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!
Category: Urban
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.
With Christmas quickly approaching, I decided to visit the old folktales of Grýla and Leppalúði that harkens from the frozen lands of Iceland. Here in the States, naughty children receive the threat of coal from Santa, but in Iceland, naughty children might be used as the main ingredient in a winter soup! If you are still unafraid after reading this, you can visit Grýla and Leppalúði in person on the streets of Akureyri in northern Iceland. But for now, read along to learn about Grýla, Leppalúði, their Yule cat, and the Yule Lads.
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 Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. The ornate statues, unique architecture, and olds roads lined with live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss take visitors into a more peaceful and serene state of mind. This place is absolutely breathtaking and worth a trip in and of itself. It’s quite large so allow yourself plenty of time to take it all in.
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.
Today, the Dublin Castle in Ireland is a government building used for official ceremonies, dinners, presidential inaugurations, and other state affairs. Historically, however, it has had a varied past and was once called home by the Vikings, Normans, English, and British. Through most of its history, it has served as the administrative seat for English and British rule in Ireland. In 1922, it was finally handed back to the people of its country and has served them ever since.
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.
