Tag: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Gardens of Schloss Sanssouci – Potsdam

Looking up the hill towards the Schloss

Schloss Sanssouci was the summer palace built by Friedrich the Great in 1745-1747.  Surrounding the palace are the gardens of Schloss Sanssouci.  The entire complex of the palace and the surrounding 300 acres of parklike gardens are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  The palace sits at the top of a terraced vineyard making use of the hill to capture maximum sunlight on the vines.  Centred at the base of these terraces you find the main fountain of the park. 

Continue reading “The Gardens of Schloss Sanssouci – Potsdam” →
0

One Day in Bordeaux

Bordeaux by night

Bordeaux is an interesting port city located on a sweeping crescent-shaped bend of the River Garonne in South-West France.  Known as the Port of the Moon because of its shape, this UNESCO world heritage site has a rich history.  For more than 2000 years the city has operated its port, facilitating the exchange of human values and commerce as the capital city of the famous wine region.  One day in Bordeaux was not enough time!  

Continue reading “One Day in Bordeaux” →
5

Prague Castle Complex

Prague Castle Complex

Inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage list, the Prague Castle Complex is a group of palaces and church buildings of varying architectural styles.  Here you will find 10th Century Romanesque buildings as well as the newest modifications of the 20th Century.  The castle complex is the seat of the Head of State and is a culturally significant monument.  Within the complex walls, there are the remains of Czech Kings, Christian relics, historical documents and artistic treasures. 

Continue reading “Prague Castle Complex” →
0

Delos – Greek Island Infatuation

Ancient Delos

The entire island of Delos is an archaeological site, and UNESCO world heritage listed. According to Greek mythology, this island was the birthplace of the god Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. The island was considered as most sacred and its central location made it a wealthy commercial port, attracting the settlement of rich merchants, bankers, artisans, and ship owners.

Continue reading “Delos – Greek Island Infatuation” →
10

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru on a couldy day

You will find Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a place of unique beauty in the iconic “Red Centre” of Australia. As such, it has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List for both its cultural and natural values.  The massive rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta act as a refuge for both plants and animals and are the focal point of this desert landscape. 

Continue reading “Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park” →

Meteora Monasteries in Greece

The Meteora are rock formations shaped as a result of the erosion of wind and rain over time. These effects created separate pillars of various height and width.  Caves eroded in the sides of the pillars. Centuries ago, monks seeking quiet solitude for their devotions created small places of prayer by making cells inside these caves. Consequently, the area came to be known as a holy place. Amazingly, around the 14th Century, many Meteora monasteries started to be built at the very top of the rock pillars. During that time access could only be gained with removable ladders and winch systems used to haul up baskets and nets. This was used for both goods and people!! As a result, entering and exiting their home must have been a terrifying experience.

Continue reading “Meteora Monasteries in Greece” →
5

Chenonceau – Chateaux of the Loire Valley

The elegant chateau we see today spanning the Cher River in France was built between the years 1515 – 1559, starting first with a residence on the river accessed by a bridge.  Later, an arched bridge on the other side was constructed, reaching all the way to the opposite bank.  The bridge would eventually include a grand gallery and a floor of rooms above that.  Chenonceau is built entirely across the middle of the river Cher! At each end of the chateau there are access walkways to the riverbanks. Women who have inhabited this chateau throughout history have influenced its design, including its gardens.  Chenonceau is often described as “the ladies chateau” for this reason.

Continue reading “Chenonceau – Chateaux of the Loire Valley” →
1

Villandry – Chateaux of the Loire

In the Loire Valley of France, you will find many marvellous chateaux surrounded by beautiful gardens.  Having visited a healthy number of these chateaux, I can say that the gardens at Chateau de Villandry were the most impressive that I have seen.  An easy 9 mile car trip from Tours will drop you at the castle car park, which is free.  Entry to the gardens will cost € 7, or for a look in the fully restored chateau as well as the gardens you pay €11.

Continue reading “Villandry – Chateaux of the Loire” →
1

Vivid Sydney – don’t miss it!

Vivid Sydney Opera House

Every year, for about three weeks at the start of our winter (late May to early June), Sydney turns into the “City of Lights” as a festival of light, music and ideas  – known as “Vivid Sydney”  – takes place.

Buildings and walkways around the city are illuminated with various light sculptures, installations and image projections, as well as interactive stations that passers-by can engage with.

Continue reading “Vivid Sydney – don’t miss it!” →
2

Sydney Harbour and Ferries

Sydney Harbour

Nothing compares to the serenity of a beautiful bright sunny day on Sydney’s magnificent harbour.  Sailboats can be seen bobbing happily across the waves, going nowhere in particular at a leisurely pace.  Or waiting patiently at their moorings in sheltered bays and marinas, rehearsing a synchronised dance directed by the wind and the tides.  Eye-catching groups of energetic “optimist” dinghies dart to and fro in formation, like a flock of birds wheeling and swooping in unison, as they navigate their course.

Cutting their way across the waves in a tireless circuit from wharf to wharf, amidst the frivolity of the sailing boats, weave the sober green and yellow workforce of the harbour  –  Sydney Ferries.

Continue reading “Sydney Harbour and Ferries” →
3

Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Baskerville 2 by Anders Noren.

Up ↑