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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Istanbul and Legacies of the Byzantine Empire
In today’s Istanbul, Byzantine legacies stand in tandem with the best monuments of the Ottoman era. Some are obvious, while others are harder to recognize and require some imagination to grasp their bygone grandeur.
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Ravenna: Enchanted by the Beauty of Mosaics
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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Halong: Bay of the Descending Dragon
Covering an area of over 43,000 hectares, Halong Bay in northeast Vietnam is known for its impressive seascape formed by thousands of limestone islands and islets. These towering pillars rise from the seabed like a defensive wall and locals believe that they are the vestige of a legendary battle.
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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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The Mark of Empires in Delhi
Delhi is a city like no other. The capital of India had seen more warlords, conquerors, and emperors than most cities in the world. Each ruler constructed a new capital on, or near, the ruins of his predecessor, leaving today Delhi a mega city that is dotted with ancient monuments, gardens, and forts.
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The Soul of Old Hanoi
Most travelers to Hanoi know about its chaotic streets, its vibrant food scene, and perhaps the 20th-century wars that shape today’s Vietnam. But not many realize that this city has a rich history, dating back as far as the 11th century. It weaves through the historic core like a thread and is waiting to be discovered by those with keen eyes.
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Subak: The Path of Water in Bali
For the Balinese, irrigation is not simply providing water for the plants. Instead, there is a sophisticated system known as subak that incorporates many water-related components. Through this path of water, a deep connection between the spiritual, the natural and the human world is created.
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Hoi An: The Beauty of an Ancient Port Town
Faded ochre buildings draped with bougainvillea, colorful paper lanterns hung beautifully across the street, Hoi An is certainly one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric destinations. Adding to that is a blend of local and foreign influences which can be traced back centuries ago.
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Hue: The Royal Capital of Vietnam
Brimming with historic wonders, Hue today is high on the list of Vietnam’s top destinations. Its magnificent palaces and elaborate mausoleums still resonate with the glories of the Nguyen dynasty, which reigned the South East Asian country for over 140 years.
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Bruges: Where The Time Stands Still
Nothing seems to have changed in Bruges since the Medieval Age. The capital of West Flander in northwest Belgium looks for all the world as though it has been plucked from the pages of a medieval fairy tale with picturesque cobblestoned lanes, beautiful canals, and marvelous centuries-old buildings.
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Mont Saint Michel: The Wonder of Normandy
It’s one of France’s most iconic images: a monastery with slender spires stout ramparts and rocky slopes seemingly rising from the depth of the sea. Said by Celtic mythology to be a sea tomb to which souls of the dead were sent, Mont Saint Michel is rich in legend and history.
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Venice: An Amazing Place to Get Lost
Getting lost in a new place is not always a pleasant experience. Angry, anxious, somehow vulnerable are what we typically feel. But losing orientation in an amazing place like Venice is a completely different story.
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