This is what is great about Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Destination Awards, which honour those destinations voted by millions of tourists across the world. So when it comes to planning a school trip or weekend away as a couple, you can check out the winners of the places which lie fairly closer to home.

Eiffel tower, Paris, France by Derek Key

The leading travel site has already published its results for 2013, with some surprises as well as the popular destinations featuring at the higher end of the European list.   If you have decided to travel somewhere in Europe this year to get a closer look at its history, culture and learn something from the expedition, it would be worth taking a look at the top 25 destinations in Europe – with the winner no shock to most people.

Paris was not only the leading destination in Europe, but it also pipped New York to the highest global accolade too. London had many reasons to be pleased with itself, taking the second spot in the European honours. A spokesperson for the site, Angus Struthers, explained: “These awards honour the world’s best destinations as decided by those judges that really matter – travellers themselves.

Now that the Jubilympics are over it’s vital that UK tourism continues to flourish so it’s great news that London is rated so highly among the world’s and Europe’s best destinations.”   It was good to know that the English capital had so much to offer tourists to these shores, with events like the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games doing no harm in raising the country’s profile last year.

The top 10 for Europe also included the likes of Barcelona, Berlin and Prague, with Italian cities featuring quite heavily (Rome, Venice and Florence).

Old town square, Prague, The Czech Republic by Claire for Europe Explored

There is so much to learn about the nations around the UK, while a trip to one of these breath-taking cities is certainly affordable. Whether you choose to travel on your own, as a couple or as part of a larger group, you can decide on any of these places and not be disappointed.

See what makes France’s capital such an appealing destination for global travellers and enjoy the ideal Paris experience. Stroll along the Seine and take in famous attractions like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, not forgetting to savour the fine exhibitions at the Louvre and explore the rich history of the place.

Alternatively, pick somewhere else on the list and find out why each country has its own distinctive charm and appeal to tourists. Use this guide as a starting point and explore Europe even further whatever your age or interests.

Christian Hewlett is a travel advisor who recommends packages for individuals and groups travelling throughout Europe and the rest of the world. For school trips he’d suggest you try speaking with the team at Encounters Europe.

The post Top European Destinations Recommended By Fellow Travellers appeared first on Europe Explored.

Rome

No vacation with children is complete without a trip to the zoo.  The Bioparco is one of the finest zoos I’ve ever visited.  There is a stunning array of animals including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.  My children were especially fond of the capybaras and the pygmy hippopotamus.  However, the Bioparco is more than just a zoo.  It’s also a botanical garden featuring many exotic plants from around the world.  There’s a sweet little train that runs throughout the zoo and gives tours.  It was a fun way to give our feet a break.

Lion in Bioparco, Rome, Lazio, Italy by Bruno

The Sistine Chapel may seem like an unusual place to take your children, but at four and seven, my children were both in awe of the impressive architecture and the stunning artwork.  As a former art nerd, I couldn’t help but tear up as I viewed Michelangelo’s frescos and Raphael’s tapestries.  No matter what your age, this beautiful chapel is well worth a visit.

It’s almost a requirement to visit ancient ruins when in Rome.  While the Colosseum might seem like the obvious choice, I recommend the Pantheon.   Built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, the Pantheon was a temple for all the gods of ancient Rome.  When you enter the building, the first thing your eyes are drawn to is the massive cupola.  Despite its age, the Pantheon’s dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.  The oculus opens into the sky allowing natural light (and sometime rain) to enter the building.  It is truly breathtaking.

Pantheon, Rome, Italy by Claire for Europe Explored

Venice

The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is an absolute must see in Venice.  I recommend taking a guided tour so you can get a detailed history of this magnificent palace.  My husband and I enjoyed the art and architecture while our children were most excited by the Bridge of Sighs and the prisons.

Take a relaxing ride in a gondola on the Grand Canal. It’s the best way to see the gorgeous architecture of Venice.  My son was so soothed by the water that he fell asleep in my arms!

The Lido di Venezia is a fabulous place to let your kids be kids.  They can play in the sand and surf while you and your partner enjoy a private beach hut.  Be sure to get some delicious gelato while you’re there!

Gondolas on Grand Canal, Venice, Italy by Claire for Europe Explored

Sicily

Ancient ruins aren’t just a Roman specialty.  The Temple of Concordia is amazingly preserved and the grounds are positively lovely.  Surrounded by olive and almond trees, there’s a real sense of serenity surrounding the ruins.  Local legend is that newlyweds who visit the temple on their wedding day will have a peaceful marriage.

The Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano was so entertaining that we spent four hours exploring its fascinating exhibits.   With artifacts spanning 5000 years, there is so much to see that it might seem overwhelming,  Take your time and look over all the exhibits, be sure to visit the church and climb the steps to see the dazzling view from the cliffs.

If you’re traveling in Sicily during the summer, a great way to beat the heat and see something endlessly captivating is to visit the Catacombs of St. John.  My daughter was so enthralled that it was all she would talk about for weeks afterward.  The tour is incredibly informative and the guide speaks English extremely well.  Although there are no bodies, photography is still prohibited.

Temple of Concordia, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy by Berthold Werner

If you’re planning on taking your family to Italy, be sure to visit some of these amazing destinations.  You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

As a freelance writer for Holiday Place, Susan Crown spends an inordinate amount of time chasing her children through crowded airports.  When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, sailing and eating her body weight in gummy worms.

The post Family Travel Attractions In Three Of Italy’s Top Destinations appeared first on Europe Explored.

Amsterdam

The compact size of Amsterdam – a city built around a system of canals – means that you are never far from the highlights of the destination, and there is never a dull moment, whatever may take your fancy. There is a charm that comes with the quaintness of Amsterdam, but recently a new wave of urban art has been sweeping the town, with an influx of cool reigniting its bohemian credentials. While Anne Frank’s House and the Van Gough Museum are understandably popular, you should also check out rising photographic talent at Huis Marseille or Foam. Away from the tacky stag-do-central of the Red Light District is Reguliersgracht, where criss-crossing alleys are lined with chilled-out cafés and dinky boutique shops.

Amsterdam, Netherlands by Christian Lendl

Istanbul

While the majority of the population of Istanbul are Muslim, it is a sprawling cosmopolitan city with a huge mix of cultures. Being located on the very edge of Europe and Asia, it is a melting pot of Western and Middle Eastern cultures which will fascinate any discerning traveller. One of the archetypal visions of the city can be found in the Covered Bazaar, where merchants and locals trade wares and offer must-have souvenirs to the tourists who pass through. This will give an idea of the whole city, which is a maze of nooks and crannies, all filled with remarkable cafes and boutique shops offering scents, gold and textiles. The Blue Mosque is a must, presenting fabulous mosaics of ceramics and glass, and offering an insight into the wealth and excess of the home of the Ottoman Empire.

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey by Jerzy Kociatkiewicz

Rome

The home of an empire that once included territories in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Rome is a goldmine of cultural artefacts. One of the most popular ruins is the Colosseum, which once held brutal fights to the death for the entertainment of thousands. Standing in the stalls, one can imagine the roars and jeers from the baiting crowds. Opposite is Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, from which some of the best views in the city can be found, looking down over the ruins of the residences of many Roman emperors, including Augustus (27 BC-14 AD), Tiberius (14-37) and Domitian (81-96).

Fontana di Trevi, Rome, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

London

The British Empire is one with a long and treacherous history. London has a regal sense about it, with cultural monuments still standing proudly across the city – many of which, such as Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, are still being used today as the centres of the monarchy and Government, respectively. The Tower of London, along the north bank of the River Thames, was built primarily by William the Conqueror in 1078, with many phases of expansion across the centuries. Juxtaposed with the historical sites is modern urban London, with many waves of immigrants creating a cultural hotpot in areas such as Brixton and Camden, where restaurants serve cuisines from across the globe and boutique shops and market stalls trade in unique gifts.

London, England, United Kingdom by Tim Morris

Berlin

Berlin is a strange mix of cultures, which is sometimes a little difficult to feel at ease with. On one hand, you have the ever-present reminders of its recent history, in the form of Third Reich tours or visits to the Iron Curtain and the location of Hitler’s bunker, where he spent his last few hours. While fascinating, it can also be spine-chilling, thinking how recent those terrible events were. However, there are plenty of opportunities to chill out, with quirky urban spectacles such as pop-up nightclubs, and underground ping-pong events, held in derelict buildings. The best way to do this is get talking to the locals and ask if they know of any happenings close by. A sure-fire destination for weekend parties, though, would be Farbfernseher in Kreuzberg.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany by Bill Tyne

With so many routes and tour companies available to help you travel across the continent or dedicate your time to discovering one particular city, there is no excuse not to learn about these fascinating hubs, no matter what your budget.

Written by Kat Kraetzer, a travel blogger who loves to visit Europe.

The post Europe’s Best Cultural Hotspots appeared first on Europe Explored.

Rome, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

Learn Italian in Rome with group language classes

Classes organized in group are one of the best ways to learn the Italian language in Rome. Besides the tutorial program. Schools in the capital are happy to provide administrative assistance with issues related to accommodation and local tours. For students who would like their relatives to take a visit it is possible to arrange thematic excursions for the whole family: food and wine tasting, culinary tradition, art gallery tours and more.
The classes are led in spacious rooms with a warm, cozy atmosphere. The groups are small enough to let each student practice and improve their spoken and written skills with native speaking teachers.

The Most Exciting City in the World

Rome offers its visitors an endless spectrum of cultural and social activities: museums, art galleries, churches, religious and archeological sites. Church of San Luigi dei Francesi located on Via Santa Giovanna, the Roman Empire Vatican Museum, the Pantheon building on the Piazza della Rotonda are just a few hidden gems to find in this monumental city.

For those who are looking for a party time, Rome offers a rich nightlife entertainment: bars, pubs and live music venues are spread all over city. Most night outdoor activities are concentrated in the downtown: the area around Piazza Navona and Via della Pace with its cafes and surrounding alleys. Another dynamic place is San Lorenzo at the location of the main university where the pubs are swarmed with young people, creating a lively and informal atmosphere.

During the summer, there are many open-air events such as concerts and music festivals. The evening will be incomplete, though, without enjoying some delicious ice cream in Rome’s finest restaurants, such as Dal Siciliano (Sicilian style) or the famous Gelateria Il Dolce Sorriso located on Via Arenula. To get the best of the Italian authentic cuisine, students can try Osteria del Cavaliere and enjoy a brunch with a salad buffet for a reasonable price.

More than just a language

Time spent in Rome accompanied by systematic group studying, will not only contribute to a successful language acquisition, but also expose the students to new cultural traditions and etiquette, which is a world of its own.
Taking a trip to Italy’s capital in order to learn is a great way to combine business and pleasure. Watching the city life outside the language class window will inspire anyone to keep on learning, and using the language on Rome streets will make it easier to absorb vocabulary and build confidence.

Gabriele is a dedicated travel writer about travelling in Italy.

The post Rome – The Perfect Place To Learn Or Improve Your Italian appeared first on Europe Explored.

Pisa, Tuscany, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

Italy

Home to Amalfi Coast, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Colosseum and famous lakes, Italy is a part of Southern Europe. Topping in every wish list of travelers, Italy brings in abundant scenic beauty just waiting to be explored. It has a lot to offer for everyone. Historical sites like Pantheon, San Giovanni, Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura and Colosseum are the top sites of Italy which can’t be missed. Italian food is popular with tourists and Outdoor cafes are as much liked. Other places that one can visit while in Rome are as follows:

• Vatican Museum
• Palazzo Pamphilj
• Fontana Di Trevi
• Fountain of the Four Rivers
• Protestant Cemetery
• Roman Forum

Spain

A member of the Economic Union, Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula on Southwest of Europe. It is now also listed as the second most visited country in the world owing to its favorable climatic conditions, historical and cultural monuments and geographical position. Its tourism industry has rapidly grown over the last four decades to become the second largest in the world. The cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville are hugely popular and the most visited places of Spain.

Church on Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain by Ivan Mlinaric

Two of the major events that attract millions of visitors from across the world to Spain just to witness these festivals, and they are often seen as highlights of this country are ‘the San Fermin running of the bulls’ event held in Pamplona and ‘La Tomatina (Tomato) festival held in Buñol – Valencia. Besides these two major attractions tourists also enjoy the Seville (Also known as April Fair) and Malaga Fair, Barcelona Summer Festival and carnivals at Canary Islands and Cadiz. Spain has flamboyance, charm and energetic appeal, which makes you feel more lively and rejuvenated once you step on this land of splendour. When you visit Spain do chalk out time to definitely visit the following:

• Alhambra Palace in Granada
• City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
• Toledo in Madrid
• Tibidabo in Barcelona
• The Spanish Costas
• Park Guell in Barcelona
• Aqueduct of Segovia
• Ibiza island
• La Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona
• Museo del Prado in Madrid
• Picos de Europa, Parque Nacional in Cantabria, Costa Verde
• Alcazar Seville

Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain by jan zeschky

Ireland:

It is an island located on the North-west of continental Europe. It offers picturesque views and exotic locales that can keep you in awe when you see them. The capital city of Belfast and Dublin are a favorite among tourists, when they visit Ireland. Some of the highlights of this marvelous country that you cannot afford to miss when you travel here are as follows:

• Aran Islands
• Blarney Castle
• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
• Cliffs of Moher
• Giant’s Causeway
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Dingle Peninsula
• The Céide Fields visitor centre
• Carrickfergus Castle
• Lough Neagh
• Dun Aengus
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• The Burren (A Karst landscape)
• Beara Peninsula
• Greencastle
• Phoenix Park
• Dublin Castle
• National Gallery of Ireland etc.

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland, UK by Jim

The above listed are only some of the attractions of Europe for your ready reference and guidance only. Europe has much more to its glory than can be described here. This is a comprehensive and not an all inclusive list of the wonders of the royal retreat that you can experience, when you visit here.

About Author

Crystal is a travel blogger passionate about travelling and backpacking. She occasionally writes for Bank Holidays 2013, a Web site that shares information and dates of Bank Holidays in UK and Europe and US.

The post 3 Must-Visit European Attractions For Families appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by admin

Arts Outside

Many of the Eternal City’s most famous historic sites morph into elegant alfresco entertainment venues in the warm summer evenings. The Villa Celimontana, the Capitoline Museum and the church of Sant’lgnazio host plays, musical performances and dance exhibitions. Enjoy Shakespeare in a recreated Globe theater in Villa Borghese Park, attend readings by famous authors in the Roman Forum or thrill to opera performed against the stunning backdrop of the Baths of Caracalla.

Café on the Piazza

With its magnificent piazzas, stylish streets and hordes of fashionistas and international celebrities, Rome is the ideal city for people-watching. Whether at sunset or late in the glittering Mediterranean night, stake out a table at a one of many little outdoor cafés and watch the colorful crowds parade by in the Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori. With the prevalence of conveniently located apartments in Rome, you may find a charming hangout close to your cozy home-away-from-home.

Photo by admin

Hit the Roof

Rome’s bewitching rooftop bars and terraces provide astonishing views along with creative cocktails and fine international wines, many within walking distance of delightful Rome apartments. Wake to bruschettas and coffee under balmy Mediterranean breezes or savor evening aperitifs overlooking the glittering city. Many elegant terraces are atop the city’s luxury hotels, including the Hotel Raphael, the Hotel Minerva and the Sofitel Villa Borghese.

Dine Out

Rome is famous throughout the world for its fantastic food, and restaurants are everywhere, from gelato bars to casual trattorias to elegant fine dining establishments. Savor some of the city’s finest seafood at Il San Lorenzo, crispy pizza at popular Da Bafetto or creative Roman haute cuisine at Agata e Romeo. Fortunately for touring foodies, many Rome apartments for rent are close to some of the city’s best eateries.

Dance

Testaccio is the sizzling center of stylish Rome’s dazzling night life, with fashionista haven Hulala, celeb haunt Ketum Bar and exclusive Joia among the countless trendy lounges and dance clubs. Those looking for more laid-back hangouts can head to the area around the University of San Lorenzo, where the prevalence of students has spawned loads of pubs, pizzerias and wine bars. The little beach town of Ostia, just 20 kilometers from Rome, rocks in the summertime with plenty of beachy bars, magnificent mojitos and dancing under the stars.

There are lots of places to stay when travelling round Europe.  Instead of staying in a hotel, why try renting apartments in Paris, London and Rome.  Robin Sharman is a travel blogger who writes about places to visit all over Europe.

View 5 Amazing Ways to Spend An Evening In Rome Italy in a larger map

The post 5 Amazing Ways to Spend An Evening In Rome | Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by admin

Rome

The Eternal City is near the top of every traveller’s list – a city with a cultural, architectural and historical legacy that is the envy of the world. There is so much to see and do in Rome, it’s a city that should be visited more than once – which is a good reason to start any tour with a trip to the Trevi Fountain. Tradition has it that anyone who throws a coin in this spectacular Baroque fountain – which depicts the Roman God Neptune driving a chariot led by seahorses – will one day return to Rome.

Roman History

Located in the centre of the city, the Roman Colosseum is a remarkable feat of architecture and engineering, and one of the iconic symbols of Rome’s ancient and imperial past. The very first gladiator fight took place in 82 AD, the beginning of a bloody tradition that pitted man against man – and beast – in a fight to the death, with crowds inside the forum reaching 50,000. Visit the Arch of Constantine, built in 315 to mark the famous battle victory of Constantine over Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius.

Photo by admin

Architecture

The Pantheon was built to the orders of Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC and later rebuilt in the 2nd century by the emperor Hadrian. Originally designed as a temple to the gods, it was later converted for Christian worship and, after the Renaissance, became a burial site for the city’s elite and most famous sons, including the painter Raphael. The striking design, with its imperious columns, has inspired many imitators, but nothing compares to seeing the real thing.

The Vatican

The Vatican City is an independent state with its own currency, flag, stamps and militia, the Swiss Guard, which protects its 800 citizens, including the Pope. Out front is the magnificent St. Peter’s Square, while the Vatican Museums house a large collection of Italian masterpieces by artists including Raphael, Fra Angelico and Michelangelo.

Photo by admin

Art

Located in the sprawling gardens of the Villa Borghese, the Galleria Borghese is a must for fans of the Italian masters. Marvel at the Bernini sculpture of Apollo and Daphne, as well as works by Rubens, Correggio, Raphael and Caravaggio.

The Ultimate Travel Company have paired up with the Tate to offer Tate Travels.  They have created a program of art and cultural tours across the world to visit some of the most exciting art destinations.  To see a full list of the upcoming art and cultural breaks, visit The Ultimate Travel Company website.

View Cultural Breaks In Europe: Rome in a larger map

The post Cultural Breaks In Europe: Rome appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Chris Yunker

Florence

This medieval Italian city features beautiful flower gardens, ancient buildings constructed with various colors of marble, and many of Michelangelo’s masterpieces. See the Boboli Gardens at the Pitti Palace and the Rose Garden near Michelangelo Square. One of the Renaissance artist’s most recognized pieces includes the Statue of David, which stands 17 feet (5.2 meters) tall and is on display at the Accademia Galleria. Visitors also find the tombs of Michelangelo and famed scientist Galileo in Florence. The amazing artwork throughout city also features works created by medieval artists Ammannati and Cellini.

Rome

This ancient Italian city features a number of iconic landmarks that include the Coliseum, the Forum and the Pantheon. Vatican City also attracts millions of visitors who admire the fountains, statues and dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral. See original masterpieces created by Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael in the Vatican museum. The building is also the site of the famous Sistine Chapel.

Photo by admin

Venice

The dozens of interconnected waterways and romantic gondola rides are but some of the attractions of this popular tourist destination. The city also features Byzantine to Neoclassic architecture, which spans from the 13th to the 18th century. One of the popular buildings that guests visit is the Doge’s Palace. Filled with carvings and amazing wall-sized frescoes, the palace once imprisoned famous con artist Casanova. The Bridge of Sighs is another well-known structure that connects the Doge’s Palace with a more modern prison.

Pisa

This city contains the famous tilting, freestanding bell tower of the Pisa Cathedral. Construction began on the tower in 1173 and sinking initiated only five years later. When construction resumed 100 years later, contractors compensated for the tilt by building floors higher on one side than the other. The tower stands 183 feet (56 meters) tall on the low side and 186 feet (57 meters) tall on the high side. Now stabilized by using lead counterweights and excavated soil displacement, visitors climb the 296 stairs to the top.

Photo by admin

Pompeii

In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius violently erupted, covering the nearby ancient Roman city of Pompeii with 13 to 20 feet (4 to 6 meters) of ash. Though all 20,000 residents lost their lives on that fateful day, the ash protected and preserved all of the city’s structures. Since the community’s discovery and excavation in 1749, Pompeii attracts millions of visitors annually. Besides architectural features, buildings display complete mosaic tiles and frescoes depicting mythological figures and legends.

Have you considered a luxury apartment for your next holiday to Italy? Worldwide Accom has a huge selection of Rome apartment rentals available. Each apartment is personally inspected so you can be sure you’ll be staying in quality, safe accommodation.

View Top 5 Tourist Destinations in Italy in a larger map

The post Top 5 Tourist Destinations in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Of all the continents, one of the most diverse and magical is Europe. But with approximately 50 countries, each with its own culture and personality, choosing a destination for adventure travel could take all your time. So outlined below are the top five Europe destinations with a few tips on how to make your trip extra memorable.

Paris

This exquisite city of love is the obvious first-choice tourist destination for Europe. The spectacular architecture, delectable food and wealth of cultural sites make Paris the ultimate European holiday destination.

There’s so much to do and see in Paris that it is impossible to exhaust the city in one trip. You can browse in a few couture shops on the Champs Elysees, share a meal in one of the city’s gourmet restaurants, gaze across the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower or simply watch a very chic world go by while enjoying a coffee in one of the many cafes.

Although the weather is at its best in Paris from June to August, this is also when the city is invaded by tourists and the price of holidays goes up.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by agaw.dilim

Barcelona

Second on our list is the historic city of Barcelona, which mixes its old-world authenticity with the wildly bizarre. This intriguingly eclectic city attracts all types of travellers – families, couples, lone explorers and culture vultures and those looking for adventure travel.

Barcelona has an overwhelming variety of things to do, although a lot of attention is given to Las Ramblas because of the quaint narrow streets and alleys crammed with busy restaurants and vibrant markets.

The food and wine in this city are extraordinary, consisting of large meaty dishes and lighter tapas and an abundance of wonderful seafood.

By far the best time to visit the city is May-June as the temperatures are a little too high for comfort in August and so the most of the city shuts down.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Volkanikz

Rome

The mythical city of Rome is a very close third in the list, with its historic architecture, spectacular food and sleek and stylish locals. The beautiful array of dazzling churches and inspiring museums and galleries mean there is plenty to see here, if of course you can drag yourself away from the numerous cafés and restaurants all offering mouth-watering treats. Be sure to try as many various flavours of the gelato as you possibly can! Although most tourists travel to Rome for the history, it is also a very fast-paced and modern city.

Photo by admin

London

One of the busiest modern cities in Europe, London beats with the lifeblood of countless generations. It was once said that no man could ever tire of London and this is true. By day, take your time strolling around Covent Garden or shopping on Oxford Street, visit the many galleries and museums and maybe have a picnic in Hyde Park or afternoon tea in the Dorchester. By night, head to Soho and sample the vibrant and slightly alternative nightlife!

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by edwin.11

Prague

Prague is a picturesque and magical city that has survived so many attacks upon it over the past 1100 years. Wander down the narrow streets and marvel at the churches, the statue-lined bridges and the daunting hilltop castle that make this a fairytale place. English isn’t always spoken language here, though, so keep a phrase book with you in case of emergencies.

Photo by admin

The post Five Great European Travel Destinations appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Sebastian Bergmann

The church was built on the site, where according to legend, was St. Peter sentenced to death, 400 years before. At that time, the Emperor Nero, persecuted all Christians. The people started to build a church originally only as a place where they could store “Vincoli” – the chains that St. Peter was bound with in Jerusalem.

But much more attractive relics in the church is a monumental statue of Moses situated at the end of the right side of the aisle. Michelangelo was supposed to create a total of 42 sculptures for the tomb of Pope Claire II., but finally only one statue was completed. The pope gave Michelangelo also another work in the Sistine Chapel, so he didn’t have much time to complete his tomb. After his death, no one had an interest in wasting money for the celebration, so Michelangelo decided to create at least the first sculpture as a powerful and soulful figure of Moses. And this is how one of Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces grew up.

View San Pietro in Vincoli – home of Michelangelo’s statue of Moses Rome, Italy in a larger map

Basilica San Pietro in Vincoli is located in the centre of Rome, just few steps from Colosseum. Walk up the hill towards the park and you are there. However this church is not in every city guide, you certainly should not miss this great piece of art. If you will be stressed from all those crowds, this is the best place you can relax.

View San Pietro in Vincoli – home of Michelangelo’s statue of Moses Rome, Italy in a larger map

The post San Pietro in Vincoli – home of Michelangelo’s statue of Moses | Rome, Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.