Great love stories aren't confined to books or movies: the best ones are real, and architecture knows a lot about that. Numerous buildings around the world conceal romances within their walls that put science fiction to shame. From the Taj Mahal in India to the Castillo de la Fuerza in Havana, these grand structures were conceived by architecture enthusiasts for their loved ones, as symbols of eternal love. With Valentine's Day coming up next week, on February 14th, we're sharing some of the most symbolic works around the world built for love.
Taj Mahal, India
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Considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Taj Mahal is, par excellence, the symbol of love made architectural. Although Emperor Ah Jahan had many wives during his reign, Arjumand Banu Begum—commonly known as Mumtaz Mahal—was the most beloved. After her death in 1631, Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in her honor, in the city of Agra. Today it is one of the most visited buildings in the world.
Swallow's Nest Castle, Crimea
Located on the Crimean Peninsula, the neo-Gothic Swallow's Nest Castle was built by a German nobleman in 1912. According to local lore, he visited the site on his honeymoon and was so captivated by it that he decided it would be the perfect place to build a retreat for himself, his wife, and their loved ones. Today, the two-story castle remains open to tourists.
Boldt Castle, New York
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This castle is located on Heart Island, upstate New York, and was designed by businessman George C. Boldt in 1900 as a tribute to his wife, Louise. However, four years after construction began, Louise died suddenly, so Boldt halted the project and never returned to the island. The castle remained in ruins until 1977, when the property was acquired by the authorities for restoration.
Diego Rivera's Studio House, Mexico City
The Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo House-Studio is one of Juan O'Gorman's most iconic works. Daniel Sambraus / Getty Images.
Designed by Juan O'Gorman, the Diego Rivera Studio-House in San Ángel, Mexico City, is a testament to the love story between Rivera and Frida Kahlo. In 1931, the renowned architect began designing what was considered the first functionalist house in Latin America, featuring two independent blocks connected by a narrow bridge spanning the rooftops. Unique in its kind, it is now one of the city's most visited museums.
Kavanagh Building, Buenos Aires
Built in 1920, this building was commissioned by Corina Kavanagh as revenge against the Anchorena family. Despite belonging to a wealthy family, they rejected the love between one of their sons and one of the Kavanagh daughters because she did not consider herself of noble birth. Therefore, Corina decided to build this structure, which serves as a barrier to the Anchorena family chapel, preventing them from seeing each other, a symbol of a love that could not be.
Castillo de la Fuerza, Havana
Castillo de la Fuerza, Havana is synonymous with love. Walter Bibikow / Getty Images.
Considered the oldest vestige of Havana, the Castillo de la Fuerza was the island's first great fortress. From one of its domes, the Giraldilla, the city's feminine and warrior symbol, recalls an old love story: that of Isabel de Bobadilla, the only woman to have governed Cuba, who died longing for her beloved Hernando de Soto, who left to conquer Florida and never returned. From this fortress, she waited for her eternal love.
Source: https://www.revistaad.es/
