Classic Facades Archives

Porto, Portugal

Igreja do Carmo

Azulejo-adorned Baroque church in Porto is home to a "hidden" next-door neighbor.

From the Community

Bridgetown, Barbados

The British government opened Barbados to many settlers, and so Sephardic Jews from Brazil and Holland sought refuge there from the grips of the Inquisition while they were also drawn to the wealth of the sugar trade.

Ketchum, Idaho, United States

Pioneer Saloon

Now known for its margaritas as well as displaying one of the author’s hunting rifles, one could assume Hemingway today would be more than happy to continue hanging out at the establishment—especially for its infamy as an illegal gambling den in the bar’s early history.

AWA visted here

Presented with

Sun Valley, Idaho, United States

Sun Valley Resort & Lodge

In 1936, this Idahoan valley traded sheep for ski enthusiasts--and has never looked back.

AWA visted here

Presented with

South Ayrshire, Scotland

Girvan

When people think of Scotland, pristine, long, sandy beaches are probably not top of mind. The people of Girvan, however, would like a word.

AWA visted here

Presented with

Fresno, California, United States

Fresno Brewing Company

This all-brick building is the last remaining original structure of the Fresno Brewing Company.

Subotica, Serbia

Raichle Palace

This Palace was built and owned by its architect, Ferenc Raichle.

From the Community

Paris, France

Petit Palais

As you stroll through the museum, imagine being among the first to see it, one of fifty million visitors who came to Paris in 1900, eager for their chance to see a whole new world.

Keszthely, Hungary

Festetics Palace

Some of us are just late bloomers, but this hulking Hungarian palace had a bit longer of an awkward phase than we're used to.

Los Angeles, California, United States

Pico House

Pico may translate to "peak," but the city of Los Angeles was only just getting started during the construction of this landmark

From the Community

Oxford, United Kingdom

All Souls College

This college is virtually unchanged since its opening in 1438, whispering centuries of stories to its visitors. The most famous tale of all? A Duck on Parade.

AWA visted here

Presented with

Madrid, Spain

Cine Doré

Madrid’s famed theater is sure to hook you with its beaming brick-orange facade, then reel you in with its story of renaissance, resistance, and rebirth.

New York, New York, United States

Hook & Ladder No. 8

Who you gunna call?

From the Community

Olesa de Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain

Vador Bruixa

This custom residential home belonged to textile entrepreneur Salvador Ubach.

Havana, Cuba

Bacardi Building

Home to a grand design, this structure might make one go "batty" for Art Deco.

Venice, Italy

Church of San Zaccaria

Nestled on the edge of the famed canal city, this Venetian church attracts visitors with its ornate facade and flooded crypt — but its most interesting story is over a thousand years old, on a night when the church played host to a Pope on the run…

Hanoi, Vietnam

Presidential Palace

A symbol of when it was a French colony, the presidential palaces offers a glimpse into the storied history of Vietnam.

From the Community

Columbus, Ohio, United States

Drexel Theatre

This theater has made a name for itself playing movies that won't get played anywhere else, and even teamed up with a local brewery for a Wes Anderson themed beer.

From the Community

Grand Junction, Colorado, United States

Wayne N. Aspinall Federal Building and Courthouse

A painting removed for a routine cleaning disappeared for decades.

Presented with

London, United Kingdom

Somerset House

Originally built in 1547, this Palace was a centerpiece of the British monarchy during the Protestant Reformation.

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Vijećnica

Playing host to the killing that sparked WWI was only the beginning of this heralded hall’s story — it’s one of triumph, tragedy, and a tantalizing return to glory.

Gothenburg, Sweden

The Garden Society of Gothenburg

The 19th century garden park was created after an amateur botanist convinced the King of Sweden to build it.

Palermo, Italy

Palazzina Cinese

This weirdly wonderful palace was the result of a most fortunate twist of fate. A punishment only fit for a King — exile in Sicily.

Paris, France

Hotel Duret de Chevry

This hotel, like its "famed" architect, may not be what/who it appears to be...

From the Community

Hawley, Pennsylvania, United States

The Ritz Company Playhouse

This theater rose from the ashes of a nearby fire, and was put into overtime by another, but itself was saved from closure by a band of theater loving locals.