St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta

St Johns Co-Cathedral, Valletta

The first destination you’ll want to beeline for out of a Malta hotel is St Johns Co-Cathedral, an ancient wonder over 500 years old. The history of Malta and Catholicism in Europe is intrinsically linked to Valetta with St Johns Co-Cathedral marking one of the most important destinations or piece of property in Malta’s rich history. It was the noblemen of Europe charged with defending their faith against invading forces that led to Malta being a strategic centre in the Mediterranean and after the Great Siege of 1565, Valetta was established, fortified and made a holy place. A mere 12 years later St Johns Co-Cathedral was completed as a destination; no doubt the perfect Malta weather aided this rapid completion. Today St Johns Co-Cathedral acts as a cultural centre for Valetta with many traditional events taking place here which makes it a must-see site in Malta.

The Grandmaster’s Palace, Valletta

The most important modern spot in Valetta also happens to be one of the most important in its history. Travel to this Malta destination if you want to experience the definition of opulence in architecture, because The Grandmaster’s Palace fits many roles. As a tourist destination there is more than enough to awe at, as is houses the House of Representatives and the Office of the President of Malta it is the most important governmental structure in Malta and as a historical building it was once simply the home of Eustachio del Monte built in 1571. Antique weapons and halls of empty knights line the corridors and it’s not uncommon to see a chandelier more elegant and opulent than the last. The Grandmaster’s Palace is amazing to behold and should be a priority to visit in Malta.

It’s clear from these two very good examples, that Malta is more than enough to sate the curiosity of the historic enthusiast. Malta destinations are among the most important in existence with numerous World Heritage Sites dotting the island; it truly is a place of unique importance.

Eugene Calvini has been on enough Malta holidays to know the island is a special tourist spot and enjoys exposing the best the country has to offer.

The post Two Malta Destinations to Visit on Your Historic Holiday appeared first on Europe Explored.

Milreu Ruins, Algarve, Portugal / photo released under public domain

During the 2nd century BC the Algarve came under the control of the Romans and they spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The Roman Empire ruled throughout the Algarve until it was conquered by the Visigoths and many Roman ruins still stand in the region today.

There are many sites to view Roman ruins in the Algarve, so here are some of the most impressive historical hotspots:

Milreu Ruins – Unearth Buried Treasure

One of the best places in the Algarve to see the remains of Roman civilization is at the Milreu Ruins, which are located only a few kilometres from Faro. There are some of the most significant ruins from Roman times in all the Algarve and their archaeological site has been designated a national monument.

If you were to transport yourself back in time at this spot, you would be able to walk into a gorgeous luxury rural villa on a wealthy farm, complete with ornate sculptures and elaborate tile mosaic floors. Later in the 6th century it was converted into a Christian church and later the site of an Islamic cemetery. The vaulted ceilings of this impressive building collapsed in the 10th century and the site was abandoned, but it has since been recovered and its heritage has been preserved.

The site is now known as the Casa Rural das Ruinas or the “Country House of the Ruins” and it has been extensively preserved and turned into a visitor’s centre and museum. As you walk through where the manor house, farm buildings, baths, temple and wine press would have been, you will have a chance to see what life would have been like during the time of the Romans.

Cero da Vila – Ancient Villas in the Sunshine

The coastal holiday resort of Vilamoura is well known for its gorgeous harbour lined with high quality restaurants and shops and populated with top-of-the-line sailing ships. However, this glitzy resort also holds some ancient treasures in the form of the Cerro da Vila Roman Ruins.

Like the ruins at Milreu, these were also once a large rural villa on a prosperous farm. As you stroll through the historical site you can see where the reception room, bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen would have been. Some of the mosaic tiles depicting decorative scenes have been preserved beautifully.

Quelfes Roman Bridge – Standing the Test of Time

It appears at first glance to be a modest, simple bridge structure, but the history behind Quelfes Roman Bridge is astounding. This bridge was constructed in the 1st century AD and is thought to be one of the most important road structures of the Roman occupation period in the Algarve.

This bridge also played an important part in another historical time. On June 18th, 1808 it was where the troops of Napoleon were defeated which was a point of uprising for the entire Algarve region. Restored in 2005, this old bridge is definitely worth a closer look.

The Algarve region has a long and fascinating history and many ruins remain from past inhabitants of this region. These are just a few of the places in the Algarve where you can see and touch the remnants of Roman times and learn more about what life would have been like so many centuries ago.

While you are staying at Four Seasons Fairways in the beautiful Algarve region of Portugal, here are some locations where you can spot ruins from Roman times.

The post Traces of the Past: Visiting Roman Ruins in the Algarve | Portugal appeared first on Europe Explored.

Mediterranean Sea / Photo by admin

Spain

Since its days as a Roman outpost, Spain was a Moorish settlement before evolving into the contemporary European country it is today. Its historic sites celebrate the full breadth of its heritage, but none captures its Moorish past more than the breathtaking, Andalucia. On the left bank of the River Darro and occupying a strategic hilltop overlooking the city of Granada, this breathtaking palace and fortress complex was constructed during the mid 14th century by the Berber rulers of the Emirate of Granada. The Moorish architecture, shady courtyards and beautiful gardens, with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains have visitors from around the world flocking there on a daily basis. The areas open to the public are the Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Mosque baths and the Generalife gardens. Since entrance is strictly controlled, visitors should purchase tickets in advance, to avoid disappointment. To arrive in Granada and not be able to visit the Alhambra, would be a tragedy.

France

Languedoc Roussillon in southern France has one of the most well preserved Roman aqueducts in existence. The 1st century Pont du Gard is just part of an extensive water system designed to carry water from the River Eure to Nimes, some 30 miles away. The half mile long and 165 feet high tri-level aqueduct was originally constructed without the use of mortar, and its stones are held together with iron clamps. The stones, some of which weigh more than six tons, were hoisted into place by a human-powered treadmill block and tackle winch. The aqueduct was restored during the 18th century, and visitors today can now walk across it.

Italy

Known as the “Eternal city,” no visit to Italy is complete without a visit to Rome, which abounds with historical sites, Roman architecture and masterpieces of art, spanning the different historical layers which have built this amazing city through the centuries, from the remains of the Roman empire, through the Medieval and Renaissance periods to the modern day site of 21st century architectural statements. The city’s quintessential spectacle has to be the, commissioned by Vespasian in 72 A.D. and inaugurated by Titus in 80 A.D. Elliptical in shape, its 76 entrances allowed 50,000 spectators to enter and watch gladiatorial battles. Built from brick and concrete, and faced with travertine and marble, the amphitheatre boasts three levels of arcades in Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles. The Coliseum deteriorated into little more than ruins, until 1750 when it was saved by Pope Benedict XIV, who declared “this is a holy place, where Christian martyrs’ blood was shed..”

Greece

Athens may be a modern day nightmare when it comes to traffic and getting around, but this should not deter visitors from seeking out the Acropolis, atop of which sits the Parthenon, commonly known as the Temple of Athena. Constructed between 447-432 BCE, the Doric temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena, also known as Parthenos (virgin) and housed a monumental statue of her which was made from gold and ivory by Pheidias. Mathematicians will be interested to learn that with eight columns at the front and seventeen columns at the flank, the temple conforms to the ratio of 9:4, which its builders used to govern the vertical and horizontal proportions of not only the temple structure, but many other proportions within it, such as the height of the columns and the space between them.

Israel

History and archaeology lovers, as well as pilgrims from around the world have plenty of sites to visit in Israel. One of the most visited is the fortress of Massada, built in 30 BCE by King Herod. It sits on top of a steep mountain overlooking the desert to the west and the Dead Sea and Jordan to the east. At the start of the revolt against Rome in 68 BCE, Massada was conquered by a group of Jewish zealots and was to become their final stronghold, before the Romans besieged the fortress, having constructed an earthen rampart on the western side of the mountain. Built on three rock terraces, the most impressive structures still standing are Herod’s northern palace, a large bath house with a mosaic floor and walls decorated with murals.

Egypt

The oldest and only of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to remain largely intact, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis. Built as a tomb for fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu, over a 20-year period from around 2540 BCE, the pyramid, which originally stood 480 feet tall, and comprises more than 2.3 million stone blocks weighing two and a half tons each, remains an amazing feat of construction that still has engineers, archeologists and scholars in awe of its magnitude. Erosion has reduced the pyramid by around 30 feet in height, but it remained the tallest man-made structure for 3,800 years.

Hannah writes for medwelcome.

The post History Alive: Discovering Great Historical Sites in the Mediterranean appeared first on Europe Explored.

If you’re considering cycling holidays in France this year here are five reasons why Calais shouldn’t simply be discarded from your list of potential destinations.

Calais

Just 21 miles from the cliffs of Dover, Calais itself is home to several historical attractions, including La Forteresse de Mimoyecques. The fortress is what remains of a German bunker constructed to fire shells at London during the Second World War. Comprising a maze of tunnels and chambers which can be accessed from the hillside it’s here that Joseph Kennedy – the brother of US President John F Kennedy died during an air raid in 1944.

Before leaving Calais itself, pay a visit to the oldest building in Calais, the Watch Tower. Constructed in the 13th century it suffered from an earthquake in the 16th century, a fire in the 17th century and the ravages of the Second World War in the 20th century.

Tower in Calais / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Nick

Montreuil

Steeped in history, the cobbled streets of this quaint village were apparently the inspiration for Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. For those of you with an interest in battlefields, there is of course the battle site of Agincourt close to Montreuil. The Battle of Agincourt took place in 1415. Around 6,000 English soldiers took up arms against a French army comprised of highly skilled noblemen who outnumbered them by approximately five to one. Even if you’re not a history buff, there are no prizes for guessing who won the day.

Further afield you’ll find the site of the Field of the Cloth of Gold which commemorates the much vaunted meeting between Henry VIII and King Francis I of France in 1520.

There’s also a stunning chocolatier in Montreuil. After a hard day’s cycling you deserve it.

Montreuil-sur-Mer / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by openroads.com

La Coupoule (Eperlecques)

Continuing the war theme, the World War Two concrete bunker – or blockhaus- can also be found close to Calais. Eperlecques was the German bunker where Hitler intended to launch his deadly V2 rockets on London. Thankfully, the European Allies bombed it before he had a chance to carry out his deadly plans. Now known as La Coupoule you can still see the huge crater caused by one of the Allied bombs and gaze in disbelief at the door to the bunker – it’s a hefty seven feet thick.

St Omer

Away from the stark reminders of modern and not so modern history lies the elegant town of St Omer with its iconic Gothic cathedral. With hundreds of miles of waterways, 150 homes are located in an area named Audomarois and can only be reached by boat. Time to park the bike for a short while and explore the surrounding rivers and woodlands.

For lovers of wildlife there are over 200 species of birdlife. As you ride you may notice a distinct aroma of cauliflower. If you do, you’re not imagining it. The marsh surrounding Audomarois produces five million heads of cauliflower every year. If an overdose of cauliflower is your version of gastronomic hell there are plenty of cheese cellars throughout the region and if you head back to Montreuil you’ll find a specialist winery. You can pop back in and see the chocolatier while you’re there.

St-Omer, France / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by openroads.com

The Beaches

The region of Calais also conceals a number of beaches for you to linger on after your cycling efforts. Head to Wimereux where you’ll be able to join the locals hunting for shrimps or you can continue along the coast to the Bay of Wissant.  The resort of Le Tuquet has countless grass-covered dunes with a cycle track leading the way around them.

Wherever you travel in France, you’ll find acres of rolling hillside, welcoming vineyards, ancient castles and gastronomic delights. Perhaps as you begin your adventures this year you might consider a brief stop at an often forgotten town.

Kate Smedley recommends stopping off at Calais during your cycling holidays in France

View Discover the Real Calais France in a larger map

The post Discover the Real Calais | France appeared first on Europe Explored.