Córdoba is a city in Andalusia, Spain. It has seen Roman, Visigoth, and Muslim and Christian conquests. It’s a city steeped with history and mixed influences. Home to prominent Moorish architecture, the historic walled center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Read MoreBelém Tower is officially known as Torre de São Vicente or Tower of Saint Vincent. The tower sits on the Tagus River and was built in the 16th century as a tribute to the seafaring Portuguese. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and shows the Portuguese Manueline architectural style.
Read MoreAngkor Wat is an ancient wonder. A complex of temples, it spans over 400 acres, and has seen worshippers of Hinduism and Buddhism. Erected by the Khmer King Suryavarman in the early 12th century, the temple was meant to be the capital and his eventual burying place. A joy and pride of the Cambodian nation, it is no wonder that it is the main attraction in Siem Reap.
Read MoreCastelo dos Mouros or Castle of the Moors is a medieval castle located atop a hill in Sintra, Portugal. Built in the 10th century after the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors, the two rings of wall trace the granite boulders and cliffs. Then, it served as a watchtower for enemies and protested Lisbon and beyond.
Read MoreThe Park and National Palace of Pena in Sintra, Portugal is a national treasure. King Ferdinand II contributed to erecting this grand palace and incorporated styles of 19th-century romanticism and has Manueline and Moorish styles of architecture that is evident in the archways, towers, and domes.
Read MorePart of the Park and National Palace of Pena, stumbling upon the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla is like stumbling upon a dream. This yellow cottage in the woods is surrounded by trees and beautiful blooming flowers. It is designated a Property of Public Interest as of 1993 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site as of 1995. Nearby there are gardens and a horse stables.
Read MoreThe Cathedral de Sevilla (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede) or Seville Cathedral is considered by UNESCO to be a world heritage site and is considered the largest cathedral in the world. This cathedral has held services for the royals of Spain since its completion in the early 16th century.
Read MoreNot much has changed in the old city of Bern. The medieval city center is built upon a hill, shaped by the Aare River. The facades of buildings and its inhabitants are slightly modernized, but there is still that old charm. Founded in the 12th century, the city holds historical remnants, including 15th century arcades and 16th century fountains. The wide streets were built specifically for the market. It is city planning at its finest. The streets are well laid out and there is intrigue to the building facades and roofs.
Read MorePompeii was an ancient Roman city, most famous for being buried and preserved under ash in the wake of Mount Vesuvius’ fiery eruptions. Some sections were covered in ash up to twenty feet. The tragedy of the city and the people’s destruction is not forgotten, and the excavation and preservation of this marvelous place allows us to see a slice of ancient Roman life. Stroll along the streets at this UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover the pathways taken by both royal and commoners of the day.
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