Prešov features Observatory and Planetarium where you can enjoy a variety of audio-visual programs, lectures, video projections, exhibitions, but also observing the evening sky with a telescope.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Janos Korom Dr.

Prešov region was already inhabited in prehistoric times. Settlements have been here already at the time of the Roman Empire. Slavs migrated here in the 6th century. The first written document about the city dating back to 1247, and in 1347 Prešov was a free royal city. During this period, the major trade routes crossed here, so the city grew up. Its first decline came around the 16th to 17th centuries. Further development of the city came with the establishment of Czechoslovakia.

The historic city centre is a national cultural monument, where are situated all architectural landmarks of Prešov. The most significant historical landmark of Prešov is undoubtedly the Church of St. Nicholas, which is also the oldest and only surviving Gothic building in the city. During the 18th century, its interior was completed with several Baroque fragments.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Janos Korom Dr.

Neptune Fountain is the only surviving original urban tank. It has a statue of Neptune with a trident, surrounded by sea creatures, whose author is a stonemason and sculptor from Košice – Vincet Staviarský (1784 – 1847). The statue of Neptune was ordered in the early 19th century by Jewish businessman Mark Holländer as an expression of gratitude for the city council allowed him to settle and do business in Prešov.

If you spend more than just a day in Prešov, you can visit Sigord, which is the best known holiday resort and a good starting point for hikes in Prešov surroundings. Not far from Prešov, you can also visit extensive ruins of Šariš Castle, which is one of the largest Slovak castles.

Prešov is also a birthplace of many famous Slovak singers and bands, like Ivan Tásler (I.M.T. Smile), Katka Knechtová (Peha), Peter Nagy, Chiki Liki Tu-a, Komajota and others.

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The village is built around white rocky hills and has a terraced structure. This strategically advantageous location has been inhabited since prehistoric times. During the Roman occupation, Oppidum was built here and in the Middle Ages the local fort became a haven for people from far afield. The village has never been conquered, even during the bloody religious wars in the 16th century. The worst period for Gordes was the beginning of the 20th century, when many of its inhabitants moved to work out in industrial cities.

The village has been finally saved from decline thanks to the modern art. In 1938 Gordes has been discovered by André Lhote – a French sculptor and painter, who invited here well-known artists such as Marc Chagall, Victor Vasarely and other involved in contemporary art. All of them spent a lot of time here, however their quiet creative period was interrupted by war. In 1944 the village was invaded by German troops, who wanted to revenge for the attack of the French resistance, and thus they destroyed more than a half of the village with its monuments. One monk from the nearby Sénanque monastery tried to intervene against this destruction, but he was killed.

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Anyway the village managed to retain its ancient charm. Gordes is in fact a labyrinth of cobbled streets that are lined with beautiful houses. Many of them are souvenir shops, but also cafes and wine bars, where the more affluent tourists can enjoy the right muscat wine. All houses in the village were built of the traditional Provencal materials – stone and terracotta plate used on the roofs.

At the highest point of the village there is a Renaissance castle, which was built on the site of the original medieval fortress. From the outside of the castle you can explore beautiful Renaissance windows. In the past, the only access to this point was through very steep, almost vertical stairs carved into the rock. The castle now houses a museum of contemporary French art. If you want to see the beautiful Renaissance fireplace in the main hall, you must purchase a ticket to the Musée Pol Mara. Pol Mara was an important Flemish artist.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Thierry

Not far away there is the Eglise Saint-Firmin Church from the 18th century. You can then proceed down the aisle Rue de l’Eglise, which will take you to the Rue du Belvédère – a lookout offering a spectacular view of the surroundings.

The beauty of this place attracted famous people, film directors, painters, musicians and of course the crowds of tourists. However in the main summer season it is better to avoid it. The roads are usually totally congested and it is almost impossible to get here. The best time for a visit is spring or autumn.

Near Gordes, you can visit Sénanque monastery, one of the three great Cistercian abbeys in Provence. It is well known for its Romanesque architecture and the cultivation of lavender.

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Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (La Riserva naturale orientata Monte Cofano) offers to Sicilian visitors an unspoilt beauty and presents a significant value for natural and anthropological features.

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The mountain is formed by a combination of dolomite, carbonate rocks that are the oldest outcrops in the province and date back to the Triassic, about 200 million years ago. They are separated from neighboring area Gnarosa Marcato by a small saddle. You can follow the marked trail starting from the beach Cala Buguto that leads all around the perimeter of the mountain. From the top of the mountain you can enjoy a splendid view of the coastline.

There are many signs of human presence in this area since prehistoric times as evidenced by the graffiti and stone tools which were found in caves Miceli, Buffa, del Crocefisso and Mangiapane.

In June 1991 the area was declared a nature reserve.

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Koufonissia form one of the eleven island complexes of Cyclades islands.

The only inhabited island is mountainous Pano (Upper) Koufonisi. According to archaeological findings, the islands were inhabited since prehistoric times. Excavations have revealed significant findings of Cycladic culture. It was a Bronze Age civilization, which developed here in the years around 3000 and 2000 BC.

Later, it was merged with the Minoan civilization. In the historical development Koufonissia followed the way of the whole Cyclades. The islands were first attacked by the Venetians and later by Turks. The residents then joined the pirate rebels and sailors.

Pano (Upper) Koufonisi island covers an area of 5.7 square kilometres. The population of the island did not exceed 400. Their main livelihood is fishing and sheep farming. Buildings on the southwest coast of the island are typical examples of the remarkable architecture of Cyclades.

Kato (Lower) Koufonisi island is smaller one, covering the area of 4.4 square kilometres. There was a village before, but today only a few, especially fishing families stay here. On this island you can find small picturesque Virgin Mary’s church..

Keros island is uninhabited as well and covers an area of 10 square kilometres. The highest point of the island is in 432 metres.

On the islands you can stay in several quality hotels. The most luxurious is the Hotel Koufonissia (just 150 meters from the beach) or Christinas House.

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Long after the World War II, people still lived in these “cave homes” and often lived in one room with the pet. Until the late 1980s this was considered an area of poverty, as these houses were, mostly unlivable. Local administration has become more tourism-oriented, and has promoted the re-generation of the Sassi with the aid of the European Union, the government, UNESCO, and Hollywood. Today there are many thriving businesses, pubs, and hotels.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by giuseppe portale

You can park the car near the center of the city completely free of charge. Throughout the city you can see several hiking trails, together with several maps with marked trails. However, it is not difficult at all to get lost in the winding streets.

Do not miss Matera Cathedral at the Piazza dei Duomo, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view. Similar views of the city are also at several other places in the city.

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Various archaeological findings show that the area of Spoleto was already inhabited in prehistoric times. Official establishment of the city dates back to 1000 BC. The town was founded by Umbri and later became an important Roman colony called Spoletium. Located at the head of a large, broad valley, surrounded by mountains, Spoleto has long occupied a strategic geographical position. It appears to have been an important town to the original Umbri tribes, who built walls around their settlement in the 5th century BC, some of which are visible today.

In 1155, Spoleto became the target of the army of Frederick I Barbarossa, and almost the whole town was destroyed. Around 1240 the town was claimed to be separated, but there was still influence of the Church. At the end of the 13th century the construction of walls began, which should protect the city, but also expand and define its territory. The part of the walls are still standing there.

In the 17th and 18the centuries there were some significant architectural modifications of the city. Wealthy aristocratic families called the renowned Roman architects to renovate their rich villas. A large part of the city was rebuilt at that time as well as the churches. These modifications play a crucial role in turning the city into the current view. Once the French occupation period ended, there was an unification of Italy and other revivals of the city. The political significance of Spoleto has been finished and the capital of Umbria became Perugia.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by ho visto nina volare

Now Spoleto is an interesting historical and cultural city, which is annually visited by thousands and thousands of tourists. Here you can find a number of architectural treasures, historical monuments, museums, as well as traditional cuisine restaurants called Osteria. Unforgettable cultural experience can be a “Festival dei Due Mondi”, which tradition has started in 1957. This is one of the largest art and music festivals in Europe. Always takes place in late June and July, attracting fans of music, opera, ballet, theater and visual arts. Spoleto is famous for the production of high quality and delicious taste of olive oil. The city is home to Monini’s family company, which deals with production of olive oil for several generations.

A tour of the medieval city is a good start at the Piazza della Liberta, where is the Roman Theatre – Teatro Romano from the 1st century, and Museo Archeologico. When you walk through the Piazza della Fontana, you get to the church Sant’Ansano which crypt houses the remains of a Roman temple and Byzantine frescoes. Just behind the church there is Arco di Druso from the year of 23, through which you get to the Piazza del Mercato, where Roman Forum stood before.

One of the streets you get to the Palazzo Comunale, which houses the Pinacoteca. It is important not only for its interior decoration, but also because it keeps the wonderful pictures. The same ticket gets you into the preserved Roman building – Casa Romana from the 1st century, which stands nearby. Then through cobblestone street you come to Piazza Campitello, which is just few steps from Spoleto’s most famous monument, the huge bridge Ponte delle Torri. The bridge was reportedly built on the ruins of an ancient aqueduct from Roman times and finished in 13th century. It is 80 meters tall and over 200 meters long. To the bridge you can get by following some of the many hiking trails that lead through the forest.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Michela Simoncini

Another interesting monument of Spoleto is the Romanesque church of San Pietro from 12th century. On the facade you can see a Romanesque reliefs from the same period. At the heart of Spoleto there is the Cathedral from 1198. The interior of the cathedral was modified in the 17th century and bears the hallmarks of the late Renaissance. Besides the cathedral there is the campanile towering with a pointed roof.

When visiting Spoleto do not miss the Church of Sant’Eufemia, which is a jewel of Umbrian Romanesque architecture. The lower part of Spoleto city is mostly modern, began to form after being bombed during the Second World War. There are still three Romanesque churches – San Gregorio, San Ponziane and San Salvatore, which is one of the oldest Italian churches. Its interior was created in the 5th century according to the ancient Roman basilica.

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The city of Florence has been inhabited since the prehistoric times. However, it would not be until 59 B.C. that the city would become part of the Great Roman Empire. Nestled along the banks of the Arno River, Claire Cesar knew that the city would be great one day. Back in those days, Florence was known as Colonia Florentia. It started off as a military colony and grew into one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world.

Sunset over Florence, Tuscany, Italy by Steve

The history of Florence is both rich and very colorful. There are many landmarks and monuments throughout the city which have attracted countless visitors over the centuries. Some say that perhaps the most notable of these landmarks is the 106 meter tall Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore that was built at the end of the 13th century. From the top of the Duomo, you can see some of the best panoramic views of Florence imaginable.

The next most notable monument in Florence is that of the Ponte Vecchio. This old bridge which was built back in 1345 is not just a bridge, it is an entire community. Along the length of the bridge, there are several homes, various shops and boutiques. Ponte Vecchio is the only bridge in Florence that was not destroyed back in the Second World War which makes it the oldest stone arch bridge in the whole of Europe.

Tower of Florence Cathedral, Tuscany, Italy by Ivan Borisov

Of course no one could be allowed to leave Florence without taking the time to stop by the Piazzale Michelangelo. Situated atop a hill, from the Piazzale you can get some of the most awe inspiring views of the city and of course, of the infamous Florentine sunset.

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Piazza di Ferrari, Genoa, Liguria, Italy by Hpschaefer

In the Roman Era, Genoa was one of the most powerful states in the Empire. Their power continued on for centuries and it is even said that the flag of England was adopted from Genoa back in 1190. They were considered to be a super power back in the 10th century. Their power would finally come to an end in 1381 when the Venetians conquered the city.

While the city went through countless busts in development, much of the more historically significant buildings were left standing and were well maintained over the centuries. In the old city center, you will find most of the city’s most notable monuments and structures. Here you will find the Piazza de Ferrari, the Via Garibaldi as well as Doge’s Palace. There is also the 16th century Musei di Strada Nuova and the 5th century St. Lorence Cathedral. The largest sea aquarium in Europe can be found in the old port area which has recently been converted into a shopping center.

Duomo di Genoa, Liguria, Italy by Idéfix

Along the edges of the Piazza de Ferrari, is where you will find the home of Christopher Columbus. While it is unclear as to whether or not Columbus was born in Genoa, what is known is that he spent most of his childhood in the city before becoming the navigator touted as having discovered America. There is also a monument nearby that has been dedicated to the world famous navigator.

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Filicudi, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy by Ghost-in-the-Shell

The beaches spread out throughout the island are pebble beaches rather than sand and while the main beach is the most readily accessible, many people prefer the secluded locations of the other beaches around the island. However, in order to get to the other beaches on Filicudi, you will have to cross sharp jagged rocks.

The island itself has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Just outside of town, along the man road that crosses the island you will find the archeological site of a Bronze Age settlement that was discovered on the island. The settlement was only discovered back in the 1950s and there are still regular digs going on in the area today.

Filicudi and Alicudi islands, Sicily, Italy by Tore Urnes

For those who want to get a true view of the surround waters and islands around Filicudi, you will need to put on some good shoes and make your way to the heart of the island where you will find Fossa dei Felci. The peak is situated 774 meters above sea level and from there you can see forever in all directions. The views at the peak are nothing less than extraordinary and if you are up to it, you simply have to spend the day trekking to the top.

An interesting place to visit on Filicudi is the Grotta del Bue Marino which up until the 1960s was inhabited by seals. Unfortunately the seals no longer live in the cave which makes visiting it a little easier. The nearby Cane Reef is also a popular attraction around the northwestern part of the island.

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