North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s largest urban area, is full of architectural secrets. In this guide you’ll find from contemporary to medieval architecture, from Doms to synagogues and everything in between. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Virginia Duran Maps
The Free Architecture Guide of Basel (PDF)
Basel is Switzerland’s little secret. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, Basel is a mecca for architects. Traditionally, the city has had an ancient kind of allure – Medieval Gates, grand cathedrals and historical palaces – but nowadays, contemporary architecture can be found everywhere. Special thanks to Basel Tourismus and my friend … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Oslo (PDF)
Oslo, hidden amongst mountains, is one of the least explored cities in Scandinavia – and also one of the most beautiful. From the new Opera House to Lambda Museum, one can find multiple architectural gems to delight the expert traveller. In recent years, some of the most popular studios in Europe – MVRDV, Renzo Piano and … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Prague (PDF)
Prague, one of the most enchanting European cities, is brimming with stunning architecture, charming markets and hilltop views. If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, make sure to include this little gem of a city. In a city where old Bohemia meets the modern world, beauty is never lacking. From the historical landmarks of the old town … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Porto (PDF)
Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, has a vast and interesting history; and its Roman, Celtic and Muslim influences have left behind a rich architectural legacy. This beautiful area of the Douro River has a surprising mix of buildings: Medieval religious architecture, contemporary structures by starchitects Siza and Soto de Moura and the … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Stockholm (PDF)
Stockholm is vast and its history is softly infused in the landmarks that stretch across the Baltic Sea. The capital’s architecture – and art – is brimming with significance. From Vaxholm Fortress, built by Russian prisoners (and used as the filming location of Pippi) to the royal palaces of Kungliga Slottet and Drottningholms Slott. From the … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Split (PDF)
Anybody exploring Croatia soon? Whilst planning my trip to this historical city, I was interested in a lot more than architecture, which is normally my main focus. Split’s proximity to other islands and exciting culinary scene made my research to go beyond the buildings. In a attempt to share with you all the documentation relevant … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Malta (PDF)
With its rich architectural history (dating back to the Bronze age), tumultuous past and key strategic point in the Mediterranean, Malta has a lot to offer, if one knows where to look. This guide covers everything interesting in terms of architecture. If you find any mistakes, or have any suggestions please let me know in the comments. … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Barcelona (PDF)
Barcelona is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Since hosting the Olympic Games of 1992 its growth has skyrocketed and new architecture, parks and refurbishment projects have been happening non stop. If you are planning a trip to Barcelona soon, you may find this compilation useful. This guide covers everything interesting in terms of … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Ho Chi Minh City (PDF)
Vietnam’s emerging architecture can be best seen in Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi, two beautiful cities that I explored in 2016. Because the capital is experiencing so much growth, I’ll be updating this map constantly with its new structures. This guide covers everything interesting in terms of architecture. If you find any mistakes, or have any … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Edinburgh (PDF)
While working on London’s Guide I had the chance to visit UK’s most charming cities and towns, being Edinburgh one of my favourites. There’s something magical about its hills, cobblestone streets and vernacular architecture that will make you want to visit the city over and over. This guide covers everything interesting in terms of architecture. If … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Bucharest (PDF)
Neoclassical architecture proudly standing next to Communist buildings. Massive governmental structures which have been finished in the wrong period. Long avenues, vintage cafés and buildings with high risk for a collapse. A lot of personality within an emerging city of which I have high hopes. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Bangkok (PDF)
Bangkok is all about amazing food, rooftops and temples (don’t miss the biggest reclining Buddha in the world). If you know where to look, it can truly be a cultural immersion so hopefully this guide would be a handy tool to prepare your amazing trip to Thailand. Everything interesting in terms of architecture is here, both old … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Tunisia (PDF)
Tunisia’s fascinating history is determined by the Roman influence and its proximity to Egypt. Despite its obvious resemblance to Marrakech, it also has a strong scent of Paris making it a remarkable country in which to explore the contrasts (don’t miss Tunisia’s Star Wars filming locations). Everything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Vienna (PDF)
Vienna, often known as the capital of classical music, has so much more to offer. With a rich past and truly remarkable legacy, it comes as no surprise the variety of buildings one can find in the Austrian capital. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find any mistakes, or have any … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Hong Kong (PDF)
Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant cities in China and like Shanghai it has an amazingly endless skyline. It also has a lot of what is authentic in this country: high-rise housing, neon signs and crowds. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find any mistakes, or have any suggestions please let … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of India (PDF)
India is a surreally beautiful country, some of its monuments are among the most impressive you’ll ever dream of seeing. Every corner of India deserves a visit and that’s why this is a country map instead of a city map. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find any mistakes, or have any suggestions … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Dubai (PDF)
Dubai is one of the most vibrant cities in the world and its skyline is among the most beautiful in the world. It has changed and will keep changing dramatically over the years so make sure you check this post for the most updated version. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Brussels (PDF)
Visiting a city with a local makes it all so special. Thanks to my friend Alex for showing me around, it felt as if I was guided by Tintin himself around the city, getting to know its secret spots and most amazing stories – all covered in the guide. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of San Juan, Puerto Rico (PDF)
San Juan (Puerto Rico) is one of the most charming cities you’ll ever have the pleasure of visiting. Its colourful houses are just a piece of the wide range of vernacular architecture that makes up this beautiful island. You’ll have to explore this city with your eyes wide open not to miss the elegant colonial … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Marrakech (PDF)
Marrakech is a chaos, but a beautiful one. Its medina is one of the busiest and most lively places you’ll ever visit. In contrast, if you walk deep enough through the souks, you’ll find calm places where the only sound is water. Don’t miss these stunning pieces of Islamic architecture just because they’re hard to find … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Tokyo (PDF)
Japan is as amazing as everyone says, and its capital even more. I spent almost a month discovering this amazing country, its food, people and wonderful architecture. I loved Tokyo and its unique skyline and architecture. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find any mistakes, or have any suggestions please let me know. My … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Amsterdam (PDF)
Amsterdam is all about practical urban planning, amazing cycling infrastructure, tulip-lined canal bridges and old merchant houses tilt at impossible angles. I visited Amsterdam for the first time this year and fell in love with it on day one. Discover secret spots, new buildings and the most amazing places to photograph the city among other things. If you find any mistakes, or … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Paris (PDF)
Paris is one of the most magical cities you’ll ever visit. The massive amount of iconic buildings, museums and art galleries is just a small part of what will make you fall in love with this city. Discover secret spots, new buildings and the most amazing places to photograph the city among other things. If you find any … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Boston (PDF)
I visited Boston for the first time two years ago. Its buildings, primarily low-rise, the city layout, based on narrow and winding streets and its parks, part of the urban grid, made me like Boston immediately. In my opinion, Boston has every good thing about European architecture without losing the distinctive touch of Northern America. Anything interesting … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Lisbon (PDF)
Very few people will leave Lisbon without falling in love. Beautiful and unexpected details such as a picturesque street, a magnificent viewpoint at the turn of a street and singular tiled façades will make you slowly fall in love. Its people, among the most friendly in Europe in my opinion, will make you feel at … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Shanghai (PDF)
I had never been to China before this summer. I was very fortunate to have been awarded a full scholarship for Tongji’s summer program on sustainability and green practices and got the chance to visit Shanghai for the first time. I was deeply impressed by their culture, their philosophy and their construction methods. I had time to discover the … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Istanbul (PDF)
Everyone agrees on Istanbul’s magical charm, which still has some grandeur of the Byzantine Empire. When I first visited this summer, I was very impressed by its architecture: mosques, hidden baths and its unique skyline. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find any mistakes, or have any suggestions please let me know. My … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of London (PDF)
London is one of the most interesting European cities in terms of architecture. Besides its history, some of the most relevant towers of the 21st century have been built recently, making it a beautiful city full of contrasts. Anything interesting in terms of architecture is here. If you find any mistakes, or have any suggestions … Continue reading
The Free Architecture Guide of Berlin
Two weeks ago I visited Berlin for the first time. Despite having heard it was amazing, it turned out to be even better than I thought. Berlin is a strange mixture of past and present full of architectural contrasts. One of the most interesting cities I’ve ever visited, that’s for sure. Along with North Rhine-Westphalia, … Continue reading
Virginia Duran 