Europe Explored » architectural attractions

Dunajec River Canyon in Pieniny national park in Slovakia

Claire — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:48:50 +0000

Dunajec River Canyon is a gorge and a famous tourist attraction on the borders between Poland and Slovakia. Due to its beauty and uniqueness of Dunajec River Canyon it is also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The canyon separates the Małopolska Voivodship (Poland) and Prešov Region (Slovakia). It is a natural phenomenon where the Dunajec River breaks through the Pieniny mountain range and creates a narrow valley and a romantic ravine in the limestone reefs. The area is home to the rare plants and animal species. Dunajec is the only river that takes waters from the Slovak territory to the Baltic Sea.

Dunajec river canyon is very popular among tourists. Visitors can pass on the river on a flatboat and enjoy unforgettable adventure. This tradition dates from the early 19th century.

Towering cliffs along the canyon reach an average height of 300 meters. Dunajec River Canyon is a narrow gap in which the river has created seven turns. Most of the Pieniny national park is forested. Local peaks are generally conical shape.

You can find there many architectural attractions such as Castle Niedzica, or ruins of the castle Czorstyn directly above the Dunajec river. Slovak village Červený Kláštor is an excellent starting point for walking or cycling along the canyon.

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Wrocław – plenty of cultural and architectural attractions in Poland

Claire — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 08:13:37 +0000

Wrocław is the fourth largest city in Poland with 632,240 residents (2009). Wrocław is located in south-western Poland, on the River Odra. Over the centuries, the city has been either part of Poland, Bohemia, Austria, Prussia or Germany.

What to see in Wrocław?

Rynek (market square) with the 14th century Town Hall
Kościół Św. Elżbiety (“St. Elisabeth’s Church”)
Hala Stulecia by Max Berg – a World Heritage Site
Multimedia Fountain
Szczytnicki Park with Japanese Garden
Zoo
Botanical garden
Ostrów Tumski with Wrocław Cathedral
Panorama Racławicka
Plac Grunwaldzki
Wrocław Palace
White Stork Synagogue

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Parma – famous ham and cheese, Italy

Claire — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:16:52 +0000

The small town of Parma can be found between Bologna and Milan. Over the past few years, the town of Parma has become a popular tourist destination. Thousands of people make their way to this quaint town that is credited with the creation of the world famous parmesan cheese. The town itself dates back to the Etruscans period. By the 2nd century B.C., the area would fall under Roman control.

Parma Baptisterium, Italy by Philip Schäfer

Up until the middle ages, the town of Parma was regularly attacked, plundered and destroyed. There were many such occasions in which the entire town was rebuilt from the ground up. However, there are still a number of beautiful sites in this small Italian town that dates back to the 11th century. The most famous attraction in Parma is a pink marble tower which can be found in the town’s center. Taking more than 60 years to construct, the Parma Baptisterium has become a symbol of the city. Shortly after its completion, the tower had been damaged by an earthquake requiring it to be rebuilt.

Anyone who visits Parma will have to make their way over to the Teatro Regio which is the city’s own opera house. Arturo Toscanini, the famous conductor was born in Parma and the Theater is now a museum which is dedicated to the life and genius of Toscanini.

Of course we would not have parmesan cheese if it were not for the town of Parma. The town is also known for its special ham recipes too. Today, Parma stands as the European Association for Food Safety’s official home. One cannot go to Parma without trying the many local delicacies which are world renowned. While the town may not have a lot in architectural attractions, the cheese and hams of Parma are an attraction in their own right.

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