Known as the “Venice of the North”, Bruges is a medieval paradise replete with sweeping canals, quaint cobblestones alleyways, unrivalled Gothic architecture and an utterly enchanting atmosphere.
The Basilica Santa Croce is one of the most important architectural and historical masterpieces of Florentine art you’ll find in the magnificent Renaissance city of Florence. Its iconic structure overpowers the square and seems to beckon visitors to come inside. Whereas some people are disappointed in visiting the interiors of the Duomo, this church is thoroughly fantastical, inside and out! I’ve attached at the bottom of this post a handy google map of all the different spots on this tour for easy-to-follow directions!
One of the best ways to get you into this spooky season is a walk around a local cemetery. Cemeteries are often viewed as sombre places to avoid, nothing that a happy traveller would seek out on their next exciting adventure. While they are places of reflection and respect, the dead have a lot to say about the living. Since the dawn of time, the way in which we house, dispose and care for our dead reflects the kind of society, culture and people that lived during that specific time period. While not all of us may love art, or food or sports, what we all have in common is that we will all die. Cemeteries are a place where people or all kinds can come together, for eternity.
This is my highlights tour to see the most important aspects of the La Sagrada Familia. It’s perfect for those who just want a short introduction to the church or who are on a time crunch!
La Sagrada Familia is THE MOST important sight to see when visiting Barcelona. Its history, design and the feeling you get upon stepping inside in unparalleled. The church feels like a summation of what Barcelona is all about and understanding it before visiting or while you tour it is so essential to better enjoying this fantastic monument.
Anyone who hears the word “Budapest” will most likely immediately think of their iconic Parliament Building. The Hungarian Parliament Building is one of the most recognisable images of Hungary and a symbol of the country’s talented artists who helped achieve this vision of architectural magnificence. Standing on the banks of the Danube, it flanks the city and greets visitors floating down the river with its bright white columns and staggering silhouette.
Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is a medieval paradise replete with sweeping canals, quaint cobblestones alleyways, unique Gothic architecture and an utterly enchanting atmosphere. Bruges is truly one of my favourite cities to visit. It feels like you could walk endless along the streets and continuously find new discoveries. It’s a fairy-tale like village and I think far too many people just breeze through it on a day-trip from Brussels. I think to truly experience the city at it’s best you need to spend the night and dedicate a good 48 hours to explore every nook and cranny of the city.
The Grand Canal or Canalazzo is the heart of Venice. Ever since the founding days of the Venetian empire, this canal served as the major thoroughfare for the Venetian people. The most important historical palaces and famous Venetian buildings wrap around the edges of the canal. Once upon a time, the Grand Canal was the like the Rodeo Drive for Venetian aristocrats. The who’s who of Europe could be seen relaxing in gondolas, wearing the newest and most extravagant fashions, cruising up and down the river.
The Byzantine Galleries focus on designers who were influenced by Sacred Spaces; the interior of Cathedrals and churches, and who brought elements from those spaces into the garments. The dresses are paired with fragments of floor mosaics from the 5th century as well as pieces of Byzantine jewellery and silverware. The mannequins each stand high aloft of tall plinths. The dresses are still clearly visible and yet are somewhat separated from the historical art along the walls.
St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most astonishing churches in the world, and as such is filled with some of the most incredible pieces of art from across Europe. The best piece of art can be seen all over the walls. The stained glass windows of St. Vitus Cathedral are some of the most transcendent works of art which blend religious history and powerful human emotion.
The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch National Museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam. But tucked away inside, is the Netherlands Research Library. When we think “Research Library”, we are often met with thoughts of boring, stark architecture and dull, grey walls as far as the eye can see. But the Rijksmuseum’s Research Library is a creation all of its own.