Where in the worldcan you find homes from the Victorian era standing against the backdrop ofimposing ultra-modern skyscrapers? The best place to see this wonderfuldichotomy is the lovely San Francisco city with breathtaking Victorianarchitecture standing shoulder to shoulder with latest urban design.

The Victorian stylemansions and architecture in San Francisco can be found in the mansions of the famousVictorian Cow Hollow commercial district, Western Addition, Haight and in theamazing mansions of Pacific Heights.

History

Victorian stylearchitecture originated in Europe and became extremely popular during thereign of Queen Victoria between 1837 and 1901in Great Britain. In the USA, it started gaining popularity during theperiod 1850 and 1915. There are a variety of Victorian styles and each stylehas its own unique characteristics.

The uniquecharacteristics of Victorian architecture are elaborate designs, embellishmentsand complex structure. Unlike the old style homes, the Victorian homes are veryintricate and decorative in designs.

As people fromdifferent parts of the world came and settled in San Francisco, the Victorian architecture got influencedby various cultures. You can see a mix of French palaces, medieval CarpenterGothic style mansions, Italian style, and regal Queen Anne style in thesedesigns.

Before the civil war, most of the Victorian homeswere generally painted in earth shades. But after the civil war, home ownersswitched to brighter hues. Nowadays, it is common to find Victorian mansions in2-3 different bright colors. Even if you are visiting the grand San Franciscocity for the first time, you won't have any problem locating these splendidmansions.

All you need to do to see these wonderful mansionsof San Francisco is to hire a limo from a reputed airport limo servicesprovider, sit back and travel without any hassles. The limo drivers of theselimo rental companies know the San Francisco city inside out and they canescort you to all these Victorian style marvels in absolute luxury.

Styles of Victorian architecture

In San Francisco, three main styles of Victorian architecture aredominant. These are - Queen Anne, Stick and Italianate.

Queen Anne- The shape of this style ofhouse is asymmetrical. They are characterized by steep gabled roof, slanted baywindows and a tower.

Stick- Unlike Queen Anne style, they haveflat roofs and square bay windows.

Italianate- As the name suggests it, itis highly influenced by the architecture of Renaissance Italy. The features ofthis style include flat roof lines, angled bay windows and corniced eaves.

Some other styles are present too such as Gothic,Tudor and Greek revival but they are not as popular. All these styles ofVictorian architecture are scattered in the vast San Francisco city.

Painted ladies of San Francisco

The term ?Paintedladies? is used for a row of stunningly beautiful Victorian houses situated on Alamo Square. You can find the best of Victorian homeshere which has made Alamo Square one of the most photographed sites in San Francisco. The sight of stunning Victorian homesagainst the backdrop of tall skyscrapers of the city is breathtaking. Some ofthe Victorian homes here have been converted into Bed & Breakfasts whilesome are open for public viewing.

The experience of driving down the Alamo Square and sighting all these breathtaking beautifulVictorian mansions in the vast San Francisco city is something that can't be described in words.

The tour of the lively San Francisco city is incomplete if you haven't viewed the majesticVictorian style mansions which adorn the city. In fact the best way to make themost of your San Francisco touris to hire a luxurious limo from a San Francisco airport limo service and explore the San Francisco city and its breathtaking Victorian architecture instyle and comfort.