Termessos is partly ruins of the ancient trading town, which, apparently, seem to be even humble by Alexander the Great. It is situated in Turkey, not so far by the Turkish Riviera, about 30 miles northwest of the amazing Antalya city, in the high mountains.

Termessos is a beautiful place tipic for ancient monuments, which offers every visitor a real and great mystery. Its original inhabitants called Solymové came here once during the first millennium BC. It is also called Sami after the Mount Solymos, which is known as Güllüg Dag.

Unlike the inhabitants of the ancient cities of the coast, those in the old city were originally from Anatylia. In 333 BC, the city was besieged by Alexander the Great but it was not conquered because of the city’s strategic location.

35 km travelled by car in north-west of Antalya, and two miles from climbing on the Güllük Dagi, will lead you, surely, to the best-preserved ruins of the Turkish Termessos city, where you can see the stunning Gulf of Antalya .

Surrounded by a thick pine forest and hidden by a carpet of plants, Termessos seems to be hidden namely by the world to keep the peaceful park area and to maintain harmony of the natural and historical treasures.

Due to the alarming increase in the number of species of plants and endangered animals that grow and live near the ruins of the old city, the city was included in Termessos National Park which stretches along the Korkuteli Antalya highway.

The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark

The Basilica of Saint Mark is the most important tourist attraction after the San Marco Market and rightly so. It is a monument of Byzantine architecture, adorned with gold and bright mosaics and enough sculptures to impress any tourist.
The basilica was built to preserve the relics of Saint Mark the Evangelist, which were stolen from Alexandria by two Italian merchants in 828 AD. After 200 years, the remains were moved to the Basilica of Saint Mark. It has became the Cathedral of Venice in 1807, after many years as a local church, under the Doge ruling in the Venetian Republic. Many popes have served as the patriarchs of the cathedral, the most recent being Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul I.

Basilica is in the form of a Byzantine cross framed as a square, each arm of the cross itself, forming a dome. The Basilica of Saint Mark is faithful to the Apostles of the Church architecture built by Justinian in Constantinople. The special place arranged for the choir is situated above a crypt. The interior plan shows several ships – three longitudinal and three transverse vessels.

Above the high altar is a canopy placed on decorated columns with bas-reliefs belonging to the eleventh century. The masterpiece that represent the altar forms Pala d’Oro, meaning the Golden wall. More specifically, its altar is a Byzantine metal-work done in 1105 in order to establish the apse facade that owns the altar . Behind the high altar is another altar, this time presenting as individual items, alabaster columns.

Inside, the basilica walls were covered with mosaics, forming a mixture of Byzantine and Gothic styles, while the floor features a syncretism of the twelfth century, featuring pieces of marble in geometric and animal Mitov.

The mosaics are made from pieces of gold, bronze and a variety of stones. Narthex mosaics depict scenes from the Old Testament, with beautiful series that shows the days of creation in the right dome of the basilica.

Step by step, the brick exterior came to be covered with various marbles and sculpture, some of them even older than the building itself (such as statues of the four tetrarch). A new facade was built, and the domes were covered with other domes and even larger, made of wood, in order to align the basilica to the Gothic architecture style of the Doge’s Palace, which had been reconfigured.

The construction of the Gothic Cathedral in Cologne began in 1248, but was only completed in 1880. It was built several centuries and is also a symbol of the European power of Christianity. On the UNESCO list, the cathedral was registered in 1996.

Included on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage, is one of the most beautiful historic monuments in Germany, one of the largest cathedrals in the world and a perfect architectural expression of German architecture. Between 1880 – 1884 was also the world’s tallest building until the construction of the Washington Monument and the Eiffel Tower was complete. Works on this cathedral began in 1248 but will take more than 600 years for everything to be ready and the building to have the appearance today. After works have been completed, in 1880, the cathedral became the center of attraction of the city and a sacred place for believers. During the Second World War the cathedral was hit by no less than 14 bombs, but miraculously resisted.

The cologne is the ancient name of the German city Cologne. Full Roman Name of the millennia-old German cities was, in its founding year, 50 AD, Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinesium. Emperor Claudius, its founder, gave this name because it was the birthplace of his wife Agripina. In the medieval period Cologne became an important economic center, because here the river Rhine is crossed by several trade routes, educationally through the university which was founded here in 1308, but also religious. Under this aspect, the prestige of the city was fully represented by the cathedral, whose construction started here since the thirteenth century, namely in 1248. For 600 years, with periods of work interruption or enthusiast, was built the largest cathedral in Germany.

On 15 August 1248 Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden laid the foundation stone of the cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Apostle Peter, who came to be known, especially as the Cologne Cathedral. Its construction was important to keep in a single jewel in the Christian world, given by Emperor Frederick Barbarosa Archbishop Rainald of Dasel in 1164, namely the remains of the Three Wise Men who worshiped Christ in Bethlehem and brought them as offerings, gold , myrrh and frankincense. Although construction started initially with fervor, it entered then into a process of stagnation, being resumed and completed in stages after the enthusiast resumption of works, in 1880. The completion was celebrated in Germany as a national event. Its size says everythings: 144 meters length, 86 width and the main towers heigth of 157 meters. Upon completion of the works was the tallest building in the world, but it has lost its quality in 1884, after the construction of the Washington Monument. However, it still remains the tallest Gothic structure in the world.

The Magritte Museum, situated in central Brussels, has attracted more than half a million visitors in 2009, when it was opened. The museum, dedicated to Magritte Belgian surrealist artist’s work, was opened on 2nd of June 2009, since when has been visited by 535,000 people. Most visitors who come to admire the collection of this museum unique in the world, come from other countries, abroad. During the first months after opening, the interest was so great that the art lovers have had to reserve tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the entrance to the museum.

Even now, many visitors make advance reservations via the internet.
The museum works closely with the Menil Foundation in Houston, Texas. Cooperation with American colleagues made possible borrowing artworks from the Menhil collection of Magritte Museum. “Listening Room” and “Telescope” are currently checked out for twelve months. Also, by the end of the year, from Texas will come the work of Margritte, the “Secret Player” which will be admired for five months.

The Magritte Museum is located on Koningsplein, just opposite the Royal Palace. From Brussels Central Station you have to go on foot for five minutes.

Schedule:
From Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM.
Wednesday, open till late at night, 8.00 PM.

Located in northwestern Switzerland and crossed by the Rhine River, the Basel city boasts with one of the most visited cathedrals in Switzerland, Munster, built in early 1000 and rebuilt after the devastating earthquake in 1356.
Munster Cathedral is an easily recognizable building, with an impressive tower, the tallest in Switzerland. The works started in 1421, but were interrupted at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The cathedral was completed in 1893, when the tower was added. The interior is solid, carefully constructed with impressive decorations.
Here lies buried the humanist writer and thinker Erasmus but also a low relief depicting the martyrdom of St. Vincent.
Lovers of history who came to Bern certainly will not miss a chance of a visit to Munster, an easy recognizable building, with an impressive tower, actually the tallest in Switzerland. It is one of the most beautiful worship places in Europe, visited every year by countless tourists and believers who come from all over the country.
Unfortunately during the Reform, most of the interior decorations and religious objects were destroyed in the original impetus of anti-Catholic, being kept only the sculptures that adorn the entrance, choir stalls and some of the beautiful stained glass.
In the city of Basel foray it is recommend to not miss this symbol of the city, Münster Cathedral, built of red brick in the late Gothic style.

Albert Cuyp Market is situated on the street of Albert Cuyp and it is also one of the most chaotic and popular squares in the city of Amsterdam. It has become a great and well known tourist destination and therefore is full of tourists. This market in the city is perfect for shopping, but only when it is about visiting them. Market will continue to be one of the main destinations in Amsterdam city.

Square was named after a painter from the seventeenth century and is located in Amsterdam called De Pijp area. Market itself has at least the time that was founded by painter and salesman who located here to stalls selling all sorts of goods. It was only legalized in 1905 officials in the existing market place. Market was open only on Saturday evening. After several years because the market was still increased popularity, the market started to be open six days a week.

Due to congestion of pedestrian traffic car market is closed for as long as it is opened. In addition to being one of the most interesting sights of the city, Albert Cuyp market and is designed to provide local fresh fruits and vegetables and other goods nature. By some estimates Albert Cuyp market is the market crowded around Holland and probably one of the largest markets in Europe. Albert Cuyp Market is not just a tourist attraction but is also a place where tourists can find quality products at affordable prices. Sometimes even here can be bought and electronic products. Market is very popular among inhabitants of Amsterdam and from other cultures and civilizations such as Surinam, Antilles, Turkey or Morocco.

Prado Museum in Madrid is something different.If we think that anywhere in the world there is no museum to be the main attraction, in Madrid tourists who think art galleries are a secondary attraction, gives a particular interest and even priority to the museum.

Prado Museum is located in a building built during the reign of Charles III, part of an urbanization plan, wanting to do from Madrid a monumental city. This meadow has named the entire area (Paseo del Prado), then even to the museum itself, after nationalization. Work on the building have been suspended after the reign of Charles III, during the Spanish war of independence being only initiated again during the reign of his grandson.

Graceful building, a neoclassical style, but not spectacular, which is allocated in the Prado or the National Museum of Painting, has its origins in the late seventeenth century, during the reign of Charles IV, when was established as a natural museum of history.Ferdinand changed its seventh century, from science to art, was inaugurated in 1819 as Real Museo, with a core of 300 paintings from the royal collection, which has grown in quantity in time.But not only the quantity but also the quality represents “Prado”.

It was founded as a museum full of paintings and sculptures as well, and containing an important collection of more than five thousand drawings, 2 thousands prints and almost 2 thousands decorative objects and art works. The Prado Museum had the largest collections of works by Spain’s Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya.
The museum hasa lot of excellent collections which are signed by El Greco, Raphael, Titian, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Botticelli, Rembrandt, etc.

St. Nicholas Church

The most significant baroque building in Prague, St. Nicholas Church is located in Mala Strana (district Baroque) between Prague Castle and the Vltava river. Dome’s massive castle dominates the surrounding area, causing the church to be visible from anywhere in town.

Another reason for that is known is that Mozart gave piano recitals here, and his works are still played regularly.

Mala Strana

Mala Strana, or District Breakfast is the essence of Baroque in Prague. In this area there are real architectural values of the city: from St. Nicholas mentioned above, the grand palace and its gardens Valdsejnsky with Panna Maria church, all worth exploring.

Mala Strana is also the place where it crosses the railway tracks leading to Petrin Hill. With the castle in the background and the city stretching to the east, the view from here is always spectacular.

Tivoli Gardens is one of the most well known park in Denmark. It’s tradition is a rich one and it started way back by Georg Carstensen. He is the person known to have got a five year charter from King Christian VIII while explaining that unless people had something to amuse themselves, they would think about politics. At its beginning, Tivoli had a few cafe’s, flower gardens, and mechanical rides. However, lately everything has changed surrounding. Tivoli found out that it must abandon its charm and opt for a better theme park style.

Today Tivoli Gardens is known as a popular amusement park for both locals and visitors from around the world. This park is famous Rutsjebanen or Bjerg Banen, which translated means Mountain Track and which are actually roller coaster It was built in 1914 in Sweden and is one of the oldest wood to be used today.

Other destinations you may reach at Tivoli is the Daemonen which features a Immelmann loop and a Zero-G roll. It gives you a very fast ride that will leave you with no words. A lot of people don’t know that Tivoli Gardens hosted Jamie Cullen as part of the Copenhagen Jazz week. During summer, the park also hosts many events such as Fredagsrock where some musical acts including the Smashing Pumpkins or the Pet Shop Boys.

If you are considering taking your family on holiday in France, then there are many wonderful areas for you to consider.

A lot of people like to travel to Brittany, where the climate is not so different from ours here in the United Kingdom, although they tend to enjoy temperatures a few degrees warmer than us throughout the year, it is an immensely beautiful part of France, and you will find the local food to be wonderful too. With more Creperies than you can shake a stick at and a tradition of cooking beautiful sea food, it is a great place to go for food lovers.

A lot of people like to head to the South of France to enjoy the temperate climate, and enjoy a bit of the razmatazz that Nice and Cannes have to offer. Prices will be somewhat more expensive down in this part of the country, but it makes up for it in many different ways. Great food, fabulous shopping and warm seas make this a perfect location for a family holiday, and there are lots of wonderful places to stay. Staying at a camp site is often a good way to save money on a holiday like this, and Keycamp holidays in France come particularly highly recommended. Keycamp sites tend to be very well located for local amenities, and there is always so much for kids to do on their sites. They will be an ideal base for anyone wishing to explore this incredible country.