As La Coruña, Spain's most iconic architectural landmark, the Torre de Hércules, or Tower of Hercules, is a must see. Initially built in the 1st century, it’s the oldest known surviving Roman lighthouse in the world. The earliest known reference of it appears in Historiae adversus Paganos by Paulus Orosius, written around 415–417 AD. Standing …
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Sitting mere feet from the Polish border, the nearly millennium old city of Görlitz is a picturesque German town right on the banks of the Lusatian Neisse River. As Germany’s farthest-east town, it lies directly across from the Polish city of Zgorzelec, reachable by a short, 15-minute walk without customs headaches 🫡. A city dripping …
Castelo de Santo Antón, or Castle of San Antón, is a well-preserved time capsule from the 16th century, showcasing a fortress and striking example of the defensive structures built by King Felipe II to protect La Coruña, Spain. Situated in the Bay of Coruña, near the northwestern tip of Europe, the castle was a vital …
Continue reading Castelo de Santo Antón: Where Stone Walls Met Sea Battles.
Built to "represent family", the Menhirs for Peace (Menhires pola Paz in Spanish) is a unique and interesting stop in La Coruña, Spain. The installation consists of 12 upright, man-made stones overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Each stone has holes carved into it, designed as “portals” for visitors to look through, meant to encourage "personal reflection …
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Found in Funchal, Portugal, on the beautiful island of Madeira, the Cabo Girão Skywalk offers a breathtaking (literally and figuratively) experience. At 1,900 feet (580 meters) above sea level, it's a jaw-clenchin’ and heart-pumpin’ time. Visitors who fear heights may want to think twice before stepping onto the glass platform, as the Cabo Girão Skywalk …
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Famously known as the departure point for the RMS Titanic and the Mayflower, Southampton, England, is a fun city to explore. Its architecture and landmarks reflect the charm of a classic English town, with cobblestone streets, centuries-old homes, and 1.25 miles of a towering stone fortification wall built in the mid-1300s – complete with 29 …
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High up in the lush mountains of Madeira, Portugal, Eira do Serrado Viewpoint offers a spectacular vantage point with sweeping views of the valley below. Translated to "Nun's Valley", it sits at an impressive altitude of 3,592 feet (1,095 meters), with the viewpoint providing a breathtaking experience. It truly making you feel as if you're …
Continue reading Eira do Serrado Viewpoint: View the Mountains Through the Clouds.
Located closer to Africa than mainland Spain, Lanzarote is an interesting place to visit. Its landscape is desert-like, featuring endless volcanic terrain and Greek-style architecture, rather than the tropical look often associated with islands. This unique blend helps create an otherworldly experience. Lanzarote is one of seven islands in the Canary Islands, part of Spain’s …
Continue reading Lanzarote, Canary Islands: “The Island of Eternal Spring”.
An eye catching sight, this historic structure is known by several nicknames, including Empire Tower, Bautzen Imperial Tower, and my personal favorite, The Leaning Tower of Bautzen. It can be found in Bautzen, Germany and it certainly earns its nickname, boasting a visible 1.44-meter slant that makes it an interesting structure. Located in the Kornmarkt …
One of the most unique palaces I’ve ever visited, the National Palace of Pena feels like something dreamed up during a wild, psychedelic acid trip. With its clashing colors and architectural styles, dramatic towers, puzzling statues and gargoyles, and wildly mismatched tiling, it’s a fever dream brought to life. A Romanticist castle filled with a …
Continue reading The National Palace of Pena: The Jewel of Sintra.