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Belgrade – from a Roman fortress to Yugoslavia’s vision of the future
After my first day of sightseeing and a hefty dose of history, which was genuinely quite heavy at times, it was time to move on and see a different side of Belgrade. This time, I headed straight for Kalemegdan – the place that probably more than anywhere else is associated with the city. And this is definitely a place where you can pause for a moment, because the history here is seriously something else. The first fortifications appeared here as far back as Celtic times, and the Romans later left their mark on the site. Over the centuries, the fortress was rebuilt and reshaped by one empire after another, so…
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Oman – discovering Muscat’s surroundings
Oman has been strategically located along trade routes for centuries, which is reflected in the construction of numerous defensive forts designed to ensure protection against invaders. One such structure, Al Hazm Castle, is one of the most impressive buildings in Oman. It was built in the 18th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif II. The castle was not only the residence of the ruler of Oman but also served a defensive function, which is why it is also known as a fort. Al Hazm Castle is unique due to its construction. No wood was used in the building of its ceilings, and it also used an innovative water system known…
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Morocco – clay fortresses, the Eye of Sauron, roses and mountain crossings
If you think Morocco is just Marrakesh, camels, and mint tea, well… you’re probably right. But once you stray a bit from the main routes and, instead of a travel agency brochure, pick up a map with hand-marked “odd” spots, you’ll encounter things that will completely change your perception of this country. Amridil Kasbah – a Fortress from a Banknote and a Film Set Amridil Kasbah is located on the road from the Dades Gorge to Ouarzazate. It’s another place on the map of Morocco where time stands still. A kasbah is a protected palace, citadel, or fortification, usually made of clay bricks. Kasbahs were built along trade routes, providing…
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Fujairah and Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Fujairah is another emirate I visited during my stay in the UAE. I travelled there straight from Al Ain, located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. My first stop was Al Hayl Fort. The journey covered about 150 km and initially seemed to be monotonous. However, the last stretch of the trip turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The road to the fort meandered through the picturesque Wadi Al Hayl valley. As the terrain became increasingly mountainous, the amount of asphalt on the road decreased. The area felt completely isolated from civilization. Eventually, I arrived at the fort, which, unfortunately, was securely locked. Disappointed, I started taking pictures when…
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Gyumri – Vardzia – Khertvisi – Brojomi – Caucasus tour
Last stop in Armenia, during our Caucasus tour – Gyumri City. It’s the second largest city in Armenia, right after the capital of Yerevan. Although it’s the second largest, it has only 120 thousand inhabitants. This city used to be full of life and the cultural capital of the region. However, on December 7, 1988, it was hit by the largest earthquake in the history of Armenia, which almost razed it to the ground. Thousands of people lost their lives then, not to mention those who lost the roof over their heads. The cause of such huge loss was the poor quality of the buildings. Gyumri’s fate was sealed due…
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Dubrovnik – the Adriatic Star…
Dubrovnik, also known as the Adriatic Pearl, attracts millions of tourists every year. Some come here to see the famous King’s Landing from the Game of Thrones, others the city of gamblers – Canto Bight from the Star Wars, the last ones simply want to visit the historic old town. Regardless of the purpose, there are so many people that the term “tourist trap” seems to be a suitable synonym for the name Dubrovnik. So how to survive a visit to Dubrovnik without losing nerves and a lot of money? Transport: Public parking around the old town is usually located in the 2nd parking zone which is intended solely for…
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Turquoise Tulum
Amazing Tulum, located on the east coast Yucatan Peninsula, is famous for ruins of former Mayan stronghold. Tulum was the last place inhabited by Mayas. The peak of this empire is dated between 13th and 15th century. In 16th century the appearance of Spanish conquistadors brought about Mayas’ descendants death from rare diseases. Reportedly, we „owe” them also the name Yucatan. Even nowadays, in the time of progressive globalization, clashes of civilizations are often based on culture and language misunderstandings. It’s no wonder that Spanish conquistadors didn’t have an idea of Mayas’ culture, let alone their language. Word “Yucatan” sounds exotic but in fact it means: “I don’t understand what…
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Hobbits’ stronghold in Helsinki neighborhood
Suomenlinna stronghold, located in 6 islands, is a very important point in Helsinki touristic map. It was built in the half XVIII century by the Swedish in order to defense against Russians. In that times it was the biggest building in the kingdom and the second – largest city in Finland. After a long siege it was finally conquered by Russians in 1808. In view of its strategic location, Russians decided to move the capital of Finland from Turku to Helsinki in 1812. Fortress remained under Russians rule till 1917, when Finland regained independence. These days it doesn’t have military significance but it’s a very interesting historic monument. The most…
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