Cathedral dominating the city from a top Petrov Hill. The cathedral – nicknamed Petrov, like the hill – dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries, when a Romanesque chapel was built on the top of a hill.
At the end of the 12th century, a small church with an apse and a crypt was built there, and in the 13th century it was expanded into a Romanesque basilica, the remains of which were discovered during an archaeological study of the cathedral at the end of the 20th century; the site is now open to the public.
The church was then rebuilt in the early Gothic style and made a provost church and a collegiate chapter. The artist behind the 18th-century Baroque interior was architect Mořic Grimm. The current main altar was created at the end of the 19th century.
The ‘Kapistránka’ pulpit located on the left side of the hall is a remarkable piece of art; it is named after the Franciscan friar St John of Capistrano, who preached in Brno in the second half of 1451.
The bells on the cathedral towers ring at 11 am instead of at noon in remembrance of a legendary trick that Jean-Louis Raduit de Souches played on the Swedish army as it lay siege to Brno. As the story goes, Swedish general Torstenson claimed he would abandon the siege if his army failed to conquer the city before the bells started to ring at noon. For this reason, de Souches decided to have the bells ring one hour earlier.
A park with a beautiful view of Brno and its surroundings
The terrace at the top of the Denis Gardens offers a view spanning from Spilberk Castle to the north-west, across Staré Brno (Old Brno) to the Brno Trade Hall located in the south-west, and south to administrative buildings including the AZ Tower skyscraper.
When the weather is good, you can even see Pálava Hill almost 40 km to the south. This city park stretches between the city centre and Husova Street across the slopes of Petrov Hill.
Originally called Františkov, the park was renamed in 1919 as a tribute to the French historian Ernest Denis, who contributed to the establishment of Czechoslovakia.
The park features a colonnade with a fountain and an 1818 obelisk to commemorate the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
In the 1960s, the park was a highly frequented place thanks to a café with a dance floor on the terrace. The park’s current appearance is the result of an extensive renovation, completed in 2003. On the south-eastern side of the gardens, there is a cross to commemorate Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Brno in 2009.
The Palace of Versailles, one of France's main tourist sites, re-opened on Tuesday after closing temporarily in its second security scare in four days.
Photo:Getty Images
France was already on its highest state of alert after the Oct. 13 murder of a teacher in a suspected Islamist attack.
The Palace said earlier in the day on social media that it had evacuated visitors for "security reasons" without providing further details.
BFM TV, citing police sources, said that a bomb squad had been dispatched to the Palace.
The local police body for Versailles said later that the police operation had ended and an earlier security cordon that had been put in place was lifted.
The Palace, built in the 17th century for King Louis XIV, was the main royal residence until the French Revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy in 1789.
Tourists queuing outside the Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, had mixed feelings.
"It's a very worrying and tense situation, but we can't stop living either," said Jean-Pierre Brehon, 72, from nearby Saint-Germain-en-Laye outside Paris.
"As foreigners, we're not really used to all of this," said 19-year old Swiss tourist Margarita Costa. "We find it a bit shocking."
On Saturday, one day after a teacher in France was killed, bomb alerts that proved false forced the evacuation of the Louvre museum, the Palace of Versailles and Paris' Gare de Lyon train station.(Reuters)
Soon there will be a new requirement for those planning trips to Europe. Starting next year, many non-European citizens, including Americans, will need to apply for and receive approval for a visa waiver—i.e., an ETIAS travel authorization—in order to visit.
Photo:Gettyimages
Haven’t heard of an ETIAS travel authorization, or feel unsure about the process for applying for one? Not to worry! You can find all the need-to-know details, below.
What is ETIAS?
The European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, is a visa waiver program created by the European Union (EU). The program was created with the goal of protecting the Schengen Area—i.e., European countries that have adopted a common visa policy and eliminated the need for passport or border control among them—from visitors arriving from outside the region. By requiring visitors to register, the EU will be able to better identify any possible threats or risks associated with travelers coming into the area.
In 2024, all visitors—i.e., tourists and business travelers—who do not need a visa to enter Europe will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization. The European Union's website says the new authorization will start in 2024, but no specific date has been set yet.
Approved ETIAS visa waivers will be valid for three years, and will allow people to enter the Schengen Area for periods of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
How do I apply for an ETIAS travel authorization?
To apply for an ETIAS travel authorization, you must have a valid passport, internet access, and the financial means to pay for the fee.
An ETIAS travel authorization will cost €7. Travelers will be required to pay for the cost of ETIAS when they complete their online application form.
In addition to a fee, travelers will be required to provide their personal information, and answer questions about the country they intend to enter and public health risks, disclose any criminal history, as well as provide information as to whether they’ve previously been refused entry or been ordered to leave a member state.
Applications should take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and most applicants will receive their authorization in a matter of minutes.
What countries will I need an ETIAS travel authorization to enter?
You will need an ETIAS to visit any member country of Europe’s Schengen Area.
Right now, the list of 30 countries includes Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as the microstates of San Marino, Vatican City, and Monaco.
At the time of publication, Romania, Bulgaria, and Cyprus are in the process of joining the Schengen Area. Once they’re approved, travelers will be required to have an ETIAS travel authorization to visit those countries, as well.
It's a little over a year until the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the city is buzzing with extensive construction projects. However, the city council is looking beyond the Games as it seeks to make the city more climate-friendly.
Creation of cycle paths, greening of school playgrounds, insulation of public buildings...To tackle climate change, the Paris city council plans to speed up work on adapting its buildings and roads over the summer, the city's deputy construction manager announced on Wednesday.
During the summer period, the French capital will be carrying out 1,700 projects in its public buildings at a cost of around €180 million, with the main aim of "speeding up environmental operations" (building insulation, energy performance, ventilation, etc).
Maintenance and improvement projects are also planned, including work on school toilets and 22 accessibility projects.
"These projects are not more numerous, but they are more substantial because we are greening the city, making it easier to cycle, and renovating buildings to a much higher standard than before", explained Communist deputy Jacques Baudrier.
Tackling the climate crisis with infrastructure
As part of its climate plan; the Paris city council is committed to reducing the energy consumption of its 3,600 public buildings by 30% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
School buildings are particularly concerned, with work underway in 466 of the city's 638 schools.
Also on the agenda is the creation of 32 'oasis' school grounds featuring greenery, fountains and shaded areas.
The city council also plans to change 3,200 windows in its public buildings. "These are figures we've never achieved before", commented Mr Baudrier.
Among the most emblematic projects that will continue this summer, the councillor cited the James Baldwin multimedia library, which will open at the beginning of 2024.
"This is our flagship building, demonstrating the very best we can do regarding using bio- or geo-sourced materials and natural ventilation. It will certainly earn us international recognition", he said.
Cycling its way to a cleaner city
As far as roads are concerned; the Town Hall reported 522 rights of way but covers a much larger surface area of around 1.2 million m2 due to work on the tramway and 26 km of new cycle paths.
"We accept that there will be larger-scale worksites this summer. We are facing a major challenge in terms of climate change and air pollution, and we need to change things", explained David Belliard, EELV deputy for mobility.
The elected representatives also announced a freeze on road and network works in Paris for the Olympic Games between 15 June and 15 September 2024. All worksites will then have to be either completed or withdrawn and secured.
On 12 March 1470, Louis XI signed a letter at Amboise castle officially founding the royal silk factories in Tours. This political decision by a king who was aware of the importance for his kingdom of acquiring an economic force, was to be the starting point for several flourishing centuries for silk in Touraine.
Photo:ROYAL CHÂTEAU OF AMBOISE
To echo this boom in silk in Touraine, the Royal Château of Amboise will be presenting an exhibition devoted to Renaissance clothing, entitled "Da Vinci Mode", from 4 February to 13 April. In addition to this exhibition, conferences are scheduled. Times: 7pm to 8.30pm - Reservation required
Attention: Lectures in French - no translation provided
"European fashions during the Renaissance" Friday 10 March 2023
Pascal BRIOIST, University Professor of Modern History - Centre for Advanced Studies of the Renaissance, University of Tours Océane MAGNIER, Doctoral student in history - Centre for Advanced Studies of the Renaissance, University of Tours Léa MICHEL, Student in Master 1 "Heritage Science" - Centre for Advanced Studies of the Renaissance, University of Tours This round table will explore the evolution of clothing trends during the Renaissance, when a new relationship to physical appearance developed. It will be an opportunity to look at the role played by the Italian Wars, the Counter-Reformation and the increase in trade in the diffusion of new clothing trends in Europe. The focus will be on the fashion of the corset, but also on the multiple uses of perfume.
"Silk and silk factories in Touraine " Friday 17 March 2023
Pascal BRIOIST, University Professor of Modern History - Centre for Advanced Studies of the Renaissance, University of Tours Olympe LADAME, Student in Master 2 "History", UFR Arts et Sciences Humaines - University of Tours Arnaud LEBERT, Managing Director of Maison Roze, President of the Da Vinci Committee In 1470, Louis XI established the first royal silk factory in Tours. In Touraine, the activity reached its peak between 1545 and 1550. Nearly half of the inhabitants of Tours made a living from the silk economy, thanks in particular to the presence of the Court in the Loire Valley.
This round table will provide an opportunity to review the structuring of this silk industry and its impact on the economic development of Touraine during the Renaissance. Emphasis will also be placed on the cultural and industrial heritage represented by this Golden Age of silk in Tours.
"The challenges of the silk industry in Touraine" Friday 24 March 2023
Marc BAYARD, Head of Cultural and Scientific Development - Mobilier National David GIRON, Director of Research at the CNRS - Director of the Research Institute on Insect Biology (IRBI) Arnaud LEBERT, Managing Director of Maison Roze, President of the Da Vinci Committee In connection with the establishment of a conservatory
Citizens of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have almost always travelled haggle-free to their neighbouring country, Croatia, the three of which were once part of the same federated country – Yugoslavia.
Photo:Gettyimages
While the first two are neither part of the European Union bloc nor the Schengen Area, Croatia has been an EU member since 2013, and only recently, on January 1, 2023, became a full Schengen Area member.
Up until now, travellers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, only needed to show their valid passports at the Croatian borders, in order to enter the country.
However, starting from November 2023, every Bosnian and every Serb will need to apply for an online travel authorization called ETIAS – which stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System – in order to be able to enter Croatia, and the other 26 Schengen Area Member States.
The ETIAS is a system on which the EU has been working on since 2016, and was supposed to start operating in 2021, but due to technical issues has been postponed several times. The current date for its launch is November 2023.
The reason behind the creation of such a scheme is that the EU wants to enhance security in the bloc by knowing who is coming even before the travellers start their trip.
Bosnians and Serbs will need to apply online for an ETIAS, by going to the ETIAS website, which hasn’t been created yet, and completing the application form. The form will ask simple questions like the traveller’s name and surname, date and place of birth, passport data, and some background security questions.
Travellers will also have to upload their photo in the system and a scan of their passport.
Once the application is approved, the ETIAS will be granted and will be valid for either three years, or until the passport expires, whichever happens first.
Bosnian and Serbian travellers will be able to use the same ETIAS to travel to Croatia, and the other Schengen Area countries.
Around 1.4 billon people from over 60 different world countries, will have to apply for an ETIAS before any trip to the Member States, starting from November 1, 2023. Travellers from other Western Balkan countries that have a visa-free agreement with the EU will also need an ETIAS – which area Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.
Citizens of Kosovo for now still need to apply for visas, but after the ETIAS becomes effective, the EU is going through the necessary procedures to grant Kosovo with visa liberalization on January 1, 2024, the latest, which means that Kosovo citizens will also need an ETIAS, though at a later point.(SchengenVisaInfo)
Nakon što su pandemijska ograničenja obustavila održavanje bečkih balova dvije godine zaredom, mnogi su jedva dočekali da se prepuste valceru u blještavim dvoranama s raskošnim cvjetnim dekoracijama.
Foto:Gettyimages
Grad Beč izgubio je oko 300 milijuna eura prihoda jer su zbog covida propuštene dvije sezone slavnih balova, no ove se godine sve vratilo na mjesto. Štoviše, sezona balova mogla bi biti jedna od uspješnijih uopće.
Direktor Odjela za turizam Bečke gospodarske komore Markus Griessler očekuje da će grad ove balske sezone zaraditi 170 milijuna eura.
"Svaki treći Bečanin stariji od 15 planira na neki od balova", kazao je Griessler, usporedivši to s pretpandemijskom 2019., kad je na bal planirao svaki četvrti stanovnik austrijske prijestolnice. Očekuje da će do kraja sezone biti prodano 550.000 ulaznica za balove.
Svaki sudionik u prosjeku potroši 320 eura po balu, a svaki deseti stiže iz inozemstva.
Nervozni početnici
Sezona je počela u petak Cvjetnim balom, jednim od najpoznatijih među 450 bečkih balova, koliko ih se održi svake sezone. Ovaj se ponosi svojim cvjetnim aranžmanima, pažljivo izrađenim od 100 tisuća cvjetova.
U snježnobijelim haljinama za bal i klasičnim crnim večernjim odijelima, četvero debitanata "prilično je nervozno" jer otvaraju bal.
"Dvorana je prekrasno dekorirana", rekao je 18-godišnji Eduard Wernisch, najmirniji među njima. "Početnici", kako su se sami opisali, još u rujnu su počeli pohađati satove plesa kako bi se pripremili za bal. Svaki su tjedan vježbali po nekoliko sati. Ritam valcera može biti zahtjevan i 17-godišnja Emma posebno se boji da će joj ispasti cvjetni buket.
"Ljudi dolaze ovamo kako bi iskusili proljeće", u suprotnosti sa sivim i maglovitim zimama kakve prevladavaju u Beču, kaže umjetnički direktor Cvjetnog bala Peter Hucik. Na prvome velikom ovosezonskom balu bilo je 2400 sudionika, što znači da nije bio potpuno rasprodan, ali Hucik tvrdi da je posjetom jako zadovoljan.
Trn u Crkvinu oku
Direktor bečkog turističkog ureda Norbert Kettner podsjeća na višestoljetnu tradiciju balova koja počinje u 18. stoljeću, kad su balovi habsburškog dvora prestali bili rezervirani samo za aristokraciju.
Bečani su počeli prihvaćati dvorske običaje i ubrzo su pokrenuli svoje cehovske balove - lovaca, cvjećara, krčmara... Balove su koristili da bi se približili suprotnom spolu, dobro popili i pojeli, pomalo ogovarali i dobro se naplesali.
"Sezona balova uvijek je bila trn u oku Katoličke crkve", rekao je Kettener. "Plesači su preblizu i previše je zabave. Zato sezona balova otprilike prati kršćanski kalendar i završava prije Pepelnice, odnosno početka korizme."
U moderno vrijeme od balova zarađuju mnogi: cvjećari, hotelijeri, krojači, frizeri, ugostitelji... Svi oni trljaju ruke jer je ova sezona krenula kao nekad. (Hina)
If you’re planning to travel in Venice or you are already there, you have to go for a coffee to the Caffè Florian .
Caffè Florian is a coffee house situated in the Procuratie Nuove of Piazza San Marco, Venice. It is considered the oldest Café in Europe as it was opened on 29th December 1720 by Floriano Francesconi as “Alla Venezia Trionfante” and since then it’s in continuous operation but the café was renamed Cafe Florian by the name of the first owner.
Caffe Florian was the favorite coffeehouse of 19th-century intellectuals, from Kazanova to Lord Byron, from Goethe to Marcel Proust, from James Joyce to Gertrude Stein. Many of this century’s famous personalities were impressed by the magic of the Venetian coffee and expressed their enthusiasm in paintings and in many literary works, such as novel Roderick Hudson (1875) and "Other Memories "(Further Reminiscences, 1889) by the English novelist Anthony Trollope (1815-1882).Also, many artists, such as Canaletto (1697-1768) and Giuseppe Bertini (1825-1898), painted Cafe Florian.
It is a symbol of Venice for 300 years. It is one of the oldest and most historical cafes of Italy along with Cafe Greco in Rome and Cafe Quadri, which is also found in Saint Mark's Square in Venice.
Photo : flickr.com/Giorgio Minguzzi Concerning the interior decoration at Cafe Florian , his owner instructed the artist Ludovico Cadorin to reform his coffee in the so-called French rhythm of Pompadour and in 1858 it was reopened with luxurious halls, allegorical paintings on the walls, and large golden mirrors, red velvet sofas and marble tables and Murano crockery.
The first international art exhibition was held there in 1895 and it’s world known as the Venice Biennale. Creating an art exhibition was an idea of these years’mayor Riccardo Selvatico so as to pay homage to King Umberto I and Queen Margherita.
But Caffe Florian is also pioneering introducing in the early 20th century, the traditional European “café-concert” with a permanent orchestra that today still continues this beautiful tradition.(traveller365)
The city of Gödöllő is located 30 km northeast of Budapest. The most notable attraction of the former royal holiday resort is the Baroque palace, named after its builder as the Grassalkovich Palace.
The Hungarian state bought the palace in 1867 and gave Franz Joseph I and Queen Elizabeth the right to use the building and the park as a coronation gift. The royal suites are located in the main building, north and south of the ballroom. Elizabeth's suite was characterized by the colour of her favourite flower, violet. From the first floor, a spiral staircase led to her three-room suite downstairs, in front of which stood a wooden porch. The palace was surrounded by an English landscape garden with two swan lakes in front of the main façade.
The royal family first stayed in the Palace of Gödöllő in the autumn of 1867. From then on, they spent several months each year here, mostly in the fall and spring. The palace was the venue for all the Queen’s pastimes, if she wanted to be alone, it was possible for her to do so. She was able to read, study languages, write and take walks without being bothered. If she desired company, large-scale equestrian competitions, hunts, greyhound races and pigeon shootings were organized. The elite of Hungarian equestrian sports also visited, including the Prime Minister, Count Gyula Andrássy.
In Gödöllő, everyday life and holidays were more relaxed than in Vienna. The Queen’s name day (on November 19th), which was celebrated by locals with a serenade and torchlight procession, also fell into the autumn season. Christmas was held in an intimate atmosphere and was also a perfect opportunity for charity. The family often stayed in Gödöllő until the New Year. The Queen spent a total of 2,663 days in Hungary - of which above 2,000 days were spent in Buda and Gödöllő. Her last visit to the Royal Palace of Gödöllő was in October 1897.
After the Second World War, the main building of the palace was badly destroyed. After an extensive renovation, the palace opened its doors to the public in 1996. On the first floor you can see the restored suites of Franz Joseph I and Queen Elizabeth with the ceremonial hall. The permanent exhibition, which is reminiscent of the Baroque era of the palace, also includes the memorial exhibition of Queen Elizabeth. The restored Baroque theatre of the palace is an unique rarity in Europe. There is a cosy café and gift shop located on the ground floor. The palace is surrounded by 26 hectares of English gardens, home to many magnificent ancient trees planted during the royal period.
After visiting the palace, it is also worth visiting the nearby Elizabeth Park, where the statue of Queen Elizabeth by József Róna was inaugurated in 1901. Today, it is still the number one centre of Queen Elizabeth's fan base in Hungary.
U južnom predgrađu Beča nalazi se zoološki vrt Tiergarten Schönbrunn, službeno najstariji zoološki vrt na svijetu.
Photo:Gettyimages
Osnovali su ga Habsburgovci još davne 1752. godine i dio je carskog kompleksa impozantnog dvorca Schönbrunn. Zamišljen je kao vrt sa prekrasnim carskim paviljonom u centralnom dijelu i bio je okružen sa 13 kaveza različitih životinja. Osim tog Carskog paviljona u kojem su Marija Terezija i Franjo I. često doručkovali okruženi kavezima sa životinjama, iz tog razdoblja potječu i brojne barokne zgrade koje i dan danas krase zoološki vrt. Zahvaljujući brojnim inovacijma, obnovama i proširenjima, ovaj zoološki vrt se sa razlogom ubraja u najmodernije i najpopularnije zoološke vrtove diljem svijeta.
Osim uobičajenim životinja koje nastanjuju brojne zoološke vrtove diljem Europe, u ovom možete vidjeti i nekoliko veoma atraktivnih primjeraka kojima se mogu pohvaliti rijetko koji vrtovi. U donjem dijelu kompleksa nalazi se terarij sa prekrasnim primjercima gmizavaca i vodozemaca, ali i paviljon za noćne životinje (cijela unutrašnjost paviljona je u mraku, te samo ”svijetle” životinje). Ujedno, u donjem djelu vrta se nalazi i velika zgrada u kojoj se mogu vidjeti dvije pande Yang Yang i Long Hui. Naime, bečki ZOO vrt je mjesto gdje je 2007. godine na svijet došla prva beba panda začeta u zoološkom vrtu! Zanimljivo je da je 100 godina prije bebe pande u ovom zoološkom vrtu na svijet došao prvi slon začet u ZOO vrtu.
U središnjem dijelu zoološkog vrta nalazi se Amazonska prašuma, ogromni staklenik u kojem je temperatura zraka stalno 28 °C. Ovdje ćete dobiti dojam da ste u pravoj prašumi, okruženi tropskim biljakama, papigama, kornjačama i drugim životinjama (zbog visokog postotka vlage i stalne tropske temperature, fotografiranje može biti otežano). U ovom zoološkom vrtu možete uživati i u ljepotama polarnog prostora, Polariuma! Cijeli prostor je zamišljen kao iglu i uređen je kako bi udomio dvije vrste pingvina. U gornjem dijelu Polariuma možete vidjeti pingvine kako ”osvajaju” ledene sante, dok se ispod njih nalazi veliki bazen u kojem vješto plivaju. Unutar vrta se još nalazi i akvarij, te kuća pustinje.
Ukoliko Vam zatreba predah, unutar kompleksa se nalazi veliki broj ugostiteljskih objekata. Maleni posjetitelji na raspolaganju imaju ljuljačke i penjalice, ali i Panorama train koji obuhvaća gotovo sve djelove zoološkog vrta Tiergarten Schönbrunn.
INFORMACIJE:
KAKO DOĆI: www.zoovienna.at / Maxingstraße 13b, tel: +43 1 877 92 94-0 Metro stanica: U4 – Hietzing (Tiergarten), tramvaji: 10, 58 i 60.
Kraj radnog vremena se već 240 godina tradicionalno oglašava zvonom po imenu ”Kaiserglöckerl” (”Carevo zvono”), koje je korišteno i u carsko doba kako bi označilo carski dolazak na područje vrta.
S dužinom od 43 metra i širinom od gotovo deset metara, Velika galerija bila je idealna kulisa za dvorska događanja. Veličanstveni interijer sa svojom pozlaćenom štukaturom i stropnim freskama predstavlja vrhunac rokoko umjetnosti.
Fotografija: palača Schönbrunn
Velika galerija je svečana dvorana palače i nije samo arhitektonsko središte palače: njezin dekorativni program veliča habsburšku vladavinu pod Marijom Terezijom.
STROPNE FRESKE
U sredini dvorane nalazi se kip Marije Terezije koji prikazuje monarha odjevenu u svoje mađarske krunidbene haljine u dobi od dvadeset tri godine. Iznimne energije, Marija Terezija i danas slovi za jednu od najpopularnijih europskih vladarica.
Naslikao ih je talijanski umjetnik Gregorio Guglielmi, stropne freske slijede značajan program.
U središtu srednje freske na prijestolju su Marija Terezija kao vladarica Habsburške Monarhije i njezin suprug Franz Stephan kao car Svetog Rimskog Carstva. Okruženi su personificiranim vrlinama vladara, uključujući pravdu, milosrđe i velikodušnost. Moderni element unose žanrovski prikazi habsburških krunskih zemalja i njihovih proizvoda koji aludiraju na program reformi koje je pokrenula Marija Terezija na području uprave i gospodarstva.
Zapadna stropna freska simbolizira pax austriaca: u svom zenitu stoji Concordia (Concord), koja omogućuje procvat Krunskih zemalja. Okružena Abundantiom i Paxom (obilje i mir), ona stoji iznad tri boga Ceresa (božanstvo skrbnika poljoprivrede), Bacchusa (bog vinogradarstva) i Merkura (božanstvo skrbnika trgovine). Četvrto božanstvo, Apolon, stoji okruženo personifikacijama umjetnosti i znanosti.
Istočna stropna freska alegorija je vojne moći vojske Marije Terezije. U središtu bog rata Mars galopira nebom na bijelom konju, dok genij upućuje skupinu visokih časnika na zapovjednoj visini Minervi, božici ratovanja. Potonja je istovremeno ustoličena kao zaštitnica iznad animiranog prikaza predavanja na Vojnoj akademiji Marije Terezije, koju je monarh osnovao u Bečkom Novom Mjestu 1752. godine.
Ova je freska stradala od bombe bačene u travnju 1945., u posljednjim danima Drugog svjetskog rata. Zamijenjena je kopijom koju su naslikali Paul Reckendorfer i Carl Krall 1947./48.
Svjetlost koja pada kroz visoke prozore učinkovito je umnožena ogledalima postavljenim na suprotnom zidu. Zajedno sa stropnim lusterima i zidnim svijećnjacima, svjetlom njihovih svijeća koje se reflektira u poliranim površinama zida, osiguravaju da je ova veličanstvena dvorana okupana svjetlom. Središnji dio dekora su dva velika izrezbarena drvena i pozlaćena lustera, koji su izvorno nosili sedamdeset i dvije svijeće. Struja je u palaču uvedena 1898. godine, kada je dograđen gornji red zidnih svijećnjaka. Od tada je Veliku galeriju osvjetljavalo ukupno 868 žarulja. Tijekom posljednje sveobuhvatne restauracije Velike galerije 2011./2012. godine ugrađen je inovativan sustav koji je ipak u skladu s povijesnim okvirom: LED svjetla u obliku svijeće s integriranim kristalima koji oponašaju treperavu svjetlost svijeća.
Nakon raspada Monarhije Veliku galeriju nastavila je koristiti Republika Austrija kao mjesto za službena državna primanja. U skladu s tim upriličen je prijem nakon potpisivanja Austrijskog državnog ugovora 15. svibnja 1955. u Gornjem dvoru Belvedere.
Najznačajniji službeni događaj koji se dogodio u Velikoj galeriji u međunarodnom kontekstu bio je legendarni susret između američkog predsjednika Johna F. Kennedyja i sovjetskog premijera Nikite Hruščova 1961. Danas Velika galerija pruža ATMOSFEREN OKVIR ZA KONCERTE I PRIJEMKE.
Europe is known for its great Christmas markets. These holiday markets will put you in the festive spirit! From the classic German Weihnachtsmarkt to more unique offerings like those in Copenhagen and Prague, there's a market for everyone. Here are ten of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
1. Viennese Dream Christmas Market - Vienna
The Vienna Christmas market is considered one of the most beautiful markets in Europe. Set against the stunning backdrop of Vienna's City Hall, the Viennese Dream Christmas market features over 150 stalls selling traditional Austrian handicrafts, decorations, and delicious food and drink. Don't miss trying some of Vienna's famous hot chocolate!
Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens transforms into a Winter Wonderland during December and January, making it the perfect place to enjoy a festive day out with family or friends. Tivoli Gardens also boasts an array of charming Christmas stalls selling everything from handmade gifts to roasted chestnuts.
Photo: unsplash.com/avaplayle
3. Dresden Striezelmarkt – Dresden, Germany
Held annually since 1434, the Dresden Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Located in the historic city center, the market features over 250 stalls selling traditional handmade crafts, delicious food, and festive decorations.
Photo: unsplash.com/denisjung
4. Old Town Square Christmas Market – Prague, Czech Republic
If you're looking for a festive and charming Christmas market, Old Town Square in Prague is the perfect place to find it. With its beautifully decorated stalls and traditional Czech goods and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. You can buy anything from handcrafted wooden toys to scrumptious holiday sweets.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
5. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – London, England
Winter Wonderland is a yearly festive event held in London's Hyde Park. The Christmas market features an array of attractions, including an ice rink and a Ferris wheel. Winter Wonderland is a popular destination during the holiday season.
Photo: unsplash.com/dev
6. Krakow Christmas Market – Krakow, Poland
Poland's most popular and best Christmas market is located in the 13th-century square of RynekGlowny, right in the heart of Krakow's old town. Pay a visit to the market or shops in Kazimierz for unique, handmade gifts.
Photo: unsplash.com/biancablah
7. Winter Villa Massena Christmas Market – Nice, France
The Winter Villa Massena Christmas Market is one of the highlights of the city's festive offerings. Held in the iconic Massena square, the market features a wide variety of traditional French Christmas decorations, delicious food, and unique gifts.
Photo: unsplash.com/joaching
8. Christmas Market - Tallinn, Estonia
Located in the picturesque Town Hall Square, the market features a wide variety of traditional Estonian Christmas foods and drinks, handmade gifts, and festive entertainment. Visitors can enjoy roasted almonds, grilled sausages, mulled wine, and even ride on the carousel.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
9. Christkindelsmärik - Strasbourg, France
The market dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest in the world, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The market is spread across 12 different squares, each with its unique character. You'll find traditional Christmas items like gingerbread, mulled wine, handmade toys and exotic spices.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
10. Christkindlesmarkt – Nürnberger, Germany
Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the world. Christkindlesmarkt is held in the square opposite Nuremberg's main church, St. Lorenz. The market is famous for its traditional gingerbread, known as Lebkuchen.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
The Via Francigena (‘the way of the Franks’) is an historic 2000-kilometre pilgrim way from Canterbury to Rome.
Foto:Gettyimages
It follows the route described by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, on his journey back from Rome in AD 990 after receiving his pallium, or cloak of office, from Pope John XV.
Many would have made similar journeys, but Sigeric had the foresight to instruct one of his party to record the 79 stages or mansiones of the return to Canterbury. Sigeric’s De Roma ad usque Mare, which is preserved in the British Library, thereby forms the basis of today’s Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome across southern England, France, Switzerland and Italy.
This historical route was revived and put back on the map in the late 1980s and early 1990s by a group of enthusiasts who faithfully followed Sigeric’s stopping places, only adapting his itinerary where the old Roman road had become a modern highway. The leading pioneer was Giovanni Caselli, an Italian medieval historian, who re-mapped Sigeric’s route in 1985 with the help of Italy’s Military Geographical Institute. The results of his reconstruction were published in Florence in 1990, the 1000th anniversary of Sigeric’s journey, as La Via Romea, Cammino di Dio. One of the driving forces of the revival was Swiss-Italian Adelaide Trezzini, and in 1997 she established the Association Internationale Via Francigena (AIVF). Paul Chinn, who would produce the much-used Lightfoot guides, also played a role in the revival, as did Alberto Alberti, who set up an Italian Via Francigena group.
Pioneers on the ground were as important, and perhaps none more than the ferryman of the River Po, Danilo Parisi. Danilo has been operating his ferry since 1998, and he has kept a record of every pilgrim journey on the four-kilometre stretch of river between Corte San Andrea on the north bank and his home Caupona Sigerico on the south bank at Soprarivo di Calendasco. Just two pilgrims signed his magisterial Liber Peregrinorum in 1998 when Danilo first revived the ancient river crossing, but his pilgrim log has grown each year since, and it now runs into several volumes and has become a treasure trove of information about the Via Francigena. In 22 years he has ferried some 9000 pilgrims.
The revival of walking to Rome was in part also a response to the astonishing surge in the numbers walking to Santiago de Compostela, and while travelling on foot to R.
The Via Francigena was made a European Cultural Itinerary by the Council of Europe in 1994 (in the same way that the Camino de Santiago was in 1987), and another group with local government and European Union funding, the European Association of Via Francigena (AEVF), was set up in 2001 to help foster development of the route. Our own Confraternity was founded in 2006.
Local associations in England, France, Switzerland and Italy have all taken a hand in way-marking the route – sometimes with mixed results.
Pilgrimage to Rome
Rome was traditionally the place of martyrdom of the two saints most closely linked with the founding and establishment of the Roman Catholic Church – the Apostles Peter and Paul. The associations of the city with these two saints were so strong that from the fifth century pilgrimage to Rome was known as “ad limina apostolorum” – to the threshold of the apostles.
Rome, with its relics and links, was a focus of holiness where believers could come closer to God, and receive benefits, both physical and spiritual, temporal and eternal.
There have been pilgrims travelling to Rome since the second century, but numbers increased after the victory of Constantine the Great over Maxentius in 312, after which Christians could worship publicly. Early pilgrims had the advantage of the well-maintained infrastructure of Roman roads.
Pilgrimage to Rome was revived when Pope Boniface VIII declared 1300 a Jubilee (Holy) Year, whereby a visit to Rome would merit a plenary indulgence, and with it a complete remission of sins. Pilgrim numbers soared, and the practice of declaring Jubilee Years at intervals of 50 and 25 years continued to attract large numbers until the Reformation when the new Protestant churches turned their backs on the cult of pilgrimage.The most popular route from northern Europe was down the Rhine Valley. But with the Barbarian invasions and the instability of Europe after Charlemagne, the pilgrim route became increasingly perilous, and from the early ninth century Santiago de Compostela came to replace Rome as Christendom’s most popular pilgrim destination.
Over the following centuries, however, the numbers of pilgrims to Rome crept back up – despite the vicissitudes of wars and revolutions in Europe – until, with the arrival of mass transportation in the early 20th century, visiting Rome had become a rite of passage for millions of Christians.
In the 2000 Jubilee Year, 25 million pilgrims visited Rome by one means or another, and a similar number during the Year of Mercy 2015-16. Today’s foot pilgrims have, therefore, swung full circle, making a conscious choice to travel under their own steam and at their own speed, on a journey in which not only the end, but also the means, are of great significance.(pilgrimstorome.org.uk)
Monteriggioni is one of the most classic and well-known Italian walled villages: it was built by Senesi in the years 1213-1219 on a hill dominated and controlled by Cassia/Francigena.
Foto:Gettyimages
Its ideal location allowed it to control the valleys of Elsa and Staggia towards Florence, Siena's historic rival, whose territory at the time was blazingly wide. The walls are almost solid, spanning 570 meters in length, and are between 14 towers and two gates. Porta Franca (or Romea towards Siena) rises at the base of a tower and St. Giovanni's (towards Florence) opens in the walls and is defended by one of the fortified surrounding towers.
Disneyland Paris has closed and reopened multiple times since early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo: Wikipedia
Guests are required to wear masks, but they may now temporarily remove them at selfie spots with characters and PhotoPass locations.
In addition to masks, guests 12 and older are currently required to have a Health Pass, as mandated by the France president. The Health Pass must show a negative COVID-19 test result from the past 48 hours, a positive COVID-19 test result between two weeks and six months ago, or a COVID-19 vaccination.
Like a number of cities around the world, Paris has recently adopted the system of a City Pass for tourists. The City Pass gives you direct access to the local museums without having to queue to get in, as well as obtaining unlimited access to public transport. Two different passes are available – the Paris PassLib’ and the Paris Museum Pass. To help you decide which one to chose, France Hotel Guide gives you its advice in this article on the pros and cons of each pass.
The Paris Museum Pass
The Paris Museum Pass is essentially a queue ticket to visit Paris’ monuments and museums.
Available over 2, 4 or 6 days, it guarantees you quick access to 60 essential monuments in Paris and the Paris region.
You can visit the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre or Versailles or the Château de Chantilly.
The Museum Pass can be ordered online and can be picked up at the Paris Tourist Office. You can buy it in advance and activate it whenever you want.
Please note, however, that the days of use must be consecutive and cannot be spread over several visits.
Also pay attention to the opening days of the museums when preparing your visits (many museums are closed on Tuesdays, for example).
Moreover, do not forget that transport is not included and that you must add the price of subway tickets.
Gratuity: For young people under 26 years of age from the European Union, and all young people under 18 years of age, most museums within the Ile de France are free. If you fall into this category, it is not necessary for you to purchase a Museum Pass. Please also note that no refund is given in case of the loss or theft of your pass.
What we like: Visits to more than 60 museums in Paris and the Paris region, free for those under 26 and 18 years of age
What we like a little less: Non-refundable tickets, transport not included
With the Paris Museum Pass: 2 days Pass: €48 4 days Pass: €62 6 days Pass: €74
Access via public transport:
SUBWAYS Line 1, Saint-Paul le Marais and Hôtel de ville Line 11, Hôtel de ville
RER RER A, B and D, Châtelet les Halles
BUS Bus 76 and 67, Hotel De Ville De Paris 4Ème Arrondissement Bus 38, Châtelet
The Paris PassLib’
The Paris PassLib’ is, in a way, the top-of-the-range version of the Museum Pass.
Available in 2, 3 or 5-day options, it includes a Museum Pass that gives you access to most museums in Paris and the Paris region, but it also includes unlimited transport (bus, metro and RER), a cruise on the Seine, an Open-Tour day on Hop-On Hop-Off buses, discounts at Galeries Lafayette and a Paris guide.
Depending on the option selected, it is the combination of the Museum Pass and the Paris Visite, or simply the Paris PassLib’ Mini.
The Paris Pass Lib’ Mini only has the Pass Lib’ card (1 hour of boat cruise and 1 day by panoramic bus) and the visit of the Eiffel Tower with access to the 2nd floor for an additional 2€20 and is only valid for one day.
With the Paris Passlib’ card, you will have:
A 70-minute cruise on the Seine with comments in 25 languages
3 Open Tour itineraries for one day
Access to temporary exhibitions at the city’s 11 museums, except the Catacombs and the city’s archaeological crypt.
With the Paris Visite card, you will have unlimited access to transport (bus, metro, tramway and RER) from Paris for the duration of your stay.
With the Paris Museum Pass, you will have access to permanent exhibitions in 60 museums and monuments in Paris and the Paris region.
When you have placed your order, you will be entitled to a map of Paris and a free user guide.
Gratuity: Most museums in Ile de France are free for young people under 26 years of age from the European Union. If you are in this category, it may not be necessary for you to purchase a PassLib’. Also, don’t forget that some museums and monuments are free on the first Sunday of each month. For more information, visit the site here. The Paris PassLib’ can be ordered on the website but must be picked up at the Paris Tourist Office.
What we like: Visits to more than 60 museums in Paris and the Paris region, free for those under 26 and 18 years old, transport included.
What we like a little less: Non-refundable tickets.
Information : Office de Tourisme de Paris: 25 Rue des Pyramides – 75001 Paris
Prices: Mini Pass: €40 per adult, €26 per child 2 days Pass: €109 per adult, €35 per child 3 days Pass: €129 per adult, €39 per child 5 days Pass: €155 per adulte, €47 per child
Access via public transport: Metro Line 1, Saint-Paul le Marais and Hôtel de ville Line 11, Hôtel de ville
RER RER A, B and D, Station Châtelet les Halles
BUS Bus 76 and 67, Hotel De Ville De Paris 4ème Arrondissement Bus 38 Châtelet
Comparison of Paris PassLib’ and Paris Museum Pass
