Tag: cathedral
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Dublin Castle | Discovering Ireland
Dublin Castle is located in the center of the city, and is considered one of the most important structures of Ireland’s history. It dates back over 800 years when it was built in 1204 as a major defensive work, on the orders of King John of England. After a Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169,…
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Duomo di Milano – Milan Cathedral | Discovering Italy
The Duomo of Milan was a labor of love and faith, since it had taken over six centuries to construct. This stunning Gothic style and Renaissance cathedral broke ground in 1386, and was finally completed last century in 1965. The Duomo di Milano is a work of art in its construction, architecture, engineering, and down…
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Welcome to York | Discovering England
Welcome to York! This vibrant city in northern England has been a favorite of mine while traveling throughout the United Kingdom. The times that I had visited were always filled with fun and funny moments; from climbing the tower of York Minster, to a ghostly episode inside the city’s most haunted pub. There are no…
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The Picturesque City of ROUEN – Discovering Normandy, France
Joan of Arc, Monet’s Rouen Cathedral series, and the city’s half timbered architecture all play a small role in Rouen’s allure. I found this city to be intriguing and unforgettable, although I still cannot pronounce “Rouen” correctly to this day. It is a picturesque medieval city along the River Seine in the northern region of…
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Plzeň – Home of Pilsner Urquell | Discovering Czech Republic
There are plenty of intriguing Czech Republic towns, and cities to explore outside of its capital, Prague. The city of Plzeň in one of those intriguing locations that is colorful, low key, and home to the country’s most popular beer- Pilsner Urquell. I had stayed in Plzeň to visit its famous brewery, but was charmed…
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Fougères – A Little Gem in Brittany | Discovering France
Visiting small towns such as Fougères, has always held a special place in my heart while traveling through Europe. They are simple, charming, and less traveled. Fougères is all of that, and on a warm summer day when the sky is clear a stroll through the old town, and castle can make for a glorious…
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My Return to Galway | Discovering Ireland
It all sounds very theatrical but I did return to Galway, and oh my, how it had changed in seven years. On my most recent visit to Ireland, I had been twice before, so the third time was an absolute charm- especially in Galway. I was exploring the west coast of Ireland, traveling up from…
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Visiting Minsk – A Memoir | Discovering Belarus
Due to the conflict with Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, I was debating on posting this blog. The country is currently in the red zone of Travel Advisory, of do not travel. I am doing it anyways, in the hopes that Belarus soon will be once more be free to travel in. I was standing at…
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The Cultural City of NOVI SAD | Discovering Serbia
I had an extra day or two while I was visiting Belgrade in Serbia, and decided on a quick solo trip to the second largest city, Novi Sad. This was a very easy trip that I strongly recommend for those who are visiting Belgrade. The travel time was only 1.5 hours, and the bus cost…
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Cathedrals and Churches of Venice | Discovering Italy
Italy has deep roots within the Roman Catholic religion, about 1,500 years deep. It is no wonder that this country is not short of its share of churches and cathedrals, which includes Venice. Throughout this city’s 118 little Islands, the centuries old churches were mostly constructed during Venice’s period of profound wealth. The city’s religious…
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A Visit to Gorgeous Glasgow | Discovering Scotland
While on a four country holiday, my friends and I decided on a quick side trip to Glasgow while we were in Dublin, Ireland. It would be my first trip to Scotland but not my last. I enjoyed the country so much that I revisited Scotland two more times after. Glasgow was my introduction to…
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Old Town Regensburg – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring Germany
I could have stayed longer in Regensburg. Although truth be told, I could have stayed longer in Bavaria and one day (or month) I will do just that. Old Town Regensburg, besides the other towns that I have written about is why I fell in love with Germany, and particularly the state of Bavaria. Regensburg…
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St. Mary’s Basilica – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Krakow, Poland
Looking at the red brick façade of St. Mary’s Basilica, one would not expect the magnificent interior of this 13th century cathedral. When I had entered St. Mary’s, I was overwhelmed with its ornately painted murals of cornflower blue, burgundy, and gold. My eyes scanned the details from the rich wood pews, gold carved alters,…
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Cologne Cathedral – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring Germany
The city of Cologne was an extraordinary city to visit while I was on a month exploration trip of Germany. The city is the largest along the Rhine River, and has immense culture with marvelous museums, fantastic dining, as well as the treasured Gothic cathedral. Visiting the cathedral was one of my highlights while visiting…
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York Minster & St. Mary’s Abbey Ruins | Discovering York, England
“Climb to the top for lovely views!” That was what I was told prior to my visit to York Minster. I was ready for it. The Central Tower of York Minster is the highest point in the city, and offers magnificent panoramic views of York. The climb is 275 steps up inside a medieval winding…
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Hanseatic City of Lubeck – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring Germany
The day before I had visited the historic Hanseatic city of Lubeck, I had my phone stolen in Hamburg. Luckily though I did have my iPad with me, and that is what I ended up taking photos with for the rest of my remaining days n Germany. I tried as best as I could to…
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Westminster Abbey – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering England
Visiting Wesminster Abbey was high on my list when I first visited London years ago. It was as stunning as I imagined, from all those times I had seen this Gothic Abbey on whatever forms of media since the 1970s. This was the cathedral where Royal Weddings had occurred for 1,000 years, as well as…
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The Roman City of Bath – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering England
Visiting the Roman city of Bath in England was a fantastic trip. Not only for the historical significance, but strolling the beautiful city was well worth the venture. The city of bath is located in the Avon Valley, just outside of the Cotswolds in England. It is about 2.5 hours away from London, so you…