Shopping off the Beaten Track
There’s more to shopping in Europe than the designer brands on Champs-Élysées.
How architecture and contrasts changed Europe’s cities.
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© Detelina Petkova
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Bulgaria: A hermit’s mountain retreat
Surrounded by the green mountains of Rila, Bulgaria, a colourful monastery blends seamlessly with the landscape. Its Balkan architectural style will certainly catch your eye, but it is in the story behind its foundation that you will find clues to Bulgaria’s gripping past. Located on the highest Balkan Peninsula Mountain, the Rila monastery was founded in the 10th century (between 927-968) by St John of Rila, an Orthodox hermit, who chose to live in isolated caves.
© Slovak Tourist Board/Laco Struhar
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Slovakia: Made out of wood
There was a time when Slovakia had more than 300 wooden churches. Built in harmony with nature, all parts of the church had to be made of wood using exquisite joinery skills. Indeed, nails had to remain unused inside the master craftsmen’s toolboxes. Behind this story, lies a search for beautiful simplicity. Around 50 of these wooden churches remain, mainly in the Carpathian Mountains region. These sacred places offer a glimpse into original architectural methods and cultural influences.
© Ezequiel Scagnetti European Union
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The Netherlands: ‘A direct line to heaven’
On a visit to Den Bosch, you’ll be greeted by a little angel statue, wearing jeans, with a laptop bag over the shoulder and a mobile phone in hand. There is only one button on the angel’s mobile phone and, according to the artist, it is used as ‘a direct line to heaven’.Visiting the Cathedral may take you back through the ages to ancient times, but do not assume the journey is always about the past. Damaged by many fires, the Cathedral has been renovated several times.
© Mary416
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Denmark: A tale of kings and queens
This is the first gothic cathedral built in red brick between the 12th & 13th centuries in Roskilde, and became the main burial site for Danish monarchs. Around 3 million bricks were needed to build the impressive structure that visitors can see here today. Inside, you will find several burial chambers and chapels that have been added throughout the years, with hundreds of flagstones lining the cathedral floor marking the identities of its occupants.
© Ezequiel Scagnetti European Union
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Finland: Rebuilding a monastery
In 1939, a military conflict between Finland and Russia forced around 190 monks living in the Valamo monastery, Lake Ladoga, Russian Federation, to be evacuated as forces advanced. Soldiers appropriated the building and the monks soon found a new home: Heinävesi in Eastern Finland. They settled down in the current location in 1940, creating the New Valamo Monastery, which became an active centre of Orthodox religious life and culture.
© Ezequiel Scagnetti European Union
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Ireland: The view from the top
Climbing a mountain can be an act of faith. Leaving everything behind, aiming only for the top. Visitors wishing to get away from the crowds and embrace a moment of solitude might consider heading for Croagh Patrick, Ireland. Located in County Mayo, in the west of the country, Croagh Patrick is considered one of the holiest mountains in Ireland, with its pilgrimage tradition stretching back over 5 000 years to the Stone Age.
© Sergey Dzyuba
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France: Lourdes, a place of healing and reconciliation
Lourdes, in south-western France, will always be remembered as the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernardette Soubirou, a 14-year-old girl in 1858. . This was the first of eighteen apparitions that would later turn Lourdes into the most well-known pilgrimage destination in France. At the time, scepticism about Bernadette’s visions was evident, but she would eventually be beatified by the Catholic Church in 1927.
© Ratikova
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Latvia: From wood to stone
The Aglona basilica was assembled by Dominican monks between 1768 and 1780. In the middle of a warm European summer, visitors can always get away from the big cities and experience faith, tales and legends in Aglona.
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Saint James Way
The first Cultural Route to be inaugurated in 1987, the Camino de Santiago, symbolizes the principles of the Council of Europe: the freedom to come and go, solidarity, and community. Reflecting more than 1000 years of European history, the Camino de Santiago is pilgrims’ path to the Cathedral of Compostela. According to legend, the purpose is to reach the remains of Saint James, Apostle of Christ. Following the Saint James Way is not only a walk but an internal journey of reflection and overcoming that is impossible to ignore.
© EAVF (European Association of the Via Francigena Ways)
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Via Francigena
The Via Francigena is a medieval path from the 8th century AD spanning 3200 km from Canterbury, UK, to Rome and Santa Maria di Leuca, Italy, via France and Switzerland. Managed by the European Association of the Via Francigena Ways, the route offers walking and cycling experiences among castles, churches, vineyards and olive groves, from the North of Europe to harbors on the Mediterranean Sea. Enter Via Francigena’s annual photo contest with your best shots!
Galleries
Tee Off at Europe’s Best Golf Courses
If your European vacation includes the words “birdie,” “par” and “eagle,” then these golf courses are must-visit spots for you. Tee off at eight of Europe’s most pristine golf courses from the level greens of Malta to the towering cliffs of Portugal. No matter what type of course you’re looking for, Europe is bound to have it.
The Best Rural Getaways in Europe
Sometimes the best way to experience Europe is by taking the road less traveled. Or in some cases, not taking a road at all. The natural side of Europe consists of vast countrysides, towering mountains, calm waterways and more. Browse this gallery of some of Europe’s best adventures that are off the beaten trail. Then, load up your backpack and be on your way.
European Mountains: Going Up and Coming Down
The mountains in Europe are some of the tallest summits in the world. They’re also some of the most fun. From skiing in Switzerland to snowkiting in Norway, discover the best ways to play on Europe’s mountains with this gallery.
Featured Experiences
Sumadijski Tea
There are many varieties of šljivovica (a distilled beverage made from plums) in Serbia. What is common is the scent of plums, a golden colour and the Central Serbia intoxicating power of a strong liquor. Less alcoholic, but no less tasty, is a drink prepared from šljivovica when the weather is cold. During winter, when a slava (the feast day of a family’s patron saint) is celebrated, the drink of choice is Šumadija tea or mulled plum brandy.
Stargazing in Spain
See the Milky Way from a castle courtyard!
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Cyprus’ Cultural Calendar
An abundance of events all year round.
Chicory Ham Rolls
Heads of chicory rolled into slices of ham and served with cheese sauce and mashed potatoes.
Latvia’s winter feeds the soul
Quiet escapes, winter thrills, pure nature.