Landmarks

Český Krumlov :: Czech Republic

November 20, 2022 by Chris Blecha Leave a Comment

A short drive from České Budějovice, also known as Budweis (home to one of my favorites beers, the original Budweiser aka Budvar, Czechvar in the US), is Český Krumlov, a small city best known for its fine architecture & art as well as Český Krumlov Castle. In 1963, the town was declared a Municipal Preserve, in 1989 the castle became a National Monument, and in 1992 the entire complex was included onto the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monuments. The town’s structures are designed in mostly Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

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Vizcaya Museum and Gardens :: Miami, Florida

November 20, 2022 by Chris Blecha Leave a Comment

On Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida is an estate built that used such unique architecture it became a museum known as the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was originally designed as a winter residence for agriculture industrialist James Deering and was built using a Northern Italian sixteenth-century design. The whole property covers over 50 acres, 10 of which are dedicated to the beautiful botanical gardens. The museum itself is made up of 70 rooms and is decorated in most of the house’s original furniture as well as ancient artifacts. The furnishings and collections found within the estate date back to as early as the 15th century.

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Pulhapanzak Waterfalls :: Honduras

November 20, 2022 by Chris Blecha Leave a Comment

A unique natural wonder, the Pulhapanzak Waterfalls are an amazing experience. There are a number of amazing waterfalls throughout Honduras, Pulhapanzak is the largest, dropping about 140 feet (only 30 feet less of Niagara Falls). One of the reasons it is so popular is because you can actually climb into a cave behind the waterfall and also swim around near the base.

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Hluboka Castle :: Czech Republic

November 20, 2022 by Chris Blecha Leave a Comment

A short six miles north of the original home of Budweiser Beer in Southern Bohemia sits one of the most awe inspiring and beautiful sites you will ever see: Hluboka Castle. Actually a château, Hluboká Castle was built in the 1200s by the Czech king Přemysl Otakar II son of King Wenceslas I. It was extensively renovated in the 16th century during the heart of the Renaissance and then later in the 19th century to its current splendor. The name Hluboká translates to “Deep” in English and is thought to refer to the deep woods that once surrounded the estate.

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Santa Bárbara Castle :: Alicante, Spain

November 20, 2022 by Chris Blecha Leave a Comment

Watching over the city of Alicante from high above is the Castle of Santa Bárbara, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. Bronze Age, Iberian and Roman artifacts have been found on the slopes of the mountain, but the castle was built in the 9^th century by the Moors; the castle encompasses the complete summit of Mount Benacantil.

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