Europe Explored » 19th century https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 A Guide to Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach in Scotland | UK https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/03/a-guide-to-corrieshalloch-gorge-and-falls-of-measach-in-scotland-uk/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/06/03/a-guide-to-corrieshalloch-gorge-and-falls-of-measach-in-scotland-uk/#comments Sun, 03 Jun 2012 19:18:35 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=8205 The Scottish Highlands are well known for their incredible scenic beauty and varied landscapes. While there are a few small cities and larger towns throughout the area, the majority of the land is rural and devoted to agriculture or national preservation. One of the most amazing attractions in the area is the Corrieshalloch Gorge and […]

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The Scottish Highlands are well known for their incredible scenic beauty and varied landscapes. While there are a few small cities and larger towns throughout the area, the majority of the land is rural and devoted to agriculture or national preservation.

One of the most amazing attractions in the area is the Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach in Scotland. The waterfall drops more than 150 feet into the gorge and an incredible bridge spans it all. There are viewing platforms to better see the remarkable waters and it is a popular spot in the area.

If you are planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands and in particular the area around Ullapool, be sure to include the Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach during your trip. This guide will provide information on the site, nearby accommodation options and other exciting attractions in the region.

Corrieshalloch Gorge Waterfall, Scotland, UK
A view of the magnificient, Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls / Wojsyl

Travelling In and Around the Destination

Travellers who plan to come to Scotland to see the Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach should plan to travel first to the small village of Ullapool. Ullapool is just ten miles from the gorge and is a beautiful destination in the Scottish Highlands. Most travellers will arrive by car to the area which is recommended as this area of the United Kingdom is quite spread out. If you plan to rely on public transportation, however, your best choice is to take the regional bus from Inverness. The journey will cost just £12 each way and the trip is made at least once each day.

History of Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls

While it is unclear when the falls were first discovered by humans in Scotland, it has been proven that people were writing about the incredible scenic attraction as early as the 17th century. It wasn’t until the middle of the 19th century, however, until the architect John Fowler built the first suspension bridge for viewing the falls and for crossing the Droma River that the attraction was visited by the masses. Today that same bridge that crosses over the gorge and is an impressive structure.

Visitor’s Information

The Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach is a completely unmanned attraction. There is no staff onsite regularly which means visitors should take personal responsibility when touring the area and pay close attention to all signs. The area is open daily throughout the year, but it is recommended that you only visit during daylight hours. The falls will be most impressive after heavy rains, and they are best avoided during a drought. Admission is just £1 per person to be left in an honesty box on site.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors to the Scottish Highlands will have no shortage of attractions to visit after touring the Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach. In nearby Ullapool some of the most popular attractions include the Ullapool Museum as well as taking a boat tour in warmer weather. Attractions throughout the area include the impressive Eilean Donan Castle and hikes on famous paths like the Speyside Way and the West Highland Way.

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland, UK
Eilean Donan Castle fairly near to Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach / lenivor…

Accommodation Options in the Area

If you are looking for accommodation options as close as possible to the Corrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach, your best options are the small inns and guesthouses in the village of Ullapool. There are also several pubs and inns that accept overnight guests throughout the Cairngorms National Park. For something more private, you might enjoy the Scottish apartments in the city of Inverness. Rental apartments give visitors a way to truly see the city from a local perspective. With a private kitchen, this kind of accommodation can often be cheaper than staying in a hotel.


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Arcos de la Frontera – white Andalusian village | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2012/03/26/arcos-de-la-frontera-white-andalusian-village-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/03/26/arcos-de-la-frontera-white-andalusian-village-spain/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:33:13 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6493 Arcos de la Frontera is white Andalusian village worth spending at least one afternoon. Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Iain and Sarah The Romans called it Arx-Arcis (high fortress), the Arabs renamed it to Medina-Arkos. And it was just Arab civilization that created an unmistakable appearance of the village. At this time […]

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Arcos de la Frontera is white Andalusian village worth spending at least one afternoon.

Arcos de la Frontera, Andalusia, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Iain and Sarah

The Romans called it Arx-Arcis (high fortress), the Arabs renamed it to Medina-Arkos. And it was just Arab civilization that created an unmistakable appearance of the village. At this time Arcos became very important and prosperous town. In the 19th century there were a number of policy changes. Arcos was also a home to José I Bonaparte for some time. Today the village is a very important breeding cattle and agricultural centre. It has a strong aroma of olive trees, orange trees and fruit orchards.

The historic center of Arcos is really rich in monuments. One of the most important ones is Basilica de Santa María de la Asunción which is the oldest in Arcos. It was built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries on the ruins of Arab mosque. A visit will costs you €1.50.

Another interesting sight is Torre de Santa Maria. This tower offers a really wonderful view of the city and its surroundings. It is a place where you can find the ancient bells of the 15th century, which are valued as the most beautiful in Andalucia. The tower is opened every day from 10:30 to 18:30.

The village has also the castle Castillo de Arcos that served as the fortress during the Arab period, although its appearance looks more like it was from the 15th century.


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Bouzov castle – one of the most popular and visited monuments in the Czech Republic https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/20/bouzov-castle-one-of-the-most-popular-and-visited-monuments-in-the-czech-republic/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/20/bouzov-castle-one-of-the-most-popular-and-visited-monuments-in-the-czech-republic/#comments Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:11:10 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6278 The present appearance of Bouzov castle dates back to its massive Neo-gothic reconstruction during the late 19th and early 20th century. But the first written mention of the castle comes from 1317, when it was owned by aristocratic Bůz of Bludovec family. This medieval castle often changed owners and its appearance. Margrave Jošt built the […]

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The present appearance of Bouzov castle dates back to its massive Neo-gothic reconstruction during the late 19th and early 20th century. But the first written mention of the castle comes from 1317, when it was owned by aristocratic Bůz of Bludovec family. This medieval castle often changed owners and its appearance. Margrave Jošt built the walls and bailey wall and subsequent owners – the Lords of Kunštát, just improved this defence system.

Bouzov castle, Czech Republic

Bouzov castle is also possible birthplace of the Czech King Jiří z Poděbrad (George of Poděbrady), whose family – the lords of Kunštát – owned this castle from 1396 until the end of the 15th century. At the end of the 16th century almost the whole castle was destroyed by fire. The owners of the castle had not fully reconstructed it, but they tried to sell it. But there was nobody who would like to buy such a “ruin” so they forced Grand Master of the Order of the Teutonic Knights to buy it. In the 19th century the castle was rebuilt by a young Grand Master archduke Eugen of Austria in the style of German Neo-gothic. For the reconstruction was responsible Viennese architect Georg Hauberisser who designed the castle as a symbol of medieval traditions and the Teutonic Knights.

He built a new two-storey palace, demolished and restored the old high cylindrical tower. A magnificent furniture, including chairs, beds, tables and even a ceiling, was moved here from various castles. There were built the moat, walls with battlements, drawbridges and great medieval gates. At the same time was also equipped with very modern features, as it had functional bathroom, practical kitchen and phone. However until today it is not electrified.

Bouzov castle is now considered one of the most popular and most visited monuments in the Czech Republic. The castle was a place of several fairy tales, including Arabela, Fantaghirò, and Before the Fall, so if you want to get to the fairy tale for a while, do not wait and come!

The castle is opened from April to October during weekends and holidays only but daily from May to September and the basic admission is around €8. For further information visit official site of the castle (in Czech only).


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Haapsalu – seaside spa resort in Estonia https://europeexplored.com/2012/01/19/haapsalu-seaside-spa-resort-in-estonia/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/01/19/haapsalu-seaside-spa-resort-in-estonia/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:34:12 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6048 Haapsalu is a spa town located at the Gulf of Haapsalu, on the western part of Estonia. The city was founded in the 13th century and soon became the seat of the bishop. At this time, there was built the most important monument of Haapsalu – Bishop’s Castle. This Gothic complex dates from the 13th […]

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Haapsalu is a spa town located at the Gulf of Haapsalu, on the western part of Estonia. The city was founded in the 13th century and soon became the seat of the bishop. At this time, there was built the most important monument of Haapsalu – Bishop’s Castle. This Gothic complex dates from the 13th century and its best preserved part is the guard tower, which houses the museum, and the castle chapel. The castle is connected with a legend about White Lady.

Haapsalu, Estonia
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Triin Olvet

But the city is mainly a seaside location, so the most tourists come here due to a well-known local beaches and promenades, such as beach Paralepa. However once you come to Haapsalu, you should not miss the local mud baths. The tradition of spas in the city dates back to the early 19th century, when a doctor took a habit of local inhabitants to treat rheumatic problems with mud baths. At this time a new sanatorium grew up here and shortly Haapsalu became a favorite destination of the Russian elite. Most of the spa buildings are situated near the Great Mall.

Haapsalu has 11,600 residents and is located 100km from the capital city of Tallinn. The city is also prepared for the lovers of technical monuments – in the local railway station you can find a railway museum and exhibition of historical vehicles. If you wish to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the seaside spa resort, Haapsalu is the right choice.


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Osborne House – Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s family home | United Kingdom https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/06/osborne-house-queen-victoria-and-prince-alberts-family-home-united-kingdom/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/06/osborne-house-queen-victoria-and-prince-alberts-family-home-united-kingdom/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:25:30 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5072 Osborne House located on the Isle of Wight became secured by the longest-reigning British monarch – Queen Victoria in the 19th century. Already in her first visit she felt in love with this palace and decided to purchase it later together with her spouse, including the giant complex, which belonged to the palace. Photo licensed […]

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Osborne House located on the Isle of Wight became secured by the longest-reigning British monarch – Queen Victoria in the 19th century. Already in her first visit she felt in love with this palace and decided to purchase it later together with her spouse, including the giant complex, which belonged to the palace.

Osborne House - Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's family home | United Kingdom
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Amanda Slater

The royal family had subsequently rebuilt it into their rural retreat with the area of an impressive 800 hectares. The seat is surrounded by vast plots of land with extensive gardens, parks, forests, but also reserves with animals. Today, there are various social events and tours for the public to fully excite the whole family. Children can play in one of many play-grounds, while parents certainly enjoy a beautiful pass through the interior and exterior of the luxury palace.

Osborne House is a good example of traditional British relations, which may seem a little too formal, but on the other hand, for many can be nice and slick.


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Carcassonne – the largest preserved fortress town in Europe | France https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/23/carcassonne-the-largest-preserved-fortress-town-in-europe-france/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/23/carcassonne-the-largest-preserved-fortress-town-in-europe-france/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:38:31 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4784 Carcassonne is a city with great history, admired by some people, cursed by others. It is also a theme of a great board game Carcassonne that is often played by many enthusiastic players. Let’s travel now through the places which inspired this game. City of Carcassonne lies on the river Aude in the southern part […]

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Carcassonne is a city with great history, admired by some people, cursed by others. It is also a theme of a great board game Carcassonne that is often played by many enthusiastic players. Let’s travel now through the places which inspired this game.

City of Carcassonne lies on the river Aude in the southern part of France. Carcassonne has a long history, there was oppidum already in the Iron Age, which was later transformed to the Roman city in the 1st century BC, and in the 11th century AD this Roman city was the strongest one in the county. Because the city was not controlled by church, Carcassonne soon became a haven for medieval intellectual elite.

Carcassonne was very open and tolerant city until 1659, when was conquered by the French and lost its position. Thus began the decline of the city, people left and Carcassonne deteriorated.

The medieval city centre is situated on a hill above the river. In times of decline of this old town there had grown a new town under the hill along a river.

The city centre was saved in the 19th century thanks to the reconstruction led by Viollet le Duc. This controversial architect reconstructed also Cathedral Notre Dame in Paris, which was his first work. Some people admire him for his extensive reconstructions which ensured France a lot of curious tourists that are coming here just to see his work. On the other hand, others disagree with the method of his work. Viollet le Duc just found an original fragment, and repeated it over and over again. The result is that the buildings are far away from the original form. Although the sights have typical signs, but those are not completely correct or at least not in such combination (e.g. respecting the original architect’s intent). But finally it is something unusual and tourists just love it.


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The city centre is surrounded by walls, within which you can find a church, castle, museum and a labyrinth of medieval streets with shops and restaurants.

Sweet France offers visitors lots of different attractions and sights. One of the places worth visiting is the medieval city of Carcassonne. If you are going to the south of France or you are heading for the Pyrenees, do not miss this place, because here you can really feel the Middle Ages.

Once you are around Carcassone do not miss the Canal du Midi. It is a remarkable technical monument, which connects the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The canal was built to ensure fast and safe transport of goods between ports in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. The project dates from 1662 and its author was Paul Riquet. The canal was completed in less than twenty years after approval of the project and its construction employed 120 000 workers.


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Muiden Castle – the most visited castle in the Netherlands https://europeexplored.com/2011/07/08/muiden-castle-the-most-visited-castle-in-the-netherlands/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/07/08/muiden-castle-the-most-visited-castle-in-the-netherlands/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:56:55 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4644 Muiden Castle (Muiderslot) is the most visited castle in the Netherlands. It is located near the capital city of Amsterdam. The first castle on this place was built around the year of 1280 by Count Floris to secure the mouth of the river Vecht. In 1296 the Count was kidnapped, held captive and later killed, […]

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Muiden Castle (Muiderslot) is the most visited castle in the Netherlands. It is located near the capital city of Amsterdam.

The first castle on this place was built around the year of 1280 by Count Floris to secure the mouth of the river Vecht. In 1296 the Count was kidnapped, held captive and later killed, the castle was destroyed. A new castle here was built on the ruins by Duke Albrecht in 1370. At this time Muiden Castle was used as an aristocratic residence, served also as a court and state prison.

At the beginning of the 19th century the castle fell into disrepair, and for a while it seemed like the castle will be demolished and sold out for building material. But King Willem eventually didn’t allow demolition, and the castle was restored in 1895. In the years 1948-1972 Muiden Castle underwent reconstruction, which repaired some previous inadequate treatment. Today the castle serves as a national museum and a venue of many cultural events.

Pieter Hooft Corneliszoon
The most famous inhabitant of the castle was known Dutch writer, poet and historian Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, who lived at the castle in the years 1609-1647. He was also a Knight in the Order of Saint Michael. Hooft used to invite other well-known artists here with whom he enjoyed and worked. The interiors of the castle are just surviving from this period. At the end of the 17th century Muiden Castle was integrated into a new and enlarged earthwork fortress .

The castle is now open to the public all year round with guided tours only. From April to November it is open from monday till saturday from 10:00 till 17:00. On Sundays from 13:00 till 17:00. Then from November till April only on weekends from 13:00 till 16:00. No photography is allowed inside the castle.


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Błędów Desert – a unique desert area in central Europe | Poland https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/27/bledow-desert-a-unique-desert-area-in-central-europe-poland/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/27/bledow-desert-a-unique-desert-area-in-central-europe-poland/#comments Fri, 27 May 2011 08:55:42 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4175 Błędów Desert (or Pustynia Błędowska in Polish) is a unique desert area in central Europe. It is located outside of the city of Olkusz, northwest of Krakow in southern Poland. Błędów Desert covers an area of 32 km2 with the sand, which particularly in the summer creates the perfect illusion of the African desert. You […]

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Błędów Desert (or Pustynia Błędowska in Polish) is a unique desert area in central Europe. It is located outside of the city of Olkusz, northwest of Krakow in southern Poland. Błędów Desert covers an area of 32 km2 with the sand, which particularly in the summer creates the perfect illusion of the African desert. You can admire here the sand dunes, as well as to experience mirage.

Błędów Desert, Poland
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Grzegorz

According to an ancient legend, Błędów Desert was created by the devil, who tore the the bag of sand at the local church tower.

In fact, the sand is the remaining of melting glaciers. However it overgrown after some time. The present appearance of the countryside made people already in the thirteenth century, when they began to use land here, water and cut down forests. A narrow layer of the soil was destroyed and the sand appeared again. At the beginning of the 19th century, the desert had 80 km2. Now the sand is overgrowing again, and the desert is shrinking.

Since 2010, some projects have been initiated to save this unique area. Błędów Desert is often referred to as the Polish Sahara. This similarity is often used by the filmmakers. In the past, it was a training area for army. Today, you can find here the remains of fortifications however the part of the desert is still a military area.

Błędów Desert is best accessible from the village of Chechlo and Klucze, where you can follow the tourist trail. A popular way to see the beauty of this unique European piece of desert is from horseback.


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Vastseliina Castle Ruins in Estonia https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/03/vastseliina-castle-ruins-in-estonia/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/03/vastseliina-castle-ruins-in-estonia/#comments Tue, 03 May 2011 14:46:56 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=3642 In southeastern Estonia, on a steep hill above the river Pisa you can find impressive Vastseliina castle ruins. It is situated on the outskirts of the village Vahtseliina and about 4 km from the town Vastseliina. This area due to its location on the trade route Riga – Pskov was the scene of many battles. […]

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In southeastern Estonia, on a steep hill above the river Pisa you can find impressive Vastseliina castle ruins. It is situated on the outskirts of the village Vahtseliina and about 4 km from the town Vastseliina. This area due to its location on the trade route Riga – Pskov was the scene of many battles.

Vastseliina castle was founded in the 14th century by German knights. It became the border point between the territories of the Teutonic Knights and the Russian area. Until the mid-19th century the area prospered. The castle is situated right on the road to Meremäe.

When you go to the castle away from the former Norman pub, on the left in the valley you will see Vastseliina Park, where a nice 15 km long circular hiking trail starts. This lead along the river up to the north to Suumremetse. Near the ruins there is a map with walking and cycling trails.

To Vastseliina castle you can get a regular bus connection from the metropolis Võru, which goes several times a day. Some buses then continue to the town of Missa.


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Windsor Castle in England – the longest-occupied castle in Europe https://europeexplored.com/2011/03/09/windsor-castle-in-england-the-longest-occupied-castle-in-europe/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/03/09/windsor-castle-in-england-the-longest-occupied-castle-in-europe/#comments Wed, 09 Mar 2011 09:15:30 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2807 Windsor Castle is the medieval castle and the oldest royal residence in Great Britain. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, about 10km west of London. Windsor Castle dates from the 11th century. Originally it was built of wood by William the Conqueror in 1070, as the protection of western routes into […]

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Windsor Castle is the medieval castle and the oldest royal residence in Great Britain. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, about 10km west of London.

Windsor Castle dates from the 11th century. Originally it was built of wood by William the Conqueror in 1070, as the protection of western routes into London. Over time, Windsor Castle has been rebuilt several times. Most buildings were built during the reign of King Henry II. and Edward III.

In the 20th of the 19th century King Henry IV. adjusted some of the buildings. In 1992, Windsor Castle suffered a devastating fire which broke out during the maintenance work in the ceremonial chambers. Today, the area is restored again.

The oldest building, which boasts the Windsor Castle is the wooden Round Tower, built by William the Conqueror. In 1170 the tower was rebuilt to a stone one, and remained so until now. In the Round Tower there is now a royal archive and photographic collection.

Probably the biggest gem of Windsor Castle is St George’s Chapel, built between 1475 – 1528, in which are the remains of 10 kings. St George’s Chapel is one of the finest examples of late Gothic style in England.

Windsor Castle is now the main residence of the Queen and her family, but it is also open to the public and is a very popular tourist destination. The length of the guided tours in interiors depends on the presence of the royal family in the castle. For safety, all the visitors have to pass the inspection. Windsor castle offers the tours every hour, but most visitors are viewing the site separately with audio-visual guides that are available for free.

Windsor Castle has, just like any major office, its own guards, that change regularly, which is also very popular attraction. The visitors are also attracted by the beautiful adjacent park suitable for relaxation after a demanding tour of the castle.

Windsor Castle is a real gem and certainly worth seeing.


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