When one thinks of Ikaria, the lovely and remote Greek island, one thinks of pebble beaches, craggy mountainsides, and meandering roads. Tucked away, however, in the middle of the island lies a rare gem; the old, rare, and protected Randi Forest that visitors can hike to.
Category: Europe
When friends and family knew I was going to the magical city of Venice, Italy, everyone asked if I would take one of the famous Gondola rides. “Of course!” I replied. How could I not? And I did, and it was lovely!
St. Mark’s Basilica stands out like a gem within St. Mark’s square. This domed architecture covered with ancient mosaics is open daily to the public and is absolutely a must-see if you are visiting this gorgeous city.
Walking across Saint Mark’s square, the Doge’s Palace sits royally upon the shores of the Grand Canal. The Gothic architecture, ornate artwork, and inner political workings offer visitors a glimpse of the non-religious part of life for historic Venetians.
On the northern side of the small Greek Island of Ikaria is the Osias Theoktistis Monastery. The architecture of the small monastery is a traditional church, like most of the other ones located on this beautiful island. However, the small chapel, Theoskepasti, located just next door, has the most unique architecture. Built into a cave underneath a large, flat rock, from the outside, the Theoskepasti chapel looks more akin to a mushroom house than a place of worship. It is an absolute gem to see!
Within the small town of Hólar in northern Iceland, Nýibær provides visitors with a glimpse of the past. Public access to this historic turf house allows one to see what rural Icelandic life was like in the past and it really is cool to see!
If you’re traveling through the small town of Hólar in northern Iceland, you should stop by the the Auðunnarstofa or Auðun’s House. This is a replica of an ancient Icelandic house serves today as the Hólar Bishop’s Office.
Hólar, Iceland is a small little town in the northern part of the country that has so much history and drama within its walls. No stories are probably more dramatic than that of Bishop Jón Arason, the last Catholic Bishop of Iceland.
Nestled within the small town of Hólar, Iceland, you can find the Hólar Cathedral. As part of the Church of Iceland, the Hólar Cathedral is the official church of the Bishop of Hólar and is the latest of a long line of historic churches.
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.