Trevi fountain, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Children have special needs and expectations, and they have to be at least partly satisfied otherwise the vacation can turn into torture for everybody present. What can be interesting for you will probably be no big deal for the little ones and the opposite – children enjoy things in which you see no sense.

Rome – the capital of Italy – is one great destination for visiting. There is almost no one in Europe and in the world that will not love to see this old and beautiful city. And the best part of the offer is that is as interesting for the children as it is for you with its numerous ruins and long stories about the past battles.

The Coliseum should be the first place to start with. It is one major monument, significant part of which is kept till today. Being one of the major buildings in the ancient Rome, it is still keeping the central position in the modern life of the capital. The Coliseum is situated in the heart of the city on the right bank of the river, crossing it, which is Tiber. This is good because you will not wander too much until you find it. It is almost fifty meters high so it is easily seen from most parts of the city. The children will love to jump in the wholes, where were the old corridors of the Coliseum or up and down the tribunes, forming very good for playing stairs.

Coloseum, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

The next stop can be the Fountain di Trevi – one unique piece of architecture. It is situated in the center of the city as well and is considered to be one of the most romantic places in the planet. It may bring you back to the memories of the beginning of your life as family and wake-up sweet memories for great moments in your life. It is interesting with the combination of details and ornaments in its architecture. The original time of its building is going back to the Baroque times.

Saint Peter’s Square – the republic in the republic – this in one part of Rome which will leave both you and your children with wide open eyes and mouth. On the way to the incredible Vatican you can do some shopping or stop at the numerous restaurants and bars for a rest. The city of the Pope inside will offer many nice spots for observing like the statues of the saints, with you will see wherever you look. St. Patrick’s Basilica is one point of interest inside the square which deserves special attention. Leave some time to visit the Vatican museum, which is situated just adjacent to the Basilica.

Saint Peter’s Square, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Last children can see the ruins of the Roman forum. It is close to the Coliseum and the complex of the forum consists of several smaller and bigger monuments. Former center of the political life of the city, today this is a venue for long walks, observation and endless games for the kids, who can run up and down and hide in the numerous places, which will seem good for this purpose.

Article has been written by https://travelfromto.com/category/adventure/

The post Rome – Family-Friendly Destination Where Children Can Learn Much and Have Fun appeared first on Europe Explored.

Horse Guards Parade (Beach Volleyball), London 2012, UK by Adam Care

In 2012, London hosted the Games for a record third time, and many would argue that the choice of individual event venues was perhaps the finest and most iconic of all time. As well as the spectacular Olympic Stadium itself, there are several brand new locations, but it’s the temporary and pre-existing sites which have really captured the imagination. Here are four of the venues that have made London 2012 so special.

Horse Guards Parade (Beach Volleyball)

The construction of a temporary stadium in the very heart of the city was an inspired choice. Beach Volleyball was unlikely to be an overly popular event in the UK, but placing the action just a short walk from Downing Street, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square gave spectators a unique opportunity to enjoy a little sport and to soak up some of the culture of one of the world’s most iconic cities.

Lord’s Cricket Ground (Archery)

The home of world cricket and one of the finest sports arenas in Britain, Lord’s is located in leafy St John’s Wood, a suburb in the north-west of the city. The hallowed turf has hosted some other sports in the past, but only on an infrequent basis. Archery can be an exciting sport, especially when the action is in full flow, and the thousands of fortunate spectators enjoyed an excellent vantage point from the stands.

Brands Hatch (Road Cycling)

The former host circuit for the British Formula One Grand Prix, Brands Hatch is one of the world’s finest race tracks. It’s located close to Swanley in Kent, and previous GP winners include Nigel Mansell, Niki Lauda, Jack Brabham and the great Jim Clark. In recent years, cycling has become something of an obsession in the United Kingdom, so it’s only right that organisers chose such an impressive venue.

Wimbledon (Tennis)

It’s perhaps fitting that the tennis tournament was held in the most famous venue of its kind in the world. The All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club has hosted the celebrated Grand Slam event for more than a hundred years, and is accustomed to handling huge numbers of spectators. The grass surface is ideal for fast-paced play.

David Showell was born in London and is a big sports fan. He works for a company that provides affordable ferry tickets to the general public.

The post London 2012 – An Inspired Choice of Sporting Venues appeared first on Europe Explored.

Prince Regent Royal Pavilion, Brighton, UK by Dominic Alves

It’s only around 50 miles from the centre of the capital, and is an hour’s train ride from London Bridge and Victoria stations. There are times when even the most iconic cities in the world become a little too fast-paced, congested and hectic, so if you’re in the mood to seek out some fresh sea air and a little more space in which to breathe, Brighton should be a must on your vacation itinerary.

Brighton is home to a significant number of top class restaurants that offer the finest cuisine options for any visitors who are seeking out the best in dining, but sometimes it might be better to choose a true classic. Fish and chips is synonymous with all things British, of course, but it’s perhaps best enjoyed when close to the sea. Freshly-caught cod in crispy batter is simply delicious, especially when accompanied by a generous serving of the finest quality chips.

The city of Brighton, officially known as Brighton & Hove, has a rich heritage and is home to a number of historic buildings. Perhaps chief among them is the Royal Pavilion, once the home of the future King George IV. More than 400,000 tourists visit the location every year, and a guided tour of the landmark is a must. The distinctive design is reminiscent of Indian architecture, reflecting a popular fashion from the time when it was constructed.

Palace Pier, Brighton, UK by Garry Knight

Equally famous, although perhaps not as noble, is the spectacular Palace Pier. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a hugely popular attraction that plays hosts to tourists from all over the world every week. It’s home to several amusement park rides, bars, restaurants, and other attractions.

For those who enjoy live music, an overnight stay in Brighton is highly recommended, because the city has plenty of venues that remain open into the wee small hours. The local nightlife has a distinctive buzz about it, and this intriguing Sussex location enjoys a reputation for its artistic innovation and its musical diversity.

David Showell has visited Brighton on several occasions. When he’s not travelling, he’s working for https://www.carrentals.co.uk/.

The post Visiting London? Head South for a Day of Difference in Brighton! appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by McPig

Florence Cathedral is the fourth largest in Europe. Its construction started in 1296 by architect Arnolfo di Cambio. The main task of the architect was to create a huge cathedral, which size would express the growing importance of Florence, and overshadow the cathedrals in the competing cities, such as Siena and Pisa. Finally, there was built a huge, 106 meter high building that really can not be overlooked. Moreover, it is complemented by the largest dome since antiquity period. This masterpiece of medieval architecture was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The dedication of the cathedral was in 1436. The original facade, of which only a quarter was completed by Arnolfo di Cambio was removed in 1587. The present appearance dates back to 1887, when the Florence Cathedral got the colourful Neo-Gothic facade.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Ed Webster

Rich outdoor decor contrasts markedly with, at first sight, a simple interior. The building is so obvious that the main aim of the architects was the size. However, if you look carefully, you discover a surprising number of art treasures. One of them is the crypt, where can be seen remains of the former church of Santa Reparata, and the dome, which is a masterful architectural work of Brunelleschi, and which offers a beautiful view of Florence.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Ed Webster

In Florence Cathedral you can also admire great paintings. On the left side you can see such as Dante and the Divine Comedy by Domenico di Micheli, equestrian portraits of Sir John Hawkwood by Paolo Uccello or Niccolo da Tolentino by Andrea del Castagno.

View Florence Cathedral – a symbol of the city of Florence Italy in a larger map

The real treasures of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore include two sacristy. Sacrestia Nuova, which is the work of Michelozzo and Luca della Robbia, is paneled with wood and protected by a bronze gate. Above the entrance is a blue and white terra-cotta roundels from 1442 also by Luca della Robbia. By contrast, there is Sacrestia Vecchia, which is adorned with a similar roundels from the same artist. Between those two sacristies is the central apse, which houses the magnificent bronze reliquary in which are deposited the remains of the first bishop of Florence, Saint Zenobius.

View Florence Cathedral – a symbol of the city of Florence Italy in a larger map

The post Florence Cathedral – a symbol of the city of Florence | Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

River Nore flows through the city of Kilkenny, where you can enjoy beautiful walks. Above the river, in the heart of the city center, there is the medieval castle from the 12th century. Kilkenny Castle is the main attraction of the city, which was inhabited until 1935 by the Butler family. It serves as a relaxing place. At one side there is a park with a fountain, at the other we can find a large grassy area, which is totally full by locals during the nice weather.

Another important monument is St. Canice’s Cathedral, considered one of Ireland’s finest Gothic buildings. The cathedral is richly equipped with many glass windows. Next to it is a round tower, which offers stunning views of the city. Do not miss a visit to both places and obtain a combined ticket.

Other sights include:
The Tholsel Hall, which dominates the main street (High Street)
Rothe House, a rich merchant’s house, who ruled for 300 years, the city, along with other families
Black Abbey, a Dominican monastery

View Historic city of Kilkenny – popular tourist destination in Ireland in a larger map

The post Historic city of Kilkenny – popular tourist destination in Ireland appeared first on Europe Explored.