Normally, Roman archaeological sites can be classified under the rather boring description of “a series of small walls”.  It’s true that kids have remarkable imaginations but some ruins defy anything more imaginative than jumping on to them and then off again.  For no real good reason this is normally strictly prohibited on archaeological sites.  Manchester’s Roman Fort has, however, been so mangled by the placing of one of Britain’s foremost industrial cities on the top of it, that a different and very refreshing approach has been taken to its ancient built heritage. They’ve rebuilt sections, including a full scale gatehouse.  Even if the kid’s imaginations don’t need much stoking, yours might, and Mamucium is one Roman ruin that is well worth a visit.

Manchester Cathedral / Pimlico Badger

Cotton Buds

Like any city Manchester’s history is encapsulated in its architecture.  Manchester and industry are inextricably linked and the city’s earliest industrial origins were in the mid to late 16th century.  The cotton trade helped turn the medieval town into one of the most important cities in the British Isles.  Humphrey Chetham, a cotton trader and manufacturer in the 16th century is responsible for helping to establish the trade and the Chetham’s Library was built by with some of the proceeds.  Like all good northern industrialists he wasn’t afraid to indulge in a little philanthropy, and the resulting library is something of a surprise amidst Manchester’s mostly modern architecture.

Monuments, Massacres and Modernity

There’s not much in the way of monuments specifically dedicated to the lower orders of this land who built the country’s wealth and empire.  However, if there was ever a fitting candidate for the role it would be found in Manchester’s industrial architecture of the 19th century.  This history is not all dark satanic mills, but includes such ‘monuments’ as the Free Trade Hall.  Built on the site of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre, the Hall was constructed by public donation to celebrate the repeal of the Corn Laws.  The massacre was designed to discourage the plebs from demanding the vote and the Laws were designed to keep them hungry.  The Free Trade Hall was badly damaged during the Manchester Blitz but the façade remains intact; if there was ever a site that encapsulates the struggle and resilience of the bottom 95 per cent of the population, it’s probably this one, and Manchester is the city to host it.

Radical Capitalism

Despite being the home of many a radical, left wing movement, Manchester has remained a city of industry, innovation and originality.  It has, in its time, managed to combine rampant socialism and rampant capitalism at one and the same time.  Today, it continues to exist as a vibrant modern city of culture, politics and innovation.  Steadfastly refusing to be outdone by newcomers to the idea of architectural innovation (London) and is not afraid to express itself in modern design. A visit to the Imperial War Museum, Urbis or the Beetham Tower, will give your Shards and Gherkins a run for their money.  When it comes to school trips Manchester style, the city’s built heritage offers an insight into everything from Roman Britain to the best of modern architecture.  History, industry and revolutions of various kinds have all made their mark on Manchester’s identity.

Carlo Rossi is a freelance writer based in Manchester and blogs about parenting, entertainment and travel covering everything from LEGOLAND Discovery Center school trips to contemporary architecture tours. When he’s not online or cycling around town, you can’t get him out of the kitchen for his love of food.

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Fort of Paphos / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by simon.hedge

Many of us are looking for ways to tighten our belts and make sure not a penny is wasted, without sacrificing our annual holiday. Choosing a destination that has lots of low-cost attractions is therefore a good choice, and holidays to Paphos certainly fall into this category.

Indeed, while there are plenty of luxurious hotels in the city – which you should be able to find some great deals for online – this does not mean it is lacking in affordable activities. From awe-inspiring historical sites to glorious beaches, some of the destination’s best attractions can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

Seek out the best harbour views at the Fort of Paphos

One of the simplest ways to make the most of your break is to take a walk and soak up the excellent views. Among Paphos’s most scenic spots is its harbour; to see it at its best, head to the Fort of Paphos.

Kids will especially love going here, because to reach it you have to cross a stone bridge perched over a moat. Once you’re at the fort itself, which is home to cannons pointing out in several directions, you’ll enjoy the finest views of the harbour to be had in the city.

Hit Municipal Beach

Another easy way to get the most out of your Paphos break for less is to hit the beach. Indeed, many of us visit destinations such as Cyprus purely for the warm weather, so heading to the coast is bound to feature on your to-do list.

Many of the local stretches of sand have Blue Flag status, making them great for family holidays. The Municipal Beach, which is perfect for swimming, is a particular favourite.

Paphos hotels, Cyprus / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Verity Cridland

Explore the Tombs of the Kings and other archaeological sites

The city’s most famous attractions are its archaeological sites and, fortunately, they do not cost a lot to visit. So, even if you are on a tight budget, you should be able to explore them fully.

Among the best places to see are the Tombs of the Kings, which are spread out over a fairly large area. This series of chambers and tombs was used to bury residents belonging to the higher classes – but not, as its name suggests, kings – between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD.

What draws many visitors is their impressive interiors, the Doric pillars of which earned the Tombs of the Kings its regal name, as well as their peristyle court structure inspired by Egyptian architecture. While the tombs are certainly impressive, you should not expect to see many treasures and artifacts inside, simply because over the years they were stolen by grave robbers.

If you’re keen to explore the local history a little further, head to the House of Dionysus, where you can see a splendid, well-preserved mosaic laid out on the floor. There are several old houses which have this kind of mosaic flooring – often depicting myths – but the House of Dionysus is the most famous.

By choosing to visit low-cost – yet still very exciting – attractions such as these, you can really make the most of your getaway without blowing your budget.

Author Bio: As a fan of Greek history and architecture, Matt has travelled much of the region. This summer he’s looking to escape the chaos in London and has arranged his Sani holidays

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Archeological site is located west of the railway station Selinunte and consists of two areas: Templi Orientali (Eastern temples) and the Acropolis. Tour through the locations takes 2-3 hours.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Chiara Marra

The first area includes three temples, which probably originally had a common protective wall. North Temple, situated at the entrance to the complex, was one of the largest Greek temples ever (113x54metres). Construction began in 550 BC but due to a continuing war threats, the temple was never completed. Only one column survived of the originally 46 columns. On the opposite, southern side of the road leading to the acropolis, is another temple (66x27metres), built between 560-540 BC. It had originally 30 columns. In the purest Doric style is built its southern neighbor (the early 5th century BC). It measures 70x28metres and is reconstructed, so we can admire its 36 columns (four beautiful metopes are stored in the National Museum in Palermo).

From these three temples, you can follow the 1.8 km long winding road leading along one of two Selinunte’s ports to the acropolis. During the way you pass the remains of two other temples that were built in 490 to 480 BC. Then you can find there the Hellenistic temple (the largest and oldest temple in this area, 64x24metres). It dates from the mid-sixth century BC (42 columns of the original 12 left, three metopes are in a museum in Palermo) and finally the last temple (56x24metres) from the years 570 to 554 BC. Furthermore there are the remains of ancient dwellings in the neighborhood. At the northern end of the Acropolis you can see the remains of the former main gate of the ancient fortifications. About a mile away there are the ruins of the Sanctuary of Demeter Malophoros and the remains of three other shrines.

Today the village of Selinunte is a small fishing village with nice beaches.

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Sandy beaches on the southern coast of Cyprus are very popular among tourists already for years. There are lots of young people coming here every summer. Cyprus’ beaches are traditionally evaluated very positively. The coast slowly descends into the warm turquoise water. The crystal clear sea is suitable for the lovers of water sports – here you can try paragliding or riding on water skis, or diving.

Until the late 18th century, the only inhabitants on the island were monks from the local monastery. The monastery was built specifically as a home for sacred icon, which according to legend, should appear to hunters during hunting. Just after almost two centuries, about twenty civilians moved to the area and founded the city, in the middle of which you can find a monastery.

Nature around Ayia Napa is beautiful, there are also many cultural and historical monuments and archaeological sites and beautiful churches.

How to get here
During the summer season you can take a ferry from the Greek island of Rhodes or the city of Piraeus and Turkish Tasuku. It can be reached by air, Ayia Napa is located about 50 kilometers from the airport in Larnaca.

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