How architecture and contrasts changed Europe’s cities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
A wedding is meant to be unforgettable. That’s why it needs to be in a place that’s equally unforgettable. Europe is one of the world’s most popular places for destination weddings – and for good reason. Whether you like big spectacular weddings or charming quaint ones, there’s the perfect romantic place for you in Europe.
Europe’s heritage and culture date back thousands of years. And some of the most ancient remnants of the earliest European cultures can still be found today. From prehistoric cave drawings to mysterious stone formations, discover the continent’s past at its oldest locations. Browse this gallery, then come see these magnificent sites for yourself on your next trip.
Europe’s vast landscapes create some breathtaking views. And some of the most awe-inspiring views in Europe occur where cliffs meet the water. From Ireland to Greece, picture-perfect spots can be found tucked away from everything else. Enjoy eight of the best European views right here in this photo gallery. Then, see them for yourself on your next trip.
Atop of European ranges you’ll find marvelous snowcapped peaks.
The island’s most scenic railway routes!
During the last week of August each year, gourmets and food lovers have a date in Maastricht at the Preuvenemint, the biggest gastronomic festival in the Netherlands. A four-day long event whose name says it all: a combination of the Maastricht words preuve (taste) and evenemint (event). Thus, the Preuvenemint is an event where guests can taste the good things in life, experience both culinary surprises and an appealing musical program.
Brijuni: a little piece of heaven.
This cheese has its own unique charm: its flavor and fragrance reflects the alpine region where it is made.
Tourist attractions available to everyone.
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