Europe Explored » monastery https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Opatija – one of the first resort towns along the Adriatic Sea | Croatia https://europeexplored.com/2012/12/13/opatija-one-of-the-first-resort-towns-along-the-adriatic-sea-croatia/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/12/13/opatija-one-of-the-first-resort-towns-along-the-adriatic-sea-croatia/#comments Thu, 13 Dec 2012 20:37:53 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=12513 The city of Opatija has a history which dates back to the Liburni who ruled the area back in the 9th century B.C. The Lubrini were skilled mariners who were also known to have attacked and pirated Roman ships until they were overpowered and fell under Roman control. By the fall of the great Roman […]

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The city of Opatija has a history which dates back to the Liburni who ruled the area back in the 9th century B.C. The Lubrini were skilled mariners who were also known to have attacked and pirated Roman ships until they were overpowered and fell under Roman control.

By the fall of the great Roman Empire, the area where present day Opatija stands was under the control of the Byzantine Empire until the Slavs arrived in the area around the 7th century. By the 12th century, the Franks arrived and with them, the city flourished. However, it was not until the construction of the St. James monastery during the 15th century that the present day Opatija would be born.

Opatija, Istria, Croatia
Opatija, Istria, Croatia by Vzach

In 1844, the city of Opatija became one of the first resort towns along the Adriatic Sea when the Villa Angelina was constructed and opened its doors to guests for the first time. Soon after, the Grand Hotel Kvarner would open its doors and help mold the city into the resort town it is today.

The Villa Angelina still stands today and one can even visit it as it has since been turned into a museum. It is located in the middle of the town’s botanical gardens which are simply an awe-inspiring place to visit. The gardens cover 3.64 hectares and are home to more than 150 plant species. The Grand Hotel Kvarner still accepts guests on a regular basis and is still one of the most popular hotels in the city.

There are many medieval buildings located throughout Opatija as well as several prehistoric ruins to see while you are in town. In the nearby Učka Natural Park, artifacts dating back to the 1th century B.C. have been unearthed. There are many great locations of historical importance to visit when you are in Opatija.

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6 Top Sights of Salzburg – the birthplace of Mozart | Austria https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/20/6-top-sights-of-salzburg-austrias-4th-largest-city/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/20/6-top-sights-of-salzburg-austrias-4th-largest-city/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 21:48:31 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=11444 Salzburg is situated on both banks of the Salzach River, and is Austria’s 4th largest city. It was built on a mining town of salt, hence the name means ‘Fortress of Salt’. Salzburg is probably best known for being the birthplace of Mozart (the famous composer), and the home of the Von Trapp Family Singers, […]

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Salzburg is situated on both banks of the Salzach River, and is Austria’s 4th largest city. It was built on a mining town of salt, hence the name means ‘Fortress of Salt’. Salzburg is probably best known for being the birthplace of Mozart (the famous composer), and the home of the Von Trapp Family Singers, whose true story was made famous by the musical ‘The Sound of Music’. Salzburg boasts a truly magical setting, and if you have always wanted to visit a picturesque Austrian town nestled in the mountains, then you should put Salzburg on your bucket list. Here are six sights we recommend visiting while in Salzburg:

Salzburg at night, Austria
Salzburg at night, Austria by Brandon Burns

1. Hohensalzburg Castle

Hohensalzburg Castle, Salzburg, AustriaAt over 900 years old, Hohensalzburg Castle is Europe’s largest fully-preserved castle. There is not much to report in regards to its history, as it was never attacked. In the past it has served as a refuge for the archbishops, a military barracks, and a prison. The only time opposing forces occupied it was when it was given up to Napoleon without a fight. It is well worth the visit even if just for the views, they are the best in the city. You can either walk to the top, or catch a funicular.

Photo of Hohensalzburg Castle, Salzburg, Austria by Kristopher W

2. St Peter’s Church and Cemetery

St Peter’s Church and Cemetery, Salzburg, AustriaSt Peter’s Church houses the oldest continuously active monastery on German/Austrian soil. It was founded in 696AD, and the building you see today was built in the 17th C. Inside the nave are Fresco’s depicting the life of St Peter. The cemetery is well known for two things. Firstly it is where the scene from the Sound of Music was set when the Von Trapp family were hiding from the Nazi’s. Also, towards the back of the cemetery there are seven black wrought iron crosses. These crosses are connected to a famous legend, claiming these graves belong to Sebastian Stumpfegger and the seven wives here murdered. There is no proof of validity to this story, but everyone loves a legend! There are also catacombs inside the cliffs open to the public.

Photo of St Peter’s Church and Cemetery, Salzburg, Austria by Michael Dawes

3. Salzburg Cathedral

Mozart was baptised here, and he was the court organist and concert master of the church for many years. The church is renowned for its 4000 pipe organ, and the acoustics of the church. The church adjoins the Kapitelplatz and Residenzplatz which are both main squares of the Salzburg.

Salzburg Cathedral, Austria
Salzburg Cathedral, Austria by barnyz

4. Mozart’s Birthplace

Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg, AustriaThis is the original house where Mozart’s family lived from 1747 to 1773. Mozart was born here on Jan 27, 1756. Today the rooms once occupied by the Mozart family and are home to a museum. The most famous exhibits include Mozart’s childhood violin, his concert violin, his clavichord, the pianoforte, and portraits of the family.

Photo of Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg, Austria by Matthias

5. Mirabellgarten

Mirabellgarten, Salzburg, AustriaThe Mirabellgarten is a large garden considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe. The gardens were originally constructed in 1606 by Wolf Dietrich who built them for his mistress and her 15 children. The office of the Salzburg Mayor is situated here, and it recognisable as the gardens for the setting of the song ‘Do Re Me’ in the movie the Sound of Music.

Mirabellgarten, Salzburg, Austria by TheGoodReverend

6. St Augustiner Brewery

St Augustiner Brewery and beerhall, Salzburg, AustriaThe St Augustiner Brewery is just outside the main part of town, situated above a 17th century Abbey. The beer was originally brewed by the Augustinain Hermits who founded the Abbey, and great lengths are taken to ensure the beer is still brewed the same way it was hundreds of years ago. The beer hall inside the brewery has plenty of seating, and there are food stalls offering traditional Austrian snacks and food. In the summer months there is a great beer garden for visitors to enjoy. If you are not interested in beer, the only other drink they serve is lemonade. It is a self-serve system were you buy tokens from a cashier, then help yourself to the ceramic beer steins. Each time you hand a token in, your stein will be filled with beer, and there are cleaning stations so that you can clean your stein before your next refill. The brewery has a great mix of locals and tourists alike, and it is likely you will strike up a friendly conversation with a group of people sitting nearby.

Photo of St Augustiner Brewery and beerhall, Salzburg, Austria by Barry Adams

This guest post was written by TravAddict, an Adventure Tour website featuring cheap tours to Europe, and other parts of the world.

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Aladzha Monastery – a medieval cave monastery complex in Bulgaria https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/15/aladzha-monastery-a-medieval-cave-monastery-complex-in-bulgaria/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/15/aladzha-monastery-a-medieval-cave-monastery-complex-in-bulgaria/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:48:53 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6085 Aladzha Monastery is located about 15 km north of Varna and 4 km from Golden Sands. Its name comes from the Turkish word “colored”. It has a color associated with both the limestone rock in which the building was built, and apparently with colorful murals that emerged in the early Middle Ages, probably in the […]

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Aladzha Monastery is located about 15 km north of Varna and 4 km from Golden Sands. Its name comes from the Turkish word “colored”. It has a color associated with both the limestone rock in which the building was built, and apparently with colorful murals that emerged in the early Middle Ages, probably in the 13th century.

Aladzha Monastery , Bulgaria
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Anvisuals

However already in the 5th century there was a Christian church standing on this place. During the Ottoman Empire domination, monastery (with church) was dissolved and overgrown with weeds. Just at the end of the 19th century it was discovered by two Czech archaeologists – Škorpil brothers.

Monks cells were carved into the limestone rocks and connected by corridors which create a three-storey complex. There were also kitchens, dining rooms, prayer rooms, simply everything what monks needed for their life. They lived here in celibacy and create their own world, away from civilization, so they could devote prayer and spiritual development.

The entire monastery was completely self-sufficient. With the surrounding monasteries the monks communicated by ringing the bell. Today you can ring on it during your visit. It is interesting that during the archaeological research of graves in the vicinity of the monastery, were found around 5 kg of gold objects. These historic gems can be seen in the Museum of Natural History in Varna.

In the forest park below the monastery is a small museum, where you can further see the Roman mosaics, Orthodox icons, photos, and models and drawings of the original appearance of the monastery. About 500 metres from the monastery (still in paid section) are other caves named as the catacombs.

Aladzha Monastery can be reached from Golden Sands or St. Constantine, both on foot or by taxi. The Varna is probably best to go either by bus to Golden Sands and the intersection before the golden sands. From there it is on the road about a mile up the hill. Serpentine is an interesting twist around a ravine with a stream.


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San Lorenzo de El Escorial – one of the most popular attractions in Spain https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/24/san-lorenzo-de-el-escorial-one-of-the-most-popular-attractions-in-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/12/24/san-lorenzo-de-el-escorial-one-of-the-most-popular-attractions-in-spain/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:05:26 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5686 Less than 50 kilometres north of Madrid lies the magnificent royal residence of El Escorial, which belongs to one of the most popular and visited attractions in Spain. About half a million visitors come here every year to admire this wonder of world architecture. Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Arturo R Montesinos […]

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Less than 50 kilometres north of Madrid lies the magnificent royal residence of El Escorial, which belongs to one of the most popular and visited attractions in Spain. About half a million visitors come here every year to admire this wonder of world architecture.

Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Arturo R Montesinos

San Lorenzo de El Escorial, as is its full name, is situated at an altitude of 1028 meters above sea level. It lies at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama, where the stone has been mined and used for its construction, which started in 1563 by order of King Philip II of Spain. This pious monarch decided to commemorate his victory over French troops by founding of the Augustinian monastery, part of which would become the royal residence. The monastery should also serve as a center of education and final resting place of the Spanish aristocracy. And so, over the next 21 years, grew up into a large unique complex in the area of ​​207×161 meters. Two prominent Spanish architects were working on its construction – Juan Bautista de Toledo, who created the plans and Juan de Herrera, who completed a building in 1584.

San Lorenzo de El Escorial features a rich interior decoration, which was assigned to the hands of the greatest artists of that time. Therfore we can admire the beautiful works of Tiziano Vecelli, El Greco or Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez. In El Escorial you can also find about one and a half thousand of preserved rare paintings and about five hundred frescos that adorn the ceilings of most of the interior. In 1984, San Lorenzo de El Escorial was just for its unique decoration included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Monasterio de El Escorial (San Lorenzo del Escorial)
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Igor González Martín

In the former times was El Escorial a symbol of secular and religious power of the king and its monumentality is amazing until today. The whole complex is crossed with 24 kilometres of tunnels, which connect individual rooms and buildings. Right in the center is a beautiful basilica, which is a main dominant of El Escorial. In its vicinity is situated Augustinian monastery with three hundred monastic cells and the Panteon de los Reyes, where are the remains of eleven Spanish kings and their wives, starting with Charles V, a father of Philip II. Do not miss a visit to the historical library, which is considered to be the most valuable in the world. Holds almost 45 thousand volumes from the 15th and 16th century and more than five thousand valuable manuscripts in Arabic, Latin and Spanish.

From Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial is the most convenient to travel by bus (line 661 or 664) or by train from the main railway station Atocha and then continue on foot for approximately 20 minutes. The way takes less than one hour in both cases. El Escorial is open every day from 10′o clock except for Mondays. Be prepared for numerous groups of tourists that come here especially in the summer and on weekends.


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Ayia Napa Resort with its most beautiful beaches in Cyprus https://europeexplored.com/2011/07/31/ayia-napa-resort-with-its-most-beautiful-beaches-in-cyprus/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/07/31/ayia-napa-resort-with-its-most-beautiful-beaches-in-cyprus/#comments Sun, 31 Jul 2011 19:39:42 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4723 Ayia Napa is a very famous and popular resort, which can be found in the south-eastern tip of the island of Cyprus. Originally a poor fishing village Ayia Napa changed it face like by a magic into a very visited site, which annually welcomes thousands of tourists from all around the world. Sandy beaches on […]

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Ayia Napa is a very famous and popular resort, which can be found in the south-eastern tip of the island of Cyprus. Originally a poor fishing village Ayia Napa changed it face like by a magic into a very visited site, which annually welcomes thousands of tourists from all around the world.

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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Jasovská cave – national natural monument of Slovakia https://europeexplored.com/2011/06/10/jasovska-cave-national-natural-monument-of-slovakia/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/06/10/jasovska-cave-national-natural-monument-of-slovakia/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:34:34 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4407 Jasovská cave (or Jasovská jaskyňa in Slovak) is located in the Slovak Karst, near the village Jasov, in the south-eastern part of the Slovak Republic. The cave has been known since time immemorial. There were found artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Hallstatt periods. The stalactite cave was first open to the public partially in […]

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Jasovská cave (or Jasovská jaskyňa in Slovak) is located in the Slovak Karst, near the village Jasov, in the south-eastern part of the Slovak Republic. The cave has been known since time immemorial. There were found artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic and Hallstatt periods. The stalactite cave was first open to the public partially in 1846 by monks from the nearby Jasov monastery. Between 1922 – 1924 the lower parts of the cave were discovered and already in 1924 Jasovská cave was officially opened.

There were built routes and electric lighting. The total length of cave is 2811 meters, of which about 550 meters are available to the public. Jasovská cave has a rich sinter decoration. You can admire Virgin stalactites and waterfalls. At the top floor there is also interesting sign written in black letters in 1452 and which talks about the victory of the Hussites in Lučenec.

The cave is a home to 19 species of bats, which live in the cave especially during winter. Since 1995 Jasovská cave is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list as a part of the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst site.

The air temperature ranges between 8.8°C to 9.4°C, relative humidity from 90% to 98%. The cave is open daily – except of Mondays – from April 1 to October 30. Basic admission fee is €5.

See pictures of Jasovská Cave on flickr.com

For further information you can visit official website of Slovak caves www.ssj.sk.


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Mount Olympus – the highest mountain in Greece https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/20/mount-olympus-the-highest-mountain-in-greece/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/20/mount-olympus-the-highest-mountain-in-greece/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 08:36:09 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4006 Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece. Its highest peak is Mytikas (2917 m). Olympus was mythological home to twelve most important Greek gods, specifically of the Pantheon. Mount Olympus is World’s Biosphere Reserve and also Olympus National Park. It is a popular tourist destination. The starting point for visiting the highest peaks is […]

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Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece. Its highest peak is Mytikas (2917 m). Olympus was mythological home to twelve most important Greek gods, specifically of the Pantheon. Mount Olympus is World’s Biosphere Reserve and also Olympus National Park. It is a popular tourist destination.

The starting point for visiting the highest peaks is the town of Litochoro, from which you can go by car to the mountain village Priónia and then continue on foot. In the Mount Olympus you can visit Agios Dionysios Monastery (Metochio), which was built in the 15th century and was originally dedicated to the Holy Trinity. It is located 3 km from the town of Litochoro.

In later years it was renamed after its founder monk Dionysus, who came to this area from the Meteora monasteries. During Turkish rule the robbers hid in the monastery who heavily damaged it together with many other sights. Only the perimeter walls with original paintings remained. The monastery is now being renovated – central chapel and the outdoor area were already opened.

It is really amazing to swim in the sea and watching this high mountain.


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Dupnitsa – The Green and Shady Town in Bulgaria https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/02/dupnitsa-the-green-and-shady-town-in-bulgaria/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/02/dupnitsa-the-green-and-shady-town-in-bulgaria/#comments Mon, 02 May 2011 19:12:19 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=3629 Dupnitsa is a town in western Bulgaria. It is located in Kyustendil Province, at the foot of the Rila mountains. Currently Dupnitsa has more than 40 000 inhabitants. The first mention of Dupnitsa is from the 15th century. Major attractions include the Art Gallery, Historical Museum of Dupnitsa, the clock tower and the churches in […]

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Dupnitsa is a town in western Bulgaria. It is located in Kyustendil Province, at the foot of the Rila mountains. Currently Dupnitsa has more than 40 000 inhabitants.

The first mention of Dupnitsa is from the 15th century. Major attractions include the Art Gallery, Historical Museum of Dupnitsa, the clock tower and the churches in the city. About 7km east of town there is a monastery Resilovo. 14 km northeast, near the town of Sapareva Banya you can find the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Germania. Nearby is also a spa and mountain resort Panichishte, which offers excellent conditions for hiking and relaxing and in winter for skiing.

Dupnitsa is also called The Green and Shady Town because of the huge number of trees in the town. But it is also called The Little Italy of Bulgaria because lots of people left to work to Italy and returns in summer for vacation when the city is full of Bulgarian “Italians”.


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Pena National Palace – one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal https://europeexplored.com/2011/03/06/pena-national-palace-one-of-the-seven-wonders-of-portugal/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/03/06/pena-national-palace-one-of-the-seven-wonders-of-portugal/#comments Sun, 06 Mar 2011 22:59:17 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2770 Pena National Palace or in Portuguese Palácio Nacional da Pena is a Romanticist palace situated at the top of the rocky hill in the town of Sintra in Portugal. When the weather is good the palace is visible from Lisbon. The palace is since 1995 a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven […]

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Pena National Palace or in Portuguese Palácio Nacional da Pena is a Romanticist palace situated at the top of the rocky hill in the town of Sintra in Portugal. When the weather is good the palace is visible from Lisbon. The palace is since 1995 a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal and it is also one of Portugal’s most visited monuments.

Palácio Nacional da Pena, Portugal
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by leoplus

Pena National Palace was built in 19th century but its history started already in the Middle Ages when a chapel was built here and later in 1493 also monastery, however it was severely damaged by lightning and later by the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. After that only ruins remained here for many decades. King Ferdinand started reconstructions and rebuilt the place into a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family in 1847.

Pena National Palace is now a place of Portuguese government and president officials. Around the Palace there is 200 hectares large vast forest with lots of paths.


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Canyon del Sil – one of the most beautiful river canyons in Spain https://europeexplored.com/2011/02/22/canyon-del-sil-one-of-the-most-beautiful-river-canyons-in-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/02/22/canyon-del-sil-one-of-the-most-beautiful-river-canyons-in-spain/#comments Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:43:13 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2629 If you head 20km north-east of Ourense, you can spend the day on fantastic canyon of the river Rio Sil – Cañon del Sil. At its confluence with the river Río Miño, two water reservoirs have been created by damming. In this wild land with dense oak and pine forests you can find remarkable historical […]

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If you head 20km north-east of Ourense, you can spend the day on fantastic canyon of the river Rio Sil – Cañon del Sil. At its confluence with the river Río Miño, two water reservoirs have been created by damming. In this wild land with dense oak and pine forests you can find remarkable historical sites. Hikers wander the trails or use the more convenient two-hour boat trip through the dark green river water.

In the valley there are three monasteries. The most formidable of them is San Esteve – thanks to its size, style and history. It is accessible only by car or walking. San Esteve monastery was founded in the 6th century, and the oldest parts are the Romanesque cloister and church. Two other monasteries are from the 16th and 17th centuries.

The most beautiful views of the Cañon del Sil are on 14 km trail leading from Loureiro to the village of Parada do Sil. At the very edge of the canyon, 5km north of Parada do Sil, there is Santa Cristina monastery from 12th and 13th century.


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