July 29, 2010
The capital of the Italian island of Sicily is well known for its ties to the Mafia, thanks to the Godfather by Mario Puzzo and the beautiful scenery around the island.
Like most of Italy, this island is full of many churches of different styles, from medieval to Renaissance. The best known are the Cathedral of Palermo, which dates from 1185, and Santa Teresa alla Kalsa, a magnificent example of Sicilian Baroque. In the Cathedral of Palermo is a heliometers formerly used to establish the exact date and time, so we can celebrate Easter.
Another old church is Santa Maria dello Spasimo. It was built in 1506. But soon became a hospital, and is now one of the best known of the island, is now a place where celebrating outdoor festivals and concerts.
The palaces and former palaces are now museums abound in the capital of the Italian island. The most prominent buildings are the Palazzo dei Normanni, an excellent example of Norman architecture, where the famous Capella Palatina. Two other houses are the Zisa Palace, in 1160 and Cuba, who were the former homes and hunting grounds of kings. Abatellis Palazzo was built in the fifteenth century and now part of the Regional Gallery.
The Regional Archaeological Museum has numerous examples of Hellenistic, Roman and Etruscan. The Teatro Massimo, the largest theater in the country, is famous for opera performances and for being one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe. Quattro Canti Square, with its decorated facades and fountains, is the most notable of this city. This place used to divide the city into four parts.
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July 28, 2010
Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain, is undoubtedly a city for all tastes. The city filled with parks, museums, buildings and an extensive collection of architectural monuments, one dares to say that the city, with more than two thousand years of culture, is the cultural capital of the country.
Situated on the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona has always had importance as a port. In recent years, its importance has increased since it was proclaimed global city.
One of the most famous of Barcelona is undoubtedly the expiatory temple of the Holy Family. La Sagrada Familia was begun on April 19, 1882, from the idea of Francisco de Paula del Villar, but at the end of 1883 was commissioned Antoni Gaudí who design and construction. Today, 126 years later, the Sagrada Familia is still not finished, yet it is the most recognized symbol of the city, famous for its unique architecture and symbolism present in all the sculptures and building facades.
Another of Gaudi’s masterpieces was the Park Güell. Built between 1900 and 1914, was opened in 1922. He is known for its architectural elements with religious symbolism and geometric themes. This park is, since 1984, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Mount Tibidabo, the highest point of the city, is a place worth visiting. At 512 meters tall, the mountain offers great views of the city. The first amusement park in Spain, the Tibidabo Amusement Park, built in 1899, also is located there, and makes available to smaller ones like the older ones an opportunity for family fun in an outdoor environment. Outside the park is the funicular and tram, connecting the mountain with the rest of the city.
Mount Montjuic is another tourist place one must visit if you have the chance. Located in the southwest of the city, there is the Palace of Montjuic and the National Museum of Catalan Art. The Poble Espanyol was a microcosm originally created to represent Spain in Catalonia during the International Exposition of 1929, but this fusion of architecture and craftworks of Spain is still a major attraction of the place.
One of the key moments in the history of the city was the 1992 Olympic Games. And it was built the Olympic Village in Poble Nou. Nearby is the Olympic Port Olympic yl’Anella, sports stadiums that were built or upgraded specifically for the Olympics. For sports fans, not just this part of the city they’ll be interested, but also one of the most important stages, the Montjuic Olympic Stadium, the site of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Barcelona. The Palau Sant Jordi and the famous Nou Camp is place to visit for those who relish the sport.
For lovers of theater, the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, opened in 1996, is a magical place. Its two rooms, the great classical amphitheater as to ensure greater visibility and small, mobile galleries to accommodate the different scenarios, like workshops, provide greater interaction with the actors.
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July 27, 2010
The capital of Finland is a Nordic charming city. Its narrow streets and urban and cosmopolitan cultural scene invite the world to visit this region of Finland.
If you want to relax and enjoy the company of artists, journalists and intellectuals in Finland, should visit the Hotel Kamp, one of the most beautiful and best known of the city’s bohemian scene. Its hall of mirrors is the most impressive in this historic building that was renovated recently.
The most important buildings are neo classical style. Carl Ludvig Engel was asked to give a new face to the center of the city in the nineteenth century. The central part of his works on the famous Senate Square, surrounded by the Helsinki Cathedral, completed in 1852, the building of the University and government buildings. One of the most prominent monuments of the city is the Cathedral of Helsinki, recognized as the symbol of the city.
However, this city is also famous for its art nouveau buildings represented in the early 1900s. The Kalevala theme is prominent in the national art of the time. One representative of this theme is the great Helsinki railway station.
In the cultural scene, highlights the huge and controversial Finland Hall, a music room Aalto’s work. Some buildings, like the Olympic Stadium, built for the Olympics in 1940 but used for the 1952 Olympics, or Helsinki Malmi Airport have been classified as monuments of national importance, cultural and historical.
The most important museum in the city is the National Museum of Finland, as the museum of the city of Helsinki. Helsinki National Theatre is the most important theater in the city, which represent the best works. The National Gallery of Finland, consisting of three museums and exhibition halls, one for European art, one for the art of Finland, and one for modern art.
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July 26, 2010
Bora Bora, one of the world’s most idyllic islands, the archipelago belongs to the Society Islands or Society Islands of French Polynesia. The island explorers surprised by its natural beauty 225 years ago, and still are considered one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The island located in the South Pacific is more than 6.4 km long and 4 miles wide. The reef is composed of several islets called motu semi connected, forming a curious circle around the lake. Two volcanoes rise 800 feet above the landscape of Bora Bora, surrounded by a green landscape on the ocean.
Mount and Mount Pahia Otemanu highlighted in the horizon, and we recommend seeing them up close while enjoying the scenery that unfolds before your feet when you walk near the mountains. One can also go on safari in a 4 × 4 and see the entire island from all angles.
The island is also ideal for lovers of snorkeling and diving, and they can enjoy the ocean marine life. One can see parrotfish and Napoleon Pinocchio and curious fish swim peacefully in the waters of the Pacific. Moreover, one can enjoy a curious “Aquasafari” while touring the lake in search of fish of all types.
The more adventurous have the opportunity to plunge into the water with sharks and a half meters long and stripes, and even feed them as do the local divers. Candle lovers will also enjoy a day surfing the calm and crystal clear ocean waters.
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