International

Toledo Spain
Street Scene

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Simon Bolivar

Eiffel Tower Paris

The photographs on the left banner depict some of Europe's and South America's famous monuments and places to visit. The first photograph on the top is a street scene in Toledo, Spain; the second, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa, Italy; the third, a statue of Simon Bolivar, known as the founding father of South America; and the fourth, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

It is interesting to note the importance of each of these places in history. For example, Toledo, Spain is one of the most important centers of European medieval history as is evidenced by the impressive medieval architecture. Toledo was the capital of Spain from the Gothic period until 1560 and is approximately 40 miles south of Madrid, Spain, the present-day capital of Spain. Toledo is well know for its fine artistry, steel sword blades and highly recommended cuisine. For information on hotels, restaurants and sightseeing tours you may wish to visit this Toledo, Spain Tourism website.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in the second photograph on the left, also has an interesting history. Pisa, Italy began as a seaside settlement around 1000 B.C. and by the 11th century, Pisa had grown into one of the peninsula's most powerful maritime republics. Construction on the Leaning Tower of Pisa began in 1173 and was not completed until two centuries later. It was originally built as a bell tower for Pisa's cathedral located in Campo del Miracoli. The Tower was given its name because it does not stand erect but leans due to an uneven settling of its foundation. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is reportedly 55 meters tall and has 296 steps to the top of the tower.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa also holds a significant place in world history. Famous scientist, Galileo.   Galileo dropped two cannon balls of different masses from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to demonstrate their speed of descent was independent of their mass. It is also interesting to note that during World War II, the American forces were ordered to demolish all the towers in the City of Pisa due to sniper threats but a last-minute order to retreat saved the Tower from destruction. Then, in 1990, the Leaning Tower of Pisa was closed and did not reopen to the public until 2001 after a strengthening project was completed and the structure was deemed safe.

The third photograph on the left is a monument to Simon Bolivar. Simon Bolivar is credited with being one of the greatest generals of South America who helped liberate much of South America from the Spaniards. His victories over the Spaniards won independence for Bolivia, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. He is known as "The Liberator" and the "George Washington of South America." Bolivia was named in his honor. You may wish to visit this Simon Bolivar biographical website for more information about this great man's life and accomplishments.

The fourth photograph on the left is the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The Eiffel Tower, designed by engineer, A. G. Eiffel, is 984 feet tall excluding the antenna and was originally built for the Paris Exposition in 1889. It is one of the most well know and tallest structures in Paris and most frequently visited sites in Europe. The Eiffel Tower is built on the Champ de Mars beside the River Seine in Paris, France. For tour information, ticket prices, hours of operation and facts about the Eiffel Tower, please visit The Official Site for the Eiffel Tower.

Background information for these "Points of Interest and Places to Visit" was collected from several sources including:

The following real estate resources are provided as a convenience for visitors who are planning a relocation to destinations outside of the United States.