A visit to Heidelberg, Germany, is a visit back in time to a medieval world where knights and castles were commonplace, and monks were busy brewing beer in their monasteries. The towering red sandstone castle of Heidelberg towers at the top of a hill in the centre of Heidelberg, presiding over the cobblestone streets, historic houses, and Old World charm of the lively university town. With the River Neckar meandering by the town, pleasure boats and ancient bridges, hills covered in greenery, and a lively downtown core filled with quaint shops and cafes covered in ivy, Heidelberg would be an idyllic place to visit, even without the castle. However, Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberg Schloss) is the city's crown and joy. The five-hundred-year-old structure comprises construction from ...
Laxmi Narayan Temple of Delhi is the place where Hindus go to feel the presence of Lord Narayan and Goddess Laxmi. Located on Mandir Marg near Connaught Place in Delhi, this grand and architecturally rich temple is a major landmark and famous religious attraction of the city of Delhi. The Laxmi Narayan Temple is dedicated to Lord Narayan and Goddess Laxmi. The construction of Laxmi Narayan Temple started in 1933, and took almost 6 years to complete. Since this temple was constructed by the industrialist Birla family, it came to be popularly known as Birla Mandir after some years of its construction. The Laxmi Narayan Temple is a perfect example of Orissan architectural style, and has three tall shikaras (spires) that can be easily seen ...
When visiting Scotland, it is almost a shame to whiz past such gorgeous rolling hills, countryside and lochs in a car on the highway. What other alternative is there, you might ask? Horses! In a place such as this, nature is simply begging visitors to slow down and take in the impressive scenery at a normal pace. Many places in Scotland offer horse-riding holidays, which includes accommodation as well as the hire of a horse, tack and other equipment. One of the main advantages of travelling by horseback is that visitors have the chance to view a number of gorgeous sights that are rarely accessible by vehicles. The slower pace and sheer freedom when traveling by horse is hard to beat. A horseback riding holiday ...
Filming for the intensely dramatic climatic scene of New Moon, the second film based on Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Series, was set in the Tuscan southeast town of Montepulciano. In a class of its own, Montepulciano’s star appeal looms long after the final cut. Among the fruitful and stunning landscape of southern Tuscany, the regally-perched hilltop town of Montepulciano houses a wealth of artistic heritage and architecture. Her 14th-century wall defends a treasure chest of Renaissance-style churches and palaces. Etruscan in origin, followed by a strong Roman presence, Montepulciano was fought over for centuries between the communes of Florence and Siena. This pristinely preserved Tuscan jewel remains unchanged for 400 years—earning her the appellation “Pearl of the 16th Century”. At her heart, Piazza Grande (Main Square) ...
The fascinating Wen Wu Temple of Sun Moon Lake is located in Shuei-She Village, Yuchih township, Nantou county in central Taiwan. The Wen Wu Temple of Sun Moon Lake has a rich and well documented history. Sun Moon Lake used to have two temples: the “Benefit Temple” located at the Jihyueh Village, and the “Dragon-Phoenix Temple” of Shuishe Village. In 1931, Taipower Corporation constructed a dam at the Lake to generate electricity, and in 1934, the cultivated land submerged due to a high water level, and the residents had to be evacuated. The two temples were then relocated. The two temples were later sold to Taipower and the proceeds used to construct the Wen Wu Temple in another location, but the administrators didn’t want to ...
If you’re planning a trip to Yangon, Myanmar’s former capital, a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda is most likely already on your itinerary. But if you happen to arrive in the city without yet having heard of the ancient and highly important Buddhist temple, the enormous gleaming gold pagoda atop Singuttara Hill in central Yangon is hard to miss. Visible from all parts of the city, Shwedagon Pagoda’s massive gold-covered stupa dominates the skyline, but is even more magnificent up close. Once at Shwedagon you’ll find there is much more to the temple than its immense stupa, which is surrounded by many smaller gold spires and shrines. A leisurely stroll amidst Shwedagon Pagoda’s shining spires is the best way to appreciate the Pagoda’s beauty. To the ...
Tai Shan is the most revered of China’s five sacred Taoist mountains, known as the Wu Yueh. If you are in the mood for history and culture with a bit of exercise, a trip to Tai Shan is a grand opportunity for thrills and knowledge. Located in the Shandong province, Mt. Tai towers over the captivating scene, and has an elevation of 1,545 meters above sea level. It is a national scenic treasure. UNESCO-listed Mt. Tai became a World Natural and Cultural Heritage in 1987. Tai Shan is considered "a partial miniature of Chinese culture" according to Guo Moruo, a modern Chinese scholar. Mt. Tai's extremely rich cultural heritage has been incorporated with the natural landscape, which is why people consider it a very precious ...
Handmade lace was once integral to Bruges’ industry, particularly because it was a craft that many poorer families would pass down through the generations. Although Bruges lacemakers only usually made a pittance, it was enough to support their families in a time of great poverty. The history surrounding this craft, which dates back to the sixteenth century, is absolutely fascinating. Many people view Bruges as synonymous with lacemaking, but they know little about the industry and the lives of the Belgian workers. Taking the time to delve into the heart of this beautiful medieval city, and really experience the artistry of the Bruges lace industry, is definitely well worth the trip. Lacemaking in Bruges was predominantly for the upper classes as the fashionable nobility were ...
Armenia rose to Christianity during 301 AD, and many ritual practices were developed with the Apostolic Orthodox faith. Some primordial pagan practices were quite visible during this time, such as animal sacrifices. Most of the Armenian churches are founded on the remnants of pagan temples destroyed during war, and Aghjots Monastery in Garni Village, Armenia is one of such place. For the construction of Armenian monasteries and churches, volcanic tufa stones were used, which were in abundance. The stone played a vital role to beautify the churches and monasteries of Armenia as no other stone was competent to be used for intricate carvings. The walls of the church boast many discerning depictions of the history of the site, and includes two full length sculptures of ...
