Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hotelsireland

Vikings deliberately chose this location for the founding of the city, they were looking for good berth and found it here. They called this city as Vadrafjord, which can be translated as “The weather port.” Waterford was once protected by defensive walls, which consisted of a total of 17 towers, but only six of them remained until now. The best preserved section leads from the Watchtower, where the Castle Street meets with Parnell Street. The best known and most interesting is Reginald’s Tower (originally Ranguald’s Tower). This cylindrical Norman tower was built by Ranguald Viking in the year 1003. You can find it at the end of the Mall street. For a long time served as a mint, prison and military store. It is the oldest public building throughout Ireland. In 1170 had to be rebuilt after the attack of enemies. Today it houses a small museum.

Besides Reginald’s Tower stands an equestrian statue of General Meagher, a local native, a fighter for the rights of Irish and later General of “Irish Brigade” in the American Civil War. If you want to know the Vikings history of the town then you should visit Waterford Museum of Treasures, which houses the Viking jewelry, daggers, leather shoes, eating bowls and other items. The museum is not only about the Vikings, but also about the turbulent history of this city.

Another interesting sight in Waterford is Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Trinity lit by chandeliers from Waterford crystal. The cathedral is situated in Barronstrand Street and is the only neo – classical Georgian Cathedral in Ireland. Eastward of it, in the Bailey’s New Street, you can then see the Protestant cathedral. It boasts a richly decorated stucco ceiling and also one of very seductive sculpture. It is interesting that both cathedrals were designed by the same architect which cannot boast any other city in Europe.

In the city you should not miss the tour of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the production process of the famous local crystal. This building is probably the most visited attraction and is regularly overcrowded. If you want to see a beautiful hand-carved crystal, you have to arrive early in the morning.

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Construction of the Linderhof Palace began in 1870 under the leadership of Georg Dollmann and was completed in 1878 as a memorial to the absolute monarchy of the French kings. The castle was built in the Rococo style according to the style of Bourbon kings. Linderhof Palace is the only building constructed by Ludwig II. It was also his favorite residence until his tragic death in 1886.

The entrance hall is surrounded by a red marble pilasters, and there is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV. It is a copy of the statue from the Place Vendôme (square in Paris) which was made by Francois Girardon. Visiting a Palace is really a great experience, especially the Hall of Mirrors which is the most richly decorated room in Linderhof Palace.

The palace includes also the park with an area of ​​198 acres. There is even a waterfall and fountain with Neptune, or a classic circular temple with a marble statue of Venus.

Around the Linderhof Palace you can find romantic structures like Venus Grotto, Hunding’s Hut, Gurnemanz Hermitage, Moorish Kiosk or Moroccan House.

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The once walled city of Padova was surrounded by the many branches of the Bacchiglione River. With canals throughout the city, there are many old bridges scattered around the now bustling metropolitan region. Today there are more than 1.6 million people living in the Padova metropolitan area.

Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, Italy by Schnu99i

Many people who have studied English literature have read The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare. The city of Padova was the setting of this very famous play.

It is said that Padova is one of the oldest cities in northernmost part of Italy. According to historical records and artifacts uncovered in the area, it has been determined that the city of Padova was founded by Prince Anteno of the Trojans back in 1183 B.C. A sarcophagus which was uncovered back in 1274 belonged to the prince.

By 45 B.C., the city of Padova became part of the Roman Empire and was well-known throughout the empire for their horse breeding. In front of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio da Padova you will even find the famous Donatello statue of Erasmo da Narni which features a General astride a magnificent steed.

Prato della Valle, Padova, Italy by Fabio Macòr

The city is also home to the University of Padua which was founded more than 820 years ago. Galileo Galilee is one of the most famous lecturers to have stood in the halls of the university. There are also a number of other historically important structures and monuments which can be found throughout Padova. The city is even home to the Palazzo della Ragione which is said to have the largest unsupported roof in the whole of Europe.

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