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| - What an interesting way to spend the afternoon! On a recent visit to the city of Pittsburgh, I searched for inexpensive, yet fun ways to experience the city. The cathedral was an amazing find!
Located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh, the art deco building stretches to the sky. At first sight I must admit that I doubted we'd find much of interest in this modern-looking skyscraper to occupy our time. Upon entering, I found out just how wrong I was! Arched, stone, cathedral ceilings soar overhead while you stand next to gargoyles perched nearby or tucked away into stone-carved alcoves. There is also an intricately detailed, phenomenal iron gate leading to the elevators. "Vast" does not even begin to describe this use of space.
I would have been content to be amazed by this awesome space, but in the late 1920's, they started assigning rooms to certain cultures and commissioning artisans to renovate the rooms in that particular style. The end product is like stepping into another nation over and over again. Examples? The clear Austrian crystal used in the chandelier of the Austrian room, the peaceful blue of the Welsch, the rich, red, velvet fabrics of the French room or the intricate, mother-of-pearl inlaid wood in the Syrian room.
A couple of dollars each will purchase a key to enter the locked rooms, and for a few dollars more, a cassette recorder can be rented to take to each room, providing a brief history of the room and the materials used. Definitely adds a bonus of information to the experience!
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