Prague

Prague

Prague located in the central Europe earn for itself many attributes like ‘’Mother of Towns’’,’’Stone Dream’’, ‘’Town of a Hundred Spires’’ or ‘’The Golden City’’. It was the ancient capital of Charles IV Bohemia Kingdom. Prague's epic history produced a vibrant city of  beautiful buildings and lovely old squares. Millions of visitors come every year to admire to its architectural gems, of  all styles, enjoy the traditional hospitality of people and the excellent beer served by Czech pubs.

The Vltava River

Through the centre of Prague flows The Vltava River. On one side of the Vltava river is the Old Town and the New Town and on the other bank is the Lesser Town and the magnificent Prague Castle. There are lot of stunning bridges which crosses the river , but the Charles Bridge is the most famous. The panoramic view over the river and of the historic buildings is an awesome. You must, simply, walk over the bridge and than take a river cruise under it, to enjoy these unique perspectives of the city.

Charles Bridge

Old Town Square

Just take one step into the Old Town Square in Prague and you will step into the history, you will go back in time, 600 or 700 years. It has been scene of great events, both glorious and tragic. Old Town Square has remained virtually untouched since the 10th century. It began as a bustling marketplace where merchants traded exotic goods brought from far countries. Today , musicians, dance troups, vendors and tourists make this square colorful. The most notable sights on square are the elegant tower of the Town Hall with the world famous astronomical clock, the monumental Church of St.Nicholas and countless multicoloured houses. The Jan Hus statue is in the centre of the Old Town Square.

Old Town Square

Church of St.Nicholas

The Jan Hus statue

Old Town Hall

For centuries a dominating feature of Old Town Square has been The Old Town Hall. It was built in 1364. Inside you have a staircase and an elevator, so you can go to the top to experience terrific view over the Old Town Square and the rest of Old Town. Hundred of tourists from all over the world enjoy a fascinating mehanical performance of The Prague Astronomical Clock. Every hour, on The Astronomical Clock, you can watch the procesion of the Twelve Apostoles, Christ marches ahead of his disciples, while the skeleton of death tolls the bell to a defiant statue of a Turk. It make the visualization of time like no other instrument in the world. 12 Medallions with the signs of the zodiac are bellow the Astronomical Clock.

The Old Town Hall

Astronomical Clock

Prague Castle

Prague Castle was founded around 800 AD and it was the seat of the Kings of Bohemia. Today, Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world. It has survived lot of wars and fires and been dilapidated and rebuilt. The monumental St. Vitus Cathedral is the dominant building within the complex, and the most recognisable landmark in the city. So many Bohemian Kings and their wifes were buried here. The Basilica of St George houses the world’s largest collection of 14th century panel paintings. There are several museums. You must see the quaint Golden Lane with its tiny houses, the writer Franz Kafka was once lived there.

Castle

St. Vitus Cathedral

Basilica of St. George

Golden Lane

The Powder Tower

The Powder Tower is located at the edge of Old Town. It was built in 1475 during the reign of king Vladislav II. In 17th century it was used to store gunpowder. It is possible to climb the 186 steps inside and reach  the viewing platformand enjoy views over the Old Town. This Gotic monument is one of the most remarkable places to see.

Prague beer

Prague tends to inspire visitors with its beauty , its incredible history, its majestic spires and its graceful bridges, but don’t forget its famous beer and great Czech cusine. Traditional Czech food is not dietary, but it perfectly goes with the flavourful Czech beer. You must try Dumplins - knedliky. Na zdravi!

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Paris

Paris

Paris is known throughout the world as the ‘’City of Lights’’. Last year over 70 milion tourists, from all over the world, visited the ‘’City of Lights’’. It is synonymous with all that is French. This fairy-like city is city of love, art, fashion and inspiration. Paris is celebrated for its museums, its beautiful city plan, its architecture, cathedrals, bridges, wide and luxurious boulevards, parks, shopping and numerous monuments.

The Seine River

The Seine River divide Paris, in the middle of river is the Ille de la Cite. The right bank of river is known for being the commercial  heart of city, and the left bank of river is home to the University of Paris. The Seine river is used for tourism and transportation. There are many boats, called ‘’bateaux mouches’’, which circling around the  Ille de la Cite and give tours of the city. On these tours you can see the bridges, the main monuments and cathedrals, it is a great view on Notre Dame from boat.

The Eiffel Tower

The symbol of Paris and France is The Eiffel Tower, La Tour Eiffel in French. The French have the nickname for the tower ‘’The Iron Lady’’ - La Dame de Fer. The structure of the tower were designed by Gustave Eiffel. It was erected in the Champ-de-Mars for the Paris exposition on 1889. to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower rises 324 meter above the the town. If you want to reach the first two levels you must take lifts or use the steps , there are 704 steps to the second level. Each level offers to you a broad range of visual, taste and cultural experiences, you can admire the whole of Paris. Every year more than 7 milion people visits this icon of Paris.

The Louvre

Originaly a royal palace, The Louvre, is now the world’s famous museum. Anyone with at least a slight interest in art must visit it. This magnificient, baroque-style palace and museum sits along the banks of the Siene River. The Palace was built by Philip II in the late 12th century. In 1989, modern addition, the Louvre Pyramid was inagurated, which functions as the museum’s main entrance. The Louvre has one of the most impresive art collections in world. The Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milo are some of the museum’s most celebrated works of art.

Venus de Milo

The Notre Dame Cathedral Paris

The Notre Dame Cathedral Paris, which means ‘’Our Lady  of Paris in French, is a beautiful cathedral on Ille de la Cite in Paris. Even 13 milion visitors each year come to see this, widely considering, one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world. The cornerstone was laid in 1163 and mostly completed in 1250. It is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage, religious events still take place here. The Notre Dame Cathedral is full of magnificient sculptures, stained glass windows, furniture and many valuable items. Tourists can go inside the cathedral to view and enjoy these pieces for a small fee.

The Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the center of the Place Charles de Gauelle. Napoleon was commisioned the arch in  1806 to commemorated his victories. The Arc de Triomphe is adorned with many reliefs. Most of these reliefs commemorating the emperor’s battles. The Departure of the Volunteers in 1792 , also known as Marseillaise, is the best known relief. There is a viewing platform at the top of the arch, from where you have a great views. It is a best place to admire the taut geometry of Paris’s urban plan, the Eiffel Tower in its entirety . In the arch is no elevator so be prepared to walk up 234 steps, don’t be deterred , it worth.

The Palace of Versailles

One of the largest and the most opulent castles in the world is The Palace of Versailles. In the mid-17 th century Louis XVI transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the monumental castle. It is situated in the leafy, bourgeois suburb of Versails. Le Brun and his hundreds of artisans decorated every wall, door, ceiling, moulding with the most luxurious:  frescos, marble, gilt and woodcarving. The Hall of Mirrors is one of the most eye-catching features of the Palaca Versailles, which is characterized with 17 wide, arcaded mirrors opposite 17 windows . The Grand Apartment of King Louis XIV, also known as The Apartment of the Planets, is famous because a painting of a planet decorating each of the seven salonswithin the apartment. Around the palace is an impressive garden, take a walk through the landscapes geometric paths and manicured lawns. There are lot of beautiful fountains, the gardens largest fountain is Bassin the Neptune.

Bassin the Neptune

Bassin d’Appolon

Garden

Hall of Mirrors

That is not all from Paris , there are lot more to see, feel and enjoy in this city.

Rome

Rome

Every year milions of tourists come from around the world in Rome. It is no doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its unique and fascinating history its thousands palaces, churches and fountains.  All the time you feel that present and past, modern and old go side by side. It is favourite place for holiday, romantic honeymoon or city of fashion.

History

Rome is a city full of culture and history. Architectural and art treasures you will find around every corner. There are so many secrets to be discovered, legend to be told, history to be relevated, that’s why they called Rome - The Eternal City. Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus. It began its development in 10th century and became a centre of great Roman Empire. The Eternal City was Caput Mundi or Head of the World in Roman era. During the centuries the fortune of the city was distinguished by ups and downs. Rome restore his role in this century, it became the Seat of Italian government, the seat of the Christianity and one of the most important artisitic and cultural centre of the world.

Roman Forum

Vatican

There are so much thing for see in Rome, but maybe start with the Vatican.  The Vatican is the smallest country in the world and it is situated in Italy’s capital Rome. It is the home of  Popes and Holly See. If you want to see Pope, he every Wednesday holds the public audience on St.Peters Square in the summer, and in the winter in the Audience Hall. The main square is Piazza San Pietro. You must see the world famous  Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilics. Vatican Gardens are very famous for their beauty, squares, sculptures and fountains.

St.Peters Square

St.Peters Basilics


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Colosseum

Visit Rome without having seen the magnificient Colosseum is not complete.  It was commissioned by emperors Vespasian of the Flavian family and they also called him The Flavius amphitheater . The Colosseum was finished in 80 AD and its completion was commemorated by 100 days of ceremony and games. You will be stunned by its size and the power its radiates, when you step inside you step into the history.

The Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is private art collection, maybe the largest in the world. It is divided in two sections : on the ground is Museum and displays sculptures and on the upper floor is the Gallery collects paintings. The Gallery is originally conceived by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, he was an art enthusiast. Scipione Borghese gathered a large collection under his roof, there are ancient sculptures and paintings by several artists including Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio.

Rome Fountains

Rome could not be imagined without its squares and fountains, also there is not a square without a fountain. One of the most beautiful fountains of the Modern Rome is the Fontana delle Naiadi in Piazza della Repubblica. In the Piazza Navona is The Fountain of the Four Rivers. The fountain del Tritone is in Piazza Barberini , and lot more beautiful squares and fountains.

The Fontana delle Naiadi

The Fountain of the Four Rivers

The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi fountain is one of the famous fountain in the world. It is the largest Baroque fountain of Rome. The sea is the main theme of The Trevi fountain. It is belived that the name of fountain derive from tre vie, refering to the three roads that converge to the square. The fountain was designed by Nicola Scavi in a style inspired by Bernini, 30 years were past until it was completed.

The Piazza di Spagna

The one of the most popular meeting place in Rome is Piazza di Spagna. Draw for photographers and tourists are the combination of a monumental staircase - Spanish Steps, an obelisk and a beautiful church. This elegant staircase consists 137 steps. At the foot of the steps is famous Barcaccia Fountain. The fountain recall the historic flood of the River Tibet with its charasteristic form of sinking ship. The steps are especially beautiful in May, then they are decorated with flowering azaleas.

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Barcelona

Barcelona

At marvelous location, sitting between Mediterranean sea and mountains,  on the very north Spanish coast, Barcelona is one of the top tourist attraction. In 2014. it was the third the most visited city in Europe, and in the world 11th. It is most cosmopolitan and the most economically active city in this country.

Barcelona has a history among the oldest in Europe, with lot of monuments of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance period. But the most characteristic is what was built during the last 100 years. It has been a center of Modernist architecture. Barcelona is distinguished specially by the work of genial Antoni Gaudi, there are also his contemporaries Dali, Picasso,  Miro.

Catedral de Barcelona

National Art Museum of Catalonia

Beach

Gorgeous beaches, especially in summer when the sun is at its brightest, will wait for you in top form. First of the Barcelona beaches is Barceloneta Beach, it has golden sand and it is just ten minutes from the city centr. On the Barceloneta Beach you can do plenty of things besides swim. You can go at windsurfing , kitesurfing or just enjoy a refresh drink in one of many beach huts. Even on beach you can’t be far away from some interesting architecture, on the beach you will find the leaning monuments called ‘’Homenatge a la Barceloneta’’.

Barceloneta Beach

Homenatge a la Barceloneta

Sagrada Familia

Barcelona’s number one tourist attraction is the breathtaking Sagrada Familia. You just simply can not visit this city without seeing this fabulous unfinished church designed by Antoni Gaudi. This unusual construction is free to see from outside. The foundation stone was laid at 1882, the outside is still being built, only eight towers of the 18 spires are finished. To complete,Sagrada Familia church, plan is in the 2026  on 100th celebration of the Gaudi’s death.

Park Guell

Park Guell bu Antoni Gaudi is something what you definite must to see. It is situated on Carmel hill. The original idea was by Eusebi Guell to create a stylish park for Barcelona aristocracy, but the plan didn’t work, from planed 60 houses only 3 was built. Only the part of infrastucture were designed by Gaudi, he made amazing stone structures, fascinating buildings and stunning tiling. On the entrance is the Gaudi Dragon fountain, walkaway is supported by twisting rocks pillars that seem to be growing from ground. At the top is terraced area from where you get a wonderful view on the Barcelona and park.When Count Eusebi Guell died the Guell family donated the land to the city and the park become the public park that we can enjoy today.

Casa Mia

In Barcelona are a handfull modernist buildings. One of them is one of  Gaudi’s famous buildings in Barcelona named ‘’Casa Mia’’ with nickname ‘’La Pedrera’’ (the stone quarry). It was constructed between 1906 and 1912 by Antoni Gaudi. For his artistic, uniqueness and heritage value in 1984 was inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. In terms of its structure it is an innovative work. In every corner of the house light is able to enter. The attic is a single open space without any internal walls or divisions, and featuring a series of 270 catenary arches.

Casa Batllo

The most emblematic work of brilliant Catalan architect is Casa Batllo built between 1904 and 1906. Gaudi replaced the original facade with a new composition of glass and stone. External walls were redesigned to a wavy shape and covered with a mosaic of fragments of ceramic discs and coloured glass. The roof is in a shape of an animals back with large iridescent scales. Moving through the house you will be suprised by the details which you can discover with every step. This is definite work of art, everything work together: space, design, light, shape and colour.

Barcelona has so much more to offer you, don’t wait, come and enjoy. You will never forget this wonderful city.