I’ve spoken before about why you should care about architecture, but how do you put that into practice? If you want to explore noteworthy historical architecture, you have plenty of options. No matter where you live or visit, old and noteworthy houses, places of worship, palaces, castles, schools (especially universities), civic and commercial buildings, hotels, theaters, restaurants, fountains, monuments, gateways, and more are likely all around you.
Some of these historic sites have become museums, and you can tour them for an admission fee. While they are the main focus on this article, they aren’t your only options. Others are still in use, either in their original function or a different one. Ruins may feature in the landscape and be accessible for tour or just perusing. Plus, there are public monuments like fountains, war memorials, or gateways. Do a little research in your area, and you may find that you walk past historic landmarks every day. Some may be public places like shops, libraries, and restaurants that you can visit for free. (Others are private homes and businesses, though, so be careful not to trespass, loiter, or invade anyone’s privacy amidst architecture-fueled enthusiasm.)
Research tours and times
Historic sites run as museums don’t necessarily allow you to just walk through at your own pace. In order to visit, you may have to take a tour, or a tour might be necessary to access certain areas of the building. Because tours are given on set schedules and can fill up quickly, I would strongly recommend researching your options and perhaps buying your ticket in advance. You may also have multiple different tours to choose from, like one that includes the servant’s quarters or one that focuses on architecture or gardens.
Even if you can visit a site without a tour, I still suggest you take one. At a minimum, do a self-guided audio tour. (Charge your phone in advance and bring earbuds.) There’s so much about architectural sites, especially the stories behind the buildings, that you can’t possibly hope to pick up on your own.
Don’t touch!
Everybody knows that you can’t touch the artwork in a museum. But when the whole building is the artwork, it can be easy to get confused. In an historic site museum, refrain from touching anything in or on the building except the handrail on the staircase and the doorknobs if necessary. In particular, don’t sit on any chair unless it’s clearly designated as being for visitors’ use. Also, don’t touch or lean on the walls. When a building is still in use, like an active church or library, you can interact with the building more normally, but still try to be gentle with it. Old buildings can often be more fragile than they appear.
Know your limitations
The typical historic site was built in the days before elevators and ADA rules. Many sites work actively to be as accessible as possible, but they’re often limited in how much they can do with a particular space. A lot of tours involve stairs, walking on uneven pavement, etc. If you’re visiting a ruin or remote site like some of those I visited in Ireland, there may even be some light hiking involved. If you have physical limitations, ask in advance what accommodations are available.
Have Your Own Art Travel Adventure
Go outside
Many historic sites, especially homes and palaces, have beautiful gardens, outbuildings, and other outdoor attractions. Taking time to enjoy these will truly enrich your experience and also give you a literal breath of fresh air.
Find out what else is going on
Many sites offer exhibitions of art, antiques, clothing, or historical memorabilia. These are usually included with your tour admission ticket. Plus, some historic monuments have pretty spectacular art collections displayed on their very walls.
Work your angles
In his Great Courses lecture series The World’s Greatest Churches, Professor William R. Cook, an expert in medieval churches, strongly recommends that you look at churches from a variety of different angles. He says that you notice different details and discover striking new views when you take the time to walk around the church and look up, down, across, and sideways from all over the building. According to Cook, most churches have something spectacular to offer from every possible point of view, and his photographs prove this is true. I bet it’s equally valid for non-church buildings, too. I have personally noted that it’s always a good idea to look up, because lots of old buildings have amazing ceilings, and it’s way too easy to miss them. (The art of great ceilings is unfortunately lost, in my opinion.) Check out Prof. Cook’s courses The Cathedral and The World’s Greatest Churches (my sources for this advice) from The Great Courses.
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