Latest news with #medievalarchitecture
Khaleej Times
17-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Travel: Plan a trip to Luxembourg, the lesser-known European destination
'This is one of Europe's oldest and most beautiful castles, but sadly not many know about it,' a local told me when I visited the Vianden Castle in Luxembourg. I couldn't agree more. From my multiple travels to various parts of Europe, I have come across many castles, which were built during the medieval era as feudal residences, but I found this one to be exceptional because of its architecture, picturesque setting and excellent state of preservation. Its Europe's first stone-built royal edifice that was constructed in the 11th century on the foundations of an ancient Roman chateau. Unfortunately, not many in the usual tourism circuit know about this mainly because Luxembourg is one of Europe's lesser-known countries. 'But Luxembourg is a gem of a destination, historically significant, architecturally inviting and naturally pleasant', said Anita, a friend of mine who lives in Belgium. Her inspiring comments motivated me to add Luxembourg to my recent European travel plan and my on-site discoveries confirmed her assessment. Nestled between Belgium, France, and Germany in northwestern Europe, every part of this small country is steeped in history. It began journey as a county within the Holy Roman Empire, later evolving into the County of Luxembourg in the 11th century, and eventually becoming a duchy and a principality. The territory has been governed by various European dynasties, including the Habsburgs, Bourbons, Burgundians, and the Prussians until it achieved independence in 1867. The rich tapestry of their legacies makes Luxembourg a paradise for enthusiasts of history and culture. Fast forward several centuries, Luxembourg now exists as the world's only Grand Duchy, where history coexists with modernity. Post World War II, it has achieved notable milestones, including being a founding member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, hosting the signing of the groundbreaking Schengen Agreements that facilitate visa-free travel among EU nations for eligible travellers, and winning the Eurovision song contest twice. Currently, it is recognised as the wealthiest country globally, thanks to its thriving steel manufacturing and banking sectors, and it is the only nation in the world that provides free public transportation to both residents and visitors. Luxembourg City is the nation's capital as well as of the EU and the entry point for travellers arriving by air, though rail and road connections are available from surrounding countries to reach the capital conveniently. The contemporary city is established upon the remnants of a robust rocky fortress, constructed a thousand years ago on a promontory that commands a view of a landscape adorned with lush green valleys, rivers, streams, and charming bridges. In its prime, when Luxembourg's strategic position made it a target for various kingdoms, the extensive fortifications offered such an impenetrable defense that it was dubbed the 'Gibraltar of the North'. During the period of independence, as Luxembourg embraced neutrality, the grand fortifications were dismantled, leaving only a few walls to link visitors like me to the historical narrative of the land. History became my companion as I ventured into the UNESCO World Heritage designated Old Town, located at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers, and based around two squares – Place Guillaume II, dominated by the equestrian statue of Duke William II from the 19th century, who established the nation's first parliamentary constitution, and Place d'Armes, often referred to as the 'City's Living Room.' Both areas are filled with numerous historical buildings and monuments, the most notable being the Grand Ducal Palace, the official residence of the royal family, the Hotel de Ville or City Hall, and the Notre-Dame de Luxembourg Cathedral. Luxembourg City is constructed on two levels, and the finest view of the lower town can be enjoyed from the Corniche, a picturesque promenade described by Luxembourg writer Batty Weber as the 'Most beautiful balcony of Europe.' This pedestrian walkway, which hugs the edge of a cliff, meanders along the remnants of the 17th-century city ramparts and provides breathtaking views of the fortification leftovers, bridges, and viaducts that connect the older part of the city to the newer areas and the enchanting suburb of Grund. In stark contrast to the medieval layout of the city, visitors are greeted by an ultramodern urban landscape at the Kirchberg Plateau, where wide boulevards , modern buildings and trendy cafes and restaurants replace the cobblestone streets, the Gothic and Renaissance-style architecture and wayside taverns. This district was developed to serve as the hub of the EU, and many of the buildings there accommodate key EU institutions, such as the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank. While exploring this area, I noticed individuals from various nations, their presence contributing to Luxembourg's status as a leading multicultural destination. An Indian gentleman at a café informed me that residents from 160 different nationalities live in Luxembourg for EU and other related employment. There is an abundance of sights and activities beyond the city limits, most of which can be experienced as day trips from the capital. We participated in a tour named 'Nature and Castles,' which took us to the renowned Müllerthal Region, celebrated for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes and waterfalls, as well as Echternach, the nation's oldest commune, the 11th century Beaufort Castle and the small, picturesque village of Vianden where the key attraction is the hill top castle. During my time in Vianden, I discovered that it was a favoured destination for the French author Victor Hugo. He visited this location a few times between 1862 and 1871. While residing there, he remarked, 'Nestled in a breathtaking landscape, Vianden will eventually attract tourists from all over Europe, drawn both by its ominous yet splendid ruins and its joyful and friendly inhabitants.' He was indeed correct, as Vianden has become one of the primary tourist attractions in the Grand Duchy.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Charing Palace: Listed Kent palace receives £300k Historic England grant
A medieval palace which has housed archbishops and hosted Henry VIII has received a £300,000 grant to help save and repair Palace, near Ashford, has been given the money to fund urgent repairs to the Grade I Listed Great Hall, which dates back to the 14th grant, from Historic England, will be used to support repairs of roof timbers and fund a study to date the age of the timbers and better understand the Maclean, project manager for The Spitalfields Trust who own the site, said she was "delighted" with the grant and "looks forward to the successful completion of the remainder of the project." With parts of the site having roots dating back to the eighth century, Charing Palace provided accommodation for more than 50 Archbishops of Canterbury during the medieval period. In 1520, Henry VIII stayed at the palace with his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, while on his way to France for the Field of the Cloth of Gold meeting between the Tudor king and King Francis I of later acquired the site after the dissolution of the monasteries and it was later passed into private ownership.A conservation project to save the site began in Cruickshank, architectural historian and chair of the trustees of The Spitalfields Trust, said: "The Archbishop's Palace at Charing in Kent is a marvellous architectural survival of intense historic interest embedded - in almost a secret manner - within one of the county's most attractive villages."The nation can boast few historic buildings comparable to the palace at Charing, and arguably none so bewitchingly beautiful, picturesque - and with such potential for careful repair, conservation and adaptation - all of which can give these ancient structures new lives."
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Discover the 'hidden gem' English Heritage site just 20 minutes from Worcester
Are you looking for new places to explore this year? Worcestershire has plenty of interesting sites to see, and even the surrounding areas have lots to offer, but if you're lacking inspiration, look no further. The English Heritage site of Leigh Court Barn is less than a 20-minute drive from Worcester. Here's what you need to know about the barn, including why it is there, how to get to it and the architecture. English Heritage said: 'Leigh Court Barn is an outstanding example of English medieval carpentry, and the largest cruck framed structure in Britain. Visitors have shown their appreciation for the carpentry inside the barn (Image: Tripadvisor) 'Built for Pershore Abbey in about 1325, it is over 42 metres long with 18 cruck blades - each made from a single oak tree.' On its information page, it added more history about the barn: 'This barn is the only surviving building from the manor of Leigh Court, which belonged in the Middle Ages to the monks of Pershore Abbey. 'There were once other farm buildings and houses, and the abbot himself is known to have sometimes resided here. 'Medieval monasteries owned farmland that could supply them with food and raw materials, either directly, or indirectly through the sale of surplus produce. 'Monastic farms, known as granges, were often large-scale operations, and the size and magnificence of the grange barn at Leigh Court suggests that the Pershore Abbey farm was a well-organised and lucrative business. 'Radiocarbon dating has shown that the timbers for the barn were felled in the spring of 1344, which supports the evidence of carpentry techniques that date the barn to the 14th century. This 42 metre long medieval barn has a strange myth associated with it 🔮 A phantom coach, drawn by four fire-breathing horses, is said to be seen flying up and over Leigh Court Barn. It's driver is the spirit of 'Old Colles', condemned to do so for a highway robbery 🐎👻 — English Heritage (@EnglishHeritage) March 23, 2025 'With the closure of the abbey in 1540 the farm passed into lay hands. Until relatively recently the need for large barns for storing and threshing grain remained unchanged. 'Thanks, no doubt, to its size and sturdy construction, the barn has survived largely unaltered for almost 700 years.' Leigh Court Barn is more than 42 metres (140 feet) long, and its trusses are nearly 10 metres (33 feet) high and span 10.4 metres (34 feet). English Heritage added: 'Characteristically, barns had pairs of doors on opposite sides, with the threshing floor between them; the floor here is made of flagstones. With the doors open, the wind blew through the building to winnow the grain, which was tossed in the breeze until all the dust and chaff blew away. 'Externally the barn is partly weatherboarded, though the steep angle of the tiled roof suggests that it may once have been thatched.' You can find out more about the barn via the English Heritage website (linked above). When you arrive, you can wander through the barn and marvel at its impressive architecture. Between April and October, you can visit from Thursday to Sunday from 10am until 6pm, and if you visit between November and March, the opening times are 10am-4pm. It's worth noting that roadside parking is 'very limited' to visit the barn and to reach the barn, you'll need to look for a gate, says English Heritage: 'The barn can be reached on foot via the left hand pedestrian gate adjacent to the driveway of Leigh Court, which is privately owned.' If you're looking to make a full day of exploring, it's recommended you also visit 'the dramatic ruins and stunning gardens of Witley Court, gutted by fire in the 1930s', which are less than 30 minutes away from the barn. You'll be able to do a free audio tour, walk in Witley's parklands, visit the shop or stop for refreshments at an independently-run tearoom. With another short drive, you could also visit 'the peaceful remains of Edvin Loach Old Church'. Recommended reading: Best National Trust sites in Worcestershire and beyond as recommended by locals 'Stunning countryside haven' in Worcestershire among UK's best National Trust sites 5 hidden gems you should visit for a day out in Worcestershire English Heritage shared that the barn has a myth associated with it. Posting to X, it shared: 'A phantom coach, drawn by four fire-breathing horses, is said to be seen flying up and over Leigh Court Barn. 'Its driver is the spirit of 'Old Colles', condemned to do so for a highway robbery'. Visitors have shared their experiences at Leigh Court Barn on TripAdvisor where it has a 4.3 rating from eight reviews. One said: 'Impressive piece of cruck work. In fact, it is one of the longest and oldest cruck barns in Britain. 'It isn't a staffed English Heritage site, but it is free. Spent about ten minutes there, but made for a good day alongside a visit to Witley Court'. Another commented: 'Another hidden gem, probably not for all, but if you like old buildings a must to visit. The workmanship and history are fantastic. Well worth looking for, a little off the beaten track.'
