With vivid colors and lively depictions, the mosaics of Ravenna can easily mesmerize any visitor. They are not only testimonies of excellent craftsmanship but also reflect the history and cultural changes that took place in the city in the 5th and 6th centuries.
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A Delightful Christmas in Copenhagen
Winter in Copenhagen might be dark and frosty. But during the Christmas season, the Danish capital is transformed into a wonderland. Dazzling decorations and a light extravaganza start lighting up the city. And hygge makes a comeback through steaming hot gløgg and delectable æbleskiver.
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Groningen: An Unexpected Discovery
Looking at the map of the Netherlands, Groningen seems a long way from everywhere. Only a handful of travelers venture to this northeast corner and few have written about it. But there are so many things to discover in this city, from the beautiful train station, and the picturesque old town, to the vividly colorful marina. Each nook and cranny of Groningen seems to have a story to tell.
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Munich and Bavarian Kings’ Heritage
With spectacular architecture, leafy parks, and wide Italianate avenues, Munich is the perfect overture to all that is idiosyncratic about the mighty Kingdom of Bavaria.
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Zurich: A Closer Look
Given its reputation for being the center of finance and banking, Zurich is often omitted from many tourists’ itineraries. Most spend several hours here before heading to the surrounding hills or more picturesque towns. But look closely, you will realize there are a few reasons why Switzerland’s wealthiest city deserves attention, including beautiful architecture, spectacular vistas, and amazing museums.
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What to see in the Hanseatic City of Bremen?
If you read Grimms’ fairy tales, you might have heard about Bremen. This city in Northern Germany is known as the hometown of a highly peculiar musical band, comprising a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster. But there is much more to see in this Hanseatic city. Here, history, culture, and science are closely interwoven – and, the best part, they are a stone’s throw away from each other.
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The Hague: Netherlands’ Royal and Political Heart
Though Amsterdam is widely known as the Dutch capital, the royal family and the government have been situated in The Hague since the 16th century. This seaside city boasts, therefore, a more regal atmosphere, with palaces and noble estates lining leafy boulevards.
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Brussels and Its Architectural Treasures
In one turn, I was awed by one of the most, if not the most beautiful medieval square in Europe. By another, I found myself standing under a 102-meter tall iron atom. That is Brussels, a city in which a mélange of architectural styles exists.
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Schwerin Castle: A Lakeside Fairy Tale
Seemingly floating over the water, Schwerin Castle in northern Germany looks like the creation of a powerful magician. With turrets, wings, and golden domes gleaming under the sun, it can surely enchant any visitor.
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Zaragoza: Spain’s Hidden Gem
Far away from the sea and midway between Barcelona and Madrid, Zaragoza – the capital of Aragon province – is seemingly unaware by many travelers. Many have never even heard of its name. However, Spain’s fifth-largest city is definitely worth a detour thanks to its impressive heritage and monuments.
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Amsterdam: A Winter Break in the Dutch Capital
Despite the chilly wind and the cloudy sky, winter is still a pleasant time to visit Amsterdam. The Dutch capital is painted in softer tones, with smaller crowds and bearable temperatures. Yet that doesn’t lessen its remarkability. On the contrary, the city looks even more enchanting thanks to magnificent Christmas decorations as well as numerous activities to light up the mood.
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Dresden: Florence on the Elbe River
Boasting a riverine location, pleasantly mild climate, a magnificent historic center, as well as numerous renowned museums and art collections, Dresden – the capital city of the Free State of Saxony – is often called Elbflorenz, or “Florence on the Elbe”, reflecting its role as a center of art and architecture in Germany.
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Madrid: What makes the Spanish capital unique?
For this question, I think I cannot give you a precise answer. Madrid may lack the fame of Paris, the charm of Amsterdam, or even Berlin’s urban grittiness. But Spain’s crowning capital is simply beautiful and it has nothing to be envious of.
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Hamburg: Reminisce about the City of Water
In my memory, Hamburg is the “City of Water”. From the Elbe River, and the Alster Lake to an extensive canal system, the maritime spirit infuses the entire port town, giving it a distinctively buzzy vibe.
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