The Basilica of Santa María del Mar in Barcelona is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, built for the shipbuilders and merchants of the region. The stones of its walls and the shapes of its windows take you back to the 14th century, telling tales of devotion and craftsmanship in a beautiful space for worship. Although I am an agnostic, ...
Italy is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world. So, it’s no surprise that the streets of its many picturesque and photo-ready cities have often served as the perfect backdrop for iconic movies and music videos. As a music lover, I can’t help but remember all the music videos I know that were shot in Italy each ...
During my last journey to Cantabria, I enjoyed exploring the quaint town of Santillana del Mar. Known as the “Town of the Three Lies:” it’s neither holy (Santa), flat (llana), or near the sea (del Mar). In reality, what is not a lie is that this town offers a magnetic appeal. And I’m not lying about it being gorgeous. The ...
Plaça de Sant Felip Neri is tucked away in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. This place always draws me in; it’s a small, serene spot that feels like a step back in time, far from the busy and touristy city streets. The square is home to a baroque church, and its walls bear the scars of a tragic past. It ...
Since I live in Spain, I have visited Lisbon several times, and each time, I can’t help but be amazed by the Santa Justa Lift. This tall, iron structure is an unmissable Lisboan sight and a useful way to move between lower and higher parts of the city. When visiting Lisbon, you can’t miss its striking figure against the city ...
Cemeteries mirror living societies. They are a small version of the city they’re in and reflect the same social patterns. This is especially true for the Cementerio de Montjuïc in Barcelona. In this cemetery, some of Catalonia’s wealthiest families have tried to outdo each other for ages. They built the most impressive buildings and, at the graveyard, they competed for ...
I live in Madrid, and while it’s usually a sunny city, there are days when the sky is grey and rain taps on the windows. These days can be a surprise in a city known for its blue skies. Living here, I’ve learned that when rain falls, Madrid doesn’t stop; it just moves indoors. If we’re being technical, Madrid falls ...
Covering a vast area of central Istanbul, the Kapali Çarsi (kah-pah-look char-shoo), which translates as “Covered Market” but is known worldwide as the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, is one of the world’s most famous shopping places. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is often viewed as a tourist trap due to its high prices and aggressive sales tactics. Shopkeepers are known to harass aggressively ...
The afternoon was giving way as the train rolled into Thessaloniki. After a brief stay in Skopje, my time here was limited—a ticking clock I couldn’t ignore. With urgency, I gathered my essentials: most importantly, my phone charger and camera. Thessaloniki’s call was simple: come and see. So I did. My route was direct from the station to where the ...
During one of my recent visits to Transylvania, I stumbled upon the Saxon Cemetery in Sighisoara. This graveyard is high up a hill, next to the famous Biserica din Deal (aptly translated as “Church on the Hill”). Some believe this cemetery has a link to the famous story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, where children followed a magical piper ...