Walking Bucharest is a tourist’s delight. The compact old town and nearby historic sites are a walker’s delight. Even the relatively long (4.7km) between the Triumphal Arch in the north and the Palace of Parliament at the south end of town, could be covered with a brisk, yet picturesque stroll.… Read the rest
Gelati Monastery
Located in the mountains of the Caucasus region, the Gelati Monastery is a significant historical site in Georgia. Founded in 1106 by King David IV of Georgia, also known as David the Builder, the monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage.… Read the rest
The Frankfurt Cathedral
The Frankfurt Cathedral, also known as the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew (Kaiserdom Sankt Bartholomäus), is a significant landmark in Frankfurt, Germany. As one of the major historical buildings in the city it holds great cultural and architectural significance and is simply magnificent to behold.… Read the rest
The Monastery of Ardenica
Atop a hill overlooking the small town of Fier in Albania, lies the Monastery of Ardenica, also known as the Monastery of the Nativity of Theotokos in Ardenica.
It has topped this hill in one form or another since 1282 when it was first founded by the Byzantine Emperor, Andronikos II Palaiologos after his victory against Angevins in the siege of Berat.… Read the rest
Berat Castle
Berat Castle sits atop the hill and is the original centre of Berat. More of a small fortified town than a castle, the complex takes in walls, towers, churches, mosque ruins and an historic cistern as well as numerous small buildings that are maintained today as houses, restaurants and shops.… Read the rest
Marathokefala
Marathokefala
A short way up into the hills we arrive at the traditional village of Marathokefala where time seems to stand still. Here, the pace of life takes the slow road, with many daily rituals continuing as they have done for centuries.… Read the rest
The Holy Place
Atop Melnik’s picturesque cliff tops, the St. Virgin Mary Spileotisa Monastery is perched. Known locally as the Holy Place, this tiny monastery, referred to a a cave (speleon) was built between 1209 – 1211. Its name is also associated with the Virgin Mary of the Holy Place at the Mount Athos monastery Vatopedi.… Read the rest
Nevyastata Eco Trail
Nevyastata is a scenic forest walk eco trail located in the Rhodope Mountain Range in Bulgaria’s south west.
After heading south from Plovdiv this morning, we have already explored Asen’s Fortress and the picturesque Bachkovo Monastery, plus enjoyed a hearty lunch at The Salt Spring along the bubbling Chepelare River.… Read the rest
Bachkovo Monastery
Nestled in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, Bachkovo Monastery stands as a beacon of Bulgarian spiritual heritage and historical significance.
We arrive on a sparkling Spring morning after the night in Plovdiv and a quick stop on the way at Asen’s Fortress.… Read the rest
Asen’s Fortress
We arrive at Asen’s Fortress in Asenovgrad shortly before it opens and there is not much to see from the car park. However, from the road, the approach to the Fortress reveals an imposing stronghold dating to Thracian times (around 500 – 300BC).… Read the rest