Stone house in Al Jumayliyah (Jamilla, Aljumileh). Western Qatar, November 21, 2015
Stone house at sunrise in a village of Al Areesh (Arish). Northern Qatar, June 11, 2016
Stone house in northern side in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, June 13, 2015
Stone columns near Hilal bin Abdullah Al Kuwari House in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, June 13, 2015
Stone gate of a house at Lenina Prospect in Vyborg, north from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 7, 2016
Stone house near a beach road in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, September 12, 2015
Stone house in central part of old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, June 13, 2015
Excavated walls of a stone house on Purple Island (Jazirat Bin Ghanim) at sunrise. Al Khor, Qatar, October 24, 2014
Stone house in a village of Al Areesh (Arish). Northern Qatar, June 11, 2016
Stone house in bluebonnets at 3684 Road 390 west from Gay Hill. Texas, April 15, 2010
Narrow stone house in northern side in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, June 13, 2015
Stone house in a village of Al Jumail (Jumayl) west of Ruwais. Northern Qatar, May 9, 2015
Stone house in a village of Al Areesh (Arish). Northern Qatar, May 9, 2015
Stone house on northern side in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, July 3, 2015
A house with a stone gallery in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, September 12, 2015
Stone house near a beach road in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, July 3, 2015
Stone house in ruined village of Al Jumail (Jumayl) used for film set, west of Ruwais on northwest coast. Qatar, February 6, 2010
Ruins of a stone house at Sidriyat Al Kheesa, north from Madinat Al Kaaban. Northern Qatar, December 19, 2014
Remains of a stone house in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, September 12, 2015
Yellow stone house near a beach in Ruwais on north coast. Qatar, March 3, 2010
Ruins of a stone house in Al Jumayliyah (Jamilla, Aljumileh). Western Qatar, February 13, 2015
Crumbling stone house on northern side in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, July 3, 2015
Stone house behind Jabal Al Jassasiya near Umm Al Gharaneej, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, December 12, 2015
Stone house in a village of Al Mashrab in area of Ras Laffan Farms. Northern Qatar, October 6, 2014
Stone house in area of Ras Laffan Farms. Northern Qatar, November 21, 2014
Old stone house in a village of Al Jumayliyah (Jamilla, Aljumileh) in northern Qatar, December 6, 2014
Stone house in Al Jumayliyah (Jamilla, Aljumileh). Western Qatar, February 13, 2015
Old stone house in Al Jumayliyah (Jamilla, Aljumileh). Western Qatar, February 13, 2015
Stone house in ruined village of Al Jumail (Jumayl) used for film set, west of Ruwais on northwest coast. Qatar, March 3, 2010
Stone house in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, June 17, 2016
Stone house in area of Ras Laffan farms. North-eastern Qatar, February 19, 2016
Stone house with narrow windows in Ain Mohamed Fort near Al Areesh Road north from Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 26, 2015
A stone stoop, a foundation, and a roof of a house at North Tonti(?) Street in Lower Ninth Ward. New Orleans, Louisiana, February 18, 2006
Small stone house in a village of Al Mashrab in area of Ras Laffan Farms. Northern Qatar, October 18, 2014
Ruins of a stone house on northern side in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, July 3, 2015
Stone wall of Khamis bin tired Qubaisi house and a mosque minaret in Al Areesh. Northern Qatar, March 6, 2015
A stone stoop, a house foundation and a garden in Pointe a la Hache. Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, July 22, 2006
Stone house in northern side in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, December 19, 2015
Stone house at East Washington Avenue. Navasota, Texas, December 8, 2012
Stone house in estate of Ober Kukhmister Iogann Burhard Felten (Lapino) in Vilpovitsy Village near Orzhitdy. Lomonosov Region of Leningrad District, Russia, January 4, 2016
Stone house in northern side in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, September 12, 2015
Caper plant (Capparis spinosa) on steps of an abandoned stone house in a village of Al Mashrab in area of Ras Laffan Farms. Northern Qatar, October 18, 2014
Stone house of Ben Sweden in Ain Mohamed Fort near Al Areesh Road north from Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 12, 2014
Ruins of a stone house in a village of Al Jumail (Jumayl) west of Ruwais. Northern Qatar, June 26, 2015
Stone house in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, December 19, 2015
Stone house near Jabal Al Jassasiya, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, December 26, 2015
Remains of a stone house near Jabal Al Jassasiya, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, December 26, 2015
Stone houses of Nasser bin Mohamed bin Mohammed Almkaona in Ain Mohamed Fort near Al Areesh Road north from Zubara. Northern Qatar, December 26, 2015
Stone house at sunrise in northern side in old fishing village (ghost town) of Al Ghariyah on north-eastern coast, Ash Shamal area. Qatar, June 17, 2016
Stone fence and a red house at Kiriku 8 from Toom-Kooli 21 in Tallinn old town. Estonia, August 14, 2024
Panoramic view from the Tarkhovka shoreline that looks north-west across the Sestroretsky Razliv (Lake Sestroretsk) toward the city of Sestroretsk. This view captures the dual nature of Sestroretsk: a historic resort town with natural beauty (the lake, reeds, and stones) juxtaposed with modern urban infrastructure (heating plant and high-rise housing). "Three Chimneys" (Center): The most prominent industrial feature is the cluster of three tall red-and-white striped chimneys. These belong to the Sestroretsk District Heating Plant (part of the city s thermal infrastructure). Residential Towers (Left of Chimneys): The tall, beige-and-orange brick apartment buildings are part of the modern residential developments in Sestroretsk, likely along Tokarevskaya Street or the Razliv microdistrict. Church of Peter and Paul (Far Right): On the far right horizon. This is a modern church (consecrated in 2009) built in memory of the Russian submariners. "Pyramid" Building (Far Left): On the far left, there is a distinctive white building with a stepped, pyramid-like shape. This is likely the "Eden" (Edem) residential complex or a similar luxury apartment block, which is known for its terraced architecture. Tarkhovka Park near Sestroretsk, west from Saint Petersburg. Russia, October 3, 2025
The "Stone Head" (also known as "The Old Man" or "Adam s Head") which is Sergievka Park s most famous and mysterious landmark. Carved from a massive granite boulder in situ, its origins are unclear. Most researchers date it to around 1800, attributing it to an unknown master, possibly based on a design by Franz Brouer. The sculpture appears to be sinking into the earth, with its eyes wide open, gazing up from the bottom of a ravine near the manor house, surrounded by fallen autumn leaves. Sergievka Park, Old Peterhof, west from Saint Petersburg, Russia, October 13, 2025
This view from the St. Nicholas Church tower focuses on the southwestern edge of the Old Town, dominated by medieval fortifications and the lush greenery of Toompea s slopes. The massive round tower on the right is Kiek in de Ko"k ("Peep into the Kitchen"), a 15th-century artillery tower. Its formidable stone walls, over 4 meters thick, were designed to withstand cannon fire, making it the most powerful defensive tower in the Baltic region during its time. Today, it houses a fortification museum. Below the tower, the cobblestone street running vertically is Ru"u"tli Street, historically home to the city s executioner and later a quiet residential area. To the left of Ru"u"tli Street, the large building with the expansive red-tiled roof is the Swedish St. Michael s Church (Rootsi-Mihkli kirik). Originally a medieval hospital and poorhouse, it was converted into a church for the Swedish garrison and community. Its simple, robust architecture contrasts with the more ornate merchant houses found elsewhere in the Old Town. Estonia, October 16, 2025
A view of Suur-Karja Street (Suur-Karja ta"nav), one of the main arteries in Tallinn s Old Town. This street is famously (or infamously) known as the "Bermuda Triangle" of Tallinn s nightlife. The intersection of Suur-Karja and Va"ike-Karja streets is packed with bars, pubs, and clubs, making it the busiest party spot in the city on weekends. The street is lined with historic buildings that date back centuries. For instance, the building at Suur-Karja 12 (partially visible on the left) is a late-Gothic merchant house with roots in the 15th century. It has recently undergone extensive renovation to modernize its interiors while preserving its medieval stone fac,ade and window details. The street name "Suur-Karja" translates to "Great Cattle Street," referencing its medieval function as the route used to drive cattle from the city center out to pastures through the Karja Gate. Today, it connects the heart of the Old Town with Pa"rnu Road and the modern city center. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
Va"ike-Karja Street (Va"ike-Karja ta"nav), likely taken near its intersection with Suur-Karja Street. The building on the right with the large grey stone archway and iron gates corresponds to Va"ike-Karja 1 (also known as the Saarinen House), a prominent Art Nouveau building designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen. The street features a mix of architectural styles. The grey stone building on the right is a notable example of early 20th-century national romanticism. Further down the street, you can see pastel-colored facades typical of Tallinn s Old Town. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
Northern end of Vene Street (Vene ta"nav) at the intersection with Olevima"gi and Bremeni ka"ik. The red brick building on the immediate left is located at Vene 28. It is a historic structure that was originally built in 1912 as a residential building and briefly housed the Estonian Provisional Government in 1918. It stands out with its industrial-style red brick facade contrasting with the medieval stone walls nearby. The large limestone wall with the archway on the far left is part of the city s defensive fortifications, specifically near the Bremen Tower (Bremeni torn). The archway leads into Bremen Passage (Bremeni ka"ik), a short, atmospheric walkway that connects Vene Street to Uus Street through the city wall. The tower itself, a 15th-century horseshoe-shaped defensive structure, is located just behind this wall. In the background, at the end of the street, you can see the yellow tower and facade of the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas (Nikolai kirik) at Vene 24. Designed by architect Luigi Rusca and built between 1820-1827, this Neoclassical church serves a congregation under the Moscow Patriarchate and is known for its valuable iconostasis. It sits on the site of a much older church that served Novgorod merchants in the Middle Ages. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
A lively intersection of Suur-Karja and Vana turg. The central white building with the high, decorated gable (Suur-Karja 1) is a significant medieval structure known as the Bishop s House. Dating back to the 13th-14th centuries, it historically served as the residence for the bishops of Tallinn. Its facade features Gothic niches and a hoist beam, typical of wealthy Hanseatic merchant homes. To the right, the outdoor terrace belongs to Kuldse Notsu Ko~rts (Golden Piglet Inn), located at Dunkri 8 (which intersects here). This restaurant is famous for its authentic Estonian cuisine, serving dishes like sausage feasts and pork knuckle based on traditional recipes. On the far left, the corner of the heavy stone building (Suur-Karja 18) houses residential apartments. The area is a bustling hub, filled with restaurants and cafes that spill out onto the cobblestones, overlooked by the spire of St. Nicholas Church in the background. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
A wooden double door set within a limestone portal at approximately Pikk 67 in Tallinn s Old Town. The door is framed by a round-arched limestone portal, a common feature in Tallinn s medieval Hanseatic architecture. The rough-hewn stone blocks (voussoirs) forming the arch are clearly visible where the plaster has fallen away, revealing the underlying construction technique. The surrounding wall features peeling stucco in shades of ochre and grey, exposing the limestone masonry beneath. This texture speaks to the building s age and the ongoing challenge of maintaining historic structures in the local climate. The door itself is made of diagonal wooden planks, a traditional style for utility or courtyard entrances in the Old Town. It appears to be a secondary entrance rather than a main portal for a wealthy merchant s house. The juxtaposition of the medieval stone arch with modern urban graffiti creates a stark contrast between the city s protected history and contemporary urban challenges. Tallinn, Estonia, October 16, 2025
At Aida 6, the lane curves between an exposed limestone wall and a plastered building with a deeply recessed, pointed-arch stone portal. The doorway[CloseCurlyQuote]s stepped mouldings, diagonal-boarded wooden door, and iron studs contrast with the plain rectangular windows above. On the opposite wall, blocked openings--including an arched recess and a brick-filled aperture--record alterations to the masonry. Rounded cobbles border a central strip of paving slabs, while shallow channels follow the edges of the buildings. The close-set walls and restricted width preserve the enclosed character of this part of Aida Street, with a yellow house closing the view around the bend. Tallinn, Estonia, August 26, 2026
At Vana Turg (Old Market), the narrow white-gabled house occupied by Peppersack preserves the form of a medieval merchant[CloseCurlyQuote]s dwelling and warehouse. Its pointed stone entrance portal sits below upper storage openings, a shuttered loading door, and a projecting hoisting beam. The building dates from the fifteenth century, when homes in Tallinn[CloseCurlyQuote]s trading centre commonly combined residential and storage functions. The adjoining yellow house has a more regular fac,ade with moulded window surrounds and a hipped tiled roof, contrasting with the steep gables beside it. On the right, pointed-arch ground-floor windows with decorative iron grilles reinforce the square[CloseCurlyQuote]s Gothic architectural character. A wooden stall with a canvas canopy and barrel occupies the foreground, while Viru Street opens downhill to the left. Tallinn, Estonia, August 26, 2026
At Vana Turg, the elaborate corner building marked [OpenCurlyDoubleQuote]Demini[CloseCurlyDoubleQuote] contrasts with the medieval merchant house occupied by Peppersack on the right. The Demin house at Viru 1 belonged to a wealthy fish merchant; its pink-and-white fac,ade has rusticated corners, pilasters, ornamental window surrounds, and a curved parapet framing an oval window above the corner bay. Peppersack[CloseCurlyQuote]s whitewashed gable presents a more utilitarian arrangement: a pointed stone entrance portal below vertically aligned storage openings, with a shuttered loading door and hoisting beam near the roof. Between the two buildings, Viru Street descends from the old market area, showing how later, richly decorated fac,ades stand alongside the surviving forms of Tallinn[CloseCurlyQuote]s warehouse architecture. Tallinn, Estonia, August 26, 2026
The building facing the junction is Hotel Barons, a former bank completed in 1912. Its Art Nouveau design represents the early twentieth-century commercial architecture added to Tallinn[CloseCurlyQuote]s older street network. Tall pilasters divide the symmetrical fac,ade into three main bays, with carved masks and scroll-like capitals beneath the cornice. A stone-faced ground floor with broad arched windows supports the lighter upper storeys, while a steep red-tiled mansard roof contains three dormers and a small copper-clad cupola. The central balcony and entrance establish a formal axis facing the cobbled junction, contrasting with the lower, closely spaced houses along the adjoining streets. Tallinn, Estonia, August 26, 2026
The yellow medieval house at Kuninga 6 accommodates the Kullo Children[CloseCurlyQuote]s Gallery, which exhibits young people[CloseCurlyQuote]s artwork in a building dating from the fourteenth century. Its fac,ade preserves features of a merchant[CloseCurlyQuote]s dwelling: a deeply moulded Gothic entrance portal, a large stone-framed window beside it, and an upper loading door beneath a projecting hoisting beam. Steps lead to the raised entrance above a partly exposed basement, while iron wall anchors secure the masonry between the windows. Green-painted frames and shutters contrast with the yellow plaster; the large window[CloseCurlyQuote]s diamond-patterned glazing and the smaller barred windows distinguish the lower rooms from the upper storeys. The adjoining houses show different treatments of the same narrow street frontage, from the high white gable on the left to the pink fac,ade with classical window cornices on the right. Tallinn, Estonia, August 26, 2026
