After surviving the climb to the top of the bell tower, we headed out and about to grab a snapshot of the sights of Split. Artwork nestles against the ancient mellow stones while a shoal of rainbow fish wiggle tantalisingly for shoppers. Bouganvilla blazes on every house and hides even the most broken down ofContinue reading “Split sights and beachlife”
Category Archives: architecture
800 miles of road
So leaving Dubrovnik behind for a few days, we embark on our epic journey across Croatia. Here’s a misty goodbye (for now) to the harbour and fort. As part of my impeccably planned manic route march across the country, the long suffering other half ends up driving over 800 miles in total. The next stepContinue reading “800 miles of road”
St John’s fortress and harbour
The old town of Dubrovnik is defended and encircled by formidable walls and incorporates the imposing St John’s fortress. The St. John Fortress, often called Mulo Tower, is a complex monumental building on the southeastern side of the old city port, controlling and protecting its entrance. The first fort was built in the mid 14thContinue reading “St John’s fortress and harbour”
Buda’s Castle District
Budapest is literally a city of two halves. Old Buda on one side of the mighty Danube and new comer Pest on the other. Buda is the former capital of the Kingdom of Hungary and sits on the west bank. Budapest is made up of 23 districts, all numbered clockwise, in widening circles. District 1 (The Castle District) isContinue reading “Buda’s Castle District”
Thai Temple architecture
Here’s a final look at the colourful joy that is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. So let’s take yet another look at some of the sparkly gold, red, green and blue decorations. In the guise of this blog being semi educational (and not just LOADS of my holiday snaps!!) here’s a bit of a breakneck tourContinue reading “Thai Temple architecture”
Prague Castle
One of the main sights is the impressive Prague castle that dominates everything from its commanding position above the city. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is the largest coherent castle complex in the world, with an area of almost 70,000 square metres. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is crammed full ofContinue reading “Prague Castle”
First impressions of Prague – stunning, scorching and an Astronomical clock
We staggered off the night train, blinking and yawning into the glaring heat of the Prague morning. Half seven and already 27 degrees. Not a good start for a vampire shade seeker like me. First stop, we needed to ditch the bags so head straight to our hotel. The marvellous Louren Hotel, situated in VinohradyContinue reading “First impressions of Prague – stunning, scorching and an Astronomical clock”
Random facts about Krakow and some street scenes
Following on from our difficult day at the concentration camps we wanted to see another side to Poland so set off on a wander around Krakow old town. Here’s some interesting (and not so interesting) facts about Krakow and some random photos from our aimless sauntering. 1) Legend has it that Krakow was founded by and namedContinue reading “Random facts about Krakow and some street scenes”
Around and about in Krakow
Having settled into our fab old town apartment it was time to hit the streets and explore Krakow. First up the old town square – Rynek Główny w Krakowie. It dates to the 13th centre and is the largest medieval town square in Europe. The square is surrounded by beautiful old townhouses and is dominatedContinue reading “Around and about in Krakow”
Vatican city, steps and icecream
Off to Vatican City on my non stop tourism quest. Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world by area, and also the world’s least populated. (Cheers Wikipedia, as always) First up St Peter’s Square and Basilica. St Peter’s is a late Renaissance church with the largest interior of any Christian church inContinue reading “Vatican city, steps and icecream”