1. Oxford University

The oldest English speaking University, Oxford University was established in approximately the 11th century, and, with Cambridge, developed into one the leading educational centre in the country. The city of Oxford is built around the University, which can be visited through guided tours via individual colleges. Individual attractions include All Saints Church, the Sackler and Bodelian Libraries, as well as the Ashmolean Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Museum of the History of Science. Other attractions include the Sheldonian Theatre, the Botanic Garden and the Harcourt Arboretum.

Oxford University, England, UK by TEDizen

2. Bleinheim Palace

The stately home of the Marlborough family for centuries, and one of the largest houses in England, Blenheim Palace was built in the 18th century as part of a reward for John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, the house was built around multiple blocks and parklands with deer, and remains one of the most lavish stately homes of all time. Blenheim later became a home for Winston Churchill, descendant of Jon, and was opened out in the late 20th century to a public site. It costs around £20 to enter the Palace.

3. Didcot Railway Centre

A treasure trove of old steam locomotives and other trains that is ideal for a family day out, the Didcot Railway Centre is near to the town of the same name, and is an extension of the now defunct Great Western Railway. Visitors can take in steam and diesel locomotives, as well as unique vehicles and exhibits. The Centre is open for weekends throughout the year, and puts on regular special events involving the locomotives and the history of steam railways.

4. Cotswold Wildlife Park

Adapted from the Bradwell Grove Estate, Cotswold Wildlife Park became a public destination in 1970. The estate’s grounds include 230 animals within its Walled Gardens. Notable animals include speckled mousebirds and sloths, as well as meerkats, oryx and llamas. A special section o the park is given over to highlighting rare species from Madagascar, and to conservation species like the Mount Omei babbler and the crested pigeon.

Cotswold Wildlife Park, UK by Duncan Brown (Cradlehall)

5. Ashmolean Museum

Located on Beaumont Street, the Ashmolean Museum is part of Oxford Universities’ wide range of different institutions. Built between 1678 and 1683, the museum was created as an extension of the collection of Elias Ashmole. Its unique collection includes rare zoological specimens and rare items from world and English history. These include a stuffed dodo, pre-Raphaelite paintings, Greek pottery, the Alfred Jewel, Oliver Cromwell’s death mask, and the Abingdon Sword.

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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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This meandering water channel is the deepest of all the channels and divides Venice into two parts. In some places it is up to 80 meters wide and there are just three bridges crossing it: the Ponte degli Scalzi, the Ponte di Rialto and the Ponte dell’Accademia. You can sail through this canal by a historical sailing regattas or water taxi but you may save a lot of money if you use a water bus lines, which are called a “vaporetto”.

During the boat tour through Canal Grande you can admire the beautiful Venetian palaces built in the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance style. During the Venetian glory, many monumental churches were built among the palaces. If you go from Piazzale Roma or from the train station to San Marco, the first church you will see will be Chiesa degli Scalzi. It was built in 1656 by Baldassare Longhenem. The same architect built the church of Santa Maria della Salute and several prestigious palaces around the Grand Canal.

Just a few steps away you can see the church of San Geremia, with the relics of St. Lucy, martyr of the 4th century. On the opposite bank rises Fondaco dei Turchi, where Turkish buyers centre was situated in the years 1621 – 1838. Now it houses the Venice Museum of Natural History. Neighbouring simple building Deposit del Megi dates from the 15th century and served as the emergency breadbasket, in case there would be famine or siege.

One of the most beautiful palaces in the Canal Grande is the Palazzo Vendramin-Callergi designed by an Italian architect of the early-Renaissance Mauro Codussi. Today it houses a casino. Two additional magnificent palaces standing nearby, Ca’Pesaro, which houses a museum of modern art and Ca’d'Oro, which today serves as a space for a museum of medieval art. At the opposite side you can see the neo-Gothic Pescheria, fish market, which together with the contours of the Ponte di Rialto bridge marks the entrance to the ancient heart of Venice.

After the bridge you can see Palazzo Loredan and Palazzo Farsetti, where is now Venice city hall. In the past, the palace was occupied by Antonio Canova, the sculptor who was the representative of classicism. A little further you enjoy building Palazzo Benzon, which was inhabited by Countess Benzon in the 19th century. E.g. British poet Lord Byron belonged to the most important guests who often stayed here for the night. The poet lived a bit further in the palace of Mocenigo family for two years. He didn’t live here alone, but with a dog, wolf and monkey. Among his frequent guests was the Cogne Margherita, one of his many mistresses, who tried to kill him once he left her.

Further you can see another palace Ca’Rezzonico where is now a public museum dedicated to 18th century Venice. When you pass the bridge Ponte dell’Accademia you will see Palazzo Barbaro from 15th century, which was bought in 1885 by the Curtis family from Boston (USA). Just opposite the palace there is Palazzo Barbarigo distinguished by its mosaics of Murano glass applied in 1886. The palace is owned by the proprietors of one of the glass factories.

Another interesting building on the banks of the Canal Grande is Palazzo Venier dei Leoni that has never been completed. In its immediate vicinity there is Palazzo Dario, considered as one of the most beautiful palaces lining the waterway. However despite its beauty, none of the locals would not want to have it as it is considered to be cursed.

Another great building that is owned by a glass company is Palazzo Salviati with a mosaic facade. Further you can see the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio and Palazzo Gritti which is known as one of the best Venetian hotels. The hotel is located just beside Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute which is one of the most impressive buildings in Venice and a place where history meets the present. This is an unusual scene for organizing summer concerts, literary readings and other activities. Just a few meters further, you will enjoy the look at the Doge’s Palace and Piazza San Marco.

Do you know any other street that is so amazing? Please let us know by commenting below.

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