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Viking history in Estonia
Secrets of the Salme ship burials revealed When you think of Vikings, you think of Scandinavia—Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. But two ships found buried in the sands of Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, have ushered in a new understanding of the Viking Age. What happened in Saaremaa? Sometime between 700 and 750 AD, two boats pulled up along the southwestern shore of Saaremaa . Local islanders engaged the sailors in battle, killing at least 42 of them. The surviving sailors placed …
Ireland’s historic gems
Discover the island’s most storied locations Fancy delving into Ireland’s fascinating history and legends? Add some of these incredible sites to your itinerary! Northern Ireland’s Dunluce Castle is possibly one of the most dramatic places on earth, where 14 th -century castle ruins are perched 100ft/30m above the wild ocean. Over the years, Dunluce has borne tales of wailing banshees, smugglers, and tragic lovers. In the 17th century, part of the castle simply crumbled into the sea during a …
Flanders' favorite: The Mystic Lamb
The Mystic Lamb The tremendous tale of a masterpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, also known as the Ghent Altarpiece, is a masterpiece without equal. Notably, it is also the most frequently stolen piece of art of all time, has escaped devastating fire several times, and has even been partially sawn through. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this gem. May 6 th , 1432, was a turning point in Western art history. That day, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb was first installed in …
History treasures in Romania
Travel back in time Romania’s rich history has significantly shaped the country’s culture. From the Neolithic era to the 5th century B.C., when Greek sailors founded the first cities, to the expansion of the Roman Empire, when Emperor Trajan fought the brave Dacians, and many more recent events, all have left Romania with valuable cultural endowments. Six Dacian fortresses, including the ruins of seven temples, are included on the UNESCO World Heritage list; the most famous one is Sarmizegetusa …
Hungary: 1,000 faces of art
Contemporary art thrives in Budapest Budapest’s love of art in forms has existed for centuries and is as alive today as ever. New talent is discovered constantly, and a wide range of locations are only too happy to present new generations of artistic genius to the public. Hungarian House of Music The organic architecture of the Hungari an House of M usic , next to Lake Városligeti between Vajdahunyad Castle and the Ice Rink, blurs the line between nature and man-made structures. Under its …
Historical gems: Europe’s East
3 countries that deserve your attention. Here’s why. If you’ve been on the lookout for travel inspiration on our Instagram page, you may have seen content from Lindsay, Eric , and Kirsten , travelers who have been roaming Eastern Europe in search of hidden gems and undiscovered marvels. Lindsay and Eric explored this region’s unrivaled nature, and Kirsten visited cities with a youthful and creative current running through them. Today, we’re happy to present Ross, our fourth traveler whose focus …
Christmas in Malta
Discover beloved holiday traditions Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean is the small but fascinating island of Malta. It is a hidden gem for travelers seeking a unique holiday vacation experience. Known for its rich history, the island is expert at celebrating religious traditions. In this article, take a journey through both traditional and new celebrations that make Christmas in Malta so special. An ancient tradition Malta has a deeply rooted religious tradition and with a 98% …
Christmas wonder in Finland
Get to know the Finnish Santa Claus Far up in the North of Finland , in the heart of Arctic magic where winters are crisp and cold lives one of the world’s most well-known citizens – Santa Claus . With his flowing white beard, iconic red suit, and a troop of little helpers, he might be a mysterious fellow to many. However, fear not, a journey to Finnish Lapland presents a unique experience to meet him in person and pose all your burning questions! Understandably, encountering someone this …
An artistic new year in Flanders
New Horizons: Leuven celebrates a Flemish Primitive During this end-of-year season, Leuven will be celebrating. The New Horizons city festival leads you into the universe of Dieric Bouts. This Flemish Primitive was already at home there five centuries ago, and he still is. Soon, the most wonderful time of the year starts. That means winter coziness, peace, and a time for reflection. 2024 is almost upon us, time to make your best New Year’s resolutions. Top of the list: more culture! Flanders …
Christmas in Bulgaria
The magic of Bulgarian Christmas Bulgaria carries the heritage of many ancient civilizations. Prehistoric communities, Thrace, ancient Greece, Rome, Byzantium, Christianity and the Islamic world have all left their marks on Bulgarian culture and traditions. Bulgaria is also where groundbreaking discoveries have been made about old civilizations, cultures and religious cults, customs and practices that thrived here thousands of years before the advent of Christianity. The people who once …