The "Farola de Málaga", an emblematic lighthouse next to Muelle Uno

Farola de Málaga

The "Farola de Málaga" is an emblematic lighthouse built in 1817 during the reign of Fernando VII, designed by the engineer Joaquín María Pery y Guzmán. It has suffered damage throughout its history, especially during the earthquake of 1884 and the Spanish Civil War, when its lantern was dismantled to prevent its use as a military reference. It was restored and reactivated in 1939, maintaining its relevance for maritime navigation.

This lighthouse stands out for its feminine name, "farola" instead of "faro" being one of only two in Spain with this denomination, and for its white cylindrical structure of some 33 metres in height, reaching 38 metres above sea level. It originally used oil lamps, then oil and later electric technology, and currently emits white flashes every five seconds with a range of 25 nautical miles.

Today it is still in operation in the Port of Malaga, at the end of the Paseo Marítimo Antonio Molina and next to Muelle Uno, being a cultural and visual symbol of the city along with the Cathedral. It is considered an Asset of Cultural Interest and frequently appears in tourist images, historical paintings and guided tours, consolidating itself as an essential part of Malaga's identity.

 

The Theatinerkirche, a Baroque Masterpiece in Munich, Germany 2024

The Theatinerkirche, located on Odeonsplatz in Munich, is a Baroque masterpiece and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built between 1663 and 1690 under the rule of Elector Ferdinand Maria of Bavaria to celebrate the birth of his heir, it was initially designed by Italian architect Agostino Barelli and later completed by Enrico Zuccalli and Giovanni Viscardi. Its ochre façade and distinctive twin domes, inspired by Rome’s Sant'Andrea della Valle basilica, make it a defining feature of Munich’s skyline. The interior, lavishly adorned with white stucco and gold accents, contrasts with the restrained exterior, creating an atmosphere of both elegance and solemnity.

Dedicated to the Theatine Order, the church blends Italian Baroque elements with Bavarian influences. Its high altar, carved by Andreas Faistenberger, and the ceiling frescoes by Johann Baptist Zimmermann add to its grandeur. The crypt houses the tombs of several members of the Wittelsbach dynasty. Thanks to its central location near the Munich Residenz and the Hofgarten, the Theatinerkirche is not only a place of worship but also a historical monument and a symbol of Bavaria’s Catholic identity, attracting both worshippers and lovers of art and history.

Sources: Deepseek & Wikipedia

Crossroads in Cochin, a cosmopolitan city with a rich past, Kerala, India, 2010

Cochin, also known as Kochi, is an emblematic port city of Kerala, located on the south-west coast of India. This cosmopolitan city, steeped in history, harmoniously blends colonial influences and Kerala traditions. Neighbourhoods such as Fort Kochi, with its colonial houses, picturesque alleyways and famous Chinese fishing nets, are a reminder of its past as a trading post attracting Portuguese, Dutch and British traders. The Santa Cruz basilica and the Paradesi synagogue, one of the oldest in the Jewish diaspora, bear witness to this rich multicultural heritage.
A veritable jewel of the backwaters, Cochin is surrounded by a network of lagoons and canals, offering serene landscapes where life flows to the rhythm of traditional wooden boats. The city is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with institutions such as the Kerala Kathakali Centre, dedicated to the classical arts. Its colourful and fragrant spice market is a reminder of its historic role in the trade of cinnamon, pepper and cardamom. Between modernity and tradition, Cochin captivates with its unique atmosphere of sea, history and culture.