Author: Ms. R.

Near the hot and humid city of Hpa-An in Myanmar, in an ancient hillside cave, a constellation of sacred figures undulate, often in irregular rows, across every nook and cranny. They are Buddhas of different sizes, many made of terracotta a few inches tall. The shallow shelter also holds a 32-foot-tall Buddha and many others, in various standing, sitting, or reclining poses. One common name of this archaeological pilgrimage site—also known as the Kawgoon or Kawgun Cave Temple—should come……

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Saint Sofia Church was constructed on the site of several former churches, the earliest of which dates back to the 4th-century. During this time, Sofia was known as the ancient Roman city of Serdica.  Over the centuries, a series of subsequent churches were built on the site of the original 4th-century church only to be destroyed by invading forces. Following each wave of destruction, a new church was erected in its place. The current church that exists today is……

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The Confucian Temple was founded during the Yuan Dynasty when Shanghai transformed from a fishing village to a county seat. Today, it’s considered one of the four “Treasure Houses of Stone Carving Art” in China. A Confucian temple was typically a combination of temple and school, this one became one of the most prestigious institutes of learning in the region soon after it was completed in 1296. The temple has been rebuilt several times over its history. The temple is similar……

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Visitors to London who find themselves touring the ever-popular Covent Garden district might overlook a rather unique work of public architecture. Spanning the length of nearly 130 feet along the building is a concrete art piece entitled “Drama Through The Ages.” This stone carving is the work of the English sculpture Gilbert Bayes. It depicts various theatrical presentations throughout history. Starting from the left and moving to the right, the design begins with minstrel players and St. George, then……

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The highly valued stone mined from this quarry was used for various monuments and construction work around the region. It remains the state’s most complete early example of quarrying methods. The northern end of the quarry has a sheer raking face and amazing examples of partly extracted blocks. These blocks showcase traditional wedge and feather techniques.  A variety of scenic walking trails can be found around the old quarry and township area. Visitors can walk around the quarry and……

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The remains at Piercebridge are where Dere Street, the famous Roman road, crossed the River Tees. This was achieved by passing over a large bridge that allowed the road to link York with Corbridge, near Hadrian’s Wall. The bridge’s remains now reside on the south bank of the river and were discovered in 1972. The current remains of the bridge appear to be the second reiteration of a Roman bridge constructed at this location. The bridge is only part……

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