This blog provides you with the 10 of best virtual tours (in my opinion) of the worlds magnificent architecture, landmarks and the great outdoors. You may have noticed in from my previous blogs that I have a great appreciation of art, surrealism and architecture, which remains evident throughout this post. Delve in and enjoy globe trotting from your own home.
Landmarks and Architecture
Casa Battlo at 43 Pasei de Gracia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Barcelona. Originally built in 1877 by Emilio Sala Cortes, was purchased by Josep Battlo y Casanovas in 1903. The textile industrialist bought the property to house his family and hired Antoni Gaudi i Cornet, giving him full architectural freedom. Expecting a knock down a rebuild, Battlo was surprised when Gaudi opted to completely reform the house using the original shell.
Gaudi was a internationally renowned Catalan architect. He was a ground breaking genius, offering a unique, personal and incomparable style that defies classification. When Gaudi graduated from the School of Architecture, Barcelona in 1878, Director Elies Rogent declared:
‘I do not know if we have awarded this degree to a madman or to a genius; only time will tell.’
Elies Rogent, School of Architecture Director, Barcelona, 1878
This incredible home has been open to the public since 1995, after the Bernat family purchased and restored it to its former glory. The virtual tour of this awe-inspiring piece of architecture allows the viewer to tour each room, moving around at their leisure, whilst avoiding the crowds.
Gaudi’s most notable work is the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, which although the tour is not quite as well done is worth a mention.
This magnificent church is recognised globally as the unfinished work of Antoni Gaudi. Work began on this masterpiece in 1882, under architect Francisco de Paula del Villar. However, upon his resignation in 1883, Gaudi took over as chief architect, working on the project until his death in 1926. Tragically Gaudi was hit by a tram on his way to Sagrada Familia.
Work has progressed slowly, due to being reliant entirely on private donations. Construction only grinding to a halt twice in its long history; one being during the Spanish Civil War and most recently on 11th March 2020 due to the global pandemic, covid-19.
A catacomb is an underground cemetery or ossuary, originally used by the ancient Romans between the 2nd and 5th centuries. The Paris Catacombs were excavated in the late 18th century when the city was experiencing major public health problems tied to the cities cemeteries. Exhumation began and remains were moved between 1785 and 1787, beginning with the largest cemetery in Paris, the Saints-Innocents Cemetery. They now serve as the final resting place for more than 6 million peoples remains.
Only a small well curated circuit is open to the public. However the 20 metre deep tunnels extend for hundreds of miles, but beyond the path is too dangerous. Since their creation they have aroused curiosity and are visited by throngs of tourists each year. You can now take a virtual tour and fulfill your inquisitiveness.
As one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Statue of Liberty is visited by approximately 4 million tourists every year. Libertas, a robed Roman liberty goddess is a colossal, neoclassical copper sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbour, New York City. She was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, dedicated in 1886. Lady Liberty stands 93 metres (including her pedestal) and is situated in the harbour where ‘all men see the New World for the first time’.
Just about everyone on the planet would recognise her, even if they have never themselves visited. She has featured in so many movies and pieces of literature.
‘Where would science fiction be without the Statue of Liberty? For decades it has towered or crumbled above the wastelands of deserted Earth – giants have uprooted it, aliens have found it curious … the symbol of liberty, of optimism, has become a symbol of science fictions pessimistic view of the future.’
Nicholls, Peter (1979) The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction
In this virtual tour you will be treated to the views from the torch, along with experiencing the inner structure without having to climb all the stairs to the top.
Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. It has been a focal point of the British people through times of national rejoicing and mourning.
The palace was built by John Sheffield (later became the Duke of Buckingham and Normanby) in 1703. It was eventually sold for 21,000 British pounds to George III. Originally used as a private retreat for George III’s wife Queen Charlotte; the palace only became the principal royal residence in 1837 with the accession of Queen Victoria, who was the first monarch to reside there.
Buckingham Palace has a total of 775 rooms, however only 19 are open to the public. The virtual tour allows viewers to explore the splendor of just 3 rooms, these being the Throne Room, Grand Staircase and White Drawing Room.
Stonehenge is perhaps the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. Stonehenge was built in several stages, with the first monument being erected about 5000 years ago; and the unique stone circle being added in the late Neolithic period about 2500 BC. A masterpiece in engineering, the Neolithic people were able to move stones weighing up to 30 tons distances of 250 kms in some cases.
There have been many theories of its use over the years. Today the most widely accepted interpretation is that of a prehistoric temple aligned with the movements of the sun. Allow the virtual tour to provide a 360 degree view of the stones and surrounding countryside; while clicking on the dots activates pop up information and videos.
Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca citadel, sitting 7000 feet above sea in Peru. In Quechua language Machu Picchu can be interpreted as ‘old peak’ or ‘old mountain’.
Archeologists estimate that approximately 1200 people could have lived in the area, though many theorise that it was most likely a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca leaders. The site was discovered in 1911 by American archeologist Hiram Bingham, previously remaining secret, only known to peasants living in the area. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is considered one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
It is one of the places I would most like to visit and viewing this virtual tour was an informative and delightful experience.
For further cultural experiences, check out 360° videos — Google Arts & Culture. I’m sure you will find the site as impressive as I did.
The Great Outdoors
As a result of covid-19 the world has seen an abundance of virtual tours, some much better than others. Some of my favourites for exploring the great outdoors can be found below:
- Random Street View This site does exactly ‘what it says on the tin’. Explore random streets across the globe, wherever the pin drops. Once finished exploring one place, click next and the location will change.
- AirPano View 360 degree videos and photographs from around the world. Themes include, places, national parks, architecture, landmarks, underwater, ruins etc. All videos and photos on this site are available to buy but you are able to view for free, so make sure not to click buy now.
- The Hidden World of the National Parks This amazing website allows viewers to explore 5 of America’s National Parks with 360 degree photography and commentary.
If you enjoyed this blog, exploring landmarks, architecture and the great outdoors be sure to check out my previous posts on virtual museum tours and virtual art gallery tours. Please leave comments or suggestions below. I am always open to new ideas and opinions.
This is very interesting. I would love to go to Machu Picchu but don’t fancy wheezing my way around but the Tour on Google 360 Arts and Culture site was a really good second best. It is a fabulous way to escape from lockdown!