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The Year of Czech music
Smetana, Janáček, “Beer Barrel Polka” — and Verbuňk Czechia has produced some amazing composers, opera singers, and conductors: The genius composers Bedřich Smetana and Antonín Dvořák; the divine voice of Emmy Destinn; the legendary creator of Rusalka , jazzman and Grammy winner Ondřej Pivec; and the greatest contemporary conductor, Jakub Hrůša, to name but a few! The spotlight will shine on The Year of Czech Music and the Smetana 200 project in the programs of cultural institutions and music …
Top festivals in Slovakia
Music and dance you’ll never forget Slovakia , in the very heart of Europe, has always been a crossroads of cultural influences from the whole continent. Slovakia will surprise you with a wide range of musical genres performed at surprising locations and on surprising occasions. Consider these four fabulous music festivals for your bucket list. Best medium-sized festival in Europe The biggest Slovak event, the Pohoda Festival , confirmed its place among the top festivals in Europe when …
Grosseto – Italy’s hidden gem of sustainable tourism
Sublime Tuscan escape: Discover Grosseto's rich natural beauty and sustainable tourism Grosseto, a city in Tuscany, Italy , may be small, but it offers much to tourists looking for an authentic stay. With local food and wines, natural parks, and a beautiful coastline, the destination invites tourists to experience all that it is proud of. The city has been recognized as the 2024 European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism, demonstrating the destination’s commitment to being green and sustainable. …
Dublin: your guide to Culture, History, and Nature
Discovering Dublin's culture, history, and natural beauty With more than 8 million tourists visiting Dublin every year, the city is a popular holiday destination for European and international tourists worldwide. But there is more to Dublin than the famous Guinness beer or Irish dancing. Dublin has recently set its goal to become a leader in smart tourism and has even been awarded the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism title. What does that mean for tourists? More sustainable , accessible, …
Castells: Catalonia's human towers
Celebrating skill and community spirit Looking for unique sporting events on your next vacation? In Catalonia , you'll be amazed by impressive human towers, known as castells , soaring into the sky, some as high as ten stories. This Catalan tradition is over 200 years old and is passed on from one generation to the next, as both adults and children participate in it. In 2010, the castells were awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation, which highlights the group …
Flanders’ trendiest island
Het Eilandje: Antwerp’s sparkling jewel Culture, heritage, architectural gems, culinary delights and a good glass of Belgian beer. Het Eilandje (“the little island”) in Antwerp has it all. This neighborhood is arguably Europe’s trendiest island. Flanders has a stunning coastline: 67 kilometers of highlights. Our beautiful part of the North Sea is something to be proud of — only there are no islands. You can head off in a different direction and make your way inland, specifically to bustling …
Accessible Ireland
A disability-friendly guide for touring the island Ireland delights in welcoming those with special needs and reduced mobility, and services and amenities are always improving. Castles and towers may have an accessible first floor yet are less likely to have elevators. Heritage Ireland provides accessibility information for many of Ireland’s historic sites. In Northern Ireland, the National Trust supplies access information about parking, toilets, and the grounds for popular sites. Many …
Flanders, accessible to everyone
Winter Garden of the Ursulines, an Art Nouveau gem In the Winter Garden of the Ursulines, it’s always spring. The tiniest ray of sunlight creates an extraordinary effect through the colorful stained-glass windows. It’s a stunning example of Art Nouveau, and what’s more, it’s completely accessible to everyone. Belgium played a key role in the opulent art and architectural style known as Art Nouveau. The style ushered in a wealth of beauty during the transition from the 19th to the 20th …
Flemish master James Ensor
Ensor 2024: the climax of an artistic anniversary Flemish Master James Ensor breathed his last exactly 75 years ago. Flanders has been honoring him and his modern art with a jam-packed festive year. The resounding finale is taking place in Antwerp as the city bids him farewell with four magnificent exhibitions. Who was James Ensor? There’s never been anyone quite like James Ensor (1860-1949). This Flemish Master was a pioneer in the modern arts. His oeuvre is at once recognizable and …
Nova Gorica: Slovenia’s culture hub
2025’s borderless European Capital of Culture In 2025, Nova Gorica , Slovenia , and Gorizia , Italy , will unite as the first borderless European Capital of Culture . The official opening ceremony, on February 8th, coincides with Slovenia’s Day of Culture and will feature the From Station to Station procession, symbolically connecting the cities of Nova Gorica and Gorizia. Other highlights include the cross-border March for Europe in May and the Tastes without Borders festival in September. In …