While traveling in Spain and the Netherlands I couldn’t help but notice the two countries differing architectural styles. In both San Sebastian and Amsterdam older, traditional buildings showcased their approach to ornamentation and, in some cases, over-the-top ostentation. Today I’ve got photos of rooflines, tomorrow decorations.
The thing is, I don’t have a preference. In both locations the buildings were meant to announce wealth and privilege. In San Sebastian, that wealth came from royalty (Queen Maria Cristina) and royal hangers-on. In Amsterdam it was the merchants who had the money from their trading around the globe.
And, in both cities, the modern buildings, often quite stunning, were relegated to the outskirts of the city.