Credited as the cradle of the modern industrial revolution in Norway, Rjukan-Notodden has played a key role in the country’s economic landscape in the last 100 years. In 1911, the largest power station in the world at the time, the Vemork hydroelectric plant, was built to harness the energy from the Rjukan Waterfall. The industrial complex also utilised a green approach to producing fertilisers for the world’s agricultural market. It used natural resources such as air to capture nitrogen to produce artificial fertilisers for the world market. The groundbreaking industrial development at Rjukan-Notodden is an outstanding example of scientific and technological progress in the 20th century.

The eight archaeological sites found in the South Korean cities of Gongju, Buyeo and Iksan, were part of the Baekje Kingdom which lasted from 475 CE to 660 CE. The sites include the Gongsanseong fortress and royal tombs, the Busosanseong Fortress and Gwanbuk-ri administrative buildings, the Jeongnimsa Temple, the Neungsan-ri royal tombs and the Naseong city wall, the Wanggung-ri royal palace and Mireuksa Temple in Iksan.

At its height, the Baejke Kingdom played an important role in the exchange of religious, artistic and technological ideas between the East Asian kingdoms of Korea, China and Japan.

With a history of making wines that dates back even before medieval times, Champagne is a place to visit and learn the history of the artisan production of this iconic wine. See the rolling green hillsides and vineyards, the underground cellars that served as production sites, and the Champagne houses that serve as sales points. The region stands as a testament to France’s unique functional urban planning, architecture and heritage in wine-making.

The collection of nine civil and religious structures dates back to the era of Norman Kingdom between the years 1130 AD to 1194 AD. The site comprises two palaces (the Norman Palace and the Zisa Palace), three churches (Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti, Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio and Church of San Cataldo), cathedrals (Palermo Cathedral, Monreale Cathedral, Cefalu Cathedral) and a bridge (Admiral’s Bridge).

Admire the magnificent architecture which use elements of Latin, Byzantine and Islamic motifs, indicative of the kingdom’s multi-ethnic culture population. The kingdom was famous for its harmonious diversity in thought, cultural heritage and political life.

Located between the towns of Zempoala, Hidalgo and Otumba, this 45km-long aqueduct is noted for having the highest single-level arcade ever built in an aqueduct. Dating back to the 16th century, the aqueduct was named after the Franciscan friar, Padre Tembleque, who initiated its construction. It is celebrated for its architectural design, utilising European technology of Roman hydraulics, and built using Mesoamerican construction techniques.

An adapted version first appeared in ST Classifieds. 

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