Pamukkale, Turkey

Nature does give us wonderful miracles and it would be a sin if we avoid Pamukkale from the list of most beautiful places in the world. Pamukkale is a site of hot water springs and travertines founded in Denzili Province, Turkey. They are formed in a pattern of terraces which are actually made of carbonate minerals. Also the site is provides the view of ancient city Hierapolis nearby.

The area has 17 hot water springs with temperature ranging from 35 °C to 100 °C. Water from the springs travel about 320m and deposit Calcium Carbonate on the surface. As these waters are highly saturated with Calcium Carbonate, they release Carbon Dioxide to the air. Finally the water and air acquires a dynamic balance of Calcium Carbonate  and seize to deposit. These depositions of Calcium Carbonate are jelly like but eventually they turn into travertines.

Pamukkale is insanely famous for these terraces and hot water springs because not only they are rare but beautiful in every way. Also many tourists get here to have the one of a life time experience of hot water bath. Mind you, your are not allowed to wear shoes when you step into the waters in order to protect the deposits.

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit Pamukkale, note that you are not allowed to wear shoes in the waters and take plenty of towels and clothes because you have to enjoy the sensational bath at Pamukkale. Also make sure you visit these hotels and inns too.

Melrose House Hotel 
Pamuk Mahallesi, Vali Vekfi Erturk Cad, No. 8, Pamukkale 20280, Turkey
Venus Hotel  
Pamuk Mh. Hasan Tahsin Cd. No: 16, Pamukkale, Turkey
Ayapam Boutique Hotel 
Kale Mah. Bahce Sok. No: 2 / 1, Pamukkale 20280, Turkey
Hal-Tur Hotel 
Mehmet Akif Ersoy Bulvari no:71, Pamukkale 20280 , Turkey
Sinter Terasse Hotel
Pamuk mh. Hasan Tahsin cd. no:22 | pamukkale denizli, Pamukkale, Turkey

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Fourvière, Lyon

Home for Catholic Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon, France, this place is nick named as the "hill that prays" because of the vast religious influence. With the combination of the basilica and the hill side with the town view, Fourvière provides an eye catching scenery to visit and worship. Not to mention that this was the site of Lugdunum's original Roman settlement too. We all know that how magnificent Eiffel is and as a result of a rivalry a similar tower named La Tour Métallique was built on the hill. As a matter of fact, this one stands higher than Eiffel due to its surface being on a hill.

The main attraction of Fourvière is of course the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Its construction details date back around year 1872 and head responsible for the design of the basilica was Pierre Bossan. The building mainly has four main towers with a belltower topped with a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary of gold. The reason behind the basilica being devoted to Virgin Mary is that she saved the city Lyon from Cholera endemic in 1823 and each year people of Lyon light candles which is called as the Festival of Lights as a remembrance of her great service and gratitude.

A museum of Sacred Art is seen within the basilica and visitors are allowed for tour trips of it. Other attractions of Lyon and Fourvière include Parc de la Tete d'Or; Park of Rose garden and zoo, Gite-Loutarde, Theatres Romains de Fourviere and the Presqu'ile.

Travellers' Guide

Villa Florentine 
25 montee Saint-Barthelemy, 69005 Lyon, France
33472565656
Grand Hotel des Terreaux 
16 rue Lanterne, 69001 Lyon, France
Hotel de la Cite Concorde
22, quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon, France
+33 (0) 4 78 17 86 73
Cour des Loges 
2, 4, 6, 8 rue du Boeuf, 69005 Lyon, France
Sofitel Lyon Bellecour
20, quai Gailleton, 69002 Lyon, France

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Banff, Alberta

A small Canadian town located within the Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is the owner of this beautiful scenery. Surrounded by mountains of Rookies namingly a few like Mount Rundle, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain, Banff is a famous tourist hot spot because of obviously number one the enchantingly wonderful scenery, number two mountains eligible for hiking and mountaineering and number three hot springs. In other words to say it is an ideal destination for relaxation. Banff is situated east of Lake Louise at an elevation of 1463m above Bow Falls. There are three main ski resorts as Sunshine Village, Ski Norquay and Lake Louise Mountain Resort.

Despite hiking and hot springs, Banff is a place where you can experience a pleasant breeze of air in a nice climate with a mild temperature. The place also provides its visitors areas for biking, scrambling and skiing. As mentioned earlier, the main attraction mountains include several well known peaks such as Mount Rundle with a height of 2,949 m, Cascade Mountain of height 2,998 m and Mount Norquay  of height 2,134 m. 

The Banff Gondola is another attraction which is used to ascend Sulphur Mountain where you can also experience the Banff Skywalk and Banff Upper Hot Springs.Other attractions include Tunnel Mountain, Lake Minnewanka and its Lake Cruise and motor boat rentals, Rocky Mountain Music Festival and Bike Fest.

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit Banff, check in with these great hotels and inns.

Arrow Motel
337 Banff Ave., Banff, AB, T1L 1H8
403-762-4496
Baker Creek Chalets
Baker Creek Chalets Lake Louise, AB Canada T0L 1E0
403-522-3761
Banff Aspen Lodge
401 Banff Avenue Banff, Alberta Canada T1L 1A9
403 762 4401 / 1 800 661 0227
Banff Caribou Lodge
521 Banff Ave., Banff, AB T1L 1H8
(403) 762-5887 / 1-800-563-8764
Banff Inn
501 Banff Avenue Banff, Alberta Canada
403-762-8844 / 1-800-667-1464
Banff International Hotel
333 Banff Avenue, Banff Alberta T1L 1B1
403-762-5666 / 1-800-665-5666
Banff Park Lodge      
222 Lynx Street, Banff, Alberta T1L 1K5
(403) 762-4433 / 800-661-9266
Banff Ptarmigan Inn    
337 Banff Ave., Banff, AB, T1L 1H8
(403) 762-2207 / 1-800-563-8764

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City of Prague

Well, obviously when we talk about beautiful places of the world, how can we forget Prague! But some would say it is just the Capital city of Czech Republic and what so cool about that??? So to those who know and don't know, here we go. Czech Republic was a centre of attraction since ancient times. It is clearly shown by being the capital city of the Holy Roman Empire. Spreading over 496km2, the city is home for many attractions like Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, the Lennon Wall, Petřín hill, its museums, galleries, theatres etc. 

If we explore through the history of Czech and Prague, it was said that Libuše and her husband, Přemysl, found the city Prague. They were the first to built a fort in the area which now is the Prague Castle. A cathedral was founded there in 1344 and by those times and earlier Prague was a place of slave market. Prague became an imperial capital under the guidance of Charles IV. Among his creations are the Charles Bridge, the New Town, Gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral and Charles University. In 1576, Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II selected Prague as his home. His reign was fair and well and famous people like astronomers Tycho Brahe and Johann Kepler, the painter Arcimboldo, the alchemists Edward Kelley and John Dee, poetess Elizabeth Jane Weston lived there during his time. 

Prague was selected as the capital city for Czechoslovakia at the end of World War 1. During the times of World War 11, Prague witnessed many assassinations and destruction by Adolf Hitler. In 1993, Czechoslovakia was split and Prague became the capital of Czech Republic. 

Prague can be identified as a city full of artistic inspirations. Fine examples like its national museum,  Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague State Opera, Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, National Gallery show that very well. And it is guessed that due to presence of such beauty with a touch of art is the reason for many film makers, singers to choose Prague as their location. The famous city attractions are, St. Vitus Cathedral which store the Czech Crown Jewels, Old Town Square, The Astronomical Clock, The vaulted Gothic Old New Synagogue, Wenceslas Square, Malá Strana, The Lennon Wall, Písek Gate, The New Jewish Cemetery in Olšany, The Metronome, The Dancing House, The Mucha Museum, The Prague Zoo, The Nusle bridge with tube for underground.

Travellers' Guide

If you planning to visit Prague, don't forget to visit these hotels too.

Arcadia Residence
Hostivitova 3, Prague 128 00, Czech Republic
+420724027525
Unitas Hotel 
Bartolomejska 308/9 | Old Town of Prague, Prague 110 00, Czech Republic
+420 224230533
Aparthotel City 5
Vltavska 11/667 | Praha 5 - Smíchov, Prague 15000 , Czech Republic
+420602495529
Aria Hotel
Trziste 9, Prague 118 00, Czech Republic
00420225334111
Golden Well (U Zlate Studne)
U Zlate Studne 166 / 4 | Praha 1-Hradcany, Prague 11800, Czech Republic
00420257011213
Alchymist Residence Nosticova
Nosticova 1, Prague 11800, Czech Republic
+420 257312513
Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa 
Trziste 19 | Lesser Quarter, Prague 11800, Czech Republic
+420 257286011
Santini Residence
Nerudova 211/14 | Prague 1, Prague 118 00, Czech Republic
+420 257195111
Hotel General
Svornosti 1143 / 10 | Smichov, Prague 150 00, Czech Republic
00420 257 318 320

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Baalbek

Whenever we find evidence of highly advanced civilizations from all over the world, that reminds us how important it is to study and understand them. One such civilization is clearly shown by the colossal ruins Baalbek. The site is located at the Beqaa Valley of Leaonon which has many ruins of the ancient Roman Empire. Some excavation evidence show that the site Tell Baalbek belongs to the Neolithic or Iron age. Earlier this was known as Heliopolis which means the city of the sun. City is mainly served as a religious sanctuary with beautiful temples which now stand in ruins.

The city has a complex which is complete with the temples dedicated to gods Jupiter, Bacchus, Venus and Mercury built by the Romans. The city was colonized in 193 by Septimius Severus. If we look into the temples again, the main temple was for the Heliopolitan Zeus aka God Jupiter. There are columns standing surrounding the temples. There were 54 Jupiter columns that raised up to a height of 19m or so. The sloppy condition of the area made the Romans built retaining walls at the cardinal  directions spreading over 19m with 4.3m in height. 

It became likely a customary among other rulers of the Roman Empire to add few things to the sanctuary. The tower-altar opposite the Temple of Jupiter was from Nero in 54-68 CE. The forecourt to the Temple of Jupiter is by Trajan. Temple of Bacchus was from Antoninus Pius while Septimius Severus built a pentagonal temple of Venus. Emperor Philip the Arab added the hexagonal forecourt. 

Baalbek went under an Islamic reign also. Abu Ubaida ibn al-Jarrah in 637 CE got hold of the city which was fortified and renamed as al-Qala. In 1517 it became part of the Ottoman  Empire along with the Syria. The city was also shaken by three earthquakes. 

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit Blaabek, don't forget forget to visit these hotels.

Hotel Jupiter
Rue abdel halim hajjar,
Baalbek , Lebanon
Telephone+961 370 151
Hotel Pension Jammal
Rue abdel halim hajjar,
Baalbek , Lebanon
Telephone+961 370 649
Hotel Shouman
Ras al-ain blvd, Town centre,
Baalbek , Lebanon
Telephone+961 3 796 077
Palmyra Hotel
Rue abdel halim hajjar, Town centre,
Baalbek , Lebanon
Telephone+961 8 370 230

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The forbidden city

Have you ever heard of a forbidden city??? Although it is named so, its beauty is world famous. Beijing is completed by the grandeur of the Forbidden city palace which is a must visit and also the most ancient palace in the world. It was home for 24 Chinese emperors of two dynasties the Ming and the Qing. Palace was supposed to be a replica of the Purple Palace in heaven as the constructor, Emperor Yongle was regarded as the son of heaven. Because of its divinity and godliness perhaps that was why it was forbidden for normal people. 

The City covers 178 acres with 90 palaces, 980 buildings and 8704 rooms. There is also a 10m high wall enclosing the city. For security purposes there are watchtowers at each corner. Here are the places you will find attractive inside the city- Meridian Gate, Hall of Literary Glory, Hall of Martial Valor, Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserved Harmony, Gate of Heavenly Purity, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Celestial & Terrestrial Union, Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Hall of Mental Cultivation, Six Western Palaces, Hall for Ancestry Worship, Six Eastern Palaces, Palace of Tranquil Longevity, Treasure Gallery, Qianlong Garden, Pavilion of Pleasant Sounds, Imperial Garden, Moat, Corner Towers and Gates.

Meridian Gate is the only entrance to the city now which is located at the southern part. It has 5 gates. When you enter through the Meridian Gate you get the Inner Golden River Bridges. To the east of the bridges is the Hall of Literary Glory and to the west is the Hall of Martial Valor. Behind the Meridian Gate you will find a courtyard and to the northern side of it is the Gate of Supreme Harmony which was the place that held emperor's weddings. Gate of Supreme Harmony paves the way to enter the Hall of Supreme Harmony. It was used as a ceremonial hall that hold festivities when a new emperor is elected. In between the Hall of Supreme Harmony and Hall of Preserved Harmony, is the Hall of Central Harmony. Altogether they are known as Three Great Halls of the Outer Court and they are found on the central axis of the city. 

Gate of Heavenly Purity serves as a divider for the city as Inner Court and Outer Court. And inside the Gate of Heavenly Purity is the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Also the Palace of Heavenly Purity is one of the three  main palaces inside the Inner Court. The other two are the Palace of Earthly Tranquility and the Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union. 

The six western palaces consist of Palace of Eternal Longevity, Palace of the Queen Consort, Palace for Gathering Elegance, Hall of the Supreme Pole, Palace of Eternal Spring and Palace of Universal Happiness which were for the emperor's wives.  Hall for Ancestry Worship is the place where the emperors used to worship their ancestors. The six eastern palaces consist of Palace of Great Benevolence, Palace of Celestial Favour, Palace of Eternal Harmony, Palace of Great Brilliance, Palace of Purity and Palace of Lasting Happiness. These were the living quarters of imperial concubines. The treasure gallery lies northeast of the palace museum. 

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit the Forbidden City, check in with these tours which include Forbidden City travelling. 

Beijing Highlights Tour
Beijing Hutong Tour

If you get the chance don't forget to visit the following hotels too.

Days Inn Forbidden City, Beijing
No. 1, Nanwanzi Hutong, Nanheyan street, Dongcheng District,Beijing, China,100006
King Parkview Hotel
No. 55, Shatan Houjie, Dongcheng District,Beijing, China,100009
Red wall Garden Hote
No.41 Shijia Hutong, Dongcheng District,Beijing, China,100010

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El Tajin

One of the proud beauties of Mexico, El Tajin in Veracruz can be recognized as an ancient city from 600 to 1230 CE, believed to existed in the Mesoamerica. The city today shows only remains of once well advanced civilization which must have been completed with temples, palaces, pyramids etc. El Tajin gives the meaning lightening and thundering ad perhaps that is why they still believe that their deities of twelve old thunderstorm still inhabits the ruins. Also there is archaeological evidence that long before its rediscovery in 1785, the city was called Mictlan meaning the place of the dead.

The peak time of the city must have been since 600 CE basically after the fall of Teotihuacan. It was abolished by a fire believed to be the work of the invading force known as Chichimecas. Then it was left to be in ruins covered by the forest until it was rediscovered by Diego Ruiz, who was in search of clandestine tobacco plantations. He accidentally walked across the ruins of Pyramid of niches. He drew it and when he came back sent it to publication which took by surprise as well as appreciation. They believed the indigenous people of the area must have kept the ruins as a secret in order to protect it.

Besides being ruins at large, the ancient city has great architectural values. Ever since its discovery, many including German architect Charles Nebel, archaeologists Teobert Maler, Edward Seler, Francisco del Paso y Troncoso and Herbert and Ellen Spinden visited the site.

Now a days, El Tajin has become a major money spinner as it attracts more and more tourists each and every year. There have been some modifications done in order to facilitate the large crowd including the cafeteria and info centre. One has to enter the ruins from its southern end entrance. The site contains a park named as Parque Takilhsukut where it is used to hold festivals, workshops etc. Another new addition is the museum. The places you will be able to see in the site are Arroyo Group, The Pyramid of the Niches, Tajin Chico, Great Xicalcoluihqui, Blue Temple, the North and South Ball Courts etc.

Travellers' Guide
If you are planning to visit El Tajin, the site can be located near the cities Poza Rica and Papantla in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. You can find accommodation in Veracruz.

Hotel Lois
Calzada Ruiz Cortines 10, 94294 Veracruz
City Junior Veracruz
Calzada Manuel de Jesús Clouthier No 2641, 91725 Veracruz
Gran Hotel Diligencias
1115 Independence Avenue, Zona Centro, 91700 Veracruz
Holiday Inn Veracruz-Centro Historico
Calle Morelos 225, Colonia Centro, 91700 Veracruz
Camino Real Veracruz
Boulevard Manuel Avila Camacho, 3650 , 94299 Veracruz
Emporio Veracruz
Paseo del Malecón 244, 91700 Veracruz
Hotel Gran Via
Salvador Diaz Miron, 1572, 91910 Veracruz

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Temple of Tooth Relic Kandy

You may want to recall your memories about the famous Esala Perahera. Esala Perahera is held in order to show case the famous and sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Located at the popular city Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, Temple of Tooth Relic is visited by thousands of travelers, visitors, devotees and explorers everyday. The Temple complex includes Temple of the Tooth building complex, Mahawahalkada (The main entrance), Moat, Pattirippuwa (Octagon), Handun kunama, Golden canopy, New Palace, Royal Palace of Kandy, National Museum of Kandy, Old courts building, Kandy Lake, Biso ulpen ge (Queens bath), Diyathilaka mandapaya and Udawatta Kele Sanctuary. 

The tooth relic is important in many ways to the Sri Lankans. Temple of the Tooth Relic is the major Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. Since the very ancient times, it has been a tradition that to become the ruler of the country, the candidate has to have the tooth relic. This shows that tooth relic is important not only religious wise but also politically too. 

What is this Tooth relic actually??? When Lord Buddha was cremated, his four canine teeth were taken from the ashes and distributed all over the world to the countries who sought them. It is famously said that one of the tooth relics is located in Gandhara or modern-day Pakistan, another is with king of the gods; Sakra and another is with Nagas and the last one, the left canine was with the King of Kalinga in India. This tooth relic was worshipedby many and shown great respect earned many enemies from other religions and other countries and finally Guhasiva, the Kalinga king who ruled in 4th century AD  had to sent it to a safer place in order to protect it. 

Sri Lanka was chosen as the next home for the tooth relic because Sri Lanka was a Buddhist country at that time and many Sri Lankan rulers maintained connections with the Indian rulers. So the king sent the tooth relic with two guardians Princess Hema Mala and Price Dhantha. They handed over the tooth relic to King Kirti Sri Meghavanna who was the ruler of Anuradhapura kingdom at that time and he placed it in a special palace. After his reign, the tooth relic was kept at Abhayagiri Vihara in northern Anuradhapura and then in Atadage in the Sacred Quadrangle in Polonnaruwa. During king Nissankamalla's reign, he built the Relic Shrine Hatadage and at times of great miseries, the tooth relic was safe kept in Kotmale. 

King Vijayabahu II enshrined the relic on the hill top of Beligala and after that King Parakramabahu II placed it near his palace at Damabadeniya. King Bhuvanekabahu also built a shrine for the tooth relic in Yapahuwa  and Mulgirigala Vihara, Ridivihara in the Kurunegala and  Delgamuva Vihara are last temples where the tooth relic was safe kept before bringing it to Kandy. 

King Vimaladharmasuriya I was the ruler in Kandy who built the present day complex in 1595 to place the tooth relic. During and after his time, the Portuguese who came to Sri Lanka became such a menace that they disturbed the rituals and festivities held to honour the tooth relic. 

The tooth relic is regarded as royalty and there are Buddhist monks responsible for the Temple of the tooth relic. They are Mahanayaka Thera of Asgiriya and Mahanayaka Thera of Malwatta and also Diyawadana Nilame is the safe keeper of the tooth relic. In 1987, a golden canopy was built over the main shrine. The tooth relic rests in a golden casket of the shape of a stupa in this main shrine. 

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit the temple of the tooth relic, you can reach Kandy straight away from Bandaranayake International Air Port by Tour buses, Taxies, or even trains from Fort Station. Kandy city has many other temples and beautiful scenic views you can enjoy such as the Bogambara Lake drive. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in the city too like the Queen's Hotel, Dalada Mw, Kandy View Hotel and Chaaya Citadel. You can do some festival shopping at Kandy City Centre. 

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Tasmania Island

Have you ever wondered what is the small island hanging down at the right corner of Australia? Well that small island is the Tasmania which is also the 26th among the largest of islands in the world and a state of Australia. 68,401 square kilometers in area, Tasmania is 364km long North/South wise and 306km broad East/ West wise. Hobart is the capital city. Abel Tasman a Dutchman is the discoverer of this beautiful lone island. That was in November 1642.  Geologists believe that once this island was a part of Australia even though now it is separated by the Bass Strait from mainland. Another geologically interesting fact is that Tasmania is the place that has the world's largest areas of dolerite. Amazing, huh???

Most famous destinations one can find in Tasmania are Hobart, Cradle Mountains, Launceston, Strahan, Port Arthur, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Bruny Island etc. The highest peak of Tasmania is the Mount Ossa which is 1,617 metres found in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. There are many famous rivers flowing through out the island. Some of them are Derwent River, Tamar River, Mersey River, Franklin and Gordon Rivers, South Esk River; longest river in Tasmania. 

One of the few advantages of being an isolated island is that you get lots of genetically unique flora and fauna. With less population and more land for natural vegetation, Tasmania has extremely diverse vegetation with alpine heathlands, dry Midlands, tall evergreen eucalypt forest, temperate rainforests and moorlands. Tasmania is also home for the Thylacine aka the Tasmanian Tiger and the Tasmanian devil. Tasmanians faces four distinct seasons with cool temperature. 

Apart from the natural liabilities, there are many cultural experiences one can have when visiting Tasmania. Such events include the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Taste of Tasmania food and wine festival, road rally Targa Tasmania, Agfest; a three-day agricultural show, Royal Hobart Show and Royal Launceston Show, Falls Festival at Marion Bay and Southern Roots Festival. 

Travellers Guide

Tasmania is a famous travel destination for honeymoon couples, sightseers and adventure sports. If you are planning to visit Tasmania, main Tasmanian hot spots include Hobart, Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, Bruny Island, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Launceston, Strahan. Accommodation in Tasmania is equipped with 110 Hobart hotels, 4 Cradle Mountain hotels, 58 Launceston hotels, 25 Strahan hotels and Stanley hotels, Freycinet hotels and Port Arthur hotels. Some of the famous ones are,

Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages 

3876 Cradle Mountain Road

Country Club Villas 

Casino Rise Prospect Vale

City Park Grand Hotel 

22 Tamar Street

Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart 

1 Davey Street

Aldermere Estate Luxury Accommodation 

27 Harvey Street

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Sydney Opera House

Perhaps Sydney's most wonderful place is its Opera House. World renowned for its importance as a place of performing arts, Opera House's modern architecture and roofing are few among many that attract visitors to it everyday. Opera House which is located at the Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, is a creation by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon for which he received the Pritzker Prize; the highest honour awarded for an architect. On 20th October, 1973 this master piece was open for public and today it is a world heritage site. The structure rises up to a height of 65m, it is 183m long, 120m wide and it covers an area of 4.4 acres. 

Sydney Opera House falls into the design category Expressionist design and it depicts qualities of late modern architecture. What amazes us most it the distinct roofing with sets of interlocking vaulted shells upon a vast terraced platform and surrounded by terrace areas that function as pedestrian concourses. Towards the western end of the complex is the Concert Hall and in vice versa is the Opera Theatre. There are also the Drama Theatre, the Playhouse, and The Studio which are actually found beneath the Concert Hall. Towards the western part of the Monumental Steps is the Bennelong Restaurant. 

The House has an immense capacity. Its Concert Hall has 2679 seats and is home for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Another importance we find here is the Sydney Opera House Grand Organ which can be recognized as the world's largest mechanical tracker action organ. On the other hand, the Opera Theatre has 1507 seats and houses the Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. The Drama Theatre has 544 seats, the Playhouse has an end stage with 398 seats and the Studio has a max. capacity of 400. There is also a small multipurpose room named the Utzon Room which can accommodate up to 210. The Forecourt is used as a open air performing space. So in total it has about 5738 seats in the place.

The first ever piano recital was by Romola Costantino in the Concert Hall in 1973. Sergei Prokofiev's War and Peace is the first Opera in the theatre. Sydney Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Charles Mackerras performed the first public concert of the Opera House on 28th September, 1973. 

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit the Sydney Opera House, there are various tours arranged by the Opera House. Each tour will last about one hour,  you can select the language guide you want from English, German, French, Japanese etc. The package touring may include dining experiences and accommodation. For more details on tour plans you can visit the official website.

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Statue Of Liberty

You cannot find a single person who doesn't know about the Statue of Liberty in Liberty Island and the Ellis Island. Well for obvious reasons the Lady Liberty can be one of the most famous women in this world. Marking the friendship between two important countries of the world, Statue of Liberty was gifted to USA by France to universalize the idea of freedom and democracy during the American Revolution. The statue is a lady with a high held torch because she represents the Goddess Libertas who is the Roman goddess for freedom. This National Monument which is also a UNESCO World heritage site can be reached by a ferry from Battery Park. The Statue is a creation by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and the pedestal by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. On October 28, 1886, the statue was given for the people. It was named a National Monument in 1924 and was restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986. 

As it was gifted to USA from France, most of the construction was from France. The statue rises to a height of 46 meters and from the ground around to torch up to 93 meters. The statue's head after completion was exhibited at the Paris World Fair, 1878. This statue cannot be considered just standing still because one out of many features that normally people cannot see which is the broken chain wrapped around the feet protruding from the robes of the statue. This feature depicts that the statue's freedom to move forward enlightening the world with the torch free from oppression and servitude. Visitors are allowed to climb the Statue from inside covering up 354 steps until the crown. At the top of the Statue is one of the few places in NY, Manhattan to experience the true beauty of the city. 

The Statue's face is more than 8 feet tall. The tablet in the hand of the statue is 23' 7" tall and 13' 7" wide inscribed with the date JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776). It's waistline is almost about 35 feet. The lady Liberty wears a crown which has seven rays, one for each of the seven continents, each measuring up to 9 feet in length and weighing as much as 150 pounds. Total weight of the Statue of Liberty is 225 tons. After 1986 restoration, the statue's torch was covered with 24k gold. As the statue's exterior is built from Copper which is 3/32 of an inch thick, the natural weathering of Copper has given the statue its light green colour. 

Climatic conditions near the Statue area is not severe but weather can vary greatly in New York City area, including NY Harbor.Temperature ranges from 0 degrees in winter to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer with high levels of humidity.

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, it is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm and extended summer hours. And it is closed Christmas Day. Schedule subject to change. 

Ferry boat sailings: Daily: 9:00am - 3:30pm. Ferry schedules subject to change.

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Sagrada Família

Sagrada Família is a Roman Catholic church found in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and still unfinished. The original inspiration for the church is by the Catalan bookseller, Josep Maria Bocabella. After that architect Antoni Gaudí began working on the project in 1883. On 18 March 1883, Villar retired from the project, and Gaudí took over the design adding so many changes to it. The construction period was so long and it could not be finished fully when Gaudi died in 1926. After his death, responsibility for the church construction came under Domènec Sugrañes i Gras until interrupted by the Spanish Civil War in 1936.Some parts were destroyed by Catalan anarchists and the present design is a mixture of modern and old. Modern technology was involved to accelerate the construction process.

Sagrada Familia shows the design mixture of Spanish Late Gothic, Catalan Modernism and Art Nouveau or Catalan Noucentisme. Although initially it was planned to be a cathedral sized building, later it became one as it depicts various parts of usual cathedrals with vast modifications, for example like the ground plan, double isles, an ambulatory with a chevet of seven apsidal chapels, a multitude of towers and three portals. The building consists of three grand façades: the Nativity façade to the East, the Passion façade to the West, and the Glory façade to the South which is yet to be finished. 

Nativity façade was the first façade to be completed which was built between 1894 and 1930. It is also decorated with scenes reminiscent of elements of life. Passion Façade is seen as a contrast to the earlier in other words more simple and plain. This is dedicated to the passion of Christ, suffering of Jesus during his crucifixion, and the façade was to portray the sins of man. The largest and most beautiful of all is the Glory Façade whose construction began in 2002. This is dedicated to the Celestial Glory of Jesus; it represents the road to God: Death, Final Judgment, and Glory, while Hell is left for those who deviate from God's will.

 As earlier mentioned, Gaudi made drastic changes in the original plan so that basically the church will be able to accommodate 13,000 people and the completed structure will have 18 towers. Four on each three facades is to represent the 12 apostles while another four is to represent the the 4 evangelists. They will surround the largest which will be dedicated to Jesus Christ and the last tower is for Virgin Mary, which will be built over the apse. 

Travellers’ Guide

If you are planning to visit Sagrada Familia, don’t hesitate thinking that it’s yet to be finished. Sagrada Familia is full of fascination. You can visit the crypt where Gaudí is buried and the towers.

Hotels near Sagrada Familia

Castro Exclusive Residences

Provenza, 414, Eixample, Barcelona (0.1 km from Sagrada Familia)

Apartaments Restaurant Hispanos 7 Suiza

Sicilia, 255, Eixample, Barcelona (0.2 km from Sagrada Familia)

Apartments Hostemplo Suites

Mallorca, 362, Eixample, Barcelona(0.2 km from Sagrada Familia)

Dailyflats Rosselló

Rosselló, 380-382, Eixample, Barcelona(0.3 km from Sagrada Familia)

Ayre Hotel Rosellón 

Roselló, 390, Eixample, Barcelona (0.3 km from Sagrada Familia)

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