St Petersburg’s Palace Square
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The St Petersburg’s Palace Square is one of the major landmarks of Russia. The Palace Square is also considered as one of Eur-Asia’s beautiful and unique squares.

The Palace Square is built on the southern side of the city between in 1754-1762, a new building was added to the square in 1819-1829 by Carlo Rossi. The Palace Square is known as “Winter Palace” and before the construction of the Palace Square, the site contained a massive garden, in addition, military parades marched through the square.

The Palace Square features Alexander Column at the middle, also the world’s largest column made of polished granite of single piece and it weighs about 704 tons. The north side of the building is being used by curved front wall that is being linked to the triumphal arch.

The Palace Square also served as the residence for the Russian Emperors starting from 1700s; also a number of scientists, generals, poets, architects and composers had walked here. The Palace Square is also visited by Otto Von Bismarck, Queen Victoria, John Quincy Adams, and Bernoulli, presidents, prime ministers, scientists and musicians from different nations.

The Palace Square is one of the major tourist spots in the city. It opens at 10 am in the morning and closes at 6 pm in the evening.

Photo by: asw909, Creative Commons

The Alcázar(meaning “palace”) of Seville can be found at this cultural capital of southern Spain. It was originally a Moorish but later converted to a royal palace. The palace was built in the year 1364 and it is also a fine example of the Mudejar architecture.

It is one of the best preserved palaces as the royal family continues to use the upper levels of the palace. The palace is under the administration of Patrimonio Nacional and it is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Major blocks in the Palace

Patio de las Doncellas
It is also known as “The Courtyard of the Maidens”. The Patios lower level here was built by Pedro I and also it features a number of inscriptions that displays Pedro I as a sultan. It also features ornamented reception rooms, also there is a pool in the middle with hollow gardens. The courtyard here can also be seen in the movie “Kingdom of Heaven”.

Los Banos de Dona Maria de Padilla
It is also known as “The Baths of Lady Maria de Padiila”.

Garden of Vega Inclan
This garden features 20 flower beds divided by fountains and paths.

Jardin Ingles
It is also known as “English Gardens”. It features a number of plants and a park that was built in the year 1909.

The Plaster Patio
It is the most beautiful garden in the palace. It features a wide variety of flowers and it also stands as a fine example of Almohade architecture.

La Casa de Contratacion
It was the place where the disputed have been settled. It also features a chapel and various paintings that describes about America’s discovery.

Aqueduct of Segovia
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The Aqueduct of Segovia is one of Segovia’s important symbols, it can also be seen in the Segovia city’s coat of arms. The aqueducts are located on the Iberian Peninsula and is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The aqueducts were built by the Romans, the construction dates are not known exactly. Researchers say that the aqueducts were built in between 1st and 2nd centuries CE in the period of Roman Emperors Nerva or Vespasian.

The aqueducts served as the water source for city of Segovia. It transported water from the River Fuente Fria, 17 kilometers from the city. The water traveled about 15 kilometers before entering into the city and later it was stored in a massive tank known as “Big House”. At this period the Segovia Alcazar was built. The highest point in the aqueduct measures a maximum height of 28.5 meters where 3 meters comprises of the foundation. It features 44 double arches, 75 single arches and another four single arches with a total of 167 arches.

The first block of the aqueducts features 36 sharp arches which were restored in the 15th century. It features two levels of arches that are simply ornamented and gives support to the structure. The upper level arches features two levels and these arches are a bit short with 5.1 meters wide compared to the lower level arches. The upper level arches feature the channels for transferring water.

The aqueducts are a major architectural landmark in the city. It continues to function to the present day, in good condition and well preserved.

Catedral de Burgos
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The Burgos Cathedral is located in Burgos, Spain. The cathedral was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and constructed in a Gothic style in the year 1567. Over the centuries a number of structures were added to it.

The cathedrals construction was commissioned by the Costa del Sol Emperor Ferdinand III. The construction of the cathedral was started in the year 1221 on the site of a Romanesque cathedral. The construction of the massive altar was completed in the year 1260 and the construction of the entire cathedral was completed in the year 1567.

The cathedral is bordered by towers and the spires are wrapped with stonework traceries. The front part of the cathedral features three storeys and three entrances with high arches. The upper storey features statues on pedestals, stone carvings, double arched windows and the statue of Virgin Mary in the middle.

The wide isles and cruciform floorplan is hidden by the chapels built in the 14th century. The three main doors at the entrance feature two outstanding ornamented towers. In addition the chapels, altars and monuments in the cathedral are of great historical importance.

The statue of the Papamoscas is one of the major attractions here and the statue opens its mouth when the bells are ringed for each hour. The octagonal chapel in the cathedral was built in a Flamboyant Gothic style and it was specially built for the graves of Emperor of Castile and his family and Pedro Fernandez de Velasco.

The Burgos Cathedral is the burial place of the military leader Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar. In 1984 the Burgos Cathedral was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Front entrance to Tashi Lhunpo Monastery
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The Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, located in Shigatse, Tibet, is a reflection of Chinese culture and religion that has influenced people around the world. Visitors of the monastery are mostly Buddhist followers who want to pay honor and tribute to the sacred place. Others are just plain curious about the lifestyle and teachings of Buddhism. These ones visit the place to catch a glimpse of the rich and influential Buddhist tradition.

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery is the seat of Panchen Lamas – the lineage of religious officials next to the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is the highest-ranking tulku lineage in the Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy. Tulku, on the other hand, is the term for those who chose to be renewed or reborn to educate others. This makes the Panchen Lamas the next line of high-ranking religious Buddhist officials after the Dalai Lama.

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery has been a home for the Panchen Lamas who religiously practiced Buddhism since its construction in 1447 with the help from the first Dalai Lama Genden Zhuba from the Yellow Hat Sect. Expansions followed through during the time of the fourth Panchen Lama Lobsang Gyalsten. The monastery underwent several extensions under different Panchen Lamas who supervised the works.

Today, Tashi Lhunpo Monastery stands 3,800 meters above sea level and offers tourists’ different halls, temples, gallery, courtyard, and chapels.

One distinct feature of the monastery is the Maitreya Temple. It’s located on the western part of the monastery’s highest building. The Ninth Panchen Lama ordered its construction in to accommodate the 86 foot statue of the Maitreya Buddha that contains 614 lbs of gold, 330,000 lbs of copper. Its wooden frame is made of brass courtesy of Tibetan and Nepalese artisans.

Other places to see in Tashi Lhunpo Monastery are:

· The Panchen Lama’s Palace
· Main Chanting Hall
· Sutra Hall
· Gyeni Chanting Hall
· The Roof Chapels
· Ngang College
· The Great Gallery
· The Great Courtyard

The good time to visit the monastery is during Festival Days when the place transforms into colorful and energetic scenery that promotes the rich Chinese history, culture, and religion.

Roof of the Cave of Altamira
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The Cave of Altamira is situated near the historic town of Santillana del Mar, Cantabria, Spain. It is a historic cave that features the polychrome rock painitings of human hands and mammals. Also the cave along with its paintings has been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The cave measures 296 meters long and features a sequence of chambers. Solutrean deposits belonging to 18,500 years back and Magdalenean belonging to 16,500 years back were discovered in this cave during the archaeological excavations. These relics belong to the period of Old Stone Age or Paleolithic Age. Also this cave was the main shelter for the wild animals in that period.

The images inside the cave were made using ochre and charcoal. The painters also used natural outlines to the paintings to deliver a three dimensional effect.

Among the paintings the Polychrome ceiling is an outstanding structure that displays a group of bison, wild boar and two horses. These arts belong to the Magdalenean period. The Solutrean images feature the images of handprints, goats and horses.

Majority of the paintings were destroyed in between 1960s and 1970s as a result of carbon dioxide usage by the visitors. The cave was closed in the year 1977 and again it was reopened in the year 1982 for a few visitors. In the year 2001, a museum was built close to it which now houses a replica of the cave and some polychrome paintings.

The Three Gorges Dam
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Enormous and ambitious – these are just two of a few words to best describe China’s Three Gorges Dam. It’s the world’s biggest dam after all, with its 185 meters height and 2.3 kilometers width. On its east and west are huge hydroelectric turbine generators that will engage the dam’s processes.

Three Gorges Dam can contain multiple ships at a time. The dam contains lock channels on both sides – one responsible for controlling upriver traffic and the other managing downriver traffic. In 2003, a one-year period of trial navigation tested the waters surrounding the dam. Luckily, two ships had safely gone through the five-level ship locks of the dam, marking the readiness of the dam’s operations.

Touring the Three Gorges Dam will not only give you a very unique experience but an educational one too. The dam’s construction gives you insight in one of the great achievements in the field of engineering.

Although the dam has been subject to controversies of being environmentally dangerous and disastrous, many would agree it is a tourist attraction for its historical and educational value.

Three Gorges Dam is best viewed in a helicopter or a higher area so you can really view the magnificent construction and design of the dam. Tourists are provided a viewing area that’s surrounded with metal bars for safety purposes. Here, you can see the breathtaking scenery of the dam and the water surrounding the area.

Most tourists visiting the site wear comfortable clothing like a polo shirt and a pair of shorts. It is advisable to choose an outfit that’s appropriate with China’s climate and weather, which varies depending on the time of you visit.

Three Gorgers Dam stretches the historically famous Yangtze River in Yiling district, Yichang, Hubei, China. The dam can be found 615 kilometers (380 miles) east of Chongqing City.

The Naderi Throne
Photo by: Imperial court of Iran, Creative Commons

Many cultures show their diversity in the traditional architecture, dances, and traditions in one’s country. Iran displays part of its rich culture and history through the Iranian Crown Jewels.

The Iranian Crown Jewels, also known as Imperial Crown Jewels of Iran or of Persia, is a collection of items passed on from generation to generation of rulers in Iran. Most of the items date back to 1500 A.D., when the Safavid dynasty acquired most of what is part of the current collection. These items were used up to the last dynasty in Iran, the Pahlavi dynasty, which was overthrown in 1979. There are many items within the collection: crowns, thrones, tiaras, swords, shields, other unusual items. Most notable of these are the Darya-ye Noor, the Peacock throne, the Samarian Spinel, and the bejeweled globe. Some items which were once part of this massive collection, like the Koh-i-Noor, before becoming spoils of war and were consequently taken by other owners. The Koh-i-Noor and the Darya-ye Noor are among the largest gems in the world. The Koh-i-Noor is now amongst the British Crown Jewels after it was seized by the East India Company and was presented to Queen Victoria, then Empress of India, in the year 1877.

The Peacock Throne, usually confused with the one in India, used to be called Sun Throne. However, after Fathali Shah’s subsequent marriage to Tavous Khanoum Tajodoleh, the name was changed. Tavous, in Persian, is the word for peacock. The Samarian Spinel is a 500 carat spinel gemstone and is from India. Uniquely, the Samarian Spinel has a hole in it, which once held a diamond. It is also said that this was once an adornment to the biblical golden calf. The jewel-studded globe, standing in a height of 44 inches, is covered with thousands of gemstones. Water is shown by emeralds while land is shown by rubies and spinels. However, there are countries shown in diamonds such as Iran, Britain, France, and parts of South Asia.

These items are only part of the vast collection of Iranian Crown Jewels which are on public display at the Central Bank of Iran.

Imam Square in Esfahan, Iran
Photo by: Scarto, Creative Commons

Persian architecture is differentiated by the use of domes and minarets. These features are often seen in mosques and palaces. One of the best examples of this is the Shah Mosque.

The Shah Mosque, created during the Safavid era, is situated in the south side of the Naghsh-e Jahan Square, which is also known as Imam Square. This is located in the center of Isfahan City in Iran. The mosque is covered with mosaics. These mosaics adorn the walls with their seven colors, predominant of which is the turquoise blue colored tile. The dome roofing is one of the largest domes within the city, measuring up to 52 meters. This is a two-layered dome, with the inner cover separated from the outer one by 12 meters. Iwans, or vaulted spaces, are often seen in places such as this. However, the format used in the construction used a four-iwan format making this place more distinguished and important than other exterior ones. Though portals are usually cast in shadows, people passing through the portals to the mosque will see that the portals bask in a blue glow. Entering the holy place, one is greeted by fresco-clad doors. The doors are covered with layers of gold and silver. It is covered with calligraphy about God and Shah Abbas I. Inscriptions can also be seen in the tiles of the entrance, white against an ultramarine background.

The Shah Mosque is not the only attraction of the Naghsh-e Jahan Square. On the eastern side of the square is Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque and across it is the Ali Qapu Palace. The Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque is unique in that in the center of its dome is a peacock, and through the hole in the ceiling, the sunrays become the peacocks tails. Ali Qapu Palace, on the other hand, has a distinctive front terrace as wide as the palace itself. The palace, once used as a place to greet and entertain nobles and foreign ambassadors, is a large rectangular building, which is six floors high.

Mergui Archipelago Village
Photo by: LawrieM, Creative Commons

The Mergui Archipelago is a group of islands in southern Burma. It features 800 islands that cover several hundreds of square kilometers and lies close to the Andaman Sea of the Malay Peninsula to the western shore. The local people here are known as “Pashu” as a result, the islands referred to as the “Pashu Islands”.

The islands are composed of granite and limestone. The islands are wrapped with sandy beaches and the water from the Andaman Sea results in a major amount of flora and fauna.

The Mergui Archipelago is one of the best places during the monsoons. Also there are number of spots in the seas that are famous for diving and fishing. The offshore islands are wrapped with rocks and features rich marine life such as rays, sharks, eels and dolphins. The major islands in the Mergui Archipelago are

The Salone Island
The Salone Island is situated at the Thai Myanmar Border and it features one of the best beaches. The major attractions in the island are fishing and snorkeling.

Myaunk Ni Island
This island is also called as Red Monkey Island and it is famous for the wide variety of marine products. The island features white sand beaches, forests, fishes, dolphins and corals.

Myin Khwar Island
This island is also known as Horse Shoe Island. It features a protected beach and the water is very clear compared to the other beaches. The major attractions here are the fishing and snorkeling sites, rock climbing and boat trips.

Philar Island
This island is also called as Great Swintons Island. The beaches feature white sands and snorkeling is the major attraction here. In addition the island is also the home for turtles, dolphins, sharks and monkeys.

Wa Ale Island
The Wa Ale Island features white sandy beaches and a number of snorkeling sites. The island also features a Marine Park and it has rich wild life that includes the tigers, monkeys and wild elephants.

The Two of the Three Pagodas Cangshan Mountain’s Yingle Peak, near Dali in Yunnan, China
Photo by: Matthijs Koster, Creative Commons

For many centuries, the Chinese pagoda has been a symbol of China. A visit to the country wouldn’t be a complete one unless you see an authentically designed pagoda.

One of the greatest-looking pagodas in China is the Three Pagodas. It is a triangular arrangement of three elaborately designed pagodas at the base of Cangshan Mountain’s Yingle Peak, near Dali in Yunnan, China. It is believed to be the only remnant of Chongshengsi, which was the largest monastery in this town.

Qianxun Pagoda stands as the main pagoda among the three. It is square in shape and 69 meters high with a structural design similar to those made in the Tang Dynasty. It was erected during the reign of Emperor Fengyou of Nanzhao Kingdom. It has 16 levels and the marvelous whitewashed wall cover makes it more visible just a few yards away.

The two other pagodas are smaller than Qianxun with only 10 stories that’s 43 meters high. These two contain three copper calabashes, with each linked to a bell made of bronze. The Chinese traces back the two towers’ construction 100 years after Qianxun’s construction.

During some time between 1978-1979, excavators had uncovered various important Chinese artifacts and relics in Qianxun Pagoda. There were hand-written Buddhist scriptures and documents as well as several art pieces made of gold, silver, crystal, and wood. Others even found medicinal herbs along with Buddha statues and other precious stones such as quartz and jade.

The Three Pagodas had endured a number of earthquakes and typhoons over the 10 centuries it has witnessed. Nevertheless, all three remained resilient, proving the greatness and quality of Chinese architecture in its early years.

Just outside the Three Pagodas are trees, shrubs, pools of water, and cemented grounds that provide a very scenic spot that can easily captivate any tourists visiting the town.

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Costa del Sol Vista
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The Costa del Sol is located in the south region of Spain. It is also known as “Coast of the Sun” and it features a number of communities and coastal towns on the seashore of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Costa del Sol is located in between two coasts which are Costa Tropical and Costa de la Luz. In the beginning, Costa del Sol featured fishing settlements and in the 20th century it emerged as one of the major tourist destinations in the world.

The settlements in this region belong to the Bronze Age and later on the region was occupied by the Phoenicians, Romans, Carthaginians, Moors, Visigoths and Vandals.

In the present day the Costa del Sol is an international tourist spot and it attracts millions of tourists every year. The region features a number of restaurants, hotels, fun nightlife and an international airport.

Monywa Building
Photo by: antwerpenr, Creative Commons

Monywa City is located in Sagaing Division, Myanmar and it is about 136 Km from Mandalay City. The city is a major center for trading. Agriculture is the main occupation here; also the city features several mills for producing edible oils, noodles, flour and cotton.

Monywa City is home for several educational institutions, among them are Monywa University, Monywa Institute of Economics and Monywa Technological University.

It is also a major tourist destination, Monywas boasts of the following:

Thanboddhdhay Pagoda
The Thanboddhdhay Pagoda is a Buddhist complex that covers an area of 37 acres. The construction of the complex was started in the year 1936 and completed in the year 1952. It is one of the most sacred places for the Buddhists, and the temple stands as a fine example of Buddhist art.

The temple measures 166 feet high and the golden chedi measures about 132 feet high. The temple features massive ornamented pillars, couple of white elephant statues and Buddha statues of about 582,257. The temple opens on all the days of the week and the entry fee is about 3 US$.

Pho Win Hill
Pho Win Hill lie to the southwest of Myanmar. The caves in the hills feature a number of Buddhist statues belonging to the 13th century and paintings belonging to the 18th century.

Shwe Ba Hill
It is located below the Oho Win Hill and close to the banks of Chindwin River. It consists of unique sandstone pavilions that are filled with a number of Buddha images.

Shwe Gu Ni Pagoda
It is situated about 20 miles from the Monywa City. It is famous for its architecture and the major attractions here are the local festivals and the golden Buddha statue.

Museo del Prado with statue of painter Diego Velazquez
Photo by: ReservasdeCoches, Creative Commons

The Museo del Prado is located in Madrid, the capital city of Spain. It is an art gallery and a museum that features one of the best collections of European art starting from the 12th century to the 19th century. The museum feature a collection of sculpture, 5,000 paintings, 2,000 decorative objects and prints, 1,000 medals and coins.

The museum was founded in 1919. The first collections in the museum were the royal arts and the collection rapidly grew, in the year 1918 the museum was enlarged. The main block was extended between 1900-1960 and then again between 1971-1997 a second block was extended. The final structure was added in the year 2007 which is an underground building.

The museum building was constructed at the time of Charles III. The museum was designed by the architect Juan de Villanueva who also designed the City Hall of Madrid and Botanical Gardens.

The museums collection includes 1,300 famous paintings which are also considered as the best in Spanish culture. The museum also showcase a collection of Pablo Picasso’s paintings which were later transferred to the Museo Reina Sofia in the year 1992. The best painting in the museum is the “Las Meninas” by Diego Velazquez.

The ground floor displays a collection of sculptures and paintings dating to the years 1100 to 1600. The collection includes the work of Bosch, Van der Weyden, Durer and Raphael.

The first floor houses a collection of paintings belonging to the years 1550 to 1800. The collection includes the paintings of Titian, Caravaggio, Ribera, Rubens, El Greco, Poussin, Murillo, Velazquez and Goya.

The second floor highlights paintings covering 1700 to 1850. The compilation includes the paintings of Mengs, Watteau, Tiepolo and an extensive collection of Goya.

The museum opens at 9 am and closes at 8 pm. There is an entry fee and the museum is closed on Mondays and on national holidays.

Tian Tan Buddha of Po Lin
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The Tian Tan Buddha of Po Lin is a gargantuan bronze statue of Buddha located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, China. This statue was built in 1983 and was finished in 1993.

The colossal Tian Tan Buddha of Po Lin is a typical Buddha predominant in Chinese culture, with the exception of its size. The figure sits on top of a Lotus throne with his right arm raised and palm facing his north.

In order to reach the Tian Tan Buddha of Po Lin, one has to hike 268 steps. For tourists who plan to visit Po Lin, it is recommended that you be in good condition so you won’t risk your health. However, others can still enjoy the magnificent view of the Buddha from afar since it’s big enough to be seen from miles away.

In addition to the Buddha, the surrounding area provides a variety of attractions. Once you enter the halls, you can browse through historical materials, which include a relic of Gautama Buddha and a giant bell in the middle part of the hall. Free drink or food is given to tourists once a tour in the hall ends.

If you get hungry, monks nearby provide a vegetarian lunch at a nominal price. The food is adequate to fill you with the needed energy to stroll around the site.

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Tian Tan Buddha of Po Lin is traveling through the city’s MTR subway system, stop at Tung Chung Station, and take a taxi, bus, or a cable car to reach the site.

Huaraz, on the way to Chavín de Huántar
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Chavín de Huántar is a famous archaeological site located 250 km north of Lima, Peru and east of Cordillera Blanca at the Conchucos Valley. It is now visited by thousands of tourists and archaeologists annually and is currently a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Some Chavin relics are on display in Museo de la Nacion in Lima, Peru.
The Chavín de Huántar was actually constructed by the pre-Incan tribe, the Chavin, around 900 B.C. The Chavins survived basically on an agricultural economy, because of its strategic location near the Coast of Marañón River and the jungle. The Chavín de Huántar served as a ceremonial center, where the ancient people came together and worship.

The Chavín de Huántar holds a geographical, historical and religious significance because of its tremendous influence on the Ancient Chavin culture. It is located where the Mosna River merges with the Huanchecsa River. This allows the Chavins easy transport, but access is very limited for visitors. Consequently, it is the perfect site for crop cultivation such as maize and potatoes. The ancient Chavins also started domesticating llamas to help and assist in carrying load and crops.

Important sites to visit include the large central square, the temple, and the Castilla, which is an underground complex. Important artifacts are the Lanzon, which was a 5 meter carved rock that depicted the gods worshiped by the pre-Incan people: the condor, the serpent and the jaguar or puma.

Many tourists can visit Chavín de Huántar from Huaraz. It’s a long four hour drive on a rough, unpaved and bumpy road. The easiest and most convenient way to get there is through an organized tour. These tours usually leave at 9 in the morning and return to Huaraz at 8 pm.

Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain
Photo by: puroticorico, Creative Commons

The royal Palace in the city of Madrid is the official residence for the Emperors of Spain. The palace is one of the main attractions in the city and it is Western Europe’s largest palace that covers an area of 135,000 square meters with 2800 rooms.

The palace was built in between the years 1738-1755 on the site of an old castle belonging to the 16th century. The castle was burnt by Emperor Philip V and he commissioned a new palace to be built on the same site.

Notable Rooms in the Palace

• Hall of Columns
• Throne Room
• Charles III bedroom and chamber
• Charles III antechamber and saleta
• Music Room
• Chins collection
• Imperial Ballroom
• Red reception room
• 252 bedchambers
• Royal Chapel
• Main staircase
• Halberdiers Room
• Green porcelain room
• Blue porcelain room

Today, the Royal Palace is one of the major tourist spots in the city. The palace features a collection of weapons and Royal Armoury belonging to the 13th century. It also features the Stradivarius which is the only complete string quintet in the world. In addition the collection includes several objects made of wood and porcelain.

The other attractions in the palace are the Teatro Real Opera House located to the east of the palace, Plaza de la Armas square to the south, and Sabatini Gardens located to the north.

The palace is open to the public on all the days of the week and is closed when there are state meetings and government receptions.

Cuzco, Peru in the rain
Photo by: ethanlindsey, Creative Commons

Cuzco is called the ‘Archaeological capital of the Americas’, for it is filled with many cultures through the centuries. Located 3,300 meters above sea level, it is also known as the ‘Navel of the World’. Cuzco offers many beautiful sites.

Cuzco dates back to 1200 A.D. Its first Incan ruler was Manco Capac, though the city saw its vast expansion during the 15th century during the rule of the great Inca Pachacutec. However the expansion ended abruptly when the Spaniards arrived under the leadership of Francisco Pizarro, which was followed by the murder of Inca Atahaulpa in Cajamarca.

The first things you see when visiting Cuzco are the ancient Inca walls. The magnificent walls are carved granite blocks, it is perfectly without the need or aid of any mortar beds. Once you arrive in Cuzco, you are recommended to take your time and relax so you can acclimatize.

What to do while in Cuzco? Many visitors opt to go to Machu Picchu, where they can get there for four days through the Inca Trail or for four hours by train. Other highlights include the Inca Ruins of Qenko, Sacsayhuaman, Tambmachy and Pucapucara. You can take day rip to the traditional Indian market at Pisac, or stroll around the beautiful village of Ollantaytambo, or explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

You can get a ‘Tourist ticket’ while in Cuzco, which allows many tourists into historical sites around Cuzco. You can visit Santa Catalina Convent and Art Museum, Inca ruins, Museo de Arte Popular, Monumento Pachacutec, and so much more.

Jokhang Temple detail
Photo by: JackVersloot, Creative Commons

April to October are the best months to visit the Jokhang temple since the weather is pleasantly mild during this period. Harsh weather conditions occur during the later months. In addition, if you want to avoid the crowd and want to save money, winter months are the best times of the seasons to make a visit.

The Jokhan Temple, which means ‘House of the Lord’, is the holiest site in Tibet and is a primary destination for monks. The temple was built in 746 by King Songtsen Gampo. Moreover, the present structure is the result of a reconstruction done by the fifth Dalai Lama in the 17th century.

Nepalese and Indian architectural influences are prevalent in the Jokhang temple. The temple features a golden roof with wood patterns and carvings.

The thousand meter long Tibetan mural is a must see when visiting the Jokhang Temple. It has a depiction of Princess Wen Cheng’s procession and arrival in Tibet. Precious cultural relics are also being kept and preserved in the temple which make it a good place for research about Tibetan culture and history.

Jokhang temple’s most prized and oldest object that sits in the central hall is the statue of twelve year old Sakyamuni. The sculpture was carried by Princess Wen Cheng herself. The statue of Sakyamuni is gilded and adorned with precious jewels.

Lhasa’s weather is humid, visitors are advised to wear light clothing. Caution is advised by bringing extra clothes in the event of a sudden downpour, which sometimes occurs during the day. Bringing enough cash for the trip is also advisable since ATMs are quite hard to find in Tibet. Visiting on festival days is recommended. This allows a visitor to be immersed in the Tibetan festivities and experience more of their culture.

Lake Titicaca, Peru
Photo by: Phil-mc, Creative Commons

Lake Titicaca is located right between Bolivia and Peru in South America. It is one of the most captivating lakes in the planet, and a trip to Titicaca will leave an unforgettable memory on any visitor. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake on earth, which is more than 3,800 meters above sea level. It is 196 kilometers long, extending from western Bolivia to southeastern Peru.

Lake Titicaca was a sacred place during the Inca period. It is believed that Manco Capac, the first Inca King, was born here. The place is worth the visit especially if you are curious about the culture, way of life, and beliefs of the ancient Incans. The Uros continue to live and make their living from the lake. The Uros are dependent on the lake, where they get their source of living through agriculture and weaving. Get to know them by visiting them by the lake.

When visiting this lake, the best place to stay is in the town of Puno, in Peru. The culture and folklore here is rich, plus it is close to other tourist attractions such as the town of Cusco and of course, Peru’s Macchu Picchu. If you want to explore the Bolivian side of the lake, you can visit the enthralling town of Challapampa, home to Chinkaka, the famous labyrinth. There is also the well-known Island of the Sun or Isla del Sol, home to over 180 ruins from the Incan period.

To visit this historical site, take a plane flight to Lima and to Arequipa. Once you arrive, it is recommended to relax for a few days, or else you may suffer altitude sickness. You can take a 7-hour trip to Cuzco. There are also trains to Cuzco, although they are more expensive and more infrequent.

Shibaozhai Temple
Photo by: puliarf, Creative Commons

The Shibaozhai Temple showcases fantastic old world scenery that makes tourists feel like actors in a fictional adventure flick. This 100-foot high red pagoda stands in front of a mountainous area full of shrubs and trees, with a glorious backdrop from afar. The addition of the Yangtze River near the 12-tiered temple completes the look of a mysterious wooded area on the face of the planet.

The attention-grabbing pagoda is the main attraction of Shibaozhai Temple. It has two areas: the upper part and the lower one. The upper part is located near the temple buildings that serve as extensions, while the lower section is a nine-level structure adjacent to the rock extension. Traditional Chinese designs mark the exteriors of the pagoda, with various elements of nature. The structure is inspired by the mountains, with patterns and figures that vary from odd to extraordinary.

Shibaozhai was erected in some time during the Qing Dynasty when Emperor Kangxi ruled the land. Shibaozhai means Stone Treasure Fortress, which fits to its very exotic location. The temple protects several artworks like paintings and sculptures that dated back during the Three Kingdoms period. On the top of the temple lies an exquisite view of the river and its nearby town.

Visitors of the temple can climb up the pagoda stairs to experience the spectacular sight from above. Although the stairs in the temple are steep, tourists who want to go up can take an exit route that can be found outside the pagoda. Its stairs are more spacious and less steep than the stairs inside the temple.

If you wish to visit Shibaozhai Temple, cruise ships on the Yangtze River allow its passengers to take a walk in the area and climb the pagoda.

Photo by: ReservasdeCoches, Creative Commons

Santiago de Compostela is located in the northwest region of Spain. In the year 2000, the city was listed as a “European City of Culture”. The city served as the capital for the Galicia community is believed to be the place where the Apostle James died. The city is famous for its cathedral and is included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was founded around 400 during the fall of Roman Empire. In between the years 711-739 the Arabs took control of the city and finally it was ended in the year 754 when the Visigothic King recaptured the city. Because of its association with the Apostle James, the city has become one of the major pilgrimage destinations for Christians.

In the present day the city covers an area of 220 square kilometers with a population of 100,563. The climate is very cool; rainfall is recorded during the summers and winters. The city also features the University of Santiago de Compostela which is the oldest university in Spain.

Major Attractions in the City

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

It is one of the famous cathedrals in the world and features the tomb of Saint James.

Catholic Kings Hostel

It was built as a hostel in a Plateresque style. It is a relaxing place for pilgrims, the Castillan coat of arms can also be seen here.

Rajoy Palace

Built in the 18th century, the palace served as a jail and residence for the choir. It also features a statue of St. James with his horse.

Quintana Square

Situated close to the cathedral, the place was used as a cemetery and market in the past. It is also said that the ghosts of the dead can be seen in this place if one travels alone.

Museum of the Galician People

The Museum of the Galician People has a collection of paintings, sculpture and archaeological artifacts. In addition, a number of temporary exhibits can be seen. There is no entrance fee to enter the Museum.

Wind and Rain Bridge in Guangxi
Photo by: Ariel Steiner, Creative Commons

Interesting enough, the Sanjiang Bridges reflect the ethnic diversity and architectural ingenuity of the Chinese people. The Guangxi province in particular is a melting pot of ethnic minorities (Dong, Miao, Yao, and Zhuang). The Dong tribe is responsible for the construction of these bridges having given them beautiful names: “Wind and Rain” bridges. There are several “Wind and Rain” bridges in Guangxi but the Sanjiang Bridges stand out.

These bridges are covered pathways that are artistically designed pavilions and balconies. The erected bridges act as shelter for the people in harsh weather conditions. The name of the structures is “Wind and Rain” simply because it protects the Dong people from wind and rain.

The bridges are constructed using wood and stone. A visit to the insides of the bridge will make you think that the bridge is a house in itself. The bridges have kiosks designed by people who have a background in architectural design. The parts of the building are brilliantly placed to support the structure. When you look at the whole building through its entrance, you wouldn’t think that you are entering a bridge at all.

The amazing part about these structures is that the Dong people did not use nails to bind the wood together. They used the art of dove-tailing. The process surprisingly supports the bridges that are still standing up to this day.

You can take a trip to one of the bridges and sit at one of the benches. You look outside and see the lush greens of the tea trees, the people minding their business. A simple life where the only hint of technology are the waterwheels.

The Sanjiang Bridges exhibit the brilliance of the people.

Xi’an City Walls meets traffic
Photo by: Bernt Rostad, Creative Commons

The ancient Xi’an City Walls radiate a romantic setting with its red and gray colors and a long cemented stretch of pavement perfect for a long afternoon walk. The gray colored wall highlights the contrast between it and the red colored lamps and flags, providing a harmonious blend. The pathways of the enormous edifice encourage a handful of people to tour this magnificent site.

Xi’an City Walls was constructed during the reign of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty. People believed that a hermit recommended the erection of the city walls. Upon hearing this advice, the emperor hurriedly sent orders to put up huge walls. The structure was further improved during the Tang Dynasty. Today, the 40 feet-tall wall of the structure surrounds the ancient Xi’an center.

Xi’an City Walls is rectangular in shape with each side fortified by a huge gate. This design allowed the walled city to put up military defense structures like a moat, drawbridges, and several watchtowers. Located in the middle of the watchtowers are lookouts strategically placed 120 meters apart from each other so military guards can shoot up arrows that would reach potential attackers.

Another strategic feature of Xi’an City Walls is its 11-meter walkway located on the top of each wall. The structure was constructed with a wide road to provide adequate space for soldiers to move with ease when an enemy approached. Visitors can enjoy walking or biking along this historical path.

Another feature of the walled city are the tunnels, which links the narrow tower to the main tower. These tunnels provided passages for horses so they could quickly dash up to the top of the wall. All horse passages are scattered around the city to provide easier access and transportation to those who dwell inside the city.

Byblos Marina still used by local fishermen
Photo by: sergemelki, Creative Commons

Byblos is a Mediterranean city located in Lebanon. The city was founded around 5000 BC and was named Gibelet at the time of crusades. According to Sanchuniathon, a Phoenician author, the city was built by Cronus the leader of the Titans. The city is also mentioned in the Bible, 1 Kings 5:18 that refer to the Solomon Temples builder’s nationality and also it is being mentioned in Ezekiel 27:9 that describes the riches of Tyre.

An adventurer’s delight, teamed with being a modern city, Byblos provides a visitor to soak in the great scenic mountains. The people here are Maronite Catholics also Shi’a Muslims are also seen here. The major attractions in the city are:

Ancient Phoenician Temples
An archaeological site that features the ruins of Temple of Baalet Gebal built around 2700 BC, Great Temple Built around 2700 BC and The Temple of the Obelisks built about 1600 BC.

Byblos Castle
The Byblos Castle was built in the 12th century with the use of limestone and bounded by a huge moat.

Medieval City Wall
The Medieval City Wall features a wall that measures about 200 meters from the north to south and 270 meters from the east to west.

Byblos Wax Museum
The Byblos Wax Museum features the wax statues that display the lifestyle belonging to the Phoenician era.

Byblos Fossil Museum
The Byblos Fossil Museum features the collection of marine life belonging to several millions.

Byblos International Festival
It is a music festival that is held during the summers.

St John the Baptist Church
The construction of the church began in the year 1150 and it was destroyed by a massive earthquake in the 12th century and the ruins of the church are still visible to the present day.