Europe
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The Hague – informally
Hague called in Dutch Den Haag was formerly called des Graven hage or for short s-Gravenhage which means “the hedge of the count/earl”. That name dated back to the 13th century when Hague was a settlement with hunting castle which is now known as Binnehof. That little hamlet has developed into main administrative center in the Netherlands. There are the most important authorities including parliament and royal residence. The most surprising is the fact that Hague is only an administrative capital of the Netherlands. The constitutional capital is Amsterdam. Hague is also an internationally significant city. It’s main symbol is International Court of Justice. The initiative to establish this institution…
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Budapest – 15 reasons why I love this place
1.Parliament An ideal place for an evening stroll is Pest embankment. Beautifully lit Parliament and the Chain Bridge add to the atmosphere. Just beside the Parliament, you’ll find the monument dedicated to the victims of Holocaust. It consists of 60 real pairs of shoes. Here in 1944, Jews executions took place. 2. Millenary underground An obligatory point during sightseeing is Budapest underground. The first metro line was opened here in 1896 for the 1000 anniversary of the establishment of Hungarian country. It’s the oldest line in continental Europe. Old, ramshackle trains, steep escalators or tiled stations are inseparable part of Budapest. Additionally, the old trams which compose with the…
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Budapest – Hungarian Parliament from the inside
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Riga – a journey to the roots… of Christmas tree
I’m not going to hide the truth that my travel destinations rather than being prepared for a long time, are mostly the effect of spontaneous decisions. What’s more, by a curious coincident, these decisions are usually connected with cheap flight tickets. The same was in case of Riga. Obviously I had thought about trip to Latvia previously, visiting this country was a natural course of things after trips to Lithuania and Estonia. However, I hadn’t considered to go there in the middle of winter! After getting off the plane, I immediately realized why LOT had such a special offer for flights there. It was 31st of December, 11 am and…
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Lviv restaurants
Restaurants and cafes in Lviv are famous for their unique atmosphere. Some of them are hidden in narrow nooks of the old streets. They surprise by their diverse decorations which match perfectly with surrounding buildings. There’re also thematic restaurants such as „Gas Lamp”, where its inventor – Ignacy Lukasiewicz sits at the table. A few steps farther, Leopold von Sacher Masoch welcomes and invites to his restaurant where we can be spanked with a quirt. Restaurants in Lviv are not only creative places there you can also eat delicious food. In order to feel the city’s atmosphere and taste delicious cuisine, you can go to Kumpel restaurant (address: Vynnychenka 6).…
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Vienna – the architectural city of dreams
Vienna is called „the city of dreams” in view of the Sigmund Freud who created here the essentials of the psychoanalysis. But in a fact, Vienna is the city of dreams for the architecture lovers. Palaces, beautiful gardens, cathedrals or theaters, which can be seen everywhere, resemble the times of the former empire. Tourists are mesmerized by amazing Viennese palaces. One of the most popular is the Schönbrunn Palace, which surprises by its intensive yellow color. It’s surrounded by an enormous French garden with colorful flowers and beautifully decorated fountain. From the hill, which is located above the palace, you can admire a beautiful Vienna panorama. What’s more interesting, six-year…
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Budapest – Hungarian Parliament from the inside
I haven’t taken me much time to decide which place in Budapest to choose for the first post about this city. The one obvious and the most characteristic point which comes to my mind is Hungarian Parliament. It’s situated on the Danube bank, between two bridges – Széchenyi Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge. Practically, in view of its height and size, it can be seen from every place in Budapest. Togehter with St. Stephens Cathedral, it’s the highest building in the Hungarian Capital. Both are 96m high and this height refers to the year 896, when Hungarian country was settled. Parliament building is built from light limestone and it consists…
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Budapest – 15 reasons why I love this place
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Trakai and misterious Karaites
Trakai is a picturesque town, located among lakes and forests. It’s a former royal city, which takes back to the times of Grand Duchy of Lithuania. One of the main tourist attractions is a castle, situated in the one of the islands of Galwie lake. It was erected at the end of 14th century by Grand Duke of Lithuania – Vytauas the Great in order to protect the city against Teutonic Order. The way to the castle leads through two bridges and another little islet, where you can admire beautiful landscape of the lake and the nearby town. Besides the castle, Trakai is a popular tourist attraction because here you…
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Nové Město nad Metují – between the bliss and hell
Nové Město nad Metují is located in the Czech Republic, around 7 miles from Polish border. However, believe me that a trip there is definitely not a piece of cake. First stop – the town Náchod, famous for perfectly equipped shops. Staple goods like very good beer and better beer abound in this town, so for some a trip to Czech Republic, not only starts there but also unexpectedly ends. Those who miraculously manage to go past this town, have another problem. The way to Nové Město nad Metují, goes between the big lake – Bliss and the valley called the Hell in translation. All in all, going to the…
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Asisi – Basilica on the Hill of the Hell
Asisi, called by the Italians Terra dei Santi (the Land of Saints) is famous for numerous saints like St. Francis, St. Clare or St. Gabriel. The main tourist spot is obviously the St. Francis Basilica. Ironically, the Basilica was built on the Hill of the Hell, famous for executions which were performed there. The name Haven Hill was established by the Pope Gregory IX, just after the St. Francis canonization. The interior of the Basilica is full of pictures presenting the life of this saint. During the strong earthquake which stroke this place on 8th September 1997, died 4 monks and a lot of unique frescos were irretrievably damaged. Another…
