Situated in northern Iceland about an hour and a half drive west of Akureyri, is the old “capital of the north”, Hólar, Iceland. This tiny town, which today has a population of about 100 people, was once the religious center of Iceland and served as its northern capital for over 700 years. Today, to those curious travelers, it serves as a window into the past and there is so much to see.
Located in the coastal city of Pula, Croatia, is the well-preserved ancient Roman triumphal arch, the Arch of the Sergii. It stands at the entrance to the old town, providing visitors with the perfect introduction to this beautiful part of the city.
Nestled within the coastal city of Pula, Croatia, along the Adriatic Sea, is the famous Pula Arena. This ancient Roman amphitheater is truly one of a kind. It is the best preserved Roman amphitheater in the world and the best preserved archaeological site in Croatia. It is the only Roman amphitheater to have all four side towers with the three original Roman architectural orders (the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns) still extant.
The Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland, is the oldest standing church in the city. Over the years, it has changed hands, from Viking kings, to the Irish Church, to the Anglo-Normans, to the English after the Restoration. As the official seat of the Church of Ireland, it is busy with services and church activities, but is quite accessible for those who just want to peek inside this majestic building.
The village of Mhamid is located in the southeastern part of Morocco, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. It’s coveted spot in the more lush Drâa Valley of the Zagora province, was the last stop for caravans before crossing the desert sands. We stopped by Mhamid and Mhamid Bali (the old location of the town) to look at the kasbahs, ride some camels, drink some tea, talk with the locals, and had a wonderful time!
When traveling through the southwest, one of my favorite national parks by far was the Petrified Forest National Park. This park located in northeastern Arizona is naturally and culturally significant and quite beautiful. This area is strewn with colorful fossilized logs that date back to the Late Triassic Period. About 2,000 years ago, humans settled in and built little communities here.
Meandering trails take you throughout the park, giving you glimpses of trees that look like works of art and pueblos from hundreds to thousands of years ago show you how these prehistoric people lived. There’s even one home that looks like it was made from precious stones, which it kind of is.
Aït Benhaddou is a fortified city in Morocco that is located along the old caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert. This UNESCO World Heritage site served as an important trading post in the old trade route that passed all the way from Morocco on the west coast of Africa, to Sudan on the east coast.
Old Québec City is the original old town historic neighborhood in Québec, Canada, that was first settled in 1608. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the only city in North America north of Mexico that still has a city wall. Visiting Old Québec City allows travelers to step back in time and visit an early North American settlement.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, Russia, is one of the most iconic buildings in Moscow. Located in Red Square, it faces off of other mighty architectural giants, such as the Kremlin, Lenin’s mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the GUM shopping center, and quite easily holds its own.
The Temple of Jupiter in Split, Croatia is a small, ancient Roman sanctuary located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. This marvelous little building is nestled in one of the most beautiful places in Croatia and is well worth the visit.