Cliffs of Moher
Photo by: the girl, Creative Commons

Words cannot express how amazing the Cliffs of Moher are. With their spectacular view and refreshing atmosphere, it’s not surprising why the Cliffs are one of the most frequented places in Ireland, both by tourists and locals alike. At their highest point, the Cliffs stand 230 meters above the ground and enable people to see the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, and even the hills of Connemara.

The southern part of the Cliffs would lead you to its highest point where you could also see O’Brien’s Tower. It was originally built by Cornelius O’Brien with the purpose of impressing female visitors. Here you can see the magnificent waves of the ocean, fierce and graceful at the same time. To add to this wonderful experience is the cool wind that would blow over your face and soothe your body – that’s why most people dress warmly unless they shiver in the cool, Atlantic winds.

Walking along the Cliffs of Moher is a one of a kind experience of freedom. The fact that there are no safety hedges on the cliffs does not stop people from walking along them. Walking along the Cliffs is a unique experience. But people have to be careful though, because there are times that some sections of the cliff give away. Anyone can easily walk to the edge of the cliff to view the beautiful ocean.

The Cathedral of Canterbury
Photo by: gailf548, Creative Commons

Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent County, is one of the most ancient structures in England and is a part of the World Heritage Site. This cathedral is the official residence of the leader of the Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury, who is also the symbolic leader of the Anglican Communion. The formal name of this Christian edifice is the Cathedral and Metro political Church of Christ at Canterbury.

Tourists visit this Gothic inspired architectural structure because aside from being home to England’s “holy people,” the place is also enhanced by its rich historical background. Masterpieces that are inside this tourist destination include the stained-glass window image of Thomas Becket. Becket was the second of four Archbishops who was murdered inside the cathedral. This was after King Henry’s knights plainly misinterpreted the king’s utterance of his frustration towards Becket. The Trinity Chapel is another location in the cathedral that is frequently visited. It was built for the remains of St. Thomas the Martyr. Aside from this the Corona Tower containing the relics of Becket’s head is also a tourist favorite. Due to these two shrines’ popularity, a significant amount was gathered. The money was used to rebuild the Canterbury Cathedral and some of its more recently built structures.

In 2006, the administration running and maintaining the cathedral made a fund raising appeal to bring up 50 million pounds under the banner, Save Canterbury Cathedral. This Regimental Church of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment provides various activities and services to its visitors; thus, the appeal for the preservation of its beauty and structure.

Within the area, accommodation is never a problem. Most people choose to host events and conferences in the place as well. So, add this tourist destination to your itinerary and have a closer look at the cathedral mentioned in one of Geoffrey Chaucer’s’ literary pieces.

Edfu Temple – the 1st Pylon
Photo by: Argenberg, Creative Commons

Edfu Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple situated on a mound on the west bank of Nile River in the city of Edfu, in between Loxur and Aswan. The city was formerly known as ‘Apollonopolis Magna’ during the Greco-Roman period, because the Romans associated Greco with their god Apollo. The city of Edu was a flourishing city during the Ancient Egyptian times, thus the Edu temple was an important symbol of power and influence the city had over the area. It is one of the largest and best preserved temples in Egypt. Edfu Temple was built during between 237 & 57 B.C., during the Ptolemaic period.

The temple was dedicated to Horus, the falcon headed god. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the temple was built on the site where the great battle between the gods Horus and Seth took place. Edfu Temple has some traditional Egyptian elements, along with a few Greek influences. The Pylon is worth viewing at, which was actually one of the last features added into the temple. It stands 37 meters high, making it the tallest one in Egypt. Bas-reliefs in the Pylon show depictions of Ptolemy VIII smiting his enemies before Horus.

The temple’s main building includes a great Hypostyle Hall, which was discovered in the 1860s. Many bas-reliefs such depictions of the annual reunion of Horus and his wife Hathor can be found inside. Do not miss the Birth House, located on the left of the Pylon. Centuries ago, the Birth House was a busy place, where the annual Festival of Coronation was held in honor of the divine birth of Horus & the reigning pharaoh.

Beyond the Birth House, you will also find the Court of Offerings, where the ancient people used to make offerings to the image of Horus. Other places worth visiting are: the Festival Hall, Hypostyle Hall, Hall of Offerings, and the holiest part of the temple, the Sanctuary of Horus.

Relive the Egyptian era by visiting the Edfu temple.

Mohammad Ali Mosque in Cairo, Egypt
Photo by: MiqsPix, Creative Commons

Built from 1830 to 1848 by the commission of Muhammad Ali Pasha, the Muhammad Ali Mosque is the largest Ottoman mosque to be built in the early 19th century. The mosque is in the Citadel of Cairo, Egypt. With its twin minarets, animated silhouette and recognizable design, it is the most visible mosque in Cairo.

When Mohammad Ali Pasha assumed power in the early 19th century, he had the mosque built in memory of Tusun Pasha, the eldest son of Mohammad Ali Pasha, who died in 1816. He also had all Mamluk buildings in the Citadel demolished and had the complex completely rebuilt.

Greek architect Jacob Bushnaq of Istanbul designed the Mohammad Ali Mosque. The Mohammad Ali Mosque was designed to fit the Turkish ideals, a reproduction of the best mosques found in Istanbul. Set on the foot of the Mugattam Hills, the mosque dominates the whole Citadel, and it is the most visible monument on the Cairo skyline.

The Mohammad Ali Mosque is eminently Turkish in style, echoing its Ottoman origins. The use of slim minarets, cascading domes, spacious interiors, large chandeliers, walls decorated with Thuluth inscriptions and beautiful hanging globe lamps are all reflecting the mosques found in Istanbul. On the inside, the rooms reflect some French Rococo as well as Art Nouveau influences, with heavily ornamentation of lines of green, red and gold. All in all, the mosque is as colorful as a Fabergé egg, and the exteriors are just exceptional. Interestingly, the mosque is made of some unusual choice of materials: alabaster and metal.

To get to the mosque, you can take the bus from Tahrir Square (nos. 82, 83 or 609) and from Ataba Square, nos. 50, 55 or 401. The mosque is open all days of the week from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Dingle Peninsula
Photo by: PlassPhoto, Creative Commons

The Southwestern coast of Ireland has long inlets that divide several peninsulas from each other. One of the most famous peninsulas is the Dingle Peninsula, where you can experience Irish culture at its best. The hills and pastures are covered with beautiful green grass and subtropical flower gardens. The sight of the rocky shores and fishing villages in this area are truly refreshing and relaxing. Stressed and worn out city dwellers find solace at Dingle.

There are about 1,500 people in the town of Dingle. You will find busy fishing boats and leisure sailboats on the harbor, and you’ll notice that its streets are filled with cheerful shops and pubs that welcome everyone. Looking at the shops and building, you will notice that they are colored different from one another. That’s because thirty years ago, Ireland had a “tidy town” competition that inspired the people to use pastel colors in painting buildings.

In the 1970s, most of those who visited the Dingle Peninsula were students of Irish culture. Things changed after it was introduced in the movie, Ryan’s Daughter. Since then, the peninsula has been known for its spectacular sceneries and its wonderful music. It boasts of a rich historic and cultural heritage that blends beautifully with the sight of its playful and friendly dolphins. There are also a lot of sheep here – there are about 500,000 of them!

The peninsula’s unique beauty did not make it attractive only to English landlords and sensible monks in the past; Hollywood directors have easily realized its value as well. On the Dingle Peninsula roads are lined with elegant fuchsias that greet the weary traveler.

Facade of Buckingham Palace
Photo by: jimmyharris, Creative Commons

One of the favorite tourist destinations in Europe is the Buckingham Palace in Westminster City, London. This place can be reached through train via the 3 nearest Tube stations: Victoria, Hyde Park Corner and Green Park. It can also be reached by bus. Just ride bus numbers 11, 211, C10 or C1 and you’ll be sure to get there.

During summer, an event called Summer Opening of the State Rooms, a display of jewels, dresses, gifts received by Her Majesty as well as photographs are on exhibit. During the Annual Summer Opening of the Staterooms of the Palace, which is from August to September, tourists get to see the Royal Collection. The collection includes works from art masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Poussin, Claude, Canaletto and Rubens. Sculptures made by Chantrey and Canova made from Sevres porcelain can also be seen. Get awestricken by the extravagant English and French furniture seen inside the rooms as well.

The Queens Gallery is another place that is most visited. Another favorite is the Buckingham Palace Garden, a 32-acre piece of land that houses the Herbaceous Border – the summer house that is surrounded by wisteria, the Rose Garden, Waterloo Vase and the Palace tennis court. The garden witnessed several occasions and important events in both the public and private lives of the royal family. The Royal Mews where the cars and carriages used by the royalties are displayed can also be visited on certain times of the year.

The Palace Guards have also contributed in the overall appeal of the palace to tourists. Many people would like to take pictures with them. These guards have several classifications. There are Scots, Welsh, Irish, Coldstream and Grenadier guards. But the most noted would be the Queen’s guards, which are further divided into two, the Buckingham Palace detachment and the St. James Palace Detachment.

These are only a few of the reasons why tourists never want to miss the chance to include the Buckingham Palace and Guards in their visit to London.

London Famous Landmarks

Philae Temple
Photo by: eviljohnius, Creative Commons

Philae is an island in the Nile River with rich vegetation, lovely flowers and magnificent temples. Because of its beauty and abundance, it was rightfully once called the ‘pearl of Egypt’. Philae derived its name from the Egyptian ‘Pi-lak’, which the Greeks later changed to ‘Philai’, while the Arabs called it Bilak.

Indeed, the island was once regarded as one of the most romantic and most beautiful places in Egypt. Yet, due to constant floods of the Nile River, the island lost much of its attraction. The island was in great danger of being submerged due to the floods since the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The flooding situation is so bad that temples are only accessible in the island during late summer and fall. For the rest of the year, the temples are mostly under water. The more important monuments of the island were transported and rebuilt in the adjacent island of Agilkia, which are more highly elevated.

Now, the grey discoloration of the walls and columns are merely a faint reminder of the vibrant colors and detailed ornamentation they once had. Once you arrive at the island, pillars and papyrus capitals, and a pylon with a collection of reliefs of Ptolemy XII smiting his enemies will welcome you. Beyond the gateway, you will find the Mammisi Birth House and the Temple of Isis, where in the middle a golden statue of Isis once stood; and the interiors heavily decorated with images of the goddess. Further on, you will find the Kiosk of Trajan, Philae’s most prominent monument.

The magnificent temples of Philae are open during summers from 7 AM to 5 PM, and in winter from 7 AM to 4 PM. You can reach the island by boat, where they drop the visitors at the Hall of Nectanebo.

Big Ben in London
Photo by: Adal-Honduras, Creative Commons

When one speaks of visiting London, Big Ben is a must-see. This four-faced freestanding clock is the third largest clock tower in the world. It recently celebrated its 150th anniversary last May.

It was in 1288 when the clock tower was established at Westminster. The Chief Justice of King’s Bench at that time, Ralph Hengham financed the construction of the tower using the money accumulated from the fine collected. When the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire on that fateful night of October 1834, everything was destroyed. So the palace instructed their chief architect, Charles Barry to design the palace using Neo-gothic style as inspiration. Hand in hand with Augustus Pugin who designed the present 316-ft clock tower, the new palace was built.

It may be one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the world, but the insides of the tower remains unseen by the general public because of security reasons. However, at certain times, the press and other personalities are given right of entry.

The faces of each of the four clocks are placed in an iron frame, which measures 23 ft in diameter. It owes its stained-glass window look to the 312 pieces opal glass embedded on the face. At the bottom of each clock “Domine Salvam Fac Reginam Nostram Victoriam Primam” is written, which means, “O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria First.”

This famed clock tower has appeared numerous times in different TV shows as well as in movies. It was shown in Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson’s film, Shanghai Knights, in Doctor Who’s episode “Aliens of London,” Mars Attacks, The Avengers and even the animated film, The Great Mouse Detective used Big Ben in one of its scenes.

London Famous Landmarks

Scorpion Fish – Ras Mohammad Shark & Yolanda Reef
Photo by: BBM Explorer, Creative Commons

Ras Mohammed National Park is stunning in all sense: a dramatic arid peninsula located at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, with vibrant coral reefs you will never expect to find. Located 30 kilometers south of Sharm El Sheikh, it is Egypt’s first and best-kept national park. The area got its name because the cliff is said to have some semblance of the features of the great Prophet Mohammed, who was said to have visited the peninsula in the 7th century.

Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the reasons why visitors visit the Sinai Peninsula—it is an excellent place for diving and snorkeling. Underwater, you will find broad and terraced coral reefs, brilliant sea fans, and a wide array of fish.

They have more than one thousand marine species. The best dive spot in Ras Mohammed National Park is the Shark & Yolanda Reef, where you can see almost every marine species in the Red Sea. Watch out for the rare scorpion fish, which can only be seen in this area, and also the wreck of Yolanda. Divers are also enthralled by the beauty of Anemone city, a so-called ‘bustling underwater metropolis’ with highways & byways of hard and soft corals. Prolific residents here are the anemone fish, along with other different species you can see in anemone’s harbor and reefs.

Diving in Ras Mohammad is mainly through a boat on a day trip, which you can book through the resort that you will be staying at. Try the Sharm El Sheikh Resorts if you are interested in diving. The warmest waters are in the months of June to August, while the coolest waters are January to February.

Sortavala Harbor, Karelia
Photo by: jussihuotari, Creative Commons

Karelia Lake Country is located close to the border of Finland. Karelia Lake Country contains hundreds of rivers, thousands of scenic lakes, and virgin woods. It features an extraordinary nature with massive hills that links with the open tundra and taiga woods.

The Karelia Lake Country measures about 600 kilometers long and it also sometimes considered as “Country of the Lakes”. It features a total of 60,000 lakes and also Europe’s largest lakes Onega and Ladoga. In addition these two lakes are connected by hundreds of small rivers.

The Karelia Lake Country is the home to virgin woods, also brown bear, blackcocks, elks and wood-grouses are seen in plenty here. It is also located close to Kivatch Waterfall, also the second largest waterfall in Europe.

Valaam, an orthodox cathedral is one of the major attractions and a famous tourist spot here. It was built in the 14th century and it is one of the largest cathedrals. It is also one of the major landmarks with a number of ancient buildings and massive gardens.

The Karelia Lake Country is also the home for boating. It also features a number of outdoor activities such as snowboarding, skiing and boating along the Lake Pielinen. In addition it is one of the best places for fishing and swimming.

National Gallery of London
Photo by: **Maurice**, Creative Commons

The National Gallery, situated at the Trafalgar Square, London, attracts approximately 4 to 5 million visitors yearly. It was founded in 1824 and has since become home for London’s splendid collection of roughly 2,300 paintings, which date back from the middle of 13th century to the 19th century. Distinct from Museo del Prado of Madrid and Louvre of Paris, National Gallery was not designed to take over a subsisting royal collection. It started when the British government during that time bought around 36 paintings from John Julius Angerstein. Sir Charles Lock Eastlake, who was one of its primary directors during the olden times, arranged the artworks together with other privately donated pieces. As opposed to other national galleries in Europe, National Gallery’s collection is rather small in number, but most of it are the important works from noted painters like Giotto down to Cézanne.

A visit to this noteworthy destination is free of charge. Meaning you don’t have to spend money to see the famous works of Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Titian, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael, Rembrandt, Monet, Seurat, Caravaggio, Nicolas Poussin, Hans Holbein the Younger, Anthony Van Dyck, Johannes Vermeer, George Stubbs and many other great artists. Popular paintings here include “ The Baptism of Christ,” “The Virgin of the Rocks,” “The Madonna of the Pinks,” “Van Gogh’s Chair,” and “The Rokeby Venus” among others.

Indeed, a visit to this gallery would not only leave you awestruck but you will feel like you’re traveling back during the painter’s era. These paintings seemingly come alive as you slowly scrutinize each of them.

So for those who love the arts, National Gallery London is the perfect place to go to. When you’re inside the gallery, you’ll feel that as if you are rubbing elbows with the world’s greatest masters of the art.

For more info, you may visit the official National Gallery website.

London Famous Landmarks

Kizhi Island
Photo by: Katiya Rhode-Singh, Creative Commons

Kizhi is one of the major islands located in Republic of Karelia. The island is famous for its wooden churches, houses and chapels. It is a major tourist spot in Russia and a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kizhi Island measures about 7 km and it is bounded by 5000 small islands where most of them are rock outcroppings that measures about 35 km. The island features a bell-tower, 2 massive wooden churches and a museum that houses the collection of wooden structures belonging to the historical times.

The island features a number of wooden structures such as boats, fish-houses, graneries, homes, saunas, windmills, barns and chapels. In addition there are two villages within the island with wooden homes where the majority of people here are farmers.

The major attraction in the island is the transfiguration Church that was built in the year 1714. It is a wooden church with 22 domes and it is covered with golden leaves and religious portraits. The church measures 37 meters tall and it is one of the world’s tallest log.

The bell-tower in the church was added in the year 1874 and the walls feature horizontally fitted logs being covered with wooden planks. Later these wooden planks were removed in the 1950s and new horizontally fitted logs have been added. In the present days the church is being modified as a part of its 300th anniversary that is to be held in the year 2014.

Citadel of Saladin Cairo, Egypt
Photo by: Francisco Artunes, Creative Commons

Imagine a breathtaking overview of the ancient city of Cairo with a well-preserved Egyptian background. The Citadel of Saladin (aka Citadel of Cairo), will bring you an exhilarating memory of the regal residence and military camp of 11th century Egypt.

Charging it to its location, the citadel is a perfect tourist spot. It is placed on top of a hill to see all the angles of the cities of Cairo and Fustat. The Ayyubid lieutenant of Egyptian ruler Saladin erected the place on its present location to see incoming enemies and attack them even before they reach Cairo. The place has several thick walls, watchtowers, and gates which makes the cities difficult to attack.

After almost a millennium, the Citadel of Saladin is now bigger thanks to six major reconstructions. It now includes Muhammad Ali Pasha (aka Mosque of Mohamed Ali) built circa 1828 – 1848. The mosque was built in memory of Muhammad Ali’s son, Tusun Pasha and also to signify eradication of the memories of the area of the Mamluk dynasty’s rule.

The latest reconstruction effort was under the influence of Muhammad Ali. During his reign, Muhammad Ali Pasha mosque and other buildings carried Ottoman architecture and large domes to further establish his leadership.

The second mosque, Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qala’un Mosque, is filled with high marble dado and has granite columns. The free-standing 63 by 57 rectangle mosque is the main prayer room of Cairo sultans in the 13th century. The 3rd mosque is the Mosque of Suleyman Pasha, built in the 16th century and is the first building carrying the Ottoman architecture.

Another notable structure in the Citadel is the Qasr al-Gawhara (Al Gawhara Palace) which holds various painting artifacts. It is a National Museum of both Military and Police departments of Cairo, Egypt.

Flying over the Sinai Peninsula
Photo by: jimgreenhill, Creative Commons

The Sinai Peninsula is located on the easternmost part of Egypt, right between the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, which are both forks of the Red Sea. Western and northern shores are practically isolated, but the eastern coasts are bustling with several tourist attractions as well as Bedouin settlements.

The Sinai Peninsula is home to Mt. Sinai, a famous Biblical location mentioned in the Book of Exodus. This is where Moses fled, after being exiled for the death of an Egyptian. Forty years later, this is the same setting where God is believed to have handed down his ten commandments to Moses. Mt. Sinai is a popular place of pilgrimage for followers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam because of its religious significance. The Sinai Peninsula also offers the tourists and visitors access to the ancient monasteries, stunning canyons and hot deserts.

At the foot of St. Sinai is the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine, one of the oldest monasteries in the world. It is overwhelming to see that after all these centuries, the icons, manuscripts and objects inside are still perfectly intact. Visitors should see St. Catherine’s main church, the old refectory, and the chapel of the burning bush, the library, and the Fatimid mosque.

The Colored Canyon is among the most unique and beautiful features in the Egyptian desert. Millions of years ago, the Colored Canyon was once an ancient ocean, which eventually receded into a now-waterless area. What remains of the ocean are only the beautiful sandstone and limestone in the Colored Canyon, in multitudes of colors, shades and hues.

If you are into hiking, this is the place for you. The Sinai Peninsula has so many hiking trails, which you can easily arrange at the Bedouin Camp in Katerina Village. You can hire a Bedouin guide and a camel to help carry your things to your destination. To escape from the extreme desert heat, the Red Sea offers one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world.

St. Catherine’s Monastery at the Foothill
Photo by: ccarlstead, Creative Commons

St. Catherine’s Monastery is roughly 230 kilometers from Sharm el Sheikh, and lies at the foot of Mount Sinai in St. Katherine city, Egypt. The monastery is now proclaimed by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, being the oldest functioning Christian monastery in the world.

The monastery was named in honor of St. Catherine, who was one of the earliest Christian martyrs. Back in her days, Christians were being persecuted because of their beliefs. Catherine steadfastly refused to renounce her faith, thus the Roman Emperor ordered to have her executed. After her execution her body disappeared, and legend says that her body was carried by the angels to the peak of the highest mountain in Egypt. Three hundred years later, her body was found and carried down to the mountain. Her remains are placed in a golden casket, which is kept in the monastery to this day.

St. Catherine’s Monastery was constructed between 527 and 565 AD, by the order of Emperor Justinian. The emperor granted the monastery with a hundred Roman and a hundred Egyptian slaves, which immensely contributed to the prosperity of the monastery. The monastery was built on the site where the Burning Bush is believed to be located.

The heart of the monastery is the Church of the Transfiguration, so make sure not to miss it. It has a bell tower which overlooks the whole complex. Every morning, the bells wake up the monks with thirty three strokes, to symbolize the thirty three years of Jesus Christ’s human life.

The library preserves the second largest collection of manuscripts and codices in the world, after the Vatican Library. The library holds around 4,500 volumes in Greek Arabic, Hebrew, Georgian, Coptic, Syrian and Georgian texts. Paintings, enamels, sacerdotal ornaments, chalices, marbles, reliquaries and other liturgical objects are also in the monastery’s possessions. The Greek Orthodox St. Catherine’s Monastery was left untouched by the Byzantine iconoclasm, so the early Greek and Russian icons and mosaics are still left virtually preserved to this date.

Kamchatka’s “Three Brothers”
Photo by: -Live-, Creative Commons

Kronotsky Nature Reserve is a natural area located on the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula. Founded in 1934, the site is used for the research in natural sciences. It covers an area of about 4243 square kilometers houses the only geyser basin with a number of mountain ranges, extinct and active volcanoes in Russia. In addition the Kronotsky Nature Reserve is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The peak here reaches 15,584 feet. The climate ranges in the extremes it gets too hot or too cold earning it the label “Land of Fire and Ice”. It is a major tourist spot and it is being visited by 3000 tourists annually. Some have paid upward of $700.00 for a helicopter ride, round trip, to and from the reserve.

The Kronotsky Nature Reserve features about 750 plant species. In addition, 700 bears are seen here, some of them weigh about 1200 pounds and these are considered as the largest in the world.

The Kronotsky Nature Reserve features Valley of Geysers which is the world’s second largest geyser. It measures about 6 km long with a number of hot springs and geysers. The Velikan Geyser is the largest of all and it shoots water to a height of 25 meters for about 6 hours. The largest geyser erupts about 60 tons of water and this happens twice in a year.

Moscow Metro Station
Photo by: yeowatzup, Creative Commons

Mayakovskaya Metro Station is one of the famous stations along the Zamoskvoretskaya Line of Moscow Metro. It is one of the most beautiful stations in the world and a fine example of Stalinist Architecture.

The Metro Station was built as a part of the Metro’s expansion and finally opened in the year 1938, September 11th. The first phase involved construction of the station building, the second phase the metro system itself was constructed. The Metro Station is also the first in the world to feature colonnades on both sides.

The station was designed by Alexey Dushkin, a famous architect from Moscow. It was named after the famous Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky. The station also features a number of stunning columns made of pink rhodonite, stainless steel, marble and white Ufaley.

The station is 33 meters below the surface and fortified by ceiling mosaics and filament lights. These mosaics are known as “24-Hour Soviet Sky” and one has to look up to see the bright heaven here.

In the year 2005 a new exit gate, an unusual addition, where those leaving the station have to descend through escalators before they can ascend to leave the station.

The statue was built to memorialize the Battle of Stalingrad between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany in between the years 1942-1943. The statue was completely built in 1967 and considered the world’s tallest structure with a total height of 85 meters. The statue measures 52 meters high and the sword in the statues hand measures about 33 meters. It is located atop Mamayev Kurgan, in Volgograd, Russia, 50 miles from the Volga River.

There are 200 steps leading to the statue to commemorate the battle of Stalingrad. 7,900 tons of concrete was used to complete this colossal monument. The statue’s design is based on the statue of “The Winged Victory of Samothrace” found at the Louvre. Valentina Izotova, a local girl posed for the statue. The statue was built in the place where 300 German soldiers had been killed in the battle.

The Motherland Statue can also be seen in the Volgograd Oblast coat of arms. The statue is leaning down as the underground water levels are causing a severe damage to its foundations.

Novgorod Kremlin at Sunset
Photo by: AndrewGould, Creative Commons

Novgorod Kremlin is an ancient fortress located at the banks of the Volkhov River. The fort is on the site of a burial ground and was built to celebrate the arrival of Ioakim Korsunianin in the year 989, the first bishop here. The Cathedral of Holy Wisdom was built at the same time.

The first fortifications were recorded around 1044 with additional constructions added in 1116. The fort has a wooden pole with a massive wall and stone towers that were added in the year 1302. In between the years 1330-1352 the stone wall was rebuilt and the fort was finally completed in the year 1400.

The present structure of the fort was built in between the years 1484 to 1490 by Prince Ivan III. The fort measures 545 meters long with nine towers. Among them, the Kokui, which is the tallest tower covered by a huge silver dome. An additional tower was built in the 18th century and the walls here measures 1487 meters.

The fort has a museum and a regional library dating back to imperial period. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, pottery, and jewels. The fort complex encloses a church and a park. The eternal flame, dedicated to the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War is a major attraction here.

Peter and Paul Fortress
Photo by: jimg944, Creative Commons

The Peter and Paul Fortress is located at St. Petersburg. It was founded in the year 1703 by Peter the Great and the fort has been reconstructed in between the years 1706-1740.

The fort was built on Hare Island and close to the Neva River in order to protect the capital. The fort also served as the cities garrison and a prison for political and high level prisoners. The fort also features a cathedral, bell-tower and a museum. As a prominenet tourist destination, among the main attractions are:

City History Museum
This museum contain the cities historical collection starting from the time of Emperor Peter the Great to Nicholas II. The collection includes paintings and it also displays a number of objects belonging to the historical wars. In addition a number of temporary exhibits are also held here.

The Peter and Paul Cathedral
This cathedral was built by Domenico Trezzini in between the years 1712-1733. The cathedral features a massive bell-tower that measures 122.5 meters with gilded spires and this tower is also the major point in the fort. The cathedral was built in a baroque style and it is richly ornamented all over.

The Statue of Peter the Great
This statue has been controversial as it was designed in the form of a cruel person.

The Neva Gate
The Neva Gate is located to the south of the fortress. Designed by Nikolai Lvov and it built in a neo-classical style. It is also the main gate where the prisoners were taken out of the prison.

The Commandants Cemetery
This cemetery features the tombs of the commandants in between the years 1703-1917.

Close to the fort is a sandy beach, it is crowded at all times and the major attraction in this beach is the sand festival.

Peterhof Palace Fountain
Photo by: vsmoothe, Creative Commons

Peterhof is a royal palace built by the Peter the Great in the year 1710. The palace features buildings and gardens and these structures are known as “Russian Versailles”. In addition this palace is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The notable structures in the palace are

The Grand Palace
A huge palace with thirty rooms and it also features lower and upper gardens. The Chesma Hall is the major attraction here that features a number of paintings belonging to the Battle of Chesma. These paintings display the victorious naval ships in different forms such as the flying timbers, fireballs, smokes and flames.

The palace also features Chinese cabinets to the east and west. These cabinets were built between 1766-1769 and it features a number of decorative arts. The walls are decorated with imitation Oriental patterns.

The Grand Cascade and Samson Fountain
The Grand Cascade is built at the residence of the Emperor Louis XIV. It features an artificial grotto in two levels where one of them is faced inside and the other is faced out. It also features a museum that displays the collection of the fountains history. The exhibits also include a table carrying a bowl of fruits that was built according to the direction of Peter the Great.

The fountains are situated beneath the grotto and the water flows into a pool. It displays the statue of Samson whose tears opens the lion’s jaws displaying Russia’s victory in the Great Northern War against Sweden. These fountains are also considered as the best technological achievement by Peterhof.

The Lower Gardens
These gardens are designed in French fashion. Fountains and a major attraction, “The Sun”, is where a disk glows creating an image based on suns rays.

Bridge to Masoala
Photo by: Rudolf Stricker, Creative Commons

Masoala National Park is to the northeast of Madagascar is also the largest island in Madagascar. The Masoala National Park was established in 1997 and covers an area of about 2300 square kilometers and the marine parks covers an area of 100 square kilometers. The Masoala National Park is also a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Masoala National Park features a massive flooded forest, coastal forest, rainforest, mangrove and marsh. The island features exceptional flora and fauna and 10 species of lemur that include the Red Ruffed Lemur. The Nosy Mangabe located close to the park is one of the best sites here.

The harbors at the Masoala is also home for several birds among them the rare species found here are Helmet Vanga, Tomato frog and Red Owl. In addition the island also features the Madagascar Serpent-eagle and it can be seen in many parts of the Madagascar region.

The Masoala National Park includes three more parks which are Tampolo, located to the west, Ifaho, to the east, and Ambodilaitry, in the south. These three parks are rich in marine life and is also one of the best places for snorkeling and kayaking. The Antongil Bay is visited by the Humpback Whales in massive numbers at the time of its migration.

The Masoala National Park can be accessed from the Antalaha and Maroantsetra towns. From Antalaha, the park can be accessed by taxis and mountain bikes. From Maroantsetra, the park can be accessed by a boat. The major sites in the park are Cao Est, Nosy Mangabe and the three parks.

The villages close to the park features a number of guest rooms and bungalows. The visitors must be accompanied by an approved guide, in addition there are number of trips organized by the park. The park can be accessed by a boat which takes about three hours and the best time to visit here is in the months of September to December.

Summer Palace
Photo by: Zhangzhe0101, Creative Commons

If you’re tired of spending your vacations on beaches or amusement parks, try going to China’s Summer Palace. With its sprawling 2.9 square-kilometer land area and a vast 2.2 square-kilometer man-made lake surrounding a tall and luxurious Imperial Palace, your holiday will never be the same.

The grand Summer Palace was built in 1750 to provide China’s ruling dynasty a summer vacation home where they can relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. It was believed that Dowager Empress Cixi stayed in the palace for a long time, living a rich and lavish lifestyle. Other Imperial Families who took residence here enjoyed the palace’s breezy atmosphere as well as the gardens and the pavilion. It is said that Summer Palace’s coolness and serenity makes it the top residential choice of the Imperial Family over the Forbidden City’s high walls during summer.

The Summer Palace is located northwest of central Beijing, in the Haidian District. It’s just 15 kilometers from central Beijing and can be reached by car. The palace’s area is comprised of Longevity Hill and the Kunming Lake.

Its exquisitely designed garden is regarded by heritage preservation organization UNESCO as a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. With a Chinese name of Yihe Yuan or Garden of Restful Peace, Summer Palace houses various garden elements that generate peace in the hearts and minds of people who visit it. Typical Chinese garden elements like bridges, pavilions, plants, flowers, trees, water, stones, and animals can be found to unite in harmony on the palace grounds.

In order to enjoy your tour at the Summer Palace, tourists are advised to wear comfortable footwear and appropriate clothing depending on the month you visit. During the summer, choose to wear light-colored clothes with thin fabric so you can feel the air and coolness of the palace’s environment. If you’re planning to visit in the winter, opt for clothes that will keep you warm, and the proverbial winter gears always helps.

The best season to visit Summer Palace is during the summer so you can experience the life of an emperor or an empress and have fun learning Chinese artistry in architecture and design.

Suzdal Churches
Photo by: mi55er, Creative Commons

Suzdal is located in Vladimir Oblast, Russia. It is about 26 kilometers from Vladimir city and the population here is about 18,236. The city history dates back to the 11th century where it served as the capital for a number of Russian principalities which makes it part of the Golden Ring.

Suzdal is one of Russia’s major religious centers with housing monasteries, churches, and cathedrals. It has also emerged as a central tourist destination to exemplify fine and ornate Russian architecture.

The major attractions here are

The John Baptist Church
This church was built in the year 1720 along with Saint Nicholas Church. These churches were built at the same time but both of them features different architectures. The difference is John Baptist Church features plastered walls where as Saint Nicholas Church is made of wood.

Saint Nicholas Church
This church was built in the year 1766 and the entire church is built of wood. The church also features a museum and in the present days it is a major tourist spot and one of the major constructions in Russia.

Convent of Intercession
It was founded in the year 1264 and some additional structures were added in the year 1518. The interiors features stone walls and the convent complex consists of a number of tombs. Also there are number of paintings belonging to the 16th and 17th centuries. It is also considered as one of Russia’s richest buildings and it is also a major holiday spot.

The Saint Alexander Convent
It was built around 1240 and it is also the burial place of the Princess Mariya, Agrippina and Suzdal.

The other major attractions here are Open Russian Festival of Animated Film and the Cathedral of the Nativity which is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo by: Alaskan Dude, Creative Commons

The Alcázar of Segovia is a stone fortress in the old city of Segovia, Spain. It is a unique palace located at the top of Guadarrama Mountains and the fort looks similar to the shape of a ships bow. The Alcazar was built as a fortress and later it was used as royal palace, Royal Artillery College, state prison and military academy.

The construction of the Alcazar was started in the year 1120 and it was finished in the period of the Emperor Alfonso VIII. The Alcazar was built on Roman foundations and also served as the official residence for the family of Emperor Alfonso VIII.

The Alcazar also served as the official residence for the Castile Kingdom sovereigns in the middle ages. Also at this period the Alcazar was extended by the Trastamara dynasty sovereigns. In the year 1258, Emperor Alfonso X rebuilt some of the damaged parts and the Hall of the Kings was added to the Alcazar.

In the year 1587, the sharp slate spires, School of Honor and the main garden were added to the Alcazar by the Emperor Philip II. In the early 17th century the royal court was transferred to Madrid. The Alcazar was converted to a prison and in the year 1762, the Royal Artillery School was founded here. In the year 1862, a major part of the Alcazar was destroyed and in the year 1896, the Emperor Alfonso XIII converted the Alcazar to a military college.

In the present days the Alcazar is one of Spain’s major historical sites. The major rooms to be seen here are the Hall of Ajimeces that features the collection of arts, the Hall of Kings and the Hall of the Throne.