0203, 2012

Washington, D.C. Landmarks

American Cities
370

Full version of the single song episodes featured here, in our Media Library showcase, are available to watch free on the eScapes’ Xumo Lifestyle Channel # 452 Though only 68 square miles, Washington, D.C. contains enough recognizable buildings and landmarks to fill an entire country. The capital city of the United States, the District of Columbia is not only a place of business for the federal government but a shrine to the country’s history and accomplishments. Two of the most famous buildings in Washington, featured in the beginning of this eScapes video, are the U.S. Capitol Building and the White House. These structures are symbols of the city, current politics, and the entire United States. The

0702, 2012

Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux

Cathédrale Saint-André de Bordeaux is one example of the stunning gothic cathedrals found throughout France. This cathedral dates back to at least 1096 AD, but much of its striking architecture was added over the next 400 years. The cathedral’s twin bell towers on the north facade, featured prominently in this eScapes video, are highlights of the building’s exterior. Four bell towers were initially planned, but only two were constructed due to concerns over the building’s weight and the risk of it sinking into the ground. The Cathédrale Saint-André, sometimes more simply known as Bordeaux Cathedral, has been witness to nearly a thousand years of history. In 1137, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Louis VII were married in

0901, 2012

Bordeaux, France

World Cities & Harbors
409

Maybe best known for its wine, the city of Bordeaux, France is also famous for its architecture. One of the largest concentrations of 18th century buildings in all of Europe, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a reputation as “the city of art and history.” In this sample video, eScapes shows you why Bordeaux is a perfect destination for sightseeing or a relaxing afternoon stroll along the Garonne. A couple of attractions included in this video are the Pont de Pierre bridge and the nearby Porte de Bourgogne gate. Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Pont de Pierre has seventeen arches to commemorate the emperor: either his seventeen military victories, or the seventeen

1309, 2011

Cathedral of Arequipa, Peru

World Cities & Harbors
365

The Cathedral of Arequipa, Peru illustrates the natural setting of Peru along the world’s “Ring of Fire,” the belt around the Pacific Ocean known for its high frequency of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Peru, affected by the Nazca Plate under the Pacific Ocean subjecting beneath the South American plate, lies in an active volcanic zone and experiences frequent earthquakes. This beautiful cathedral was first built in 1540, from sillar, a white volcanic rock common in the area. However, in 1583, it was completely destroyed by an earthquake. The cathedral was rebuilt by 1600 only to be completely destroyed by 1604 by both an earthquake and a volcanic eruption. Since its second rebuilding in 1656, the church

0909, 2011

Louisville, Kentucky

American Cities
331

Downtown Louisville is filled with beautiful architecture and even when it’s not beautiful, it’s distinctive: like the giant baseball bat attached to the Louisville Slugger Museum. This eScapes scene takes you on a relaxing tour of downtown Louisville’s civic buildings, including City Hall (which houses the Metro Council) and Louisville Metro Hall (which houses the Metro Mayor). Outside the Metro Hall, the former Jefferson County Courthouse, stands a 1901 statue of Thomas Jefferson. A more recent, white statue of King Louis XVI stands on the nearby corner– a reminder of Louisville’s namesake. The Rippingtons is a Grammy-nominated American contemporary jazz band. Since its formation in 1985, the band has hosted many well-known musicians that have launched

2808, 2011

Los Angeles City Hall

In a city where skyscrapers are taken for granted, Los Angeles City Hall still manages to turn heads. This seat of L.A. city government was the city’s tallest building for forty years, as new constructions were limited by building codes and earthquake stress concerns. In 1968, City Hall finally lost its title, and is now only the 28th tallest building in Los Angeles. Still, the dated art deco architecture of the building makes it prominent in a field of generic steel-and-glass towers. At night, the white masonry of the building makes it stand out even more against a dark sky. Also illuminated and the featured in this video is the Court of Historic American Flags, lining

2508, 2011

Istanbul, Turkey

World Cities & Harbors
354

Built around the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul uniquely sits on two continents– Europe and Asia. This location, at the nexus of various cultures and trade routes, has had a great impact on the city’s history. Originally a Greek city, it was conquered by the Romans, who sought to make a “new Rome” on its desirable location. It was then conquered by the Ottoman Empire, who held it until the end of World War I. Today, Istanbul is the largest city in the independent republic of Turkey, but its frequent changes in ownership have made a lasting impression on its architecture. For example, the prominent Hagia Sophia– once the largest cathedral in the world– was built as an

2208, 2011

St. Louis (Gateway Arch at Dusk)

American Cities
406

The Gateway Arch is instantly recognizable, as is the St. Louis skyline that bears it. This 630-foot monument, standing inside the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, celebrates the United States’ westward expansion and the role St. Louis played in it. Nearby, on the Mississippi River, steamboats and ships pass by to their own relaxing beat, as they have since the first days of westward expansion. Grady Nichols is a smooth jazz saxophonist who is quickly rising in the genre. With four released albums and collaborations with legends including Jeff Lorber and Paul Brown, Nichols is becoming a presence on the smooth jazz charts and a popular opening act and sideman for legends including Bob James, David Benoit,

1108, 2011

The Acropolis at Dawn

Settlement and construction on the Acropolis of Athens dates back to thousands of years BC, but most was destroyed by Persians when they invaded Athens in 480 BC. The Greek statesman Pericles led its rebuilding during Athens’ “Golden Age” to create the buildings that stand today, including the Parthenon, the iconic landmark of Greece, and one of the most famous landmarks in Europe. Originally housing a 40-foot-tall statue of the goddess Athena and a treasury, the Parthenon has survived many threats and uses imposed on it over the millennia. It has been a brothel, a Christian church, a mosque, and an armory for the Turks. In 1687, a Turkish gunpowder cache exploded and ruined much of

0108, 2011

Moscow (Red Square at Night)

World Cities & Harbors
343

For centuries, the city of Moscow has been a seat of political influence and a focus of global attention. In the heart of Moscow lies the historic Red Square, lined with dazzling government buildings that have survived the test of time– as well as occasional war and unrest. Some of the sights here include the State Historical Museum, the St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the fortified Kremlin compound, which was originally protected by little more than a wooden fence. Ironically, the term “Red Square” does not refer to the color of the buildings or from the square’s history as a communist capital. The name comes from the Old Russian word krasnaya, which used to mean “beautiful.” However,