architecture | Daydream Tourist

May 8

A Hotel with its Own Archaeological Ruins

Terrific view of old city from the roof deck of the Akko Knights Youth Hostel (Photo from hostel)

I wrote recently about the old historic core of Acre (or Akko), Israel which is packed with Crusader era ruins. Since Acre is mostly a day-tripper’s destination, we stayed a night in the only accommodations in the old city – a youth hostel. Apparently you can’t dig anywhere in the Acre without discovering an archaeological site! I was surprised to find that our youth hostel had its own set of ruins on site and did an excellent job exhibiting them as natural elements of the hostel premise.

May 1

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Crusader Acre

Akko ocean fortification from the Crusader era

One edge of square shaped Acre abuts the ocean ad is heavily fortified

For approximately the 12th and 13th century, Acre (or Akko) served as the capitol of the Crusader kingdom of Palestine. A valuable port city on the Mediterranean, Acre received soldier and supplies as waves of European warriors landed. This city also prospered as a trading hub between Europe and the near East. The old city of Acre and the Crusader structures therein are well preserved and provide a glimpse into this bloody period of history. But what I found in Acre was a well established historical city with elegant architecture suggesting a more stable community during a very violent period in the region.

Apr 28

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Bauhaus Tel Aviv – Walking the White City

Some cities like Bruges, Rouen, and Sienna are locked into one architectural style. Huge swings in economic prosperity followed by war or plague created these time-capsule cities preserving their perfect medieval core. But this kind of preserved architectural purity can still happen!

Detailed railings and shutters at 44 Balfour St. make this one of the most decorative homes in the White City.

A huge wave of Jewish immigrants from Europe landed in Israel in the 1930’s. Moving just North along the coast from Jaffa, these new residents build the city of Tel Aviv. Skilled architects and brilliant modern designers created the city in the Bauhaus, or International Style. Originally an industrial design ascetic which focused on pure lines, simplified geometric forms, and maximal utility, the Bauhaus concepts developed into a unique and thoroughly modern sytle. Much of “old” Tel Aviv was built during this period which has resulted one of the most consistent modern architectural neighborhoods in the World. In 2003 UNESCO recognized this so called “White City” as a World Heritage Site For visitors, its a living museum of pure Bauhaus.

Feb 10

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Saint John’s Hospital and Hans Memling, Bruges

St. John’s Hospital in Bruges is an excellent example of when preservation and art exhibition are done correctly. A former pilgrim’s hospital, the grand hall and church have been transformed into a museum. The space exhibits art and medical objects from the history of the clinic, plus a very special section dedicated to Bruges’ most famous resident and Flemish Primitive painter Hans Memling.

Memling Museum, St. John’s Hospital, Bruges

Jan 30

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Flowers and Old Stones

The East Coast of the US has been blasted with some terribly cold weather the last two weeks. To warm up, I’ve been digging through my summer photos! I’ve noticed a nice handful of picture in the genre of “Flowers & Old Stones.” There is something really beautiful about juxtaposing the rich texture of archaeological remains and colorful flowers.