Europe Explored » quiet place 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 Top places for taking the most beautiful pictures of Prague | Czech republic https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/03/top-places-for-taking-the-most-beautiful-pictures-of-prague-czech-republic/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/09/03/top-places-for-taking-the-most-beautiful-pictures-of-prague-czech-republic/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2012 16:06:42 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=11051 Prague is beautiful and very picturesque in general, but there are several famous places where you can take the best pictures of its monuments and landmarks. If you are also looking for the best place for taking pictures here is the list of the most popular of them. 1. Prague Castle and Charles Bridge The […]

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Prague is beautiful and very picturesque in general, but there are several famous places where you can take the best pictures of its monuments and landmarks. If you are also looking for the best place for taking pictures here is the list of the most popular of them.

1. Prague Castle and Charles Bridge

The best picture of the Prague Castle and Charles bridge can be taken from the Bridge of the Legions (Most Legií) close to the National Theatre. Its very popular alternative is renting a boat or water bike in Žofín Island and take pictures from the waters of Vltava river.

Prague Castle and Charles bridge from Bridge of the Legions in dusk

2. Prague Bridges from Letná Park

A view of Prague's bridges from Letná ParkAnother place that is ideal for breathtaking pictures is Letná park, located on a hill situated just beside Vltava river. If you are looking for some quiet place with amazing views of Prague, then include Letná Park into your itinerary. Here you can also taste some of the best Czech beers as there is a beer garden as well. Letná park is the second largest park in Prague (just after Stromovka) and is easily accessible from the city centre even on foot.

3. Charles Bridge from Malá Strana

Charles Bridge from Malá Strana, PragueIn fact there are numerous places where you can take amazing pictures of Charles Bridge from but there is one secret place that you will be really surprised with. Furthermore it is likely that you will not be disturbed by anybody as this place is quite hidden and unknown and use to be totally free of people. It is located at the bank of Vltava river, in the courtyard of Franz Kafka Museum on Malá Strana. Here you can also see popular tourist attraction – fountain of two pissing guys, which makes people laughing. Our place is on the right side of this fountain. Go to the very right corner at the river and you will be amazed. Best time to come here is in the evening, or in the dusk.

4. Old town square from Old Town Hall Tower

Old town square from Old Town Hall Tower, Prague, Czech RepublicVery popular place for taking pictures of Old Town square and its surroundings is a tower of Old Town Hall, right above Orloj (Astronomical Clock). It will not be hard for you to find this tower, you just need to follow the crowds of people which certainly take you to Old Town Square.

So now you are aware of the places in Prague you need to visit with your camera, the last thing you have to do is to find some Prague boutique hotel and there will be nothing else that could stop you from getting really memorable and unique experiences.

Photos were taken by admin.

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Las Ramblas – Barcelona’s Beating Heart | Spain https://europeexplored.com/2012/03/27/las-ramblas-barcelonas-beating-heart-spain/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/03/27/las-ramblas-barcelonas-beating-heart-spain/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:07:48 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6500 Las Ramblas is a boulevard that cuts through the centre of the city of Barcelona. Allowing for only a minimal amount of automobile traffic with narrow, one way vehicle lanes running on either side of the boulevard, Las Ramblas is used primarily by pedestrians. Colorful, busy and vibrant, Las Ramblas features attractions such as street […]

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Las Ramblas is a boulevard that cuts through the centre of the city of Barcelona. Allowing for only a minimal amount of automobile traffic with narrow, one way vehicle lanes running on either side of the boulevard, Las Ramblas is used primarily by pedestrians. Colorful, busy and vibrant, Las Ramblas features attractions such as street theatre, music performances, kiosks and dancing. Locals as well as tourists frequent this part of Barcelona, and many free activities take place there. Churros, a popular Spanish delicacy, are for sale in many places along Las Ramblas. Human statues are one of the more noticeable aspects of street art in the area. Flights to Barcelona are affordable and available so make sure you book your summer break now.

Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by davidd

Las Ramblas gets its name from a stream that used to run in the same path before the area was developed in the 16th century. Numerous bars and cafes are lined along the boulevard, and the boulevard itself is lined with large, shady trees. Mercat de la Boqueria is a colourful market that’s reputed to be one of the best in the world. The Erotica Museum and the Wax Museum on Las Ramblas are both fascinating places to pass a bit of time.

Las Ramblas is a crowded, popular tourist attraction, so paying attention to personal safety is advised for those visiting the street. Pickpockets and scam artists are somewhat plentiful, and some areas are best avoided after dark. Experienced travellers realize, however, that these things are fairly common in many of the world’s best cities, and that a bit of caution can go a long way towards ensuring personal safety.

Bus services in Barcelona are excellent, and Las Ramblas can easily be accessed from any part of the city. It is advised not to obtain lodgings along Las Ramblas itself if the traveller desires a quiet place to sleep, but those who are looking for fun nightlife will find many suitable accommodations along the boulevard.


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Mosta Dome – the third largest unsupported dome in the World | Malta https://europeexplored.com/2011/03/28/mosta-dome-the-third-largest-unsupported-dome-in-the-world-malta/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/03/28/mosta-dome-the-third-largest-unsupported-dome-in-the-world-malta/#comments Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:16:32 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2931 In the heart of the island of Malta you can find city of Mosta, which is one of the areas with the longest history. It is a small and very nice city with just 17,000 inhabitants and full of historical monuments. Since it is not overcrowded with tourists, you can enjoy a clean and unspoiled […]

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In the heart of the island of Malta you can find city of Mosta, which is one of the areas with the longest history. It is a small and very nice city with just 17,000 inhabitants and full of historical monuments. Since it is not overcrowded with tourists, you can enjoy a clean and unspoiled Maltese culture here.

Mosta Dome, Malta
Mosta Dome, Malta by Väsk

Mosta is a peaceful city where you should spend at least few days of your holidays. Although it’s far away of the sea, this “lack” is replaced by the great number of monuments, the city look, nice atmosphere, many restaurants, shopping and entertainment centres. Mosta can be regarded as a quiet place, perfect for relaxing. On the streets you meet mainly Maltese, therefore the life here is not adapted to the hectic tourist style. Mosta is famous for a popular Beer Festival, which is regularly organized each summer. On the streets you can hear modern music and see the people dancing and the whole atmosphere is really unforgettable.

The symbol of Mosta is monumental parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady known as Mosta Dome or simply Rotunda. It is the work of George Grognet de Vasse – the Maltese architect of French origin, who was inspired by the Roman Pantheon. The building is clearly visible from almost all parts of the island. It is the fourth largest dome in Europe and the third largest unsupported dome in the World.

Construction of Mosta Dome on main square began in 1833 and was completed about forty years later. The building was associated with many problems – perhaps the biggest problem and the most hated by the people was its circular ground plan, because the church looked like a pagan or a mosque. Mosta Dome began to be built as a shell over the older church, which was during the construction normally in operation until 1860. Another problem was lack of funding, therefore cupola was established without scaffolding.

At the entrance to the Mosta Dome you will be amazed of richly decorated interior. Ceiling is very similar, and similarly impressive as in the Roman Pantheon. Very beautiful is especially the main altar and paintings by renowned Maltese painter Giuseppe Cali.

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San Gimignano – Medieval Manhattan in Italy https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/27/san-gimignano-medieval-manhattan-in-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/09/27/san-gimignano-medieval-manhattan-in-italy/#comments Mon, 27 Sep 2010 08:48:44 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=1416 San Gimignano – the city of the beautiful towers – is a small walled medieval hill town located in north-central Italy in the province of Siena, Tuscany. The town lies 56 km south of Florence and 38 km north-west of Siena. It was founded as a small village in the 4th century BC, as the […]

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San Gimignano – the city of the beautiful towers – is a small walled medieval hill town located in north-central Italy in the province of Siena, Tuscany. The town lies 56 km south of Florence and 38 km north-west of Siena. It was founded as a small village in the 4th century BC, as the first Etruscan settlement named Velathri. San Gimignano is famous for its medieval architecture, especially its towers, which may be seen from several kilometres outside the town, and is also known for the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

In 1990 the historic center of San Gimignano has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a good one-day travel tip for those visiting Pisa, Firenze and Siena.

San Gimignano is significant for its numerous medieval monuments. Most dominant are the already mentioned high ancestral towers. Unfortunately, only 15 of originally 75 towers survived until now, but they are still unique decoration of the city. You can find them in the old parts of the city – San Matteo and San Giovanni. At the time of their creation (in the year 1150) served to defend the city, but were also a symbol of prestige of the ruling families.

San Gimignano is situated at an altitude of 320 meters above sea level, so it also offers a great view of the surrounding hills and the Val d’Elsa valley. For those who wish to spend holidays in a quiet place surrounded by nature, far from the bustle of cities, San Gimignano is an ideal choice. Despite its considerable popularity and attractiveness, San Gimignano managed to retain its medieval character and unique atmosphere. Most tourists come here just for one day, and especially in the main tourist season, however off season the city is really quiet.

The city was built on the Via Francigena trail that led from Rome to the north, used mainly by traders and pilgrims. Later the settlement was renamed to Silvia. In the 11th century it was still just a small village with four houses, but in next hundred years grown to a smaller city. In 1348 the town was so weakened by constant fighting between the aristocrats and also by the plague, that they were forced to ask for a help of Florence.

By the time San Gimignano began to be attractive for Italian noble families who built magnificent palaces here. The city then experienced the largest glory, which was stopped in the 15th century. Since the beginning of the 20th century tourists from all over Europe began to explore San Gimignano and over time it became a popular tourist destination.

The most important sights include (in the addition to the stone towers) such as the city gate Porta San Giovanni of 13th century. Next to gate, among other medieval buildings, you can see the church of San Francesco. At the end of Via San Giovanni there is a medieval arch that connects two main squares, Piazza della Cisterna, lined with towers, medieval buildings and a range of tempting cafes, and Piazza del Duomo with two other landmarks: Collegiata and Museo Civic.

Another important monument is the Romanesque-Gothic church of Sant’Agostino from the 13th century or the ruins of Rocca castle with its public gardens. You can also visit a modest museum of religious art and archaeological finds – Museo d’Arte Sacra.

San Gimignano is worth visiting not only for its monuments, but also because of the amazing art gallery and great views of the Tuscan countryside.

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