Located approximately 8 kilometers west of Córdoba, Medina Azahara is an archaeological site that exemplifies the splendor of Islamic Al-Andalus in the 10th century. Commissioned by Abd-ar-Rahman III, the first Umayyad Caliph of Córdoba, the construction of this opulent palace city began in 936 AD and continued for over 70 years. The city was conceived to symbolize the power and ...
The Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailío is located in the historic city of Córdoba, Spain. This unique hotel, housed in a former 16th-century palace, seamlessly combines history and modernity. The Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailío is situated in the historic center, close to a multitude of major tourist attractions in Córdoba, such as the Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcázar de los Reyes ...
Although I was going to start this article directly with information about the fantastic Railway Museum of Madrid, I have a confession to make first… I am a… ferroequinologist. There, I said it. What is a ferroequinologist, you ask? I’m glad you asked. Ferroequinology describes people who are passionate about everything related to trains or railways. The term comes from three ...
Florence, or Firenze, often called the “Cradle of the Renaissance,” is a city in central Italy that needs no introduction. Located in Tuscany, Florence is famous for its stunning art and architecture, including masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David and the breathtaking Florence Cathedral. Known for its beauty, history, and culture, it draws millions of visitors annually. If you’re looking for the ...
Zamora, known as the “Romanesque city,” is a hidden gem in northwestern Spain near the Portuguese border. Famous for its stunning collection of Romanesque architecture, this city offers a walk-through history with every step. Located on the banks of the Duero River, Zamora is also celebrated for its medieval walls and beautiful churches. If you’re looking for the best areas ...
Sintra’s Palacio da Pena (or Pena Palace) is one of the most curious and beautiful castles I’ve been lucky to visit. This Portuguese token of Romanticism is on a mountain and looks like it stepped right out of the pages of a fairy tale book. Its striking shades of red and yellow and its facade’s intricate and ornate details make ...
Located in central Spain, Castilla-La Mancha is an autonomous community known for its picturesque towns and cities. From medieval fortresses to tranquil countryside views, this area presents many experiences that reflect its culture and natural beauty. Iconic places like Toledo, with its ancient architecture, and Cuenca, famous for its hanging houses, offer historical landmarks, scenic views, and local traditions. Whether ...
The September 2009 issue of Lonely Planet magazine dubbed Ghent as “Europe’s best-kept secret.” Even though the number of visitors to this Belgian city has doubled since then, it remains a peaceful destination, especially compared to other Flanders destinations like Bruges, which is crowded with tourists year-round. The many attractions of this Flemish city make a part of me hesitant ...
While many country names carry a sense of mystery or historical ambiguity about the origin of their names, others can be easily traced back. Like people, countries around the world have names with meanings rooted in diverse origins. This article will uncover some countries named after colors around the world. Countries and Their Names: Some Context Some countries are named ...
My favorite cities usually share one element in common: contrast, and surely, Frankfurt am Main knows a lot about contrast. Generally, Frankfurt is overlooked as a tourist destination despite its fame as a business, congress, and conference city. With one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, Lufthansa’s hub, and countless national and European railway connections, Frankfurt is ...