Deoksugung Palace originally belonged to Prince Wolsandaegun (1454 ~ 1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469 ~ 1494) of the Joseon Dynasty. He was promoted to the rank of proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575 ~ 1641) ascended the throne and gave the name of building Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. After those days, the name changed to Deoksugung palace. Continue reading

The Great Palaces of Seoul -part 2-

The Great Palaces of SeoulBuilt in 1394, Gyeongbokgung Palace served as principal of the Joseon Dynasty (1392 ~ 1910) for its founder, King Taejo and often are considered to be the grandest of the five palaces. Given its full enormity, visitors should bear in mind that through all the gardens takes a little time.

However, once it reaches the throne room of the Pavilion Gyeonghoeru Geunjeongjeon, found forty-eight resting on granite pillars that rise above a lake of lotuses, such efforts have proven, even more, worth worthwhile. Other notable aspects include high-rise pagoda resting on top of the National Folk Museum of Korea and Hwangwonjeong Pavilion, which is centered on a beautiful pond. Continue reading

The Great Palaces of Seoul -part 1-

the great palaces of seoul

It has often been said that Seoul remains a virtual outdoor museum of precious historic relics, a recreational, monumental attraction for both visitors and natives alike. However, from all cultural signpost that dot the city, nothing is more often visited or most greatly admired the “Big Five Palaces.” Built by the kings of Joseon, all remain remarkably well preserved, ideally located and easily accessible. And although one could say that spring is the most ideal time to visit, since all the gardens of the palaces are decorated with cherry blossoms and azaleas, the units remain regularly as a superb break away monotony of urban life that emanates from beyond the stone walls surrounding elegant.

No visit to Seoul would be complete without a stroll through the actual paths Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung or Gyeonghuigung. The opportunity to marvel at the magnificent architecture and beautiful structure, learning first hand of a country so full of history, is an opportunity not to be missed. Continue reading

Asakusa District, Japan

asakusa district, japan

Located in the east of the city. There is the Sensoji temple, 1400 years old. The entrance to the temple is located just outside the subway station. Nakamise have to cross a huge market with 87 shops, where you can find everything: food, as in Shimizu-Ya-Do Bairin Jewish, kimonos and yukata in Kazusa-Ya, umbrellas and parasols Nishimija Shoten, toys in Inaba, T-shirts, baseball caps, takeaways, etc.

asakusa district, japanTemples and Shopping Arcade

Legend has it that in 628 two brothers were fishing in the Sumida River. and took the statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. They decided to return the statue to the river, but do what they did, the goddess appeared again. Sensoji Temple was built in honor of this goddess, and is considered the oldest church in the city. Continue reading

KYOTO: The Heart of Japan

kyoto city

For over 1200 years, since the transfer of the capital to Kyoto in 794. Until the twentieth century, a culture originated splendid, delicate and unique in the world that is considered the mother culture of Japan. That is why often referred to Kyoto “the Heart of Japan” and said it would be impossible to know the country without visiting this wonderful city, home to some 1,600 temples, 250 shrines, 60 gardens, 24 museums, two imperial villas the most photogenic places in the country.

Many of its churches were founded about a thousand years ago but have been destroyed by earthquakes, fires and wars, to be rebuilt again and again. Because of its historical significance, the city was spared some bombing during the Second World War. Continue reading

Tokyo City -part 2-

tokyo cityThe Yasukuni shrine or sanctuary, north of the Imperial Palace, built to commemorate Japanese war dead and is considered the home of more than two and a half million souls who perished in conflicts, but during Basically World War II. The soldiers fought knowing that, after death, their souls find rest and honored at Yasukuni. This sanctuary has been a source of controversy for reasons Policies from being built in 1869 in honor of the followers of the emperor during the Meiji Restoration. Recently, some ministers have been criticized for attending the annual commemoration of the defeat of Japan that takes place in this enclave.

tokyo cityClose to Ueno station, in the Metropolitan Tokyo Imperial Gift Park, the National Museum displays the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. The museum consists of five buildings with numerous galleries showing collections of antique kimonos and delicate pottery, wood carvings and archeological remains. The vast collection is displayed on a rotating basis, with at least 4,000 objects visible at any time, so the museum always has something new to show. Continue reading