IN THE ENGLISH LESSON
the Hofburg is now the official residence of Austria ’ s president .
The palace was expanded over the centuries with the addition of royal residences , a chapel , the Hofreitschule ( Spanish Riding School ), the Court Library , and the imperial court theater ( which is the National Theater of Austria in
Vienna today ).
8 ) Mosteiro dos Jerónimos , Portugal
The Jerónimos Monastery is one of Portugal ’ s most recognizable constructions . Built in Lisbon near the Tagus river , the UNESCO World Heritage Site monastery is a beautiful example of Manueline or Portuguese late Gothic style . Manueline architecture is notable for its ornate details , with lots of semicircular arches in doors and windows , and for incorporating maritime elements , such as shells and pearls , into the design .
Construction on the monastery began in 1501 and took just over 100 years . The original structure is built of gold-colored limestone , but different kings and architects over the years added their touch via imposing murals , gold-tiled ceilings , and lots of detailed woodwork .
Magdalini Georgiadi , b7 Evelyna Pismihou , b5
National Flowers and Animals
A tradition that has existed for a long time are national animals , as well as national flowers for each country . National animals and flowers may be just a symbol but they still have a big role in society since they are a massive inspiration to people . People are usually very proud of the symbols of their country and tend to feel inspired by them .
To begin with , ecology plays a massive role in the selection of national animals and flowers since an animal or flower found in nature is much more likely to be a national symbol than one that is not . These animals and flowers are chosen since they are common in the country which it represents . Also , most of them are linked to the history of the country that they represent and have an especially important meaning . Specifically , in Europe , the culture present varies from country to country and , as a result , having an animal or flower that plays a significant role in national culture often is a perfect representation of a country .
For example , in Greece , they have dolphins as their national animal and Bear Breeches as their national flower , while in Italy they have wolves and lilies . Moreover , in France , their national animal is the Gallic Rooster and their national flower is the Iris and in Germany they have Eagles and Cornflowers as their symbols . In Spain , the national animal is a bull and their national flower is the red carnation ( which is also their national symbol ).
Nevertheless , some countries tend to have national animals that are mythological creatures , even though they do not exist , such as Scotland , where they have Unicorns as their symbol and Hungary where they have Tulips and the Turul ( mythological bird of prey , mostly depicted as a falcon ). In Wales , the Welsh Dragon is considered the country ’ s national animal .
In conclusion , national animals and flowers are not only extremely meaningful to the people of the countries that they represent , but also tend to show an important part of each ’ s countries tradition and history and are very important .
Panayiota Kyranna , b3 Nafsika Liontou , b2
Danae Papageorgiou , b7
IN THE ENGLISH LESSON
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