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Central Albania – Cape Rodon, Durrës and Tirana
I started the route towards central Albania in the town of Teth. The first point of my trip was Cape Rodon, also known as the Cape of Skanderbeg. This is definitely a place you must visit while being in Albania. Actually, I could point out three reasons why it’s worth coming here. The first are bunkers, which I wrote about here. The second one is the castle built by Skandenberg in 1452, to defend against the Ottoman Empire. Although it was a hiding place for Skandeberg for a while during the siege of Kruja in 1466, it was destroyed by the Turks only a year later. Currently, only the remains…
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Ljubljana – a slightly psychedelic city of dragons
Ljubljana is one of those cities that’s impossible not to like. Time seems to move slower here, and instead of the traffic jams and rush typical of other European capitals, the city charms with its intimate, relaxed atmosphere. The city’s most iconic landmark is the Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most). It was built to replace an old wooden bridge that collapsed during an earthquake in 1895. Initially, the plan was to decorate it with winged lions, but in the end, four dragons took the stage. Local legend has it that if a virgin crosses the bridge, the dragons will wag their tails. In practice? Well, let’s be honest – traffic on…
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Car cemetery
Car cemetery had been on my list for some time however I didn’t expect fireworks when I got there. I suspected that this place would be largely looted. Meanwhile, I saw a hundred cars from the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s in various degrees of disintegration. It’s sad to see all of them slowly rusting and falling into increasing disrepair. Some of them have been dismantled, but there’s still a lot to see. Such a collection must have been a huge treasure in the times of socialism. Many drivers dreamed of such cars back then. The choice is wide: Fiats, Skodas, Syrenas, Mercedes and Opels. Fiat 126p cars lined up neatly…
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Malta – The Fortress Island, Girl on the urbex trail!
Malta is called the “Fortress Island.” At first glance, it’s evident that the island’s architecture has a defensive character. High fortifications, citadels, and forts are reminiscent of the times of the Knights of Malta as well as the British era. Throughout its history, Malta was under the rule of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, Crusaders, French, and British. Finally, it became an independent country only in 1964. Today, we can see numerous traces from the times of the Knights of Malta, as well as from the period of World War II. The Knights of Malta gained control over Malta in 1530 from Charles V of Spain. From that…
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The Causeway Coastal Route – Northern Ireland
The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Europe. This picturesque road stretches almost 200 km, winding through cliffside coasts, green hills and the historic castles of the Emerald Isle. Mussenden Temple – the first stop on the way The first stop is the picturesque Mussenden Temple. This remarkable structure, inspired by Roman temples, was commissioned by a wealthy earl who wished to create his private library here. From the outset, Mussenden Temple has captivated visitors not only with its architecture but also its spectacular cliff-top location. Unfortunately, this location carried the risk of erosion and potential collapse of the building. In…
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Abandoned chapel – Girl off the Trail
The chapel was built in the early 20th century. At first glance, its appearance suggests it’s a Catholic, but in reality, it belongs to the Mariavites. Mariavitism emerged from the Roman Catholic Church in 1906 and is closer to Orthodoxy Church. Currently, it’s estimated that around 20,000 people in Poland practise this religion. The chapel looks quite modest, similar to wooden constructions often seen in places like the Bieszczady Mountains. However, its discreetness is actually an advantage, allowing it to remain unnoticed. Although a lot of time has passed, the chapel makes an amazing impression. White and blue wooden walls give it a celestial character. Stained glass windows create a…
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Abandoned psychiatric hospital
The former psychiatric hospital was opened at the beginning of the 20th century. It was established on the initiative of the Warsaw Society for Medical Assistance and Care for the Mentally and Nervously Ill, who purchased and renovated abandoned barracks for this purpose. At that time, it also included a farm that produced vegetables and fruits for the hospital’s needs. Initially, the hospital could accommodate only 24 patients, but over time it expanded to the point where further development was necessary. During World War II, when the siege of Warsaw took place, it was located just on the front line. As a result, it served as a hospital for wounded…
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Southern Albania – a ship in a field and a thousand windows
I start my exploration of southern Albania in quite an unusual way – with a ship docked far from the sea, right in the middle of fields. This extraordinary sight resembles the Titanic in the Atlantic and is an evidence of the boundless Albanian imagination. Berat – “The City of Thousand Windows” In Berat, I stop for a moment to explore the castle ruins. Although little remains of the castle itself, its walls and the surrounding landscape create an incredible atmosphere. However, this is not the end of the attractions in this town. Berat is called “The City of a Thousand Windows,” and the name seems to fit it perfectly.…
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Comino – small is beautiful
Comino is one of the unique places worth visiting when in Malta. It’s a small island located between Malta and Gozo, covering an area of just 3.5 km². This makes it an ideal spot for a day trip. The island is small enough to be explored on foot within a day. A path along the high cliffs guarantees incredible views. The island’s name comes from cumin, which once grew abundantly here. Comino has a rich history dating back to Roman times when it was mainly used for agricultural purposes. The Knights of Malta organized wild boar and rabbit hunts here. Comino was never really inhabited, mainly due to the lack…
