Pula
After a day out and about in Rovij and surrounds we make our way to Pula for the evening.
Roughly a 40 minute drive along the beach lined coast, Pula is another charming seaside town on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula.… Read the rest
Pula
Karlstejn Castle
Karlstejn (Karlštejn) Castle is King Charles IV (1316-1378) original Gothic home. Founded in 1348, the castle served the King of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire. It was a place for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia and the Bohemian Crown Jewels as well as holy relics and other royal treasures.… Read the rest
Cesky Krumlov Castle
The centerpiece of the stunning medieval town of Cesky Krumlov (Český Krumlov) is its magnificent castle complex. The castle, founded by the Vítkovci family in the 13th Century, is one of the largest in Central Europe. The castle reflects a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles shaped by centuries of expansion and renovation.… Read the rest
On the Road to Hluboká nad Vltavou
Leaving Karlovy Vary behind us, we are on the road to Hluboká nad Vltavou and its stunning Chateau amidst the rivers, forests and fields of Southern Bohemia. Actually, our destination is Cesky Krumlov but after a few hours in the car we are ready to stretch our legs and as calm our nerves.… Read the rest
Cesky Krumlov Dreaming
Cesky Krumlov Dreaming. If there was ever a place where it’s possible to find yourself in a fairy tale, this MUST be it.
We left Karlovy Vary this morning, headed for Cesky Krumlov. I have heard of its beauty and charm previously but nothing has quite prepared me for what we encounter.… Read the rest
Loket nad Ohří and Mariánské Lázně
After a bit of a lazy start this morning we head out to explore some more castles and spa towns in the West Bohemian area of the Czech Republic. We have Loket nad Ohří and Mariánské Lázně in our sights.
Loket nad Ohří
Surrounded by a loop of the river Ohří, this tiny town almost becomes an island.… Read the rest
Grandhotel Pupp
After a lovely breakfast at the Louvre Cafe this morning, Jason had organised a birthday surprise for me. Jan has kindly lent us his car. All I am told is that I am being whisked off into the country for a few nights.… Read the rest
Krivoklat Castle
We arrive at Krivoklat Castle after a morning at Karlstejn Castle and lunch in the little town of Karlstejn. From here it’s a mere 45mins to Krivoklat, nestled in the dense forests of the Berounka River Valley. After walking the steep path to the castle at the top of the hill, we’re rewarded with sweeping views.… Read the rest
The Apse of San Martin at Fuentidueña
… Read the rest”Surrounded by mighty stone walls and guarded by a castle, the fortified town of Fuentidueña was established around the eleventh century in the Duero River valley, a contested frontier region between the Christian and Muslim ruled territories of the Iberian Peninsula.
The Cloisters
Of the numerous museums and galleries that I have visited, the Cloisters is one of my all time favorites. Both the art and the building itself are magnificent. I have been fascinated by medieval art and history for a long time but there’s something really special about standing in the middle of something so tangible from this period in history.… Read the rest