Page 17 - Volume 13 Number 12

FBO! Each county in each state has a city or town designated as the county­seat (or the home of that county’s governmental affairs). In all but the smallest of the hundreds of county seats within the U.S., a County Courthouse building is designated. Many are simply stunning buildings, offering free self­guided touring to all comers. Scores of them are historical enough to be included on the National Historic Register and include significant architectural elements (especially for the times they were constructed). The same can be said of many City Hall buildings. In Philadelphia, for example, the City Hall is one of the most prominent structures among a city teeming with architectural masterpieces. Philly’s City Hall not only forms the center of the downtown’s geography, it dominates the scene, covering a full city block and towering above the height of the U.S. Capitol building! Wherever you find yourself, governmental buildings tend to be some of the most interesting any given city has to offer. Plus, since they were constructed and are maintained with tax dollars, they are publicly owned and should be open to all citizens.
Houses of Worship
Ever been to a town without a single church, temple or other house of worship? Such towns are few and far
between. Many houses of worship are simple structures that would not register on anyone’s must­see architecture list. Yet, even in tiny towns, the most prominent, most beautiful building is often a church or temple of some kind. Religious structures, of course, have an incredible variation. Cathedrals and bassillicas, tabernacles, grand mosques and temples, and everything in between, down to tiny, one­room, country churches. Nearly all have something unique to see. Climb a bell tower for a magnificient view of the town or even a distant metropolis (on a clear day). Be accidently treated to a concert by a gifted organist, playing a centuries old pipe organ (practicing for upcoming services or learning new pieces). Be amazed at the towering columns or the ornate architectural elements. Study the details and nuances of statues depicting holy scenes, saints or religious deities. Try your hand at interperting the scenes depicted in delicate stained glass windows. These are all things I’ve experienced simply by walking into some previously unknonwn (to me) house of worhip. You need not be affiliated with the religion or belief system the building represents to appeciate its attributes. Art is a universal passion that nearly every religion pursues within their particular guidelines. They use it to tell their stories, explain their faith, or strike awe in all those who enter. As a visiting outsider, its often easier to appreciate the efforts involved when detached from the related dogma. Plus, its probably better not knowing what the
DECEMBER 2019
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 15