I am one of those who are “soft” on the old buildings around towns. Maybe it’s their historic value, or that they’ve escaped the wrecking ball, or they remind us, or evoke sentiments of a bygone era.
Identifying architectural styles isn’t my thing and, like art, I know what I do and don’t like. Straight lines, all-glass surfaces and too much steel and strut are not my thing. My preference leans towards ornate, elaborate and complex all of which must be aesthetically pleasing – to me at least.
From my photo-stash here are some examples of buildings I photographed because they appealed.
From Adelaide we did a number of day trips to surrounding towns and wineries. The church featured below is in Hahndorf, a quaint if kitsch, town settled by German immigrants early in the nineteenth century. The inscription on the foundation stone is in old German and because it is so weather-worn it was difficult to read the whole plaque.
We arrived in the town expecting to find a picnic spot to enjoy our lunch and we did not anticipate the crowds of people everywhere. Consequently we found a parking space a kilometre from the town centre and no park benches in sight. The walls along the driveway were the right height for us to sit on and have our lunch.
A city’s tourist attractions are must sees, of course, but for me wandering the streets and processing questions of life ‘back in the day’ is more appealing. Wondering about the fashion, occupations and modes of transport of generations long gone are fascinating. I mean, seriously, can you not imagine the men, women and children wandering up the driveway to Kirk each Sunday. Their clothes quite unsuitable for the Australian heat yet so beautiful.
Old buildings are a testament to the “technological” prowess, craftsmanship, and artistry of those times. They are a monument to a culture that was new in its evolution and one we celebrate, in the twenty-first century, when we call ourselves a multicultural or multi-national country.
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Day Two of the 2019 A-Z Challenge which I am participating in during the month of April. The challenge is to post six days a week, Sunday respite or catching up with other participants and their posts. Each of the twenty-six days represents a letter of the alphabet and while each post stands alone they form part of a loose theme reflecting our retirement trip around Australia.
QP and Eye 
Those are some lovely buildings in your photos. I also like old buildings. They have such character and interesting style. Old houses fascinate me. My wife doesn’t care for old houses, but if I found one in very well kept condition I wouldn’t mind living in an old house. A big front porch would be a plus.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
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Beautiful buildings. I’m sure it was fun to go around and photograph them all. 🙂
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Loved these buildings, especially the ones in Adelaide. Such fun to travel with you!
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Loved the architure. Great A to Z.
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I just finished a biography of Prince Charles, who has offended many architects in England with his strong views on buildings. I think he would agree with your own thoughts, Linda. The older buildings have so much character. – Marty
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The have been become a ” must see” for me as we travel the highways and byways on our retirement adventure. They stir my love of history.
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Wow, such beautiful buildings, old is indeed gold.they are architectural marvels. I love old buildings and architectures a lot and that appealed me in your post.
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Pleased this resonated with you and thanks you for the visit. Linda
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That’s one of the things about Adelaide and other towns in Sth Aust – like Hobart, they didn’t have the financial “progress” back in the 1960s and 70s to tear down these beautiful old buildings. And that means we can still enjoy their craftsmanship, attention to detail and sheer beauty today.
Great post, Linda. 🙂
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