Wonders of Mexico (2020)
Entering a sacred monument is never an unremarkable experience. Whether a place of worship for Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus or Buddhists, the buildings all tend to be architecturally magnificent. And behind the stone, brick, or marble facades are hidden stories of titanic construction sites where brilliant architects, builders and artists came together... From the West to the Far East, these monuments are the concrete witnesses of men's beliefs and of their desire to excel, as well as reminders of their will for political dominance. This series, set in the present day, is about discovering some of the world’s most beautiful and sacred monuments, from Italy to Hungary via France, and on to India, Tunisia and even Myanmar... During each episode we spend a day, from sunrise to sunset, at one of the monuments and learn about its history and architecture, as well as the rituals practiced there, and the people who take care of it.
Seasons & Episode
The gigantic Minakshi temple complex (the size of a city) is built in the form of a mandala, a sacred geometric symbol originating from Hinduism, one of the oldest religions. The architecture on the inside is exuberant, symbolic and figurative, and the 30 million colorful sculptures tell the epic stories of the deities. It is dedicated to the gods Shiva and Minakshi. Every evening, at dusk, their union is celebrated again.
Buddhism has adopted several variants depending on its location on the map and the spirit and will behind it. The purest form is found in Japanese Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes emptiness, as a spiritual and aesthetic principle. The famous Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto and the surrounding Zen gardens are like a hymn to the world, mediating between the secular and the sacred, the visible and the invisible, in the ultimate quest for harmony and beauty.
To celebrate his victory in Kazan, Ivan the Terrible, the Tsar of Russia, ordered an impressive cathedral to rise on Moscow's Red Square. The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Mother of God, better known as St. Basil's Cathedral, is a masterpiece of Orthodox architecture. The multicolored spheres have become a symbol of Orthodox Russia, and the cathedral is one of the most visited monuments in Moscow.
Chartres Cathedral has been spared from wars and revolutions. Works started in the 12th century and today the building is one of France's best-preserved Gothic monuments. It took barely 30 years to build and is characteristic of the consistency of the architectural style. In 2008 a huge renovation started to restore the famous stained glass windows and the extraordinary organ. Discover how highly skilled craftsmen restore the symbol of French Gothic.