Frere Hall

Frere Hall

In Karachi

Pakistan

Building in Karachi, Pakistan
Frere Hall is one of the many remnant buildings of the British Colonial era that still exist in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
Address: Fatima Jinnah Rd, Karachi
Opened: 1865


This majestic Hall, constructed in a Gothic/Venetian style, was built in 1865 in honour of Sir Bartley Frere, Commissioner and later Viceroy of the region. During the Colonial days it used to serve as a center for the cultural elite of Karachi, holding regular socio-cultural activities.
Today, Frere Hall contains a large public library, the Liaquat National Library, which is one of the few good libraries in Karachi. It has more than seventy thousand books in store, including rare manuscripts, technical reports and journals, and a marvellous collection of atlases. 

The upper floor of the Hall is dedicated to Sadequain, a world renowned Pakistani painter and calligrapher. It is where Sadequain started painting the ceiling in brilliant colours and patterns, but he did not get a chance to complete his work as he passed away. The floor now contains some of his best masterpieces, inlcuding beautiful paintings and calligraphy samples.


While the Frere Hall has been shut down multiple times between 2003 and 2011 due to terrorist attacks on the US Consulate nearby, it opened permanently to the public in 2012. Since then, it has continued to attract frequent visitors eager to learn about its rich history. This national landmark was constructed around 1865 under the supervision of the second Chief Commissioner of Sindh, Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere. Previously used as a library for British Indian soldiers, the premises were eventually transformed into a monumental tribute to the Commissioner by the people of Sindh. Known for his tremendous hard work and honesty,

Perhaps the most impressive collection is that of old Dawn and Jang newspapers, which, according to Library Manager Mohammad Ali, date back to 1952. The Library itself is also almost just as old, he exclaims proudly. While the condition of the Library has deteriorated over time, especially since the reopening of the Frere Hall, some work has been started by concerned authorities to restore it to its original condition. While the Liaquat National Library attracts a fair share of visitors, the Sadequain Art Gallery on the first floor gets the most visits. Named after prolific Pakistani artist Syed Sadequain Ahmed Naqvi, the gallery hosts a sizeable collection of some of his best works. Many of the paintings and calligraphy displayed at the gallery involve an eclectic mix of Western and local artistic appreciations – one of the reasons why Sadequain’s work is so highly regarded. Gallery Manager Mansoor Ahmed sums up the Gothic element in this building as one supporting “a well-ventilated design with no artificial lighting”. The ceiling of the Gallery Hall showcases the last piece created by Sadequain, and is the only “artificial” element featured in a building that has otherwise been preserved in its original state for the last 150 years

• Many of the city's most architecturally interesting British Raj buildings are now used as government offices. They include Frere Hall.
  

Colosseum Italy

Colosseum Italy

Amphitheatre in Rome, Italy

Old Places 

In The world

The Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma, Italy
Construction started: 70 AD
Opened: 80 AD
Period: Rome
Architects: Vespasian, Titus

1. Colosseum (Italy):

Remnants of an empire that once managed the “celebrated” world, the site is incredible not only for its exquisiteness but also for its age and history. You stand at the same spot where once Caesar walked and watch the same subterranean passageways where gladiators once battled. The Colosseum has gradually disintegrated all through the ages and much of it is restricted now, particularly the basement and floors but even then it leaves an amazing impression on the spectator. Once you visit this spectacular Roman Empire site, you’ll know why it attracts more than 4 million visitors annually. Indeed, Colosseum is among one of the eminent historical places in the world which you should visit at least once in your life.

• History of the Colosseum - The First Gladiatorial Fight

The History of the Colosseum began in Rome when the first recorded gladiatorial fight was staged in 264AD. Decimus Junius Brutus Scaeva put on a gladiatorial combat to honor the memory of his deceased father who was a consul named D. Junius Brutus Pera. Three pairs of slaves, selected from among 22 prisoners of war, were chosen to fight. The first gladiatorial fight took place in the Forum Boarium, a cattle market, situated near the Tiber between the Capitoline, the Palatine and Aventine hills. As this was the funeral of a prominent aristocrat and held in a public space, the event was likely to have drawn a large crowd. This first Gladiatorial combat was a clever idea as it also brought political prestige to their family¹s name. So the history of gladiatorial combat and therefore the Colosseum is related to a funeral. The History of the Colosseum

• LATER HISTORY

In 404 CE, with the changing times and tastes, the games of the Colosseum were finally abolished by Emperor Honorius, although condemned criminals were still made to fight wild animals for a further century. The building itself would face a chequered future, although it fared better than many other imperial buildings during the decline of the Empire. Damaged by earthquake in 422 CE it was repaired by the emperors Theodosius II and Valentinian III. Repairs were also made in 467, 472 and 508 CE. The venue continued to be used for wrestling matches and animal hunts up to the 6th century CE but the building began to show signs of neglect and grass was left to grow in the arena. In the 12th century CE it became a fortress of the Frangipani and Annibaldi families. The great earthquake of 1231 CE caused the collapse of the southwest facade and the Colosseum became a vast source of building material - stones and columns were removed, iron clamps holding blocks together were stolen and statues were melted for lime. Indeed, Pope Alexander VI actually leased the Colosseum as a quarry. Despite this crumbling away though, the venue was still used for the occasional religious procession and play during the 15th century CE.

Ancient built places

Ancient built places

Old Places in World

There are so many breathtaking and incredible historical sites built by ancient civilizations

my favorite historical sites that I think every traveler should try to visit at some point (or don’t. That’s up to you but I think you should). The story these ruins tell is part of humanity’s story, and that is why I love them the best.

• The Alhambra

The Alhambra is Granada’s — and Europe’s — love letter to Moorish culture, a place where fountains trickle, leaves rustle, and ancient spirits seem to mysteriously linger. Part palace, part fort, part World Heritage site, part lesson in medieval architecture, the Alhambra has long enchanted a never-ending line of expectant visitors. During the Napoleonic occupation, the Alhambra was used as a barracks and nearly blown up. What you see today has been heavily but respectfully restored. This is a beautiful site with so many various gardens and builings, and its view of the historic area of Granada is second to none.

• The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China actually consists of numerous walls and fortifications. It was originally conceived by Emperor Qin Shi Huang (ca. 259–210 BC) in the third century BC as a means of keeping out the Mongol hordes invading the country. The best-known and best-preserved section of the Great Wall was built in the 14th through 17th centuries, during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Though the Great Wall never effectively prevented invaders from entering China, it’s still a massive engineering and construction feat and human accomplishment.

• Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá, meaning “at the mouth of the well of Itzá,” is the second most visited archeological site in Mexico and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s one of the most important Mayan historical structures in the Americas and has been restored greatly in the last few years.

• Volubilis

A major trading center and the southernmost settlement during Roman times, Volubilis inMorocco is one of the best preserved (and least frequented) ruins of its kind in the world. I found it empty of tourists, not built up, and open in a way that really lets you get up close and see the structures without being behind ten feet of barriers and jostled by crowds. Most of the city is still unexcavated, so the site has a very raw feel to it. I’ve been to a lot of Roman ruins in my travels, but I love this one the best. It’s a lovely day trip away from the crowds and noise of Fez

• Sukhothai

Located in a beautiful in north-central Thailand, Sukhothai was the capital of Thailand for a couple hundred years. This is site is often overlooked by travelers, as few stop there on the way to Chiang Mai. The central area contains 21 temples enclosed by a moat. Its many temples showcase the unique Sukhothai style of decoration, which incorporates Khmer (Cambodian) and Sri Lankan influences. It’s a huge, huge site and takes a good day or two to see. Most of it is exposed to the sun, so bring sunscreen or you’ll get massively sunburned.

Old Places

Places

Historical Place

This site is about the historical places.

• Stonehenge

Located near Salisbury, England, this megalithic structure is over 3,000 years old, and its stones come all the way from Wales. Scholars still are not sure how the builders got the stones there and have tried to replicate the feat, with dismal results. Moreover, we only have a vague idea to its purpose (we’re basically just guessing). Stonehenge is now fenced off, and you can no longer go into the circle; visitors can only walk around the attraction. But it’s worth visiting for the mystery behind it and an excellent and detailed audio tour.

• The Colosseum and Forum

The Colosseum and the Forum are right next to each other in Rome, so I included them together. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the known world, these sites are breathtaking not only for their beauty but also for their history and age. You’re standing in the spot Caesar walked and gazing into the arena where gladiators battled to the death. The Colosseum has slowly crumbled throughout the ages, and much of it is restricted now, especially the floor and basement where everything was organized. The Forum is great to walk around (and it’s free), though a ticket is required for Palatine Hill. I would definitely get a guided tour, because the information presented by the authorities doesn’t go into much depth.

• The Parthenon

Though it’s currently (and seemingly has been forever) getting a face-lift, the Parthenon is still astounding and breathtaking. This ancient temple to Athena stands as a symbol of the power of Athens and a testament to Greek civilization. Moreover, it provides a sweeping view of Athens and nearby ruins, whose temples and buildings are equally as wondrous. Over the centuries, much of it and the surrounding structures have been destroyed by war and thieves. Luckily, the structure still stands… at least for now. Note that there is scaffolding along the right side of the structure; considering it has been there for over five years, I doubt it is going anywhere anytime soon. They do things slowly in Greece.

• Easter Island

Located out in the Pacific Ocean, Easter Island, a special territory of Chile, is home to Moai statues that are the only thing left of a culture that once lived here. These gigantic and impressively carved heads are just another reminder that primitive people were not really all that primitive. The stones that attract visitors to this island are made out of volcanic ash; many still remain in the quarry, left behind by the inhabitants as diminishing resources on the island left their tribes doomed to wars that finally killed them off.

• Taj Mahal

Built in the 1600s, this building in Agra, India, is a testament to undying love. This white marble tomb built for Emperor Shah Jahan’s deceased wife is a must-see for everyone. In 1983, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and also has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj sees between two and four million tourists annually, so there have been recent restrictions on tourism in an effort to help protect the site. However, the greatest threat is the air pollution that is destroying the marble.

Machu Picchu

HISTORICAL STATE IN THE WORLD

Historical place 

We introduce this site about the historical places.

• Machu Picchu

• Located in southern Peru, this ruined city lies on top of a mountain that’s only accessible by train or a four-day trek. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, it was an important cultural center for the Inca civilization but was abandoned when the Spanish invaded the region. (It is famously referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” though that is actually Vilcabamba). The location was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, and it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Concerns over growing numbers of tourists have led to limitations on how many people can enter the site, though only by a fraction of what is necessary. Hopefully they will limit it even more so this site can last for hundreds of years more.

• Tikal

This Mayan city-state is one of the largest and best-preserved ruins of that civilization, and was a dominant force in the Mayan world during the Classic Period (200-900 AD). Located in Guatemala, this place lets you experience your inner Indiana Jones early in the morning or late at night when the tourists go home and it’s just you and the jungle. It is very serene, and that made for one of the best travel memories I have. Be sure to spend the night in the park, as you then really get to see it without the crowds. I particularly enjoyed seeing the sunrise from atop the temples. (Random trivia: The city at the end ofStar Wars.

• The Pyramids at Giza

They’re over 3,000 years old, and we still don’t have a good idea as to how they were built or how the Egyptians made them so precise (were aliens involved?). The three pyramids align to the stars and the solstices and contain tons of chambers that still haven’t been (and cannot be) opened. I mean, how did they create those little chambers where people can’t even crawl through? The largest one, called the Great Pyramid, was built by the Pharaoh Khufu and has limited access to it. The Pyramids are truly a marvel of human engineering that was fit for kings. (You will also find the Sphinx nearby, another historical site whose mysteries baffle researchers and are the subject of many conspiracy theories.

• Angkor Wat

This ancient city in Cambodia was the center of the Khmer Empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. This empire fell into decline, but not before building amazing temples and buildings that were later reclaimed by the jungle for hundreds of years.Though Angkor Wat is packed with tourists, it’s still breathtaking to see. And the temple regions to the north and south see far fewer tourists than the main temple grouping. (Though admittedly, some of them are simply piles of stone rubble now.)The most popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom, and they always have crowds. In order to really experience the temples, you’ll need to purchase the three- or five-day pass. The best time to visit is early in the morning before the big tour groups arrive and stay late after they have gone.

• Petra

Carved into a canyon in Arabah, Jordan, Petra was made famous by the third Indiana Jones film when he went to find the Holy Grail. The site was “discovered” in 1812 by a Swiss explorer who followed some local tribesmen there; prior to that, it had been forgotten to the Western world. Though its founding is unknown, it appears this place had settlers as early as the 6th century BC. Under Roman rule, the site declined rapidly and was abandoned by the late 4th century. In 1985, Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.