Architecture and art represent the foundations of a city's cultural and historical identity. Through their iconic buildings, museums, galleries, and public spaces, cities chronicle their history, traditions, and community aspirations. Cities with a rich artistic and architectural heritage not only offer extraordinary visual experiences but also serve as vital centers for cultural preservation and promotion.
In this context, choosing destinations off the beaten track helps expand our horizons.
Porto-Novo (Benin - Africa) and the influence of former Brazilian slaves
The capital of Benin is a fascinating city with a rich cultural and architectural heritage. Famous for its Afro-Brazilian-style colonial buildings, which were the result of the influence of Brazilian ex-slaves who returned to Africa, the city is home to several traditional royal palaces and museums that celebrate the culture and history of the Porto-Novo Kingdom.
The Nogueira da Silva Museum chronicles the history of the return of former Brazilian slaves to Benin and their cultural influence. Housed in a historic building, it offers a unique perspective on the African diaspora and the roots of the Afro-Brazilian community. Here, you can also enjoy performances of traditional music and dances that recount centuries-old stories.
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Gjirokastër (Albania - Europe): the city of stone
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in southern Albania nicknamed "the city of stone", Gjirokastër is famous for its imposing citadel and beautifully preserved Ottoman houses that look like miniature fortresses. Along with its rich cultural heritage, the city's unique architecture makes it an amazing destination. Like the ancient Bazaar that is a picturesque market by day, but in the evening its cobblestone streets are filled with a magical atmosphere, with soft lights illuminating the stone buildings. Many of the artisanal shops and cafes remain open, providing an opportunity to enjoy a glass of local raki and learn more about traditional crafts in an evocative setting.
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Valparaíso (Chile - South America): murals and graffiti
A port city located on the Pacific coast, Valparaíso is famous for its colorful houses perched along its hilly slopes, artistic murals, and historic funicular railways. The city is a veritable open-air museum, with a vibrant art scene that is reflected in its streets and buildings, many of which feature frescoes and graffiti by local and international artists. Seeing these works with the guidance of those who created them offers a unique perspective, so tours often include the artists' personal stories, the social context behind their works, and the chance to witness the creation of new works live and in person.
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Tbilisi (Georgia - Asia): steeped in history
Georgia's capital is a city that astonishes with its fusion of architectural styles. Medieval architecture mixes with art nouveau buildings, Soviet structures, and modern architectural creations. With its Orthodox churches, synagogues, and mosques, the winding streets of the Old City offer a rich cultural and historical experience. Wellness here also means immersing yourself in local culture and tradition, such as at the Abanotubani Sulfur Baths. Located in the heart of the Old City, these underground thermal baths are famous for their healing properties and are an integral part of Tbilisi's history. Some baths offer private experiences in historic pools, to relax and enjoy the old-world charm of this Georgian tradition
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Yazd (Iran - Asia): at the roots of civilization
Yazd is one of the oldest cities in the world, located in the heart of the Iranian desert. The city is famous for its mud and clay architecture, with unique features such as badgirs (wind towers) and qanats (ancient underground irrigation systems). Yazd is also an important center of Zoroastrian culture, with numerous temples and sacred sites. The ancient Zoroastrian towers of silence just outside Yazd are sacred sites, used for Zoroastrian funeral rites until about 50 years ago. The fact that the unjust regime makes it impossible to enjoy such beauty at present cannot make us forget its luminous centuries-old history. Talking about it is one way to fight obscurantism.
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Puebla (Mexico - North America), a labyrinth of emotions
Puebla is a colonial city located at the foot of the Popocatépetl volcano, famous for its extraordinary Baroque architecture. The city is full of churches decorated with talavera tiles, convents, and colonial homes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic center of Puebla is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets lined with colorful and richly decorated buildings.
The secret tunnels of Puebla (Pasaje Histórico 5 de Mayo) are an underground labyrinth, only recently discovered, used by soldiers during the War of Independence and the Battle of Puebla. The tunnels connect several strategic points in the city and offer a unique experience for those interested in military history and perhaps even a bit of mystery, as the date of their origins is hotly debated, but some believe they date as far back as the Incas.
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Napier (New Zealand - Oceania): Art Deco capital
A coastal city in the Hawke's Bay region, it is famous for its Art Deco architecture. After a devastating earthquake in 1931, the city was rebuilt in the Art Deco style, with influences from the Arts and Crafts movement and the Spanish missionary style. Today, Napier is considered one of the best Art Deco cities in the world, with a vibrant cultural scene and numerous events dedicated to this architectural style. For an experience that is a bit kitsch but perfectly on theme, the Art Deco Bike Tour allows you to explore Napier on a vintage bicycle, dressed in 1930s-style clothing. Some tours also include stops for a "retro picnic" in one of the city's historic parks.