Tag: church
-
The Ancient Amman Citadel | Discovering Jordan
In the center of downtown Amman, Jordan is a remarkable archaeological site, the Citadel, which is considered to be among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It was constructed on the L-shaped hill, which is one of the seven hills that made up Amman originally. This ancient site dates back thousands of years, and contains historical…
-
The Colonial Quarter & Castillo de San Marcos | Historic St. Augustine, Florida
Prior to the Pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock and before the English colony of Jamestown, there was St. Augustine in Florida. It was founded as a settlement in 1565 by Pedro Menendez de Aviles, which makes it the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African American origin in the United States. I had come…
-
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin | Discovering Ireland
Over my travels and education, I have come to find that cathedrals and churches play a great role in Europe’s architectural, art, cultural, and political history. St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin is no exception to that rule. For over 800 years this church has been the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, and today…
-
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,…
-
St. Michan’s Mummies | Discovering Dublin, Ireland
I will admit that the main reason I stopped by St. Michan’s church in Dublin was to visit the below level crypt, and see their mummies. Yes, there are legitimate mummy’s in Dublin and I did get the opportunity to not only see them, but to touch a mummy finger. I have seen a few…
-
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…
-
Historic Centre of Prague – A UNESCO World Heritage Site – Exploring the Czech Republic
The city of Prague has been on the radar of travelers since the fall of communism in the Czech Republic thirty years ago. This city is unlike any other in the world with its unique culture, centuries of history, renowned Czech restaurants, and of course its fairy-tale architecture. I do love Prague, I have been…
-
Canterbury Cathedral – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Discovering England
Although I do not have connections to any religious beliefs, I have always admired places of worship of any religion. I have visited numerous cathedrals and churches throughout Europe and the United Kingdom, and have loved them all. The history, energy, and period architecture of different places of worship, will always strike a cord in…
-
The Ancient Mosaics of Madaba | Discovering Jordan
While exploring Jordan my friends and I spent a day in the city of Madaba, which is famous for their Byzantine Mosaics. One of our friends was an art history professor, and visiting these ancient mosaics was quite stimulating for him. It was exciting for me as well, since the mosaics were right up my…
-
Old Town Kotor – A UNESCO World Heritage Site | Exploring Montenegro
Just speaking the name “Montenegro” sounds majestic and magnificent. Visiting the country was even more magnificent than speaking its name. Montenegro quickly became an Adriatic Sea favorite for me after visiting the old towns of Kotor, Perast, and Budva. In a cloistered district within a beautiful bay is the old fortified city of Kotor, that…
-
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…
-
The Beatles Pilgrimage in Liverpool | Discovering England
The seaport city of Liverpool is the hometown of John, Paul, Ringo, and George – also known as The Beatles. This is where the four British boys who took the world by storm grew up, met each other, formed their band, played for the first time, and began making their music dreams come alive. Liverpool…
-
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…
-
The Monasterio de Santa Catalina of Arequipa | Discovering Peru
Exploring the brilliant “White City” of Arequipa, had lead me to also explore a colorful little city, the Monasterio de Santa Catalina – it was a city within a city. Just a few minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas is Monasterio de Santa Catalina, and it is a fascinating place. Santa Catalina is a…
-
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…
-
Colca Canyon, Condors & The Peruvian Andes | Off the Beaten Track
Watching the majestic Andean condors soar over Colca Canyon was high on my list of things to do in Peru. Matter of fact, Colca Canyon is located in the Peruvian Andes which makes it extremely high in altitude. The combination of the condors being high on my list, as well as the 16,000 feet high…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
-
Historic Heidelberg – A UNESCO Creative City | Discovering Germany
The city of Heidelberg was a fascinating place to visit while I was traveling for a month throughout Germany. It is one of the country’s most educated cities, with centuries of history and habitation, as well as being an atmospheric town along the River Neckar. Heidelberg is full of culture, and was designated a “City…
Trixie Navarre 