Sometimes, well actually a lot of the time, I find myself coming across buildings or structures that I can’t stop staring at.

A prime example of this happened to me recently while navigating my way through the gridded streets of downtown Mexico City, when all of a sudden I came to the reasonably open area that houses the Palacio De Bellas Artes, or the “Palace of Fine Arts”.

The Palacio De Bellas Artes is an incredible example of Art Nouveau architecture and design. The white building shines in the Mexican sun with its trademark sunburst tile roofing. The exterior is matched by it equally impressive interior which again is a stunning example of another era of architectural design, the Art Deco period.

The original design and construction of the Palacio De Bellas Artes was undertaken by Italian Architect, Adamo Boari and was intended to be completed in 1910 for the centenary anniversary of the Mexican War of Independence. Both political and structural problems arrose and contruction on the building came to a complete stand still in 1913. 1932 saw the project over taken by Mexican architect, Federico Mariscal (giving much reason to why there is such a drastic difference between the buildings interior and exterior) and the magnificent building was finally completed with its inauguration in 1934.

The Palacio De Bellas Artes is just one of Mexico City’s incredible buildings, but it was without a doubt my personal favourite.

What’s some of the most inspiring man-made structures you’ve come across on your travels? Let me know in the comments below! – Ash