Europe Explored » rocky promontory 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 Český Šternberk Castle – one of the best preserved Gothic castles in the Czech Republic https://europeexplored.com/2011/06/11/cesky-sternberk-castle-one-of-the-best-preserved-gothic-castles-in-the-czech-republic/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/06/11/cesky-sternberk-castle-one-of-the-best-preserved-gothic-castles-in-the-czech-republic/#comments Sat, 11 Jun 2011 21:53:50 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4461 The Gothic castle Český Šternberg is considered one of the best preserved castles in the Czech republic. It was built around the year of 1241 on a high rocky promontory above the river Sázava by Zdeslav of Divišov’s. He gave it the name Sternberg after his coat of arms, bearing the golden star. The Gothic […]

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The Gothic castle Český Šternberg is considered one of the best preserved castles in the Czech republic. It was built around the year of 1241 on a high rocky promontory above the river Sázava by Zdeslav of Divišov’s. He gave it the name Sternberg after his coat of arms, bearing the golden star.

The Gothic appearance of the castle was changed by several reconstructions, especially interior which is now more in Baroque or Rococo style. The tour leads through fifteen rooms, richly furnished mostly with stylish furniture, with valuable paintings and carpets. Visitors can see here a unique collection of 545 copper engravings, depicting the entire history of the Thirty Years’ War, but also a collection of historic weapons, art porcelain, hunting trophies, and many other attractions. During the season there are thousands of tourists, who have the opportunity to use also hiking and biking trails. Today the castle is owned by the Sternberg family.

The castle in open from April to October and basic admission fee is 100CZK (€4). It is situated only about 40km from Prague, so if you have one free day while visiting Prague, this castle is a great idea to spend it.

For further information visit Official website of Český Šternberg Castle


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Siccar Point rocky promontory in Scotland, United Kingdom https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/15/siccar-point-rocky-promontory-in-scotland-united-kingdom/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/07/15/siccar-point-rocky-promontory-in-scotland-united-kingdom/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:56:10 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=752 Along the eastern coastlines of Scotland, you will find the rocky Siccar Point jutting out into the sea. At the top of the point, an ancient hill fort was built. Known locally as a dun, the ruins are a popular tourist attraction in the area. Access to Siccar Point is not all that easy. The […]

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Along the eastern coastlines of Scotland, you will find the rocky Siccar Point jutting out into the sea. At the top of the point, an ancient hill fort was built. Known locally as a dun, the ruins are a popular tourist attraction in the area.

Access to Siccar Point is not all that easy. The location is tucked away and is not part of any major trails in the area. Those who seek it out can find it with a little help from the local population though.

Siccar Point, Scotland, UK
Siccar Point, Scotland, UK by dave souza

Siccar Point gained infamy with the help of James Hutton who had discovered the interesting geological formation back in 1788. It was with the help of the point, that Hutton was able to successfully prove his theory on the development of the earth, its origin and even its age.

Near by Siccar Point, one can also find the ancient St Helen’s Chapel which stands in ruins only a kilometer from the location. Built using the Old Red sandstone which is common in the area, the Romanesque church has grown to become another popular stop for those visiting the area.

Notwithstanding the historical links tied to the angled Siccar Point, the area is still a beautiful place to visit. You can stand upon the top of the cliffs and overlook the point sticking up out of the sea. The rocky landscape that leads out to the North Sea is barren and uninhabitable, but in the opposite direction, one can see marvelous rolling hills carpeted in emerald green grass and farmlands.

The trip out to Siccar Point is a slow and enjoyable one as you make your way through the open trails that meander their way through the region. Make sure that you bring the proper shoes because to visit the point as well as the many other popular attractions in the area, you will be needing to do a lot of walking.

But for your efforts to reach the cliffs that tower above Siccar Point you will be rewarded with some of the most beautiful views of the rugged coastlines of Scotland.

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