Archive for the 'Architecture' Category
I’m easily drawn to tourist attractions that are the biggest, longest, narrowest or best for some reason or another – so when a friend in Germany raved to me about Ulm’s cathedral (known locally as the Ulmer Münster), I had to see it. It’s recognised (at least by my friend, and by Wikipedia) as the [...]
September 22nd, 2009 | Posted in Architecture, Germany | 1 Comment
If you plan to visit castles, gardens and monuments during your trip to the UK, the Great British Heritage Pass saves you money and time. Overseas visitors to the UK can buy the pass online. The pass gives you free entry to a vast array of heritage properties owned by the National [...]
September 6th, 2009 | Posted in Architecture, Budget options, Culture, Day trips, England, Europe travel tips, Scotland, United Kingdom, Wales | No Comments
For a small city, Zagreb has its fair share of museums, galleries and theatres. Amongst the most prominent of cultural landmarks here is the Croatian National Theater, a magnificent yellow and white, neo-baroque structure that dominates the Marshall Tito Square. Surrounded by beautiful lawns and artwork, the theater exudes the kind of royal opulance [...]
July 20th, 2009 | Posted in Architecture, Croatia, Culture | 1 Comment
One interesting way to get under the skin of a city is to use as your guide a famous person who lived there and visit the places they lived and worked. In Barcelona, for instance you’re bound to go on a little Gaudi tour. But when you visit my home town of Bristol, you might [...]
June 11th, 2009 | Posted in Architecture, England, United Kingdom | No Comments
Union Bridge, also known as Chain Bridge, traversing the River Tweed near Horncliffe, was the first suspension bridge built in Europe for vehicles. It is the oldest suspension bridge still in use in the world.
It is a single lane bridge, limited to one vehicle at a time. The bridge was constructed in 1820 by [...]
May 31st, 2009 | Posted in Architecture, Day trips, England, Scotland, United Kingdom, Videos Europe travel | 4 Comments
Nestled in the mountains of central Greece and just a two and a half hour drive from Athens lies the ruins of Delphi (as well as a town, but it’s the old stuff that’s interesting). The archaeological site, which is also a World Heritage Site, is most famous for the oracle of Delphi.
However, Delphi [...]
May 27th, 2009 | Posted in Architecture, Culture, Greece | 3 Comments
La Lonja was one of my favourite sights to see in Valencia when we visited last Spring. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and had recently re-opened after restoration. It’s free to enter and luckily it wasn’t too crowded on the day we visited, so we could enjoy it’s cool stone halls and tranquil, cathedral-like [...]
May 14th, 2009 | Posted in Architecture, Spain | No Comments
If you happen to be in Zagreb and have a day to spare, be sure to visit the lovely Trakoscan Castle. Located about an hour’s drive from the city, this 13th century structure was originally a small part of the Zagorje principality defence fortification. And while little is known of the original fortification, the castle rose, [...]
May 11th, 2009 | Posted in Architecture, Croatia, Culture, Day trips | 4 Comments
Southern Sweden, known as Skåne, was once part of Denmark. Today, the region is dotted by centuries old farms, manor houses, and the occasional castle.
Glimmingehus is one of Sweden’s older medieval buildings with construction having started in 1499. Not really looking like your classic castle, Glimmingehus was built as a fortress meant to [...]
May 6th, 2009 | Posted in Architecture, Culture, Day trips, Sweden | 2 Comments
As the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna was designed to be a Hapsburg showcase, and the majestic Hofburg Palace was, and still is, the city’s crown jewel.
Situated along the Ringstrasse in Vienna, this sprawling complex, one of the Top Vienna attractions was home to the Hapsburgs for over 600 years. Die Burg, or the [...]
March 23rd, 2009 | Posted in Architecture, Austria | No Comments