5 Symbols of Infinite Love
Love is such a feeling that its effect can last for centuries. Of course, love doesn't have to have a tangible counterpart, but some of the loves in history are so great that their fruits are seen as architectural wonders that we admire even today.
As we enter the most romantic period of the year, how would you like to be enchanted by the five most famous structures built to honor love and listen to the stories behind them?
Boldt Castle, New York
There is a sad story behind Boldt Castle. George Boldt, who immigrated to America from Germany, buys an island as a symbol of his eternal love for his wife, Louise, and starts to build a castle here in 1900. Unfortunately, his wife dies unexpectedly, without seeing the finished castle. Unable to bear this pain, Boldt finds himself in the depths of depression, stops the construction of the castle and never returns to Heart Island. This sad building stands in ruins, abandoned until 1977. The state of New York then buys and repairs the building, and the castle becomes a popular tourist destination.
Taj Mahal, Agra
Undoubtedly, the most famous of the structures built for the sake of love is the Taj Mahal. It is also a very important touchstone for world architectural history. Although it was built about 400 years ago, this building that still fascinates its visitors is actually a mausoleum as you know. The Taj Mahal was built by the ruler Shah Jahan after his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died while giving birth. The monarch, who was in great grief and even thought of ending his own life, instead built this magnificent monument as a symbol of their love. Refraining from any expense, Shah Cihan brings more than 20 thousand sculptors, calligraphers and craftsmen to Agra and presents this marble masterpiece to the world.
Petit Trianon, Paris
Petit Trianon is a mansion located in the gardens of Versailles, one of the world's most ornate palaces. The love story behind it belongs to Louis the 15th and his mistress, Madame de Pompadour, with whom he is deeply attached. Although Louis XV had the Petit Trianon built in the mid-18th century for his lover, Madame de Pompadour dies just before the building was completed. Exhibiting neoclassical and rococo styles, the Petit Trianon turns into another symbol of love after this death. Louis XVI, who came to the throne after Louis the 15th, presents the Petit Trianon to his wife, Marie Antoinette. The young queen, who is only 19 years old, uses this place as a place to relax and escape from the strict rules of palace life, furnishing it entirely according to her own extravagant tastes.
Kellie's Castle, Batu Gajah
It may be surprising to go to Malaysia and encounter a castle built with Scottish architecture. That's why Kellie's Castle is a structure that demonstrates the boundless power of love and the urge to please the one you love. Born in Scotland, William Kellie Smith and Agnes married in the early 1900s and settled in Malaysia, where they began to live in a wooden house. But Agnes, who grew up in Scotland, misses her country and cannot be happy in this small house. His wife, William, starts to build a castle on the top of a hill, reminding the castles of the country where they were born, in order to make Agnes, who was pregnant at the time, happy. Unfortunately, when William died suddenly in 1926, construction of the castle stopped and it still stands in an abandoned state today.
Kellie's Castle, Batu Gajah
It may be surprising to go to Malaysia and encounter a castle built with Scottish architecture. That's why Kellie's Castle is a structure that demonstrates the boundless power of love and the urge to please the one you love. Born in Scotland, William Kellie Smith and Agnes married in the early 1900s and settled in Malaysia, where they began to live in a wooden house. But Agnes, who grew up in Scotland, misses her country and cannot be happy in this small house. His wife, William, starts to build a castle on the top of a hill, reminding the castles of the country where they were born, in order to make Agnes, who was pregnant at the time, happy. Unfortunately, when William died suddenly in 1926, construction of the castle stopped and it still stands in an abandoned state today.
Swallow's Nest, Gaspra
A small town called Gaspra, located on Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula stretching towards the Black Sea, is home to this magnificent castle. Although its history is not known exactly, a German aristocrat had the Swallow's Nest built in the early 20th century. The legend about why this fairy-tale building, built in neo-Gothic style, is as follows. Visiting Crimea, this aristocrat marvels at the view from this hill 30 meters above sea level and decides to build a romantic castle here, which he will use for a getaway with his wife. This unique two-storey building is open to tourists today.
Keywords: Agra | Travel | India | Malaysia | New York | Paris | Romantic buildings | Buildings with romantic stories | Chateau | Taj Mahal | Ukraine | Versailles | Palace of Versailles