Magnificent gardens and parks of the world. Landscape parks of the world
Royal Tulip Park Keukenhof, Holland
Keukenhof, or “Garden of Europe,” is a fabulous park and flower kingdom, spread over an area of 32 hectares in the vicinity of the town of Lisse, between Amsterdam and The Hague. Although Keukenhof is open to the public for only two months a year, from approximately March 20 to May 20, more than a million people visit each year.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Thailand
Nong Nooch is 240 hectares of botanical gardens and local attractions located on the 163rd kilometer of Sukhumvit Road in Chonburi Province. The park has its own Stonehenge and gardens of orchids, bonsai trees and ferns.
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London
Kew Gardens originated in 1670 in Kew Park, created by Lord Henry Capel on the site of an apothecary's garden. More than 2 million tourists visit them every year, but the gardens are not just for them. Kew Gardens is a leading center for botanical research and the training of professional gardeners. Scientific research is carried out here, and the plants are also used as a source for other beautiful parks in England.
The most famous attractions in the Royal Botanic Gardens are Kew Palace, Mink, Great Pagoda, Davis Alpine House, Japanese Gate, Rizotron Multimedia Gallery, Queen Charlotte's Cottage, Marianne North Gallery, Shirley Sherwood Gallery, Treetop Walk Bridge and Water Lily House.
Tropical Palm Park, Florida, USA
The park is home to a unique collection of rare tropical plants, including palm trees, flowering trees and vines.
Yu Yuan Garden, Shanghai
The first owner of the Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, Pan Yunduan, who was the provincial treasurer in the Ming era, decided to build a garden reminiscent of the imperial garden in Beijing to please his parents in their old age. Since the 16th century, the park has been rebuilt several times.
The entire park was built according to all the rules of Feng Shui. The garden is divided into 6 parts, which are connected by intricate transitions, visually isolated from each other. The name Yu Yuan means "Garden of Joy" or "Garden of Leisure Rest".
Garden of Cosmic Thoughts, Scotland
This amazing place appeared in Scotland in the town of Dumfries in 1989. Instead of exotic flowers and an abundance of shrubs, there are aluminum flower beds, instead of fountains shooting up, there are black holes, and the landscape is mesmerizing with unusual shapes.
Versailles Gardens, France
The famous Versailles gardens were laid out under Louis XIII and were brought to perfection by the famous court landscape architect André Le Nôtre under Louis XIV. In addition to carefully trimmed lawns and lawns, sculptures and parterres of flowers, luxurious fountains are located throughout the gardens.
Versailles Park is a “garden of the mind” with mathematically verified proportions and clearly planned alleys. The Sun King did not want to see wilted flowers, so two million potted fresh flowers were always ready to replace the wilted ones, and the garden shone magnificently all year round.
Have a nice virtual walk with the scents of Spring..)
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is one of Thailand's most popular tourist attractions and one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, reflecting the magnificent beauty of nature.
Longwood Gardens is the name given to the world famous Du Pont Gardens located in Philadelphia. The long-standing traditions and landscaping at Longwood have evolved over many decades to provide tourists with a true wonder, a place full of charm and harmony with nature.
The beauty and grandeur of the Bahai Gardens in Haifa, combined with the painstaking work of the gardeners, create a unique atmosphere. Like all great works of art, these extraordinary landscapes are a tangible manifestation of the human spirit, so it is no surprise that this is one of the most popular destinations in Israel and the Middle East.
The magnificent classical Chinese Yuyuan Garden, covering approximately two hectares, located in the heart of Shanghai's Old Town, is an oasis of calm and harmony. It was specially designed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) by the wealthy official Pan Yunduan for his parents to enjoy a peaceful and happy time in their old age.
Not far from Berlin in the eastern part of Germany, on the banks of the Havel River, is the capital of Brandeburg - the picturesque town of Potsdam, which is known throughout the world for its historical landmarks and the work of the most outstanding architects, builders, scientists and artists.
The island of Mainau, also called the Island of Flowers, can easily be called one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. This picturesque paradise full of flowers and butterflies should be a must on the list of every tourist who is a connoisseur of nature and magnificent garden design.
Salzburg is located in the north-west of Austria at the foot of the Alps. The ancient city is the birthplace of Mozart and is known throughout the world for its attractions, the main one of which is the magnificent Mirabell Gardens.
The gardens of Claude Monet, located on the right bank of the Seine in the small picturesque town of Giverny in Normandy, are famous throughout the world thanks to the paintings of the great artist, who lived here from 1883 until his death in 1926. Over the years, he drew inspiration from nature and added a new palette of colors and shades to his garden, which were reflected in his paintings.
More than a century ago, Jenny Butchart began creating what is now a floral show and one of the world's masterpieces of landscape design. The Butchart Gardens is a national Historic Site of Canada of international significance that has been open to the public since 1904.
This amazing place appeared in Scotland in the town of Dumfries in 1989. Instead of exotic flowers and an abundance of shrubs there are aluminum flower beds, instead of fountains shooting up there are black holes, and the landscape will simply fascinate you with its unusual shapes and mysteries.
This is a unique garden of its kind, and walking through it you will feel that it was created not by man, but by an extraterrestrial civilization.
The Italian Renaissance gave birth not only to works of fabulous art and architecture, but also to unique park landscape design. Green spaces, symmetrical and decorated with sparkling fountains, sculptures and grottoes, came into fashion during the 15th century.
The landscape design of the Versailles park is determined by the classical geometric form borrowed from Roman architecture. Traditional French style was developed between the 17th and 18th centuries and was a reflection of wealth and power.
Not far from the Vietnamese city of Da Nang there is a stunning place - the Ba Na mountain resort, the path to which passes along the world's highest cable car. This is not the first time we have been on vacation in Vietnam and have already visited many interesting sights, but I can say that the impressions from the trip to Mount Ba Na are one of the most powerful. Although before visiting Ba Na Hills we read a lot of negative and neutral reviews from tourists. Perhaps this place is not for everyone. But personally, I highly recommend visiting it!
What is BaNa Hills?
Since 1920, BaNa Hills has been a French resort; some buildings have survived to this day. Then during the war it was abandoned. But in recent years, a huge park complex has been created here, new hotels have been built, thereby ensuring an endless flow of tourists. To climb Mount BaNa, you need to climb the world's highest cable car. At the top there is a huge amusement park called Fantasy Park, 3 hotels, several restaurants, pagodas, flower gardens with fountains and statues, a wine cellar, castles, a Catholic cathedral, a spa, putting greens and my favorite Vietnamese “sled”.
The girls at the reception advised us to go as early as possible, since there are a lot of interesting places and entertainment in BaNa Hills. In addition, early in the morning the queue to enter should be shorter.
So, at 8 am we went on an excursion. The driver took us to the place in 30 minutes. On the way we admired the beauty of the surrounding nature. When we saw the huge queue to enter the cable car, we were a little upset. We already imagined how we would stand here for three hours. The line started on the street, but there were even more people inside the building.
There were almost no Europeans in this huge line, and we certainly didn’t see any Russians. Mostly Chinese and Vietnamese, who looked at our company with great interest.
The park in Bogoroditsk near Tula occupies a special place in the history of Russian landscape art. Firstly, due to the fact that it was created at that turning point, when the new landscape style of park construction was just beginning its victorious march through numerous estates scattered throughout the central and remote provinces of Russia. At this moment, the question was decided whether they would follow foreign models or go their own ways, based primarily on local natural and climatic conditions, established national cultural traditions, and the rich domestic experience of garden architecture.
Central Park of Culture and Leisure in Leningrad. Nikolsky A.S.
"Central Park of Culture and Leisure in Leningrad." Nikolsky A.S. Published according to the publication “Problems of landscape architecture. Collection of articles". Publishing house of the All-Union Academy of Architecture. Moscow. 1936. The history of the Leningrad Central Park of Culture and Recreation begins on December 3, 1931, when the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks and the Council of People's Commissars of the USSR, in their historic decision on the socialist reconstruction of Leningrad, decided to create a park of culture and recreation with a large sports stadium on Elagin and Krestovsky Islands. In 1932, the Leningrad Central Park of Culture and Culture began its work only on Elagin Island with its wonderful, well-preserved park. Krestovsky Island, this bare, swampy, windswept lowland, was yet to receive its own park.
Park named after Kirov in Baku. Ilyin L.A.
"Park named after Kirov in Baku." Ilyin L.A. Published according to the publication “Problems of landscape architecture. Collection of articles". Publishing house of the All-Union Academy of Architecture. Moscow. 1936. The pronounced features of the geographical location of Baku, dry desert conditions, difficult for park construction, make this experience not only interesting from the point of view of overcoming nature and simultaneous use of it, but also instructive for the practice of park composition in similar and similar conditions. The park is located on the slopes of hills and plateaus - the highest spurs of the Caucasus Range within the city at its exit to the Caspian Sea. On the entire coast south of Makhach-Kala there is not a single point where the mountains approach the sea so close and in such relief.
Ensemble of the Catherine Park of Tsarskoye Selo
Ensemble of Catherine Park: Regular part of Catherine Park (Old Garden). Garden sculpture. Hermitage. Grotto. Hall on the island of the Big Pond. Granite terrace. Upper bath. Lower bath. Hermitage kitchen. Admiralty. Sadovaya Embankment and Lower Ponds. Landscape part of Catherine Park. Tower ruin. Chesme Column. Kagul Obelisk. Moray column. Crimean column. Turkish bath. Palladium Bridge. The “wild stone” slide, “Pudostsky Bridge” and the Red Cascade. Gatchina Gate. Pyramid. Monument to A.D. Lansky. Concert hall. The kitchen is a ruin. Small whim. Evening hall. Cast iron gazebo. Gothic gate. Gate "To my dear colleagues." Cadet Gate. Fountain "Milkwoman".
The ensemble of Alexander Park of Tsarskoe Selo
Ensemble of Alexander Park: Regular part of Alexander Park (New Garden). Chinese village. Big whim. Chinese theater. Cross Bridge. Creaky gazebo. Chinese bridges. Alexander Palace. Landscape part of Alexander Park. Chappelle. White Tower. Farm. Pensioner stables. Lama's Pavilion. Arsenal. Fedorovsky town. Egyptian Gate. Babolovsky Palace and Park. Alexander Park, due to the difference in natural resources and historical features of its formation, is significantly different in character from Catherine Park. The oldest part of Alexander Park - the New Garden - is laid out in a regular style. The landscape part of the park was laid out only at the beginning of the 19th century.
Summer Garden in St. Petersburg
Peter I chose the place for his summer residence on the left bank of the Neva, at the mouth of the river. Erika (Fontanka), almost opposite the Peter and Paul Fortress. The garden was founded in 1704-1706. and initially occupied only the northern part of the site, which faces directly onto the Neva. At the same time, the main contours of the system of straight alleys perpendicular to each other were determined, which in general terms has reached our time. Some researchers believe that the owner of the garden himself outlined the direction of the alleys, the position of the first flower beds and fountains, but the first plan of the Summer Garden known to us was drawn up by J. Roozen. This plan already shows the newly built palace designed by D. Trezzini, which occupied not the central position on the site, but its north-eastern corner next to the small harbor on the Fontanka...
Historical sketch of the development of the palace and park ensembles of Tsarskoe Selo
The ensembles of palaces and parks of Tsarskoe Selo took shape over a century and a half. There are four stages in their formation. The first of them is 1710-1720. This is the time of the emergence of a country royal residence - the Sarskaya Manor, with a small stone palace of Catherine I and a formal garden. In the middle of the 18th century, after the reconstruction of the palace, redevelopment and expansion of the parks, the Sarskaya Manor turned into a grandiose ensemble, surpassing in size all other palace residences in Russia. The next period began in the 1760-1770s, simultaneously with the emergence of a new style in Russian architecture - classicism. The work carried out at this stage to create landscape parks on the territory adjacent to the old regular gardens was not completely completed at the end of the 18th century. They continued in the first half of the 19th century.
Fountains of Peterhof
The ensemble of parks, palaces and fountains of Peterhof-Petrodvorets, located 29 km from Leningrad and arose in the first quarter of the 18th century, is a kind of triumphal monument in honor of the successful completion of Russia’s struggle for access to the Baltic Sea. Regular parks, 144 fountains and 3 cascades, gilded statues of gods and heroes of antiquity, the majestic architecture of palaces - all this expresses the idea of the triumph of Russia, “feasting on the open sea.” The beginning of construction of Peterhof dates back to 1714. The idea of creating an ensemble (the basic layout of the central and eastern parts of the Lower Park, combining the palace, a grotto with a cascade and a canal into one compositional whole) belongs to Peter I. Often, mentioning the desire of Peter I to see a residence here in Peterhof that “befits the first sovereigns” ...
Architectural and park ensemble of Kuskovo
The architectural and park ensemble of Kuskovo is one of the remarkable monuments of Russian art. Created in the 18th century, it fully absorbed the achievements of estate construction of the era. Peculiar architectural ensembles near Moscow became widespread at the end of the first third of the 18th century, when the noble nobility returned to the ancient family estates. Of the surviving estates near Moscow, Kuskovo is the earliest, giving an idea of the type of Elizabethan estates. It was located 7 miles from Moscow, between the Vladimir and Ryazan roads. Since 1715, these lands belonged to an associate of Peter I - a prominent military leader, hero of the Battle of Poltava, Field Marshal B.P. Sheremetev. The Kuskovo ensemble was created over several decades. In 1755, a large pond was dug here, which allowed the low-lying and swampy area to be drained...
Ostankino Estate
The ancient Ostankino estate near Moscow is of particular interest to us because its ensemble was formed mainly in a very short period of time - 10 years, although it has existed since the 16th century. Another feature is its “entertainment” purpose, which was reflected in the specific nature of garden compositions. Ostankino is a unique monument of Russian culture of the 18th century, an amazingly perfect example of the creative synthesis of architecture, landscape art, theater, painting, sculpture, works of decorative and applied crafts, which merged into a single artistic whole. The estate, palace, park and everything in them were created by the talent and labor of hundreds of peasants, artisans and craftsmen. Ostankino gardens are an integral part of this one-of-a-kind ensemble...
Pavlovsky Park
When the Great Catherine Palace was already shining with its splendor in Tsarskoe Selo, on the site of the future Pavlovsk there were still dense forests, the silence of which was occasionally disturbed only by court hunts. Pavlovsk Park is younger than Tsarskoye Selo and other imperial residences in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, it is better preserved. It reflected the heyday of Russian classicism in its purest form; it was created in a fairly short period of time - 50 years - and is distinguished by the special artistic integrity of its ensemble - gardens, architecture, sculpture. This is a one-of-a-kind example of Russian landscape architecture, a celebrated masterpiece in which new trends in landscape art found their fullest expression...
Palace and park complex of Tsarskoe Selo
The country residence of the wife of Peter I, Ekaterina Alekseevna Tsarskoye Selo, was founded in 1708, 6 years after the liberation of Koporye from Swedish troops. It was located on the site of the former Swedish “Sarskaya Manor” in a picturesque and vast area, on a gentle hill, near the small river Vangazi. At first, old wooden buildings, an orchard, and a pond became the core of the future estate. After 1716, when the wooden Assumption Church was built here, Sarskaya Manor (“Island Manor”) received the name Tsarskoe Selo. The creation of the first stone chambers here and the expansion of outbuildings date back to this time. Unlike the palace and park complexes of Peter I, Catherine’s estate for a long time retained the appearance of a Russian estate and reflected in its appearance a traditional and simple way of life...
Memorial complex "Mound of Glory" in Minsk
The Mound of Glory immortalized the feat of arms of the Soviet Army and partisans. It was laid down on September 30, 1966. The land of Belarus mixed in it with the land of hero cities and other places that glorified themselves for their military and labor achievements. A memorial was erected to mark the 25th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazis. The grand opening took place on July 5, 1969. Its authors are sculptors A. Bembel, A. Artimovich, architects O. Stakhovich, L. Mickiewicz and engineer V. Laptsevich. The mound, 70 meters 60 centimeters high, is crowned with four bayonets, symbolizing the four fronts that liberated Belarus. At the base of the bayonets, which are held together by a two-meter-high ribbon-belt, there are mosaic orders of Glory and the Patriotic War.
Gardens of Granada. Alhambra and Generalif. Alhambra & Generalife
Borrowing the experience of Egypt and Rome in constructing irrigation structures, the Arabs were able to use the melting snow on the mountain peaks and created a powerful hydraulic system, turning waterless Spain into a flourishing land. A new type of garden was formed here - the Spanish-Moorish one. This is a small courtyard (200-1200 m²) of the atrium-peristyle type (patio), surrounded by the walls of the house or fence, and is a continuation of the front and living quarters in the open air. A complex of such miniature patios, included in the complex structure of the palace, is represented by the gardens of Grenada, created in the 13th century. in the residences of the caliphs - Alhambra(650 X 200 m) and Generalife(area 80X100 m). In the Alhambra, the palace premises were grouped around the Court of Myrtle and the Court of Lions. The myrtle courtyard (47 x 33 m) is surrounded by walls of buildings with an elegant arcade, richly decorated with ornaments.
Versailles. Parc de Versailles
The town of Versailles, located near Paris, was a royal estate and was a flat, marshy area, partially covered with small forests. In this territory, in the period from 1661 to 1700, Lenotre, together with the architect. Levo and Mansart and the artist Lebrun created a palace and park ensemble. Its dimensions are enormous: the so-called Small Park occupied an area of 1,738 hectares, and the adjoining Big Hunting Park - 6,600 hectares. First, preliminary work began on preparing the territory - draining the area using canals, creating reservoirs that feed the park's water systems, and filling up a large area with soil. A huge number of trees were brought for planting from various regions of France and other countries. However, despite all efforts, the plantings turned out to be short-lived and after 150 years some of the trees had to be replaced.
Vaux-le-Vicomte. Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte
Vaux-le-Vicomte - (French: Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte) is a classic French manor-palace of the 17th century, located in the vicinity of Melun, 55 km southeast of Paris. Built for Nicolas Fouquet, Viscount of Vaux and Melun, Superintendent of Finance under Louis XIV. The park ensemble was created by A. Lenotre together with architect. Levo and the artist Lebrun. When laying the garden (1656-1661), 18 thousand people worked. On a vast territory, 3 villages were demolished, forests were cut down, the relief was transformed, and the river bed was changed. The area of the park is 100 hectares. In its northern part there is a palace, surrounded by a canal in the spirit of ancient castles, which is the center of the composition. The southern façade of the palace faces the park. From it, in three low terraces, a wide strip of open space, framed by arrays of bosquets, gently descends to the south.
Stowe Park. Stowe Landscape Gardens
Stowe Park(Stowe Landscape Gardens) is located 96 km from London. The area of the park is 100 hectares, and together with the adjacent lands that form one whole with it - 500 hectares. Initially there was a regular park here, created by architect. J. Vanberg, in 1714 it was rebuilt by the architect. C. Bridgman, and in 1738 - W. Kent and L. Brown. The center of the composition is the palace, which stands on elevated elevations in the alignment of an open meadow, stretching from north to south and forming the main axis of the park. In the lower part there is a pond - its second compositional center. The volumetric-spatial solution is based on a combination of alternating closed areas with open spaces of a pond and lawns, where individual trees and groups form landscape pictures. The park is full of buildings in the spirit of romanticism, stylistically related to the architecture of the palace.
Villa Lante. Villa Lante
The construction of Villa Lante was also carried out according to the design of the architect. Barozzi da Vignola in the 50s of the 16th century. It is located in the town of Bagnaia, 84 km from Rome. The owner of the villa was the Duke of Montalto. The garden area is 1.5 hectares, the relief difference is 16 m. Here, as in Villa Caprarola, the theme of a stream flowing from the mountain and forming the longitudinal axis of the garden is used. However, despite the overall similarity of the plan, the solution to this topic is significantly different. The architect, “dividing” the house into two volumes and placing them symmetrically to the axis, seemed to spread the path of the stream. The lower terrace - the entrance part of the garden - is designed in the form of a flat parterre (75X75 m), divided into a number of squares. Their module includes a water parterre with a round island in the center, where a sculptural group of young men (10 m high) supporting the Montalto coat of arms with their hands gives a monumental vertical.
Villa d'Este. Villa Tivoli. Villa d'Este
Villa d'Este, Villa Tivoli (Italian: “villa d'Este”) is located 80 km from Rome in Tivoli, its owner was Cardinal d'Este. Built in the 40s of the 16th century. Author - architect Pirro Ligorio, water features were created by the engineer Olivieri. The area of the garden is 3.5 hectares, the relief difference is 35 m. The palace is located on the highest point, and on the slope there is a terraced garden, along narrow terraces there are transverse axes, in the lower, most flat part. parterre (70X70 m). Mutually perpendicular roads form rectangles of bosquets. The main axis is directed from the lower parterre to the palace. On this axis, the most important compositional node is the Fountain of Dragons, located on the platform below the foot of the palace, and three groups of cypresses on the parterre, near the transverse ponds. axis and the Dragon Fountain, forming powerful vertical accents.
Sefton Park in Liverpool. Sefton Park. Liverpool
Sefton Park in Liverpool (Sefton Park. Liverpool). Author - architect. E. Andre. Construction of the park began in 1867 on an area of 156 hectares. The area was previously used for agricultural land and was surrounded by private buildings. From north to south it was crossed by a channel, which was then turned into a series of artificial ponds and streams. The park has a clear functional zoning and includes lawns for sports, a garden, a Deer Park, a restaurant, a music pavilion and a botanical garden, allocated as a separate area with its own layout. The road network forms ellipses, circles and smooth curves in plan, limiting the contours of open spaces. Due to the large scale, road lines are not perceived in real life as geometric curves. Along the periphery there is a road for horse riding and shelter houses for rest.
Villa Farnese. Castle of Caprarola. Villa Farnese
Villa Farnese (Italian: Villa Farnese), also known as Caprarola Castle. 70 km from Rome, near the town of Caprarola, arch. Barozzi da Vignola in 1547-1550. built a castle for Cardinal Farnese. Up the slope, 300 m from the castle, a small house was built and a garden was laid out, intended for secluded relaxation (an example of a “secret garden”). Despite its small size, the garden was designed monumentally - in large proportions, without unnecessary small details, using local materials. Thus, it organically merges with the surrounding landscape and the ensemble of the castle. From the lower platform of the first level, decorated with a fountain, the road rises along a gentle ramp, decorated with a stream flowing down it and closed on both sides by walls, to the second level - a platform richly decorated with fountains and monumental sculptures of river gods.
Ensemble of the Shugakuin Imperial Villa in Kyoto
On the northeastern outskirts of Kyoto, the retired Emperor Gomitsuno planned the Shugakuin ensemble with an extensive garden-park. The first part of the work was completed between 1656 and 1659, but then work continued for several more years with interruptions. The uniqueness of the Shugakuin composition among Japanese garden ensembles is associated with its location on three levels - terraces rising above each other along the mountainside. This is what determined the overall spatial structure of the ensemble and the specific solution for each of its parts. Unlike Katsura, the main scale and main emotional tone of Shugakuin was set by the background - the view of distant silhouettes of mountains and trees (which is called “sakkei”), and all the artificially constructed elements of the garden became the foreground of the composition and received a subordinate role.
Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima
One of the first public ensembles of post-war Japan - Peace Park in Hiroshima(architect Kenzo Tange, 1949-1956), conceived and implemented as a synthesis of national and modern spatial and structural-plastic ideas. The park is located on the territory of the former Nakajima district, which was completely destroyed as a result of the atomic bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945. On an area of 12.2 hectares there is a Peace Memorial Museum, many monuments, a ritual bell and a cenotaph. The ensemble consists of a vast area for demonstrations (it is covered with white pebbles) with a laconic and mournful monument-arch (the Flame of Peace Monument), light buildings raised on pillars of the museum, administrative building and library. The skeleton of one of the few buildings that survived the atomic bombing, visible in the background, is also visually included in the ensemble.
o Myoshinji Monastery Gardens in Kyoto Boboli Gardens. Giardino di Boboli
The Boboli Gardens (Italian: Giardino di Boboli) is a famous park in Florence, one of the best park ensembles of the Italian Renaissance. The Boboli Gardens are located on the slopes of Boboli Hill behind Palazzo Pitti, the main residence of the Medici Grand Dukes of Tuscany and are one of the most famous works of landscape gardening art of the 16th century In accordance with the tastes of the time, the park is divided by long axial paths, wide gravel paths, and is decorated with decorative stone elements, statues and fountains. The Boboli Gardens are divided into a private zone with limited access and a public zone with grottoes, nymphs, and open garden temples with colonnades made in the classical style. An unusual feature of the Boboli Gardens for its time is the magnificent views of the city that open from them.
Garden of Joruriji Monastery in Kyoto
The garden of Joruriji Monastery on the outskirts of Kyoto belongs to the rarest type of gardens of the Heian era of the Amidian type. The temple building was built in 1107 and moved to its current location in 1157. It is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist temple architecture from the late Heian period. On the eastern shore of the pond, among the trees, rises an elegant pagoda, originally built in Kyoto, and moved here in 1178. The temple and pagoda are located opposite each other, symbolizing the eastern and western Buddhist paradise. The layout of the temple garden is an attempt to find and express in the components of living nature a symbolic expression of the world order, the highest point of which is the “Western Paradise of Buddha Amida.” Just as there was no fundamental difference between religious and secular architecture, the Amidian temple gardens and palace gardens are so close in their characteristics.
Kinkakuji Temple Garden (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto
Quite large in size, Zen landscape gardens often arose from palace gardens of the shinden type. Thus, the Kitayama Palace, built by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397, was then converted into the Rokuonji Temple (Temple of the Deer Garden), or Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), and the garden was reconstructed in accordance with the aesthetic canons of the Rinzai school of Zen. In contrast to earlier Japanese architecture, the meaning of a work such as the Golden Pavilion, its content, is revealed only in comparison with nature, unity with it. Architecture and nature become equal parts of the artistic image. But natural nature, not artistically organized, could not enter into this unity; it had to be transformed in accordance with the same principles that guided the architect-builder.
Ginkakuji Temple Garden (Silver Pavilion) in Kyoto
The Silver Pavilion is Ginkakuji (or Higashiyama-den, the official name of the temple is Jisho-ji), built in 1489 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, inspired by the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, which was built by his grandfather Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and later became a Buddhist temple. In the history of Japanese architecture, the Silver Pavilion is a transitional phenomenon; it combines the features of the Shinden style with new elements of residential architecture of the so-called Shoin style. Like the Golden Pavilion, it stands on the shore of a lake, and retractable walls (a new feature of the Shoin style) directly separate the interior from the garden space. When the walls are moved apart, this separation disappears and nature seems to come inside the house. This fusion with the natural environment was reflected in the spatial design of the interior and, moreover, in the entire concept of architecture, its new connection with the environment.
Gardens of Tofukuji Monastery in Kyoto
Tofukuji is a Buddhist temple complex in southeast Kyoto. Sammon Temple Gate is the oldest gate of Zen temples in Japan and is a national treasure. The height of the structure is 22 meters. There are many gardens on the territory of the temple complex, the largest of which are North, South, West, East and Hojo Garden. Mirei Shigemori, author of one of the most famous modern temple ensembles, Komyo-in, at Tofukuji Monastery in Kyoto (1939). The entire “vocabulary” of Mirei Shigemori’s art goes back to Zen symbolic gardens (such as kare san-sui), but the very use of well-known symbols, their combination and contrast in one composition mark a master with a new vision and feeling. Shigemori, before becoming a garden designer, diligently studied the history of gardening, took measurements and made plans for more than 500 gardens.
The largest cities in the world create and develop parks and gardens to become, if possible, a more comfortable living environment for their residents. The main task of any city park is to be an island of peace and leisure in a noisy metropolis. In addition, parks are designed to surprise, entertain, and show something unusual. In most cases, parks reflect the spirit of the city in which they are created, so they usually become a must-see item on the excursion program.
This article contains the most beautiful and unusual city parks located in the center of large cities in different parts of the world:
Royal Botanic Garden, Melbourne, Australia. Meet the dawn
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. It was created in 1846, and today it is home to more than 12,000 species of plants from all over the world. Plants were selected for scientific, aesthetic and agricultural reasons. The Queen Victoria National Herbarium is located within the garden.
The garden has very comfortable walking paths, allowing you to see a unique landscape around every new turn. In the Royal Botanical Garden you can watch an unforgettable sunrise on the lake shore and take a break from the midday heat.
Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan. Admire the cherry blossoms
Ueno Park is located in the center of Tokyo and is an extension of Kan'eiji Temple. The park is home to several major museums: the National Museum of Tokyo, the National Museum of Western Art, the Tokyo City Museum of Art and the National Science Museum. The Ueno Park complex also includes a zoo, the first zoo in Japan.
However, Ueno Park is known not only for its cultural and historical value. This is one of the most popular parks in Japan, especially in spring, when more than 1000 cherry trees bloom there. Cherry blossoms usually bloom at the end of March - beginning of April, and at this time the park becomes one of the most popular places for hanami - traditional Japanese admiration of flowering trees.
Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain. Take a photo with Gaudi's dragon
Park Güell is probably the most unusual park. It leaves a surprisingly holistic impression thanks to the harmonious combination of architecture and landscape. The park was designed at the beginning of the 20th century. It was originally intended that it would be a small garden city, privately owned. However, out of the planned 60 houses, only 2 were built; the famous architect Antonio Gaudi lived in one of them from 1906 to 1926. Subsequently, this house became the Gaudi Museum.
The unique appearance of the park is given by the very characteristic architecture of Gaudí, colonnades, traditional Catalan tiles, “organic” forms that repeat natural ones and therefore combine so well with it. According to legend, workers collected pieces of tiles and bottle glass from all the adjacent streets for majolica - decorating facades, columns, benches and sculptures. One of the most striking and famous sculptures in the park is a dragon, and taking a photo with it is considered the sacred duty of every tourist.
In 1984, Park Güell was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Central Park, New York, USA. The largest and most famous
This is one of the world's largest urban parks, with an area of almost 3.5 million m2. Central Park is an exemplary park, a very successful project that serves as a starting point in the work of urban planners in many parts of the world. Landscape architect Frederik Lo Ohmstad, who won the competition to design the park, wanted to create a space for relaxation and meditation, a place where everyone would be happy to come, regardless of their social status. In the mid-60s, Central Park went through a period of decline, when gangs of hooligans and writers drove ordinary residents out of the park. Central Park was revived only thanks to the initiative of the townspeople, who developed the concept of renovating the park and monitored its implementation, and a few years later it again became a popular place for walks and recreation.
Important events of modern culture take place on the territory of Central Park: it often serves as a site for filming films, a landscape in literary works, and a concert venue. And many, without hesitation, classify it as a historical monument.
Ibirapuera Park,Sao Paulo, Brazil. Vital
For the city of Sao Paulo, with its population of more than 20 million, a good park is simply vital. The park houses the Museum of Contemporary Art, a conference center, pavilions for the Biennale of Contemporary Art and a planetarium. Every weekend the park hosts concerts of Brazilian music. The park is famous for its specially equipped paths for skaters.
In the evenings, children from all over the city gather to admire the illuminated fountains.
Beihai Park, Beijing, China. Following traditions
Beihai Park is located in the central part of Beijing. Historically, these were the imperial gardens (until 1925 the park was the private property of the imperial court), located along the perimeter of the Forbidden City. This is one of the oldest parks in China, over 1000 years old.
Beihai Park was built in accordance with an ancient Chinese legend. Legend has it that in eastern China there were once three magical mountains - Penglai, Yingzhou and Fangzhang. In these mountains lived gods who possessed the knowledge of medicinal herbs that bestow immortality. Many emperors, in their quest for immortality, constantly searched for these mountains, or at least tried to recreate them. So, Beihai Park is located on three islands, symbolizing these three magical mountains.
Beihai Park is a great escape from the hectic pace of life in modern Beijing. Tourists can find a huge number of cultural and historical values in the park, mainly dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
Luxembourg Gardens, Paris, France. Center of government and source of inspiration
The Luxembourg Garden was the first of the French gardens and parks to be influenced by the Italian Baroque. Construction of the palace and design of the garden began in 1612. Princess Marie de' Medici (1573-1642), who later became Queen of France, lived in the palace. The Senate now sits in the Luxembourg Palace.
Despite the classic layout, the Luxembourg Gardens are quite comfortable for relaxation: there are tennis courts and children's playgrounds. The garden contains more than a hundred sculptures, including statues of Stendhal, Chopin, Montesquieu, Baudelaire, and Delacroix.
The Luxembourg Garden is not only the center of political life and recreation for the citizens, it served as a source of inspiration for famous artists. We can see the Luxembourg Gardens in the paintings of Matisse, Renoir, Tissot and other artists.
(Text and photos based on materials from: http://www.shootgardening.co.uk/, http://www.singlestravel-agent.com/, www.johngrimshawsgardendiary.blogspot.com, http://www.japan-guide .com, http://www.melbourne.com.au, http://sciencedefied.co.uk, http://worldneighborhoods.com/, http://www.gardenvisit.com, http://gypsyscholarship. blogspot.com/, http://www.travelpod.com, http://traveljapanblog.com, http://www.japan-i.jp, www. tripadvisor.ru, www.panoramio.com, www.uni .edu, www.e-architect.co.uk, www.barcelonaphotoblog.com, www.greenforest.com.ua, www.bugbog.com, www.amazingnewyorkcity.blogspot.com, www.macaulay.cuny.edu, www .http://www.sunipix.com, www.activerain.com, www.centralpark-newyorkcity.com, http://www.aviewoncities.com, www.theodora.com, www.planetaselvagem.com.br, www .eco4planet.uol.com.br, www.treknature.com, www.world66.com, www.oglobo.globo.com, http://www.visitsp.com, www.planetware.com, www.china-tour .cn, www.visitourchina.com, www.tropicalisland.de, www.newalker.com, www.pbase.com, www.welcometochina.com.au, www.tripwow.tripadvisor.com, www.babyccinokids.com, www .tomsguidetoparis.com, www.rance-monaco-rentals.com, www.amateurgourmet.com, www.pariscapes.com, www.adifferentstep.wordpress.com, http://www.gardenvisit.com)
