French builders of the 1100s first dared to fashion heaven's image in soaring cathedrals of stone. Entrances were through portals worthy of paradise, and the sanctuary was charged with light pressed through glass tapestries radiant with faith.
The Gothic building boom reflected an era of growing power for the monarchy, the cities, and the bourgeoisie, and the cathedrals expressed civic pride fully as much as ecclesiastical glory.
— From "The Gothic Revolution," July 1989, National Geographic magazine
See the cultural and architectural legacy of this Turkish sultan who shook the world of the 16th century as he raised the Ottoman Empire to the height of its glory.
Discover the allure of this World Heritage Site in Jordan, which is being put at risk by the throngs of tourists who flock to this ancient city of stone each year.
Travel to the Egypt of Ramses II, whose monuments stud the Nile in timeless testament to a civilization that endured for three millennia and continues to amaze the world today.
Get a glimpse of paradise with this gallery of photographs taken on assignment for the National Geographic magazine article "French Polynesia: Charting a New Course."
