Times are changing just like trains passing by. Some are old, some brand new, some just waiting to be built. Nothing lasts forever, but we found what will.
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Chartres, France
Most of cathedrals were built for centuries. 12th century Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres in North-West France is built in only 26 years which is the absolute building record of gothic period. And this is just one of its mysteries. It spiritual authors were monks, it financiers and protectors were Templars, also the first bankers of the Middle age that stimulated development of small crafts and trading with moderately interests. Masons were its masters. Chartres cathedral is the biggest cathedral in the world by dimensions and its arch is the widest one.
The word "gothic" can be translated as "magic" in some of its variants. Chartres cathedral is magical in many ways. It never needed some serious adaptation, its vitrages are original and undamaged from the first day despite the rapturous French history.
Although one Swiss alchemic succeeded to make the glass like that on Chartres vitrages, in 700 years not a single factory succeeded to make it shine and lasting in all climate conditions. Why they built it in a small Chartres? Chartres had less than 10 000 citizens at that time (today around 40 000). Who would know? But, one fact is for sure: The Templars played a big role in history until 1307. Then French king Felipe IV and pope Clement V charged it for treason and smashed them. By this savage move gothic style slowly disappeared. And Chartres cathedral mystery, too.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
To see the longest arched bridge in the world you will be patient until 2014. People from the Roads and Transport Authority announced the beginning of the project in March and if you will be visiting Dubai next weeks you will be favoured to see the first of six phases of its raising. This record arch bridge will connect Al Jaddaf in Bur Dubai with the road separating The Lagoons and Dubai Festival City.
New Dubai pride and joy will be 1.600 meters long and 64 meters wide and it will comprise 12 lanes, 6 in each direction, all that 15 meters above the water line.
The Green Line of Dubai Metro will run through the centre of the bridge. If you feel dizziness of numbers and meters, in the place like Dubai you can expect at least one number more. We will give you even more. The giant bridge arch will be 205 metres high and 667 metres long. Data for the end: The bridge will have "Dubai's price" - only 817 million dollars. When it will be finished, Dubai's new arched bridge will set the new world record, currently held by Lupu Bridge in China's largest city of Shanghai.
Paris, France
Eiffel tower was built from 1887 to 1889 as the exponent for the World exhibition to celebrate 100 years of France revolution. It got the name after its constructor Gustave Eiffel and with its 300 meters it was the biggest building in the world until 1930. The most visited place on Eiffel tower is the platform which can hold 6 million visitors a year. In spring of 2009, Eiffel tower will get a new look, Parisians a new tower, and visitors one reason more to visit Paris. The new extended Eiffel's platform will have 580 squared meters instead of today's 280 squared meters and it will be able to hold 1.700 visitors. Paris-based Serero Architects, the company that will change the Eiffel's look, announced that "The Eiffel tower platform project is not a hoax, it is a manifesto to reconsider innovation in France".
Whatever that move really means, after redesigning, Eiffel tower will still hold the status of the main Paris icon. Times are changing just like trains passing by, new era brings new solutions. The icon of one era and trade mark of the 19th century will change its outfit and still will be the most beautiful place to visit in Paris.
Moscow, Russia
Russians take it for the heart of Russia, and others proclaimed it as the most beautiful European square because of its architecture. Although it is paved by the red pave, its name doesn't associates to communism. On the contrary. Word "krasnaja" by its first definition means "red", and "beautiful" by second, thus the name Red square (Krasnaja ploÅ¡Äad). Today it is a place for Russian government official ceremonies, once it was Moscow's main market place, then the place where Russian kings were crowned, and the place for Moscow military parades.
One story (legend?) tells about one Stalin's associate responsible for the project of Moscow reconstruction. He suggested to Stalin to remove Kazanj cathedral, one of the most beautiful buildings, with an explanation that it is the main obstacle for heavy military vehicles that can’t enter the square during the parade. Stalin responded: Give it back!
Truth or not, Kazanj cathedral is the part of Red square today. Situated between Kremlj and Kitajgorod (China town), Red square attracts attention with its beautiful architecture. Lenin mausoleum and Pokrovski Sabor known as St. Vasilij cathedral are also part of 695 meters and 130 meters wide Red square. If you are in love with history don't bypass Moscow. ■
