Louvre at sunset, Paris, France by T. E. Smith-Lamothe

Canon G7

Originally the site of a fortress begun in 1190, the louvre began to be shaped into its present form as a palace starting during the reign of Francois I in the 1500's. Monarch after monarch and even the post-revolutionary Napoleons added to the complex until it reached its present configuration, only added to by I. M. Pei's courtyard glass pyramid in 1989 (which was prominently featured in the movie adaptation of "The DaVinci Code"). This hand-held panorama was taken during April 2009 when the setting sun in the west aligned with the building's facade to create a wonderful glow.