Emilia-Romagna is in the Northern Italy, placed between Lombardy and Tuscany and one of its boundaries is the Adriatic Sea. This Italian region is one of the most developed regions of Italy from different points of view such as economic, cultural, gastronomic and touristic. It’s in Emilia-Romagna where famous Italian brands such as Barilla, Maserati, Ferrari or Ducati have their headquarters. It’s in this region where Parmigiano is produced and wine such as San Giovese is created to enjoy every dinner. Moreover Emilia-Romagna is the region where the playful Riviera Romagnola is.

Riviera Romagnola (Rimini), Emilia-Romagna, Italy by

This coast is well known by Italian people for their weekend outdoors and as the perfect place to go if they want to have some fun. In fact here you can find many different coast cities one next to each other where the most famous are Rimini, Riccione, Bellaria-Igea Marina and Misano Adriatico. These cities offer a wide range of golden beaches, restaurants with typical dishes, events, good hotels and a lot of different options to live a wonderful holiday at every age following your passions.

Most of young people find in Riviera Romagnola the perfect place to take a holiday breakaway with sunbathing, nightlife in the most beautiful discotheques of Italy and a lot of live concerts for free in café or in public square. Sportive travelers can find the perfect place to visit the famous Imola and Misano circuits where celebrities such as Valentino Rossi trained and raced with their motorbikes. If they are not keen on motors they can benefit of wonderful bike itineraries to discover the green and characteristic backcountry and take the best photographs of Italy. Families can find in Riviera Romagnola a lot of services also on the beach to make the kids have fun in a safe place and parents have some relaxing hours in wellness centers or at the seaside.

Oltremare in Riccione (theme park and dolphins arena), Italy by ItaliaABC

On the other side all the Italian food lovers can taste the best of Italian dishes such as Piadina, tortellini, lasagna and tagliatelle made by traditional Sfogline (women who prepare pasta in the most traditional and Emilian way). Never forget that great Italian chef started their career here in Romagna to learn how to do great pasta just from flour and water.

Plan your holiday in Riviera Romagnola it’s also really convenient: this region is well known by Italians for the great hospitality that people have and all the hotels have a certain look and feel that makes you always feel like you’re in a top venue but paying a smart price. For this reason, if you plan your vacation in Riviera you can also screen some three stars hotels because most of them have a good mix of services for all the family, a private access to the beach and a staff that can speak English, French and German without problem and make you feel like you’re home. People here also have the tradition to make you discover the best corners of their cities and the history of it helping you to plan a daily itinerary based on your needs and hobbies.

Talking about the cost of fun you will also discover that Riviera Romagnola is cheaper than other Italian cities because here the cultural nightlife is something that hosts sometimes include in holiday packages or take in consideration seriously. In fact in July all the Riviera Romagnola cities every year organize a big event called Notte Rosa (Pink night) that take place simultaneously on a weekend. It’s a big party where all the “guests” wear a pink accessory to be part of it and celebrate all night long attending free concerts in every corner of the cities and have fun in all the shops, café of the coast and watching fireworks.

Beach games Bellaria-Igea Marina by Albino Di Lieto

In wintertime Riviera Romagnola is particularly warm and can offer a lot of good places to taste great Italian food, museum to visit and many other activities to play sport or have a cultural trip.

If you take a trip to Riviera Romagnola or Emilia-Romagna you will come back with great memories and the feeling you discovered an old friend you can’t wait to see again.

Bio
Valentina is an Italian weekend traveler who enjoys low cost trip all around Europe and take street photography of unique places. Recently she traveled to London in UK and Igea Marina in Italy.

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A tiny island off the coast of Sicily, Favignana is the largest one of Aegadian Islands, which also include Marettimo and Levanzo. Whilst Favignana was once prominently involved with tuna fishing and packing, it is now focussed on tourism. But you won’t find scores of people flocking to the white sand beaches with cool boxes in hand, like some other European holiday destinations; the island is relatively untouched by the cruel hands of mass tourism and remains a safe haven for those looking for some peace and quiet.

Cala Rossa, Favignana, Italy by rivaalessandro

Places to Stay

There are a variety of different hotels to stay in around the island and you can be sure a beautiful view of the azure sea is never far away. My two favourites are the Hotel Tempo di Mare and the Hotel Cave Bianche.

The Hotel Tempo di Mare is a four star, stunning white-walled hotel whose entranceway beautifully frames the crystalline waters. It is not a huge hotel and has around 45 rooms, each designed in a simple but chic way with white linens and hints of pale blue. There is a restaurant within the hotel which serves delicious Italian and Sicilian fusion food, using the mouth-wateringly plentiful frutti-di-mare.

The Cave Bianche is a little further away from the island’s main city, only around a 10-15 minute drive, and is set in an old mining quarry. This is a striking hotel unlike anything else in the world; submerged within a quarry with huge vaulted ceilings and characteristic pale sandstone walls. There is also a large pool and Jacuzzi’s not to mention plenty of sunbeds, so you can take advantage of the warming Mediterranean sun.

All in all both hotels are stunning and a real design feat, certainly eons better than what you would find on the Costa del Sol!

Church in Favignana, Sicily, Italy by giovanni.gambaro

Beaches

There are a number of beaches scattered throughout the island, the best has to be the gorgeous Lido Burrone and Cala Azzurra. Both of these beaches are around the south of the island and easily accessible by car or moped. The real thing that makes them special is the fact that the sea is so clear, and the sea beds are covered with luminous white sand stretching out from the coastline. This makes it easy to see all of the amazing sea-life around the area, including octopi, moray eels, crabs and jellyfish, although the majority of these will be found in deeper waters so you don’t have to worry about getting stung!

Sunset at Favignana, Sicily, Italy by payhere

How to get there?

I am from London and so one way I found to get there was flying from Heathrow to Palermo in Sicily which is only a short flight, then hire a car from Palermo to Trapani and then hop on a hydrofoil for around 20 minutes to then get to Favignana’s main port. If all this may seem a little too much, why not try a cruise and stay Caribbean cruise? They are run regularly by many operators and stop right alongside Sicily making it much easier for you to get to Favignana.

However you find it, Favignana is a real hidden gem, so why not discover it now before everybody else does?

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Gran Sasso, Abruzzo, Italy by Antonio Castagna

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced walker, you will find the right track for you. The terrain of the Apennines is diverse and there are hundreds of hiking trails of all levels of difficulty to choose from, ranging from walks in sandy pine groves on the shore through rustic farmland plains and shadowy forest lanes to paths winding high in the alpine meadows and rough rugged paths leading to steep rocky peaks 3000 metres above the sea.

Abruzzo is home to three National Parks and over thirty nature reserves protecting more than a third of its area, making it the greenest region of Europe. You will find striking, awe-inspiring sceneries in any place you visit. The trails to the stunning Zompo Lo Schioppo and Morricana waterfalls offer fascinating views as a reward for completing the hike. Maiella’s deep canyons, narrow gorges and vast karstic plains are great for a bit more adventurous tours around their extraordinary landscape forms. Grassy highlands with ancient dry stone huts, wooded slopes with castles and ruins to discover on hilltops and wildflower-scented alpine meadows where you may run into a grazing herd of chamois blending into deep forests where Apennine wolves and Marsican bears roam are other wondrous features of Abruzzo. Its mountain lakes – Scanno, Vivo, Campotosto and Bomba – are also delightful destinations for pleasant walks in the heart of nature. But above all, you must not miss the opportunity to trek in the pastoral landscapes of the Little Tibet of Europe – the vast Campo Imperatore plateau that resembles the Asian steppe.

Campo Imperatore, Abruzzo, Italy by Stefano Maule

The 2900 metres high peaks of Corno Grande, the highest mountain of Gran Sasso, are accessible even to unexperienced mountaineers and offer spectacular views and breathtaking panoramas of the whole region. But if you’d like to train in nature trekking before setting out on your first hike, you have four nature trekking schools and mid-mountain guides in L’Aquila, Spoltore, Villeta Barrea and Caramanico to choose from! Abruzzo is now easily reached by road, rail or air from most parts of Italy and Europe.

For more information on Abruzzo visit the official Tourist Information website www.visitabruzzo.co.uk.

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Visit the city of Alghero

The historic city of Alghero is a must-see on any trip to Sardinia. It has a picturesque old town, brilliant fresh seafood restaurants and plenty of places to sit with a cold drink watching the sun go down. The town is not heavily reliant on tourism, meaning that it’s a great place to experience true Sardinian culture, though it does get busy during the summer months. A gently shelving sandy beach stretches the length of the bay, making it a great choice for those travelling with young family.

A family holiday in Torre del Porticciolo near Alghero, Sardinia, Italy by Dave Haygarth

Explore the coastline in a kayak

If you’d like to explore Sardinia’s beautiful coastline, hiring a kayak for the day is the best idea. This will give you the opportunity to paddle to the secluded beaches, as well as view the caves and sealife along the coast. Be sure to check out the idyllic Cala Luna, the setting of Madonna’s film Swept Away, which can only be accessed by boat. Kayaks are available for hire on the promenade in Cala Gonone.

Enjoy Laguna di Nora’s turtle sanctuary

Located on the south coast of Sardinia, the Laguna di Nora turtle sanctuary makes a great day out for the whole family. As well as the rescued sea turtles and aquarium, there are fascinating Roman ruins and a beautiful beach nearby.

Spend a day at Il Lazzaretto beach

There are many wonderful beaches in Sardinia, but the Il Lazzaretto beach is a favourite even amongst the locals. Located in the Porto Conte regional park, it is sheltered by a headland on which stands a beautiful 16th century tower. The soft white sands and crystal clear waters make it an ideal place for rest and recuperation. If you do fancy some further exploration, it’s just a short walk or drive from the prehistoric settlement of Nuraghe Palmavera.

Sample the local cuisine

We’re all familiar with the delights of Italian cuisine, and the food in Sardinia manages to encompass all of its delights whilst keeping a strong identity of its own. A Sardinian meal typically starts with antipasti, including proscuitto, cheeses, octopus, salami, olives, and marinated vegetables. The first course often comprises of sa fregula, a small round shaped pasta served in fish broth with clams, ravioli made with semolina or panadas, a round pie filled with vegetables, meat or eels. The second course will usually be a fish or meat dish. Traditional Sardinian meats are spit-roasted suckling pig, baby lamb, goat and rabbit. If you’re a bit more adventurous, you may want to try sa cordula, lamb intestines with peas plaited into a braid. Another specialty is sanguinaccio, a pig-blood sausage sweetened with currants and sugar. With such a plethora of wonderful food options available, visitors to Sardinia will never go hungry.

Pizza, Sardinia, Italy by Dave Haygarth

Conclusion

Sardinia is a beautiful island with plenty to offer travellers, so make sure you hire a car. It makes a wonderful holiday destination for those looking for a little bit of laid back luxury.

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Lago di Bolsena

Within a crater of the extinct Vulcini volcano, Lake Bolsena is just south from Tuscany in the region of Northern Lazio. The main nearby village is the old town of Bolsena on the lake’s northern banks. The town is now a resort village with the old town and castle well preserved. The historic island of Bisentina lies within the lake, and it has an old church as well as a historic prison for heretical priests and a convent. Then, a small fishing town on the lake has a castle. People currently enjoy fishing, boating and swimming at Lake Bolsena.

Lago di Bolsena, Italy by Hengist Decius

Lago di Como

Italy’s most popular lake for getaways, Lake Como is a “Y” shaped body of water of the Lake District in the Alps’ foothills. Visitors are captivated by stunning views of blue waters, charming lakeside villages with comfortable accommodations and tall mountains on the northern side of the lake near the country’s border with Switzerland. Visitors should take a boat cruise and stop at some of the smaller villages for cool treats at gellaterias. Other area activities are photography, hiking and a variety of water sports.

Photo of Menaggio, Lago di Como, Italy by Gerry Labrijn

Lago di Garda

The most visited and the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is in the country’s northern Lake District. The lovely village of Limone with its many fragrant lemon trees is on the northern side of the lake where rugged cliffs dominate the landscape. Waterfront walkways, beaches and castles from the Middle Ages are around Lake Garda. Families enjoy water sports and nearby parks like the amusement park, Gardaland.

Photo of Toscolano, Lago di Garda, Italy by Studio eLBee

Lago di Maggiore

To the west from Lake Como, Lake Maggiore is Italy’s longest lake at 65 kilometers. The far north of the lake crosses the border into Switzerland. The area has a fair to mild climate even though it is mostly surrounded by the foothills of the Alps. Visitors enjoy exploring the lake’s three islands. The widest point of this body of water is near the town of Luino.

Photo of Lago di Maggiore, Italy by Oliver Keller

Lago di Trasimeno

Close to Tuscany in Umbria, Lake Trasimeno is known as the site for a battle between Hannibal and Rome. The lake is fairly shallow and has some beaches along its shoreline. A large island is within Trasimeno Lake, famous for the lace that the people on the island produce. Historic towns dot the landscape around this body of water, and many of them have fascinating castle ruins. If you would like to visit any of these lakes you can compare lake Como holidays from inghams.co.uk and I hope to see you at the waters edge for a much deserved cocktail.

Photo of Lago di Trasimeno, Italy by Roberto Taddeo

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Asinara National Park is not your usual holiday destination, but a place worth visiting while you are in Sardegna. Known as Devil’s Island, it was used as a high security prison during the 1970s as well as during World War I. It has a large variety of habitats and is the home of the Albino Donkey.

The island of Asinara from Falcon Cape, Sardinia by enrico_sirola

Archipelago di La Maddalena National Park has 180 km of coastline and is a protected geo-marine area made up of a group of islands. It is between Sardegna and Corsica in the Bocche di Bonifacio area. A Dolphin Research Center is in the park that is interesting for both adults and children.

The Gennargentu National Park is on the east coast of Sardegna and has the beautiful Gusana Lake. The wildlife in the park includes the Sardinian Wildcat, marten, weasel, edible and garden dormouse, Sardinian Fox, the Griffon vulture and several different species of eagles and falcons. The highest mountain in Sardegna, Punta La Marmora, is also in the park.

There are 7,000 prehistoric fortresses called nuraghi around the island built by prehistoric people. Sun holidays will direct visitors to Nuraghe Losa and the Giants’ Grave in Dorgali. These huge structures were built during the Bronze Age. There are 321 large tombs made from huge, uncut slaps of rock. There was an obelisk near the entrance and each has a characteristic rectangular plan. There are three main types of tombs.

Nuraghe Losa, Sardinia, Iitaly by Jack Aubrey

About a thousand years after the nuraghi people, in 1000 BC, the Phoenicians built the city of Tharras on the northern cape of the Bay of Oristano. Today, it is an archaeological site. It was mentioned by Ptolemy and was the most importa   nt place on the island. The city was abandoned in the 10th century after being used by the Phoenicians, Punics and Romans. It is an open air museum and the most interesting structures remaining are the tophet, the bath installations and the temple foundations as well as the area where there were houses and artisan workshops.

Italy has some of the best places in Europe for enjoying a hot summer day out in the sun, with most of the budget airlines flying there now it’s a perfect destination for late bookings

James is a writer based in Soho, London who loves camping/travelling around Europe.

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Visit the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise

Although this area is not that well-known by tourists, the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise or the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise offers some amazing scenery indeed. Mainly composed of mountain ranges in the 900 meter to 2200 meter range above sea level, the park definitely offers a varied landscape for road trippers. For instance, you can readily witness both steep alpine mountain cliffs and rounded peaks in this park. Moreover, there are water bodies that include two fair-sized lake basins and the Sangro River here as well. Along the road, you can expect to also see cows grazing and picturesque small towns that are unspoiled by tourists. Remember to drive until you get to a town called Vasto where you can then get the opportunity to see the beautiful Trabocchi coast firsthand.

Abruzzo National Park, Italy by Marco Tersigni

Visit the Amalfi Coast

Often declared to be most scenic coastal area in Italy, the Amalfi Coast or the Costiera Amalfitana consists of charming villages, amazing cliffs, and gorgeous vistas. Further, there are also beautiful turquoise waters, fertile-looking hills, and well-manicured gardens. In fact, UNESCO declared this area to be “an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values.” Moreover, since plenty of the towns in this area such as Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano have inspired artists for over the past 500 years, the area must be a beautiful one indeed.

Amalfi Coast, Italy by Pietro Crincoli

Visit the Tuscany Area

Without a doubt an extremely popular area for tourists, this well-known area is located on the west coast of Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea. While the country-side and world famous villas are indeed beautiful, the stops along the way to view art from the Renaissance period are another reason to travel to this area. Moreover, the area is also an excellent one for foodies as excellent Tuscan food and wines can be readily found here. Of course, if you are looking to unwind and spend some time in the sun, the Viareggio beach is also an excellent place to visit.

Rowing into the sunset towards Ponti Santa Trinita in Florence by Chris Wee

To conclude, Italy definitely is a great place to discover via a car road trip. From the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise to the Almalfi Coast, to Tuscany, Italy offers plenty of diversity for you as well.

John is the author of several used car rental sales blogs like Hertz rental sales and also enjoys writing about travel and vacations.

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Beach in Sicily, Italy / photo by admin

1. Ostia

Ostia is about thirty minutes from Rome by train, and is one of the most popular summer day trips for Roman citizens. Three miles of golden sand is bordered by the Paolo Toscanelli boulevard; a great place for you to stroll down, popping into the cafes and restaurants for bite to eat. The beautiful beach is divided up into public and private areas- you can access the private for a fee; these beaches are usually less crowded with better facilities. If you’re tired of the sun, check out the Roman ruins or the historic port of Ostia Antica.

2. Nettuno

Slightly further from Rome is the bay of Nettuno. Easily accessible on foot, the sea esplanade leads to modern Nettuno; whereas the older ‘Il Borgo’ part is located near the town centre. Il Borgo contains some of the Amalfi coast’s best restaurants, with a beautiful view over the port area. Live music and other activities take place over the summer on the esplanade and the marina. The best small beach is the Spiaggia le Sirene.

3. Santa Marinella

It’s just a quick train ride from the Rome Termini station, (only 45 minutes) to this picturesque beach commune. The clean Mediterranean sand and crystal waters attract many locals, so this isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for privacy and seclusion! Adding to the allure, one of Italy’s most famous seafood restaurants – L’Acqua Marina – is located only ten minutes away.

4. Sperlonga

When you need a break from the history, consider Sperlonga. Although it’s two and a half hours from Rome, the journey is definitely worth it when you see the stunning pale sandy crescent and open ocean view. The beach is well-developed, with all facilities within easy reach; and the local eateries serve everything from fish and chips to authentic Italian cuisine. Some places will even deliver food direct to your beach towel!

5. Santa Severa

With the officially-recognized cleanest waters around Rome, this beach is easy to get to from Rome by bus or train. In addition to the pristine sand, there’s a nature reserve located on a nearby headland; as well as a naturally formed cave system once used as a hiding place by slaves.

Whether you’re renting one of the Rome apartments or staying in an Amalfi coastline villa; visiting a local beach is the perfect way to finish off your summer vacation. Make sure you leave early to grab that prime spot on the sand!

Next time you are heading over to Europe, why not rent one of the apartments in Rome from Worldwide Accom.There are many within the city centre, close to the metro stops as well, meaning you can easily hop on the metro to all the attractions or even to the beach.

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Photo by Elliott Brown

Camping at Lake Garda

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Lake Garda is to camp on the lake. There are numerous campsites such as those offered by Eurocamp and Keycamp, which are situated right on the edge of the lake. You can simply step out of your tent and head to the beach for a swim whilst camping at Lake Garda. Here are a few of some the best campsites near Lake Garda.

On the Lake: Fontanelle is a peaceful campsite that is set on the shores of the lake and is also close to some of the area’s main attractions. The facility is well-maintained and offers a swimming pool; fishing and a children’s play area.

Family-Friendly: While not situated directly on the lake, Altomincio Family Park is still close enough for travellers to easily visit the lake. This park is a popular choice amongst families with swimming pools, waterslides, boat trips, twelve playgrounds and a cinema.

Luxury Camping: SelectCamp Camping Weekend is a lovely campsite for both children and adults. The site offers something extra for those who like to camp in comfort. The luxurious lodge tents are spacious, and fully equipped with showers and toilets. On-site amenities include a laundry, swimming pool, children’s pool, Internet café, two playgrounds, satellite TV and a pizzeria.

Gardaland – Italy’s number one amusement park / Spencer Wright

Things to Do at Lake Garda

The large lake offers plenty of activities for those who are adventurous. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you can spend your time at Lake Garda exploring the beaches, windsurfing, hiking, canoeing and horseback riding. If you want a more peaceful holiday, you can spend time taking in the scenery as you stroll along the beach, or you can explore the vineyards and nearby villages.

Nearby Attractions

Some of Italy’s best attractions are located near Lake Garda. Both adults and children will enjoy visiting Gardaland, which is Italy’s number one amusement park. There are plenty of rides and various shows offered throughout the year that are perfect for entertaining children of all ages. Aqua Paradise Park is another popular attraction with families. This water park offers an exciting day in a tropical setting, with waterslides, an erupting volcano and an entire fishing village. While there are plenty of lively attractions close to Lake Garda, there are also quaint villages for exploration and cosy restaurant for dining. Don’t forget to stop at one of the local restaurants for a slice of pizza, cappuccino or ice cream sundae.

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Mediterranean Sea / Photo by admin

Spain

Since its days as a Roman outpost, Spain was a Moorish settlement before evolving into the contemporary European country it is today. Its historic sites celebrate the full breadth of its heritage, but none captures its Moorish past more than the breathtaking, Andalucia. On the left bank of the River Darro and occupying a strategic hilltop overlooking the city of Granada, this breathtaking palace and fortress complex was constructed during the mid 14th century by the Berber rulers of the Emirate of Granada. The Moorish architecture, shady courtyards and beautiful gardens, with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains have visitors from around the world flocking there on a daily basis. The areas open to the public are the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Mosque baths and the Generalife gardens. Since entrance is strictly controlled, visitors should purchase tickets in advance, to avoid disappointment. To arrive in Granada and not be able to visit the Alhambra, would be a tragedy.

France

Languedoc Roussillon in southern France has one of the most well preserved Roman aqueducts in existence. The 1st century Pont du Gard is just part of an extensive water system designed to carry water from the River Eure to Nimes, some 30 miles away. The half mile long and 165 feet high tri-level aqueduct was originally constructed without the use of mortar, and its stones are held together with iron clamps. The stones, some of which weigh more than six tons, were hoisted into place by a human-powered treadmill block and tackle winch. The aqueduct was restored during the 18th century, and visitors today can now walk across it.

Italy

Known as the “Eternal city,” no visit to Italy is complete without a visit to Rome, which abounds with historical sites, Roman architecture and masterpieces of art, spanning the different historical layers which have built this amazing city through the centuries, from the remains of the Roman empire, through the Medieval and Renaissance periods to the modern day site of 21st century architectural statements. The city’s quintessential spectacle has to be the, commissioned by Vespasian in 72 A.D. and inaugurated by Titus in 80 A.D. Elliptical in shape, its 76 entrances allowed 50,000 spectators to enter and watch gladiatorial battles. Built from brick and concrete, and faced with travertine and marble, the amphitheatre boasts three levels of arcades in Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles. The Coliseum deteriorated into little more than ruins, until 1750 when it was saved by Pope Benedict XIV, who declared “this is a holy place, where Christian martyrs’ blood was shed..”

Greece

Athens may be a modern day nightmare when it comes to traffic and getting around, but this should not deter visitors from seeking out the Acropolis, atop of which sits the Parthenon, commonly known as the Temple of Athena. Constructed between 447-432 BCE, the Doric temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, also known as Parthenos (virgin) and housed a monumental statue of her which was made from gold and ivory by Pheidias. Mathematicians will be interested to learn that with eight columns at the front and seventeen columns at the flank, the temple conforms to the ratio of 9:4, which its builders used to govern the vertical and horizontal proportions of not only the temple structure, but many other proportions within it, such as the height of the columns and the space between them.

Israel

History and archaeology lovers, as well as pilgrims from around the world have plenty of sites to visit in Israel. One of the most visited is the fortress of Massada, built in 30 BCE by King Herod. It sits on top of a steep mountain overlooking the desert to the west and the Dead Sea and Jordan to the east. At the start of the revolt against Rome in 68 BCE, Massada was conquered by a group of Jewish zealots and was to become their final stronghold, before the Romans besieged the fortress, having constructed an earthen rampart on the western side of the mountain. Built on three rock terraces, the most impressive structures still standing are Herod’s northern palace, a large bath house with a mosaic floor and walls decorated with murals.

Egypt

The oldest and only of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to remain largely intact, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. Built as a tomb for fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu, over a 20-year period from around 2540 BCE, the pyramid, which originally stood 480 feet tall, and comprises more than 2.3 million stone blocks weighing two and a half tons each, remains an amazing feat of construction that still has engineers, archeologists and scholars in awe of its magnitude. Erosion has reduced the pyramid by around 30 feet in height, but it remained the tallest man-made structure for 3,800 years.

Hannah writes for medwelcome.

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