The heart of Saxony beats right here, in the city of Dresden. Already the nickname Florence on the Elbe is a clear reference to Dresden’s magnificent imperial structures and the city’s picturesque location on one of Germany’s longest and most scenic rivers. Its distinctive aura and elegance make Dresden one of Germany’s most beautiful and worthwhile travel destinations.
The architectural style known as Vilnius Baroque is a regional variant of the Late Baroque in this specific part of Lithuania. Since this style is so unique, I’m dedicating this entire post to the amazing churches in the city of Vilnius.
Church of Saint Casimir, one of the most iconic structures built in the Vilnius Baroque style.This Way to the Whole Story ->
Lithuania might be small, but it’s steeped in history, innovation, and full of natural wonders, and its capital, Vilnius, effortlessly blends its rich traditions with modernity. But that’s by far not the only reason that makes the city an exceptionally exciting travel destination. Therefore, after having already featured the best places in the other Baltic Republics, it was finally time to see on a long weekend what Vilnius has in store. And let me assure you: the so-called Baroque Pearl of the Baltic is an incredibly lustrous gem!
Sundowner with a view: After a long day of sightseeing, a glass of wine on the amazing rooftop terrace of the Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel**, right across from the iconic Church of St. Casimir, is exactly what the ambitious traveller needs!This Way to the Whole Story ->
Agreed, Taormina is definitely one of the most touristy places in Sicily, and this comes with all the annoyances overtourism tends to cause. This being said, no one can deny that Taormina is the most beautiful town in all of Sicily, hence, in this guide, I’m introducing the best thing not to miss when visiting this gem on the eastern coast of the island.
View of Spiaggia di Isola Bella and the Grotta Azzurra below Taormina, the most beautiful town in Sicily.This Way to the Whole Story ->
Although often overlooked and definitely underrated, Catania is a city full of beauty, history, and, on clear days, magnificent views of Mount Etna. In particular, the palaces constructed during the Baroque period after the city was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693 reflect the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Although there is no generally accepted exact number, there are certainly around 50 notable palaces in and around the city.
Waterbearer at the Fontana dell’Amenano, a Baroque fountain with mythical figures created by Tito Angelini.
Apart from the famous palaces such as the Palazzo Biscari, the Palazzo degli Elefanti, and the Palazzo Minoriti, there are numerous smaller and lesser-known ones scattered throughout the city. Many of these are privately owned and have been converted for business purposes. That’s why, even as a self-proclaimed Poverty Jetsetter, I was able to spend a restful night in a real Italian Palazzo! More about that – and all the other marvels of Catania – in this post.
What a treat to see Noto, Sicily’s Baroque Town, on a day trip! This architectural gem dazzles with honey-colored limestone buildings that glow at sunset, making every corner feel like a masterpiece. Stroll up and down picturesque streets lined with stunning palaces and churches. Make time to enjoy delicious caffè, artisan gelato, and Sicilian charm. With beauty at every turn, Noto promises an unforgettable day of history and magnificence.
One of the most memorable things I did on my recent trip to Sicily was an extraordinary journey through the island’s rich history on an excursion to two of its most iconic treasures. In fact, a day trip to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and La Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina perfectly blends Greek grandeur and Roman elegance.
Temple of Concordia in Agrigento with the broken statue of Icarus by Polish artist Igor Mitoraj.
So, step back in time to ancient Greece as you wander through the valley that’s home to some of the most well-preserved Doric temples in the world. Set against a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and olive groves, it’s a feast for the eyes and the spirit. Eventually, immerse yourself in the luxurious world of Roman aristocracy by exploring the opulent Roman villa, famed for its astonishing mosaics. From the colorful Bikini Girls to the intricate Hunting Scenes, in this mansion, every room is a masterpiece brimming with vivid storytelling and unparalleled artistry.
Have you watched Bridgerton lately? Are you also a fan of the Sherlock Holmes adaptation with Benedict Cumberbatch? Do you remember Stanley Kubrick’s epic Barry Lyndon or James Ivory’s drama The Remains of the Day? Apart from great actors, all of these films and series intrigue with enchanting backdrops. Aren’t those mansions with manicured front lawns and gently rolling hills in the backdrop not simply gorgeous? It would be just wonderful if these beautiful sets existed in reality! Well, good news: They are real! Whenever a director needs a flawless Georgian or Victorian setting, he’ll probably end up in Bath at some point. And that’s not surprising as Bath is arguably the most beautiful town in all of Great Britain, after all. Even UNESCO agreed and quickly listed the entire city as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987.
Ljubljana mon amour: In fact, already the city’s name sounds like a tender song and derives from the word ljubljena which translates to beloved. Various charming bridges are crossing the picturesque river Ljubljanica. With an amazing number of captivating buildings from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Deco, onion-domed churches, and an imposing fortress high above the city, Ljubljana absolutely lives up to her lovely name. And since Ljubljana is small but definitely mighty, you can explore the city’s most iconic spots and landmarks easily in just two days.
Like in every decent fairy tale, you have to make it past the dragon to get to the beautiful princess. Ljubljana is no exception.
Although the city is no secret anymore and can actually get quite busy in the high season, Ljubljana has kept its sleeping beauty charm and is a sparkling gem.
When you look at pictures of Jeonju’s famous Hanbok Village, you might think that we are dealing with a cute small town where time has been standing still for centuries. But no, with almost 700,000 inhabitants, Jeonju is actually a bustling’n’busy mid-sized city. Nevertheless, the cultural heritage is the most celebrated side of Jeonju – together with the best food Korea has to offer.
Jeonju’s historic Hanok Heritage Village from above.
Mind you, Jeonju’s amazingly rich culinary scene even catapulted the city onto the list of Creative Cities for Gastronomy as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in 2012. Hence, it’s no wonder that Jeonju is one of Korea’s most important tourist centers.
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