Spanish colonial architecture is among the most widespread in the world.

From cathedrals to fortresses, many of these buildings still define the historic cores of cities today.

A thread 🧵

https://twitter.com/charmofculture/status/1998473563108684065

📍Metropolitan Cathedral, Mexico

Constructed between 1573 and 1813 on top of the Aztec sacred precinct, it combines Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles popular during Spanish rule.

It remains the largest cathedral in the Americas.

Italian colonial architecture is one of the least-known architectural legacies of the 20th century.

The empire was brief, but it left behind fascinating modernist, fascist-era, and religious buildings across the Horn of Africa and North Africa

A thread🧵

https://twitter.com/CharmOfCulture/status/1997737574396530714

📍Fiat Tagliero Building, Eritrea

Completed in 1938 in Asmara, this service station was designed to resemble an airplane, with 30-meter concrete wings built without support columns.

It became a symbol of Italian futurism exported abroad.

French colonial architecture spanned Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and North America.

Here are 8 significant buildings around the world constructed during French rule.

A thread 🧵

https://twitter.com/CharmOfCulture/status/1997360652554289460

📍 Hanoi Opera House (Vietnam)

Completed in 1911, the opera house was modeled after the Palais Garnier in Paris, though on a smaller scale.

Built using French methods but adapted to local climate, it symbolized the ambitions of the French administration in northern Vietnam.

British colonial architecture left a large global footprint.

Here are 10 significant buildings constructed during British rule around the world.

A thread 🧵 📍Victoria Memorial, Kolkata (India)

Built between 1906–1921, the Victoria Memorial was conceived after Queen Victoria’s death as a symbolic monument to British rule in India.

Designed by William Emerson, it combines classical British forms with Mughal influences. It became a civic museum soon after Independence.

Every European capital has a story to tell.

Let’s dive into their history together.

A thread 🧵 Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸

Reykjavik grew from a Norse settlement recorded in the late ninth century into a modest trading and administrative center under Norwegian then Danish crown rule.

The nineteenth century brought a cultural revival and the first Althing meetings in the town. After the Act of Union and later full independence, Reykjavik became the capital of a modern republic in 1944 and expanded rapidly during the twentieth century through fisheries, energy, and services.

🇩🇪 Next in the series on Germany’s 16 federal states: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Stretching along the Baltic Sea, this northeastern state is known for sandy coasts, Hanseatic cities and a vast network of lakes and national parks.

A thread 🧵

https://twitter.com/charmofculture/status/1968702427550326917

Bordering the Baltic Sea and Poland, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is one of Germany’s least densely populated states.

Formed after German reunification in 1990, it combines the historic regions of Mecklenburg and Western Pomerania, both of which were once powerful duchies and important Hanseatic trading areas.

🇩🇪 Continuing the series on Germany’s 16 federal states: Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen).

Germany’s second-largest state by area spans from the North Sea coast to the Harz Mountains, combining port cities, medieval towns, and rich natural landscapes.

Let’s explore 🧵

https://twitter.com/charmofculture/status/1968326939195965492

Lower Saxony surrounds the city-state of Bremen and borders the Netherlands as well as nine German states.

Its name reflects the Saxon tribes who settled the region in early medieval times.

After centuries of duchies and principalities, it was formed as a modern state in 1946.

🇩🇪 Next in the series on Germany’s 16 federal states: Hesse (Hessen).

Located in the heart of Germany, Hesse is a mix of financial hubs, medieval towns, and forested landscapes.

Let's explore🧵

https://twitter.com/CharmOfCulture/status/1968007680511070477

Hesse sits in central Germany, bordered by Lower Saxony, Thuringia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Rhineland-Palatinate.

Historically divided among various small states and bishoprics, Hesse became a modern state after World War II when several regions were merged under U.S. administration.

🇩🇪 Next in the series on Germany’s 16 federal states: Hamburg.

Germany’s second-largest city is a major port and former Hanseatic powerhouse, known for its maritime heritage and vibrant cultural scene.

Let's explore🧵

https://twitter.com/CharmOfCulture/status/1966552869382873554

Hamburg lies on the Elbe River, about 100 km from the North Sea.

It gained wealth and autonomy as a member of the Hanseatic League, becoming one of Europe’s most important trading hubs.

Today it remains Germany’s leading port and a city-state with its own distinct identity.

Next in the series on Germany’s 16 federal states: Bremen 🇩🇪

Germany’s smallest state is a historic Hanseatic city-state on the Weser River.

With a legacy of trade, maritime power, and independence, Bremen packs centuries of history into a compact area.

Lets explore🧵

https://twitter.com/CharmOfCulture/status/1966160504117964958

The state of Bremen consists of two separate cities: Bremen and the North Sea port of Bremerhaven.

Bremen joined the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages, becoming a major trading hub.

Though small, it retained independence for centuries and remains a proud “Free Hanseatic City.”

🇩🇪 Continuing the series on Germany’s 16 federal states: Brandenburg.

Surrounding Berlin, Brandenburg is a land of palaces, lakes, and forests.

Once the core of Prussia, it remains central to German history and identity.

Let’s explore🧵

https://twitter.com/charmofculture/status/1965848010866471014

Brandenburg lies in northeastern Germany and fully encircles Berlin.

It originated as a medieval margraviate in the 12th century. From the 15th century, it was ruled by the Hohenzollern dynasty, which later created the Kingdom of Prussia.

Brandenburg’s rise shaped the foundation of the German state.

🇩🇪 Continuing the series on Germany’s regions: Berlin.

Germany’s capital is more than just a city, it’s a state of its own.

A center of politics, culture, and history, Berlin reflects both division and reunification in modern Europe.

Let’s explore 🧵

https://twitter.com/charmofculture/status/1965473609759293874

Berlin is located in northeastern Germany, surrounded entirely by the state of Brandenburg.

First mentioned in the 13th century, it became the capital of Prussia in 1701 and later of the German Empire. In the 20th century, Berlin was at the center of both world wars, the Cold War, and reunification in 1990.

Today, it is Germany’s largest city and a major European hub.

🇩🇪 Next up: Bavaria

Germany’s largest state, where alpine peaks, baroque cities, and centuries of tradition meet.

Let’s explore 🧵

https://twitter.com/charmofculture/status/1965095754307174553

Bavaria covers much of southeastern Germany, bordering Austria and the Czech Republic.

The Duchy of Bavaria emerged in the 6th century and later became an Electorate of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1806, it became the Kingdom of Bavaria, later joining the German Empire in 1871.

🇫🇷 First in our series on France’s regions: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

A vast and varied region in southeastern France, home to the Alps, world class cities, ski resorts, and some of the country’s best food and wine.

Let’s explore 🧵 Bordering Switzerland and Italy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes stretches from the Rhône Valley vineyards to Mont Blanc’s snowy peaks.

Created in 2016 by merging Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes, it blends Roman heritage, medieval towns, and dramatic landscapes.

Lyon, its largest city, was once the capital of Roman Gaul and is con France’s culinary capital today.

Last on our tour of Italy’s 20 regions: Sardinia 🇮🇹

Italy’s second-largest island, known for turquoise seas, beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and a culture that feels distinct from the rest of Italy.

Lets explore this region together 🧵

https://twitter.com/charmofculture/status/1941566393645924859

Sardinia has a long, separate history from the Italian mainland.

Its early civilizations built nuraghi—stone towers that still dot the landscape.

Over centuries, it was contested by many civilizations and peoples.

Today it’s known for:
• Rugged coastlines and clear waters
• Unique prehistoric sites
• Strong local identity, with its own language and traditions
• Wide open spaces, grazing land, and isolated mountain villages

Next up in our tour of Italy’s 20 regions: Sicily 🇮🇹

The largest island in the Mediterranean.

Known for ancient ruins, coastal towns, strong traditions, and a mix of cultural influences.

Let’s take a tour 🧵 Sicily has been shaped by many civilizations: Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, and more.

Its position in the Mediterranean made it a strategic crossroads for trade and conquest.

You’ll see the history in its cities, food, language, and architecture.

Today it’s known for:
• Mt. Etna
• Historic cities and archaeological sites
• Distinct cuisine with layered influences
• Long stretches of coastline

Next on our tour of Italy’s 20 regions: Umbria 🇮🇹

The only region in central Italy with no coastline, Umbria is often overlooked—but it’s full of medieval towns, green hills, and is well worth visiting.

Here an overview of one of Italys most underrated regions 🧵 Umbria sits between Tuscany, Lazio, and Le Marche.

In ancient times it was home to Umbrians and Etruscans, later absorbed by Rome.

In the Middle Ages, it became a land of hilltop communes, saints, and art.

Today it’s known for:
• Medieval hill towns
• Saint Francis of Assisi
• Olive oil and black truffles
• Rolling green landscapes
• A slower pace, far from the tourist crowds

Next on our tour of Italy’s 20 regions: Trentino–Alto Adige 🇮🇹

Tucked up against the Austrian border, this is a land of Alpine peaks, castles, and Italian and German influences.

Here’s a tour of this unique region 🧵 Trentino–Alto Adige is made up of two autonomous provinces:

• Trentino, centered around Trento, and is Italian-speaking
• Alto Adige / Südtirol, where most people speak German

Both were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1919.

Today, they’re known for:
• The Dolomites 🏔️
• Skiing & mountain hiking
• Castles & Alpine lakes
• Multilingual culture (Italian, German, Ladin)
• A mix of Tyrolean and Italian cuisine

Next up on our tour of Italy’s 20 regions: Aosta Valley 🇮🇹

Italy’s smallest region, tucked in the Alps where it borders France and Switzerland.

Let’s take a look at this unique mountain region 🧵 Aosta Valley (Valle d’Aosta) is Italy’s smallest and least populated region.

It borders France and Switzerland, and French is an official language along with Italian.

Historically part of the Kingdom of Savoy, it has long been a crossroads of Alpine trade and culture.

Today it’s known for:

• Mont Blanc & the Matterhorn
• Ski resorts like Courmayeur
• Roman ruins in Aosta
• Stone castles and mountain trails
• A mix of Italian and French influences

🇮🇹 Italy has 20 regions, and each has its own story.

Let’s start in the northwest: Piedmont.

Bordering France and Switzerland, it’s a region shaped by mountains, royalty, and some of Italy’s best food and wine.

Here’s why it’s worth visiting 🧵 Piedmont (Piemonte) was home to the House of Savoy, the dynasty that unified Italy in the 1800s.

It borders France and has long been a link between Italy and the rest of Europe.

Today it’s known for:
• Barolo wine
• White truffles
• The Alps
• The city of Torino
• The Slow Food movement

It mixes French influence with Italian tradition.

Have you ever wondered what the symbol is in Mexico’s flag?

An eagle, a serpent, and a cactus — it looks mythical, and it is.

It marks the site where one of the greatest cities in the Americas was founded: Tenochtitlan.

This is the founding myth of Tenochtitlan 🧵 The Mexica people (later called Aztecs) began as nomads in northern Mexico.
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According to legend, they were guided by Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war, who promised them greatness,but only if they found the sign he had chosen.