Castle Coch

Located in the village of Tongwynlais just north of Cardiff, Coch Castle is favoured for its ideal fairy tale resemblance. Visitors are attracted right away by the fluted towers and charming drawbridge. Built upon the ruins of a former keep, the castle represents more of an impressive work of art than a military fortress. Designed in a Gothic Victorian style, the castle also features a beautiful ornate interior. The Lady Butte’s room is well worth checking out with its mirrored ceilings. From the top of the battlements, visitors can get splendid views across the Cardiff area. Surrounded by lush woodland, the castle grounds offer several walking and cycling trails and picnic spots.

Photo released under public domain. Source: wikipedia

Carreg Cennen Castle

Located in the village of Trapp, a few miles south of Llandeilo is the spectacular castle of Carreg Cenne. The castle is well noted for its strategic defence position atop a steep limestone cliff. Human remains found at the castle area have presented evidence of people living at the site as far back as prehistoric times. Rich in history, the castle has seen its share of sieges and battles and even being damaged during the War of the Roses. Visitors can tour the square court surrounded by high towers, the drawbridge and even explore a cave tunnel beneath the castle. Stunning views of the area can be seen from the tower and battlement tops.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by zingyyellow…wish I could bend space/time

Caernarfon Castle

Built in 1284, this Norman castle is one of the most popular attractions in Wales. The architectural beauty, hexagonal towers and imposing presence set it apart from other castles. It was here that the fourth son of Edward I was born and crowned as Prince of Wales. The castle was used in 1969 for the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales. The castle features everything one expects in a castle from its lovely turrets, towers, interesting passageways and murder holes. From the tower top, visitors can see across the Menai Strait with its elegant suspension bridge and lovely countryside.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Bladeflyer

Pembroke Castle

Located in the west of Wales, the castle is well noted for its significance in Britain’s history as the birthplace of Henry VII. Founded in 1093 by Roger of Montgomery, it was also the residence of the Earl of Pembroke. The castle is so huge that it can take up to a half of a day to tour it. Here, visitors can explore corridors and rooms featuring tables that depict the history of the castle. Wander the outside grounds and feed swans at a nearby pond.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Wendy Mann

Conwy Castle

Located on the north coast of Wales, this beautiful castle was originally a stronghold built by Henry III and later replaced by King Edward I. Built on a high rock precipice, the castle is said to be haunted by an earlier resident. Featuring high curtain walls and eight round towers, the castle presents a dominating presence. Climb to the top for incredible views of the area. Children can learn about the castle’s history through a children’s trail and interactive displays.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Phillip Capper

Written by www.worldwidetravelguide.co.uk

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Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four papal basilicas (Saint Peter’s Basilica, Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls). It belongs to the most beautiful early Christian Basilicas in Rome, and became an important place of pilgrimage. It is also the largest church in Rome which is dedicated to Virgin Mary.

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The Romanesque bell tower was added to the basilica in 1377 and with its 75 meters it is the highest one in Rome. At the turn of the 16th and 17th century, Basilica underwent a reconstruction. The basilica boasts wonderfully ornate interior. Richly painted coffered ceiling is supported with 40 massive columns, which were transferred here from the ancient Roman buildings. The beautiful decoration is everywhere you take a look. But the most breathtaking is a mosaic created between 1290 – 1295 by Jacopo Torritim. It is located in the apse, which is considered the top of medieval mosaic tradition in Rome. Other important mosaics come from the 5th century and decorate boat and triumphal arch. Mosaics on the side-walls show scenes of Moses, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Once you are here, do not miss a visit to Chapel Cappella Sistina from 1585, which is a kind of church in the church. It is the work of Domenico Fontana, who created it for Pope Sixtus V. At the opposite side, there is the Cappella Paolina, built in 1611 for two popes – Paul V and Clement VIII. They tried to create a more beautiful chapel, than the opposite one, therefore it is overdecorated.

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You can find The Great Synagogue in the 7th district of Budapest – on Dohány street. This is why the synagogue is known also as Dohány Street Synagogue. The building is 75 meters long and 27 meters wide and accommodates up to 3,000 seating worshippers. It consists of three chambers and according to Orthodox tradition it has a separate gallery for women and men. Ornate interior of the synagogue is the work of Hungarian architect Frigyes Feszla and some elements are clear ideas of Reform Judaism. One example is the placement of the stage for Torah readers.

The facade of the synagogue is decorated with a large rosette. It is located between two richly decorated octogonal towers, which are typically accompanied by onion-shaped domes. Above the rosette there is the Hebrew inscription of the Second Book of Moses. The facade is composed of strips of white and red bricks.

Austrian Jewish journalist Theodor Herzl was born at The Great Synagogue, who became the most important representative of Zionism, and later became the spiritual father of Israel. There was a museum founded in 1931 at his birthplace house, where is located the extensive collection of historic relics, the Jewish objects of everyday needs. Exhibits date from the periods of ancient Rome to the present. A very valuable book for example is the Burial Society Chevra Kaddisha from 1792. The museum was previously attached to the main building and is now open to the public throughout the whole year. One separate room is dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust.

The Great Synagogue in Budapest is one of the most venerated synagogues in Europe.

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