France's landmarks are the heartbeat of its soul, echoing grandeur and timeless beauty.

Today, we explore 24 sites that inspire awe. 🧵 1. Palace of Versailles, Versailles

This opulent palace, with its lavish gardens and Hall of Mirrors, reflects the grandeur of the French monarchy.

European tapestries, much like the Olympics, weave stories of triumph and struggle, celebrating human history and achievement through elegant storytelling.

Their story begins in the early Middle Ages, around the 12th century. 🧵 Initially, tapestries were used to insulate the cold, stone walls of castles and churches, providing not just warmth but also a splash of color and a touch of grandeur to otherwise austere interiors.

The Bayeux Tapestry in the Bayeux Museum in Bayeux, France is an early example though it was not woven but rather embroidered.

On Friday, Paris becomes the second city to host the Olympic Summer Games at least three times.

"Paris isn’t a city, it’s a world.” — King Francis I

I must say, I have to agree. Let's take a stroll and see why! 🧵 1. Eiffel Tower

The iconic symbol of Paris, built by Gustave Eiffel in 1889 for the World's Fair. It was initially criticized but now stands as a beloved landmark.

In ancient Rome, men fought to the death for glory and survival, turning bloodshed into the ultimate spectacle.

Welcome to the world of Roman Gladiators - let us journey back in time. 🧵 The origins of gladiators can be traced back to ancient Etruscan rituals where combat was part of funerary rites meant to honor the deceased and appease the gods.

Illusions in art force us to question the boundaries of reality and challenge our perception.

Let us explore 18 mind-blowing artworks that captivate and deceive the viewer's eye. 🧵 1. White Stork by Oleg Shuplyak

My name is Lisa di Antonio Gherardini Giocondo, but most know me as the Madonna Lisa.

My portrait has captivated many for centuries. Here’s why! 🧵 The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is arguably the most famous artwork in the world.

Housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, this painting draws millions of visitors each year.

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boldly claims the title "Paris of the East!"

Let us dive into 18 breathtaking landmarks where the Danube weaves together rich histories and vibrant cultures. 🧵 1. St. Stephen's Basilica

This grand neoclassical church is a marvel of architecture and home to Hungary's most revered relic, the mummified right hand of St. Stephen.

Gaze up and be transported to realms where art and architecture converge!

These 24 ceilings are gateways to wonder, inviting us to dream beyond earthly confines! 🧵 1. Strahov Library in Prague

The ceilings of the Strahov Library in Prague are adorned with stunning Baroque frescoes.

These intricate paintings, which include allegorical scenes by Siard Nosecký and Anton Maulbertsch, elevate the library's halls to realms of intellectual and aesthetic splendor.

According to Aristotle, if you want to live a happy and fulfilled life, you need to practice the following four virtues: wisdom, fairness, courage, and self-control. 🧵 Prudence (Wisdom) is the ability to make wise decisions and think practically about how to achieve good outcomes.

Can you believe these stunning structures and statues were built by the Romans almost 2 millennia ago?

Ready to travel back in time! Let's explore these 18 ancient Roman wonders together! 🧵 1. The Pantheon in Rome, Italy

The Pantheon, completed between 113-125 AD, was originally a temple to all Roman gods and is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings, used continuously throughout history.

Its dome remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.

This 500-year-old painting, bursting with fantastical machines and bizarre hybrid creatures, is nothing short of astonishing!

Despite its morbid theme, it was a sensational hit in its time.

Let's dive into the mystery. 🧵 "The Garden of Earthly Delights" by Hieronymus Bosch (born Jheronimus van Aken) has fascinated and puzzled art lovers for centuries.

Bosch didn't date his paintings; it was likely painted between 1490 and 1510.

However, who was Hieronymus Bosch?

We mostly known from his birthplace, 's-Hertogenbosch.

His life and training are a mystery, with info from municipal records and local accounts.

Trump's presence in Art sparks intense debate, symbolizing both a beacon of hope and a lightning rod of controversy.

With the RNC in full swing, let us explore 10 paintings symbolizing him as a beacon of hope. 1. "Trump Shrugged" by Jon McNaughton

This painting, inspired by the Greek myth of Atlas and Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged," symbolizes Trump's enduring struggle against relentless persecution, as he shoulders the burden of restoring America's greatness despite immense challenges.

Each masterpiece hides a universe of secrets, waiting to be uncovered.

Let us dive into the concealed meanings and hidden gems of these 18 iconic artworks.

What secrets did you uncover? 🧵 1. "The Arnolfini Portrait" by Jan van Eyck (1434)

A double portrait of Giovanni di Nicolao di Arnolfini and his wife in their home includes a mirror reflecting two figures, one believed to be Van Eyck himself, with an inscription above it.

"In Spain, the dead are more alive than the dead of any other country in the world." - Ernest Hemingway

Today, we will explore 18 Spanish landmarks that rejuvenate the soul. 🧵 1. Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família in Barcelona, whose construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing, saw its plans interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, during which many of Gaudí's original models were destroyed.

Bernini's sculptures captivate viewers with their intense passion, power, and divine revelations.

At just 11, Bernini created his first masterpiece and went on to become the greatest sculptor since antiquity. 🧵 1. Apollo and Daphne

The visceral transformation of Daphne into a tree captures the desperation of escape and the inevitability of fate.

The Rajput architecture of India merges martial might with elegant art.

Let's delve into the spirit of the Rajput warriors immortalized in these 16 landmarks. 🧵 1. Jaisalmer Fort

Often referred to as the 'Golden Fort' due to its yellow sandstone walls that glow in the sunlight, this fort contains palaces, houses, and temples, all intricately carved and a testament to the craftsmanship of the Rajput era.

Would you believe that a building reconstructed around 125 A.D. during Emperor Hadrian's reign still stands tall today?

The Pantheon, one of Rome’s most iconic structures, is indeed that ancient.

Here is what you need to know before you visit the Pantheon. 🧵🧵 The name "Pantheon" means "all gods" in Greek.

It was possibly a temple dedicated to all Roman gods, but its exact purpose is still debated.

According to Cassius Dio, the Pantheon was originally dedicated to Julius Caesar, the first deified Roman ruler and progenitor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

In 609 A.D., the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church, which helped preserve it from destruction and plundering.

Every year on Pentecost, thousands of rose petals are dropped from the oculus, symbolizing the descent of the Holy Spirit.

During the Middle Ages, the Pantheon's oculus, a central opening in the dome, was believed to have been created by fleeing demons when the building was consecrated as a church.

These 15 masterpieces serve as a mirror, challenging us to confront our own follies, ethical boundaries, and the consequences of our actions. 🧵⤵️ 1. "Marriage A-la-Mode" #4 in a series of 6 paintings by William Hogarth

The emptiness that lies beneath the surface of aristocratic unions.

The Pacific Coast Highway road-trip is a breathtaking journey that confronts travelers with the awe-inspiring power and beauty of nature.

Let us embark on a breathtaking journey up the USA's western coastline. 🧵 1. San Diego, CA

The start of our journey on the southern end of Pacific Coast Highway in the US, San Diego offers a perfect blend of beautiful beaches, world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo, and a lively downtown.

Brunelleschi's Dome - they called it! It is a fascinating tale of persistence and brilliance!

The grand cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore stands as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of one man, Filippo Brunelleschi. 🧵 Santa Maria del Fiore, a World Heritage site, boasts the largest masonry dome still standing today.

It is taller than the Statue of Liberty and weighs as much as a cruise ship.

Construction on the cathedral first started in 1296.

Despite the grandeur and ambition of the project, architects and builders faced an insurmountable challenge: how to construct a dome that would crown the massive structure.

For over a century, the challenge of constructing such a dome stumped some of the greatest minds in architecture.

Cathedrals serve as places of worship in a relentless pursuit of the divine.

However, these 24 cathedrals also challenge the boundaries between heaven and earth. 🧵 1. St. Peter's Basilica (Vatican City)

One of the largest and most renowned churches in the world, it features a magnificent Renaissance design, Michelangelo's iconic dome, and houses priceless works of art, including the Pietà.