Three Landmarks to Put on your Bucket List

When going on vacation, it is highly probable you will see a landmark or plan an outing to see one. Landmarks are not just something to take a picture of. They are to be honored because they have a history, a story to tell. They add to the character of the town they are in as well as represent a feeling. If you are able to travel around the world, you should visit these three landmarks.

Eiffel Tower — The same person who designed the Statue of Liberty also designed the Eiffel Tower – Alexandr-Gustave Eiffel. What is surprising is that the tower was only meant to be a temporary structure. It was built for the 1889 Universal Exposition. A contest was held to design an iron tower on the Champ-de-Mars. Eiffel won, but his tower was not well-received. Parisians called the tower a “threat against the aesthetic nature of Paris.” However, people visiting the exposition loved the tower and it remained standing. There were several attempts to have it dismantled, but what saved it was a radio antenna. The antenna was first used for military communications and then for radiotelegraphy communications.

The Colosseum — This impressive amphitheater in Rome seated 50,000 people and had a retractable awning. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian around A.D. 70 – 72, it was used for games (e.g. gladiatorial combats) and races. Vespasian took the throne after Emperor Nero’s death (one of four emperor’s). He needed to win back the favor of the people and restore the Senate. He gave back the land Nero had built his palace on (it was destroyed by fire) to the people and built the amphitheater on it. He dedicated the amphitheater to the public to secure his regime. It remained in use for four centuries before it began to fall into disrepair; two-thirds of the colosseum has been destroyed. For some time, it was used to store building materials. Restoration efforts began in the 19th century to preserve this source of history.

Neuschwanstein Castle — Located in Bavaria, this majestic castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II in the 19th century. Sadly, the king died before the castle was completed — only 14 rooms were finished. It has a fairy tale look, which earned Ludwig the nickname of the “Fairytale King.” In fact, the castle was the inspiration for the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. The interior features intricate woodwork and gorgeous paintings. He decorated the castle to honor Richard Wagner, a world-renowned composer. The name of the castle translates to “New Swan Castle,” which is a nod to Wagner’s “The Swan Night.” Also, the castle had the latest technology for its time, including flushing toilets and an air-heating system.

Originally published on robertsiekert.net on April 11, 2019.