Often called “Paris of the Middle East”, Beirut is a thriving hotspot for shopping, socializing and sightseeing, despite many wars and unrest. The city has been rebuilt several times, with modern architecture sharing space with Ottoman and colonial French buildings. Bustling streets such as Hamra and Ashrafieh provide hopping nightlife while the National Museum and the Gibran Museum give visitors a taste of the city’s history. The Corniche is the place for activities like jogging and biking.
Bernard Weber, who gave us the “seven wonders of the world,” a project that had a global success in 2007. Now he is coming back with a new project presented in December via the 7 Wonders Cities of the World via the “New Seven Wonders Foundation”.
Initially, more than 1,200 cities and over 220 States have applied. Then, 300 were shortlisted and 77 were selected then 28 are designated semifinalists and 14 finalists. The selected cities attract attention by their diversity, remarkable regional geography and urban culture.
Not less than one hundred million votes have contributed to the designation of the finlist – what can be considered as a true global democratic success!
Here is our series of the 7 Wonders cities a series of eight posts, the first will present the 7 cities.
Beyrouth (Libanon)
Doha (Qatar)
Durban (South africa)
Havana (Cuba)
Kuala Lumpur (Malaisia)
La Paz (Bolivia)
Vigan (Philippines)
Galerías Pacífico is one of the largest and most traditional shopping centers in Buenos Aires. This is the most frequented by tourists, the shopping center is home to the prestigious international brands, has a major restoration and the prestigious Borges Cultural Centre is located in an area of the building. It occupies an entire block and the streets surrounding it are Florida, Córdoba, San Martin and Viamonte. The building was built in 1881 as a commercial place to a shop by departments ‘Au bon Marché’, at this time, one of the most important in the Argentinian capital, it welcomed since 1896 the Museum of fine arts, today located in another place. In the year 1908 a part of the building was sold to the Buenos Aires Pacific Railway, from whom it took its current name. The emblem of the Galerías Pacífico was established in 1945 and at the same time they built the magnificent Dome with murals of the prestigious masters, Antonio Berni, Lino Spilimbergo, Juan Carlos Castagnino, Demetrio Urruchúa, and Manuel Colmeiro, being this last one the only foreigner one. In 1989 the building was declared a National Historic Monument and it was completely renovated and transformed in a luxury Mall. The project was made by the architect Juan Carlos López. At this time, four murals of Argentinian artists have been incorporated: Roux, Alongo and Josefina Robirosa. Its beautiful architecture and works that contains make that tourists consider it one of the most beautiful malls in the world.
Tips
Do not forget your camera when you visit this mall because you will regret it deeply. It is one of the few commercial places where buy remains the second option before such artistic beauty.
You can take advantage of the visit to several things that also have nothing to do with shopping. This shopping centre has a concert hall and an exhibition room, then go to the information centre for more information on what is happening at the time of your visit especially if you like tango because tango shows are very demanded by tourists.
You will also find ATMs if you need to withdraw money from your bank account even as places to make international calls or Internet connection.
If you do not already know the “alfajores” (Argentinian typical pastry), take your time and enjoy one with a good coffee, at the cafe called “Havanna” (also one of the trademarks of the alfajores) which, according to the majority, are the best.
