Breathtaking View of Santorini Greece

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In the middle of the Greek Islands of the Aegean Sea is the island of Santorini or Thira, which is located in the Cyclades group of islands. In Ancient times, it was known as Stongili, which means “round” in Greek.

The island was the victim of an enormous volcano's eruption in 1500 BC. Experts believe that the explosion was so strong it created gigantic waves that reached the shores of the surrounding islands and Crete. Since the eruption was so huge many consider it to be the main cause of the destruction of the great Minoan civilization on the island of Crete. After the explosion, the centre of Santorini sank, and the many earthquakes that followed destroyed a big part of the rest of the island... Read more from: Breathtaking View of Santorini Greece

Trinity Church The Only Church in the Antarctic

Located on King George Island, near Russian Bellingshausen Station in Antarctica, is a small Russian Orthodox Church known as the Trinity church. It is the southernmost Orthodox Church in the world.

During the 1990s, a charity named Temple for Antarctica had an ambitious project to establish a permanent church or even a monastery on Antarctica. The proposal for this project was approved by Patriarch Alexius II of Moscow, and received donations from across Russia.
They held a competition for the project that was won by architects from Barnaul P.I. Anisifirov, S.G. Rybak and A... From: Trinity Church the Only Church in the Antarctica

5 Castle Hotels of Europe

A great number of castles can be found across the British Isles. All of which were covered with mystery and stories of love and romance. Some of these castles are now lovingly restored into wonderful lodgings so that travelers could get a taste of royalty by staying in one once they visit.

The British Isle is home to many magnificent castles. The Inverlochy Castle, Amberley Castle, Dromoland Castle, Ashford Castle and Thornbury Castle are among the most famous ones. The designs of these castles are from Gregorian to neo-gothic Victorian. They are timeless relics of a proud heritage who contin... From: 5 Castle Hotels of Europe

Paraguay’s Best Cities: Asuncion and Ciudad del Este

A country known as the “Heart of America” is Paraguay, located in Central South America, northeast of Argentina. It’s landlocked, squeezed between Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil. It’s the only country that has no access to the sea.

Paraguay had been a colony of Spain who achieved its independence in 1811. They lost two-thirds of their soldiers during the disastrous “War of the Triple Alliance” in 1865–1870. This war was fought against Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay to gain access to the sea. They lost but they won the “Chaco War” of 1932-1935 with Bolivia. Paraguay then gained a large part of the Chaco lowland region. This war claimed 36,000 lives among their soldiers, and this explains the country's low population density. However, in recent decades high population growth was recorded. Read more...

***All images used are from Google Images

Galapagos Islands: The Enchanted Isle

An archipelago of volcanic islands scattered around the equator in the Pacific Ocean are the islands of Galapagos. The second of the world’s largest marine and wildlife reserve; voted world’s number 1 scuba diving site from 2000 – 2002, and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.


In 1535, Fray Tomas de Berlanga, the Bishop of Panama, discovered the islands when his ship was swept off course in the Pacific. A Flemish cartographer named Orteliu first named “Isolas de Galápagos” in 1570. The name “Galapagos” is a Spanish word for saddle, after the many saddleback tortoises found in the islands. It was known as “Las Encantadas” (the Enchanted Isles), for the perilous currents, and frequent disappearance of the islands in the mist. Read more...

***All Images used are from Google Images

The Picturesque Town of Manarola Italy

A town that is the oldest in the region of Cinque Terre in Italy, and is located on the tip of a ravine down to the wild and rugged coastline of the Ligurian Sea is Manarola. It’s the second of the smallest town in Cinque Terre that’s very popular with tourists for its colorful houses and a picturesque view of the sea.

The foundation of the town dates back from the early 14th century, and their primary industries are fishing and producing wine. Their wine named “Sciacchetra” has been renowned for its taste for hundreds of years. Historical Roman documents made several mentions of the high quality of this wine.

Most of the local cafés there specialize in fresh, homemade pasta, bread, and pesto, and they use locally grown ingredients. One of the most popular dishes is “Farinata”, a dish of Tuscan and Ligurian origin. Read more...

***All images used are from Google Images

The Amazing Longleat Hedge Maze

During the 18th century in Britain, when landscape gardener Lancelot “Capability” Brown replaced formal gardens with natural-looking features, hedge mazes flourished, but with the growth of industrialization and the leisure industry in the 19th century, mazes became less elitist.

Mazes were popular forms of amusement for kings and princes; they were found only at the wealthiest palaces throughout Europe. In 1975, designer Greg Bright created the Longleat Hedge Maze. It’s made of more than 16,000 English Yews, and covers an area of around 1.48 acres with a total pathway length of 1.69 miles. It is also three-dimensional having six wooden bridges that offer tantalizing glimpses towards the elusive centre of the maze. It is a full scale maze, with several dead end and multiple paths that surrounds a central tower. The average time taken to reach the center is 90 minutes.


The Longleat Hedge Maze will forever appeal to everyone’s sense of playfulness whatever the age to explore and discover. Visitors will surely enjoy the puzzle, mystery and over-all experience in figuring out a way to reach the center and to safely return back to where they started. Read more...

***All Images used are from Google Images

The Sacred Temple of Abu Simbel

On the southern part of Egypt and on the western bank of Lake Nasser, are two massive rock temples known as “The Temples of Abu Simbel.” It’s a rock-cut temple from the time of the Pharaoh Ramses II.
The great Pharaoh Ramses II, in 1257 BC (13th century BC) had two temples carved out of solid rock. He dedicated it to the Gods Re-Hor-Akhty, Amon, and Ptah. He also had a statue of him built seated with these three gods. The main purpose of the temples was to show his alleged victory at the Battle of Kadesh, and to intimidate his Nubian neighbors. It was also a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari.

The temples suffered from the raising water of Lake Nasser while the High Dam was being built, so they had to relocate it on an artificial hill high above the Aswan High Dam reservoir in June 1964; it was finished in September 1968. The two Temples were cut into many pieces, and then they were reconstructed again to escape the rising water level. Read more...

***All images used are from Google Images

The Great Blue Hole of Belize

At the coast of Belize is a large underwater sinkhole called “The Great Blue Hole of Belize.” During the last glacial period it was formed as a limestone cave system when sea levels were much lower, but when the ocean began to rise, the caves were flooded and the roof collapsed creating this perfectly circular limestone sinkhole.

The Great Blue Hole of Belize isn’t just an amazing geographical phenomenon, but also one of the best diving sites in the world. It’s circular in shape, over 300 meters (984 ft) across and 125 meters (410 ft) deep. The outer edge is merely a few feet underwater at high tide. The range of the stalactites and limestone formations which mould its walls seem to become more elaborate and intense the deeper one dives.

At some time, many millions of years ago, there was a major earthquake and this probably caused the cave ceiling to collapse forming the sinkhole. The great depth of this sinkhole creates the deep blue indigo color and corals surround it. Water doesn’t circulate freely in the Blue Hole, so there is very little marine life below its shallow depths.  Read more...

***All images used are from Google Images

The Amazing White Pyramid of China

When we speak of pyramids the first place that comes to mind is “Egypt,” as great and well-known pyramids are found there. Another set of Pyramids are found in Mexico, but the one in China which is less popular has the same concept as the other known pyramids, but are greater in height and was by far the largest pyramid in the world.

Located within 100 kilometers of the city of Xi'an, on the Qin Chuan Plains in the Shaanxi Province, Central China are ancient pyramids used as mausoleums and burial mounds to house the remains of several emperors and their imperial relatives. It has an astonishing height of 1,000 feet. It was multi-colored when built many millennia ago, and now is dusty white thus, it was called the “White Pyramid of China,” and there are approximately 100 of these pyramids there. Get to know more. Read more.

Images used are from Google Images

The Colorful Street of Caminito in La Boca, Buenos Aires

The center of tourist activity in La Boca, Buenos Aires is the colorful street of Caminito. It is a small colorful pedestrian street around the corner of Don Pedro de Mendoza & Del Valle Iberlucea. Caminito means “Little Path,” a short street where it show cases multi-colored houses and where many artists in the area show off their works.


This colorful street of Caminito was created by Benito Quinquela Martin, where he made it an open-air art and history exhibit area, and the world’s first outdoor pedestrian museum. It’s where many local artists sell their art, paintings and other products. There are also Tango dancers who dance for the visitors, restaurants where you can enjoy native Argentinean food, and good music to enjoy the tour.

Get to know more of it's history and take a tour to this colorful district of La Boca. Read more.
 
***All images used are from google Images
 

Beautiful Places to See in Bruges Belgium

Bruges is the largest city and capital of the province of West Flanders, in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It’s an egg-shaped city and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. It was known as the “Venice of the North” because you can see and would feel like living within the medieval times.


Upon visiting Bruges, you will immediately notice that this medieval city, which is one of Belgium’s crown jewels, had carefully cherished its architectural and artistic treasures from the past. The 19th century neo-gothic style is so much present. The town authorities have done the utmost to preserve the medieval-looking image of the city.

Get to know more and take a tour to the "Venice of the North." More pictures for you to see so read more. 
 
Church of our Lady
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Image credit for the images on the slide:
 
Image #1 City Hall - Image credit
Image #2 Gruuthuuse - Image credit
Image #3 Bruge Belfry - Image credit
Image # 4 Saint Salvator's Cathedral - Image credit
 

The Iron Church of the World - The San Sebastian Church

The San Sebastian Church in Manila, Philippines was the first all-iron church in the world; the first all-iron structure in Asia, and second in the world after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. The metal structure of the church, with Palacios was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the French Engineer behind the Eiffel Tower and the steel structure within the statue of liberty. It was the only neo-Gothic steel church in the Philippines and in Asia, and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

The San Sebastian church was a reflection of the late 19th century innovations in architecture, art and construction. The interior of the church displays groined vaults that were styled along neo-Gothic lines. The steel parts of columns, walls and ceiling were painted to resemble marble and jasper done by Filipino artist Lorenzo Rocha and his students. Trompe l’oeil paintings were used to decorate the interiors of the church. The Gothic confessionals, pulpit and altars was designed by Filipino artist Lorenzo Guerrero, and his fellow artist Eulogio Garcia carved the statues of holy men and women.

Get to know more about this magnificent steel church. Read More.




***Images on the slide are from Google Images

The Amazing Cave of Giant Crystals

The crystal cave of Giants in Naica Mexico had been, so far, the only crystal cave in the world with gigantic crystals that seems to grow everywhere and defy gravity.

In the mine of Naica which is a lead, zinc and silver mine, are incredible selenite crystals that measures 4ft. in diameter, and 36 ft. long and they are the largest natural crystals ever found. This chamber or cave of giant crystals is approximately 1,000 feet (300 m) down in the limestone host rock of the mine. The selenite crystals were formed by hydrothermal fluids coming from the magma chambers below. The cavern was discovered by accident when miners were drilling through the Naica fault.

Geologists say that there is a magma chamber two to three miles below the mountain and the heat from this compressed lava travels through the faults up into the area of the mine. The heated fluids form the crystals. Get to more about this incredible crystal cave. Read more.

***All images used are from Google Images

The Underground Cave Cities of Turkey

During the second millennium BC, the Hittites invaded Asia Minor. They carved chambers underground to make them granaries. All of those early civilizations who took over the land used the underground chambers to store grain and, perhaps, as short-term shelter from invaders. But during the first centuries after the time of Jesus, when persecuted Christians sought places of worship, they carved deep into the rock, adding to those chambers that was already there before, everything they needed like bedchambers, water tanks, flour mills, and stables, as well as other rooms that are important to them like churches, confessionals, seminaries, baptismal fonts, supply areas, chapels, stables, tombs, and even wineries. The cities were complete with wells, chimneys for air circulation, and niches for oil lamps, stores, and water tanks. They were built to withstand attack and could support large numbers of people and their domestic animals, for long periods of time. It is also where Christians practiced their forbidden religion.
Turkey opened five of these underground cities to the public, and it now became a great tourist spot in the region, and one of the many wonders of the world. Let's go and investigate this place further. Read more.
 
***All Images used are from Google Images

Cave Churches of Goreme

Cave Churches are one of Cappadocia's famous tourist spot. It is found in the village of Goreme.

During the medieval period when Christians were persecuted for practicing their religion, the settlers of Goreme dug the tuffa stones to make churches, monasteries, chapels, and nunneries. No one would ever think that these caves were actually churches.

There were over 13 cave cave churches in the village and all of them were elaborately designed with frescoes that depict the life and death of Christ. Learn more about this intersting cave churches and see more photos of the interior. Read more.




***All Images used are from Google Images

The Amazing Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia in Turkey

An amazing rock formation known as "Fairy Chimneys" are found in Cappadocia, the central region of Turkey. The magnificent landscape has been formed from the solidified lava streams, ash and tuff stone. The ashes became an erosive material called “Tuff”. Through rain, wind and temperature fluctuations, various forms of rock formations such as cones were created and were called the “Fairy Chimneys.”

Early Christians built several underground cities in this volcanic tuff stone. Since the fairy chimneys are quite soft, they dug into them to create dwellings, monasteries, churches, and underground cities, as hiding places before Christianity became an accepted religion to escape persecution.

Get to know more of these amazing Fairy Chimneys and see more photos. Read More.


*All Images used are from Google Images

The Majestic Imperial Palace of Japan

The Historic and beautiful Imperial Palace of Japan is found in Kyoto (the old capital of the country). It serves as the imperial residence and the administrative center of Japan for most of the Heian Period (from 794 to 1185).



It is situated inside a large rectangular walled enclosure where several ceremonial and administrative buildings including government ministries are found. Inside, was the residential compound of the emperor and residences of the imperial consorts. It also consists of several gates, halls and gardens.


Over the course of its history, it suffered several other fires and disasters, and was rebuilt many times. It still stands as majestic as it was before. Let’s take a tour on this beautiful palace. Read more.

***All images used are from Google Images

The Stone Spheres of Costa Rica

Magnificent monolithic stone spheres made by human hands are found in Costa Rica. Archaeological excavations showed that they are associated with pottery and other materials typical of the Pre-Columbian cultures of the southern part of the country.


They were believed to be carved between 200 BC and 1500 AD. The size of these spheres ranges from a few centimeters to over two meters in diameter. Some weigh 16 tons. Around 300 balls are known to exist. They are found in clusters of up to twenty, and often in geometric patterns such as triangles, rectangles or straight lines. Some remain in their original places of discovery, but many others have been relocated or damaged due to erosion, fires and vandalism.


These stone spheres are all perfectly shaped. The tape and plumb bob measurements of diameters reveal no imperfections, and the precision of these spheres are amazing. It looks like it’s machine-cut but was actually made by hand; it was chiseled and pecked. Get to know more about these amazing monolithic structures. Read more.

***All Images used are from Google Images