Once the capitol of Norway, the city of Bergen holds many unique and exciting experiences for those looking to see a different side of Europe. Among the more beautiful stop over points is Bergenhus Fortress. One of the best preserved castles in Norway, this 13th Century masterpiece was once the home of Viking royalty. Today only two of the original medieval structures are still standing (King Håkon’s Hall and the Rosenkrantz Tower) however there were continual additions to the site over the years and much remains to see and do. Though the rainiest place in the country (getting about 89 inches of precipitation a year), the warm, welcoming spirits of the people will guarantee that your spirits are not dampened on your trip.
[Read more…] about Bergenhus Fortress :: Bergen, NorwayLandmarks
Acropolis of Athens :: Athens, Greece
Although there are many in Greece, when someone mentions “The Acropolis” it is known that they are speaking of the Acropolis of Athens, the most famous in the world. Formally proclaimed the pre-eminent monument on the European Cultural Heritage list in 2007, the Acropolis was also inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1987. A city on a flat topped rock that rises 490 feet above sea level in Athens, the Acropolis is loaded with amazing ancient monuments. Since 1975 a project has been underway to restore and reverse the centuries of decay, wear and tear and damage from misguided past restorations. All restorations are being made using as much original material as possible along with titanium dowels so that it is completely reversible if future experts decide to change things.
[Read more…] about Acropolis of Athens :: Athens, GreeceSanssouci Palace :: Potsdam, Germany
Germany is full of amazing historical sites and the city of Potsdam is loaded with them. Sanssouci Palace, former summer home of Frederick the Great, is one of these architectural masterpieces. Often used as an example of buildings in Germany that rival the Palace of Versailles, this much smaller yet beautiful palace is built in the warmer Rococo style. Designed between 1745 and 1747 by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff to fulfill King Fredericks need for a private residence where he could relax away from the nearby Berlin court, the palace’s own name, a French phrase, even translates loosely to “carefree”. King Frederick was intimately involved in the palace design, so much so that its style is characterized as “Frederician Rococo”.
[Read more…] about Sanssouci Palace :: Potsdam, GermanyCastillo de San Felipe de Barajas :: Cartagena, Colombia
With an amazing history dating back to the colonial era, Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations and is loaded with all kinds of interesting and historic sites. Among these is the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a massive concrete and red brick fortress originally designed by Dutch engineer Richard Carr and built by the Spaniards in 1657. The fortress provided additional defense against pirates for all the gold being sent back to Europe. Originally the fortress was quite small, but then in 1762 it underwent a considerable reconstruction headed by Spanish architect Antonio de Arévalo that expanded to the size it is today, taking up the entire 130 foot tall hill.
[Read more…] about Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas :: Cartagena, ColombiaRila Monastery :: Bulgaria
The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, also known as Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century and is the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. It is located about 75 miles south of the capital city Sofia and was named after the famous Bulgarian saint Ivan of Rila. Rila Monastery is considered to be one of Bulgaria’s most important historical, cultural and architectural monuments and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in southeastern Europe. It has even been depicted in Bulgarian currency with the monastery on the back side of the 1 lev banknote issued in 1999. Considered one of the primary masterpieces of Bulgarian national Revival architecture, it was declared a national historic monument in 1976 and then became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
[Read more…] about Rila Monastery :: Bulgaria