Despite its humble beginning, ancient Rome was the cradle of Western civilization. Its rule spread over dozens of modern-day countries, with up to 100 million population. Though two millenniums have passed since its heydays, evidence of this grand city is still very much alive in remnants across the Italian capital, from palaces, and temples, to the marvelous Colosseum.
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Jaipur: Behind the Pink Gates
Jaipur is by no means India’s largest, grandest, or even oldest. Yet behind its earthy pink gates is an energetic city where markets, shops, and splendid architecture jostle against each other.
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Gwalior: An Untapped Treasure
Though located just 120 km from Agra, Gwalior only sees a minuscule share of tourists. The city rarely turns up in the itinerary of first-time visitors; many have never even heard of its name. However, those who travel to Gwalior will be astonished by the grandeur of its fort and palace.
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Agra: Beyond the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the reason that draws millions of visitors to Agra. Yet it’s not the only monument built in the former imperial capital of the Mughal empire. Early rulers, from Akbar, Jahangir to Shah Jahan, preferred the city over Delhi. They furnished it with an imposing fort and a sprinkle of magnificent tombs and mausoleums.
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Taj Mahal: An Architectural Perfection
For many, the Taj Mahal is the most impressive monument built for love, an eternal testament to a husband’s devotion to his wife. For others, it represents the perfection of architectural planning and excellent craftsmanship. Regardless, the marble mausoleum is considered to be the icon of India and the greatest architectural achievement of the Mughal dynasty.
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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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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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Basel: A Center of Art and Architecture
Housing an international art fair, several world-class museums, as well as countless galleries and exhibitions, it is not exaggerated to call Basel Switzerland’s capital of art. Adding a beautiful old town and modern buildings designed by famous contemporary architects, the city becomes a paradise for lovers of art and architecture.
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Saigon: A Patchwork of Architectural Styles
From the colonial period, over the years of the American War, until today, Saigon’s architecture has continuously evolved. Each era has left marks on this city, turning it into an extraordinary patchwork of architectural styles.
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Salzburg: The Stage in the Alpine Foothills
With an incredibly beautiful Old Town setting against the backdrop of the majestic Alps, Salzburg is a perfect stage for any show. By a twist of fate, the legendary composer Mozart was also born in this heartland of Europe, making it a city of music and theatrical performance.
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Mekong Delta: In Search of the Cultural Heritages
For many tourists, the Mekong Delta brings to mind a fertile landscape filled with fruit orchards, paddy fields, and myriad waterways. But if you dive deeper, you will realize that this land has no shortage of cultural heritages. From vibrant floating markets to peculiar architectures, they reflect a unique lifestyle that follows the rhythm of the mighty river.
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Singapore: A Colorful Christmas at Gardens by the Bay
It may be summer all year round in Singapore, but Yuletide spirits are in full swing in the island nation. In fact, its urban offerings rival that of any western city, with dazzling decorations, light extravaganza, and entertainment galore.
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Haedong Yonggungsa: Spirituality by the Sea
Perching on a sea cliff in northeastern Busan, Haedong Yongungsa is undoubtedly one of Korea’s most impressive worship places. The temple is widely known for its stunning ocean view, architectural beauty, as well as the enigmatic phenomenon that occurred throughout its 600-year history.
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Dubai: Where Tradition meets Modernity
Known as a superlative and glamorous city, Dubai is perhaps one of the most popular destinations nowadays. The gem of the Middle East is famous for its skyscrapers, gigantic shopping malls, and the lavish lifestyle of its citizens. But Dubai is also full of history and cultural heritage. From the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, and the bustling Deira to the still-developing Design District, Dubai is where tradition meets modernity.
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