Famous places in the world: Europe

Edinburgh Castle

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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><b>Edinburgh
Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence
– King Malcolm Canmore (r 1058–93) and Queen Margaret first made their home
here in the 11th century – and as a military stronghold. The castle last saw
military action in 1745; from then until the 1920s it served as the British
army's main base in Scotland. Today it is one of Scotland's most atmospheric
and most popular tourist attractions.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">The
brooding, black crags of Castle Rock, rising above the western end of Princes
St, are the very reason for Edinburgh's existence. This rocky hill was the most
easily defended hilltop on the invasion route between England and central
Scotland, a route followed by countless armies from the Roman legions of the
1st and 2nd centuries AD to the Jacobite troops of Bonnie Prince Charlie in
1745.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">The
Entrance Gateway , flanked by statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace,
opens to a cobbled lane that leads up beneath the 16th-century Portcullis Gate
to the cannons ranged along the Argyle and Mills Mount batteries. The
battlements here have great views over New Town to the Firth of Forth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">At
the far end of Mills Mount Battery is the famous One O'Clock Gun , where crowds
gather to watch a gleaming WWII 25-pounder fire an ear-splitting time signal at
exactly 1pm (every day except Sunday, Christmas Day and Good Friday).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">South
of Mills Mount, the road curls up leftwards through Foog's Gate to the highest
part of Castle Rock, crowned by the tiny, Romanesque St Margaret's Chapel , the
oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. It was probably built by David I or
Alexander I in memory of their mother, Queen Margaret, sometime around 1130
(she was canonised in 1250). Beside the chapel stands Mons Meg , a giant
15th-century siege gun built at Mons (in what is now Belgium) in 1449.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">The
main group of buildings on the summit of Castle Rock is ranged around Crown Sq,
dominated by the shrine of the Scottish National War Memorial . Opposite is the
Great Hall, built for James IV (r 1488–1513) as a ceremonial hall and used as a
meeting place for the Scottish parliament until 1639. Its most remarkable
feature is the original, 16th-century hammer-beam roof.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">The
Castle Vaults beneath the Great Hall (entered from Crown Sq via the Prisons of
War exhibit) were used variously as storerooms, bakeries and a prison. The
vaults have been renovated to resemble 18th- and early 19th-century prisons,
where graffiti carved by French and American prisoners can be seen on the
ancient wooden doors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">On
the eastern side of the square is the Royal Palace , built during the 15th and
16th centuries, where a series of historical tableaux leads to the highlight of
the castle – a strongroom housing the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown
jewels), the oldest surviving crown jewels in Europe. Locked away in a chest
following the Act of Union in 1707, the crown (made in 1540 from the gold of
Robert the Bruce's 14th-century coronet), sword and sceptre lay forgotten until
they were unearthed at the instigation of the novelist Sir Walter Scott in
1818. Also on display here is the Stone of Destiny .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Among
the neighbouring Royal Apartments is the bedchamber where Mary, Queen of Scots
gave birth to her son James VI, who was to unite the crowns of Scotland and
England in 1603.</span></div>
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Europe Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence – King Malcolm Canmore (r 1058–93) and Queen Marg...

Florence Cathedral

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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Duomo di Firenze,
the cathedral of Florence, was built between 1296 and 1436. The cathedral is
one of the largest in the world. Its imposing dome, attributed to the
Florentine architect Filippo Brunelleschi, still dominates the city.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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 <b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cathedral</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Cathedral of Florence, officially known as Cattedrale
Santa Maria del Fiore but better known as the Duomo, was originally planned in
1296 as a Gothic cathedral by Arnolfo di Cambio. It replaced the church of
Santa Reparata, a cathedral church with a history going back to the early
Middle Ages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The new cathedral symbolized Florence's growing importance
and was to be significantly larger than its predecessor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Francesco Talenti, who lead the construction of the
cathedral from 1351 on increased its size even more by expanding the apses and
extending the nave. Filippo Brunelleschi - the most important architect of the
early Renaissance - designed the Duomo's most striking feature, the enormous
dome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Construction of the church would last until 1436 when it
was consecrated by pope Eugene IV. The originally planned Gothic front facade
however was unrealized. The magnificent marble cladding that we see today was
only added much later, between 1871 and 1887, in a neo-Gothic style with
colorful patterns. As a result the facade nicely complements the design of the
cathedral's fourteenth-century bell tower. Some statues that were created for
the originally planned facade are now on display at the Museo dell'Opera dell
Duomo, a nearby museum dedicated to works of art from the cathedral.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The cathedral's interior is less colorful and decorations
were kept to a minimum. The exception is the fresco on the dome's interior,
painted between 1572 and 1579 by Giorgio Vasari and Frederico Zuccari. The
fresco depicts the Last Judgment.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dome<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The dome of the Duomo was the world's largest when it was
completed in 1436 and still towers over the city. The lantern on top of the
dome was added later, in 1461, by Michelozzi Michelozzo. The dome, a marvel of
engineering, was designed by Brunelleschi, who submitted his plans after he
went to Rome to
study the Pantheon,
which long had the world's largest dome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Brunelleschi managed to create the enormous dome without
supports thanks to an ingenious design which consisted of an inner shell made
of bricks with a herringbone pattern and a horizontal stone chain, which
reduced stress and allowed the weight to be evenly distributed. The outer, much
smaller shell supports the roof and protects the inner shell from the elements.
Between the two shells is a staircase, which leads visitors to the base of the
lantern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Campanile</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The bell tower of the cathedral was originally designed in
1334 by Giotto di Bondone, at the time the official master builder of the city.
After Giotto died in 1337 the bell tower was completed first by Andrea Pisano
and later by Francesco Talenti. The eighty-five meter high tower was completed
in 1359. The colorful facade is clad with green, pink and white Tuscan marble.
The relief decorations were created in terra cotta by Andrea Pisano.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The tower is accessible to visitors and offers a
magnificent view of the city and the cathedral's dome in particular.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Baptistery<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Baptistery is one of Florence's oldest buildings and
predates the cathedral. It was constructed on top of Roman foundations,
possibly as early as in the sixth century. The interior dates back to the
thirteenth century when the mosaics on the ceiling - depicting stories from the
bible - were created. The exterior white and green marble cladding was added
around the same time. The facade cladding was so popular that it became a model for
many other baptistery and church facades in Tuscany.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br />
After the interior and cladding were finished, the guild of the wool merchants
- who funded the renovation - decided to replace the wooden doors with new bronze
ones.<br />
The south doors were created in 1336 in a Gothic design by Andrea Pisano and
depicts ecclesiastical scenes. A succession of disasters, including an outbreak
of the plague, postponed the creation of the other doors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Finally, in 1401, the wool guild organized a competition to select a design for
additional new doors. Seven artists submitted panels, and in 1403 a design by
Ghiberti was selected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The panel submitted by Ghiberti's main rival Brunelleschi
however - on display in the Bargello- is now
considered the first Renaissance artwork as it departed from the prevailing
byzantine art style by using perspective and showing realistic depictions of
humans and their environment.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Ghiberti completed the panels for the north doors in 1424
after which he started working on the east doors, which were finally completed
in 1452. These last doors, depicting scenes from the bible, are considered
Ghiberti's best work and have been described by Michelangelo as the Gates of
Paradise. The panels have long been replaced by replicas, the originals are now
on display at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Museo dell'Opera del
Duomo<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">This museum, located nearby at Piazza del Duomo 9, is
dedicated to the history and construction of the Cathedral of Florence. The museum
has a valuable collection of artwork from the cathedral, such as sculptures,
reliquary, religious paintings and the original panels of the doors of the
baptistery. Tools used for the construction of the cathedral are also on
display.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Europe Florence Cathedral

The Duomo di Firenze, the cathedral of Florence, was built between 1296 and 1436. The cathedral is one of the largest in the world. Its imp...

Pompeii

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman
civilization and, like an open book, provides outstanding information on the
art, customs, trades and everyday life of the past.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOlprIvtOyClWAklRYodlC73rcnTfpTDNBd5vapz_vD0WCEdKYLyNsqdYS2pHNE687x6pGsZMVxvd4kHnmos-Am_nii5Z0VSwKSdil_LT-xRIr_4Y1YIxTMLJ6v0Abuiq84HjP8XMR5c/s1600/Pompeii-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOlprIvtOyClWAklRYodlC73rcnTfpTDNBd5vapz_vD0WCEdKYLyNsqdYS2pHNE687x6pGsZMVxvd4kHnmos-Am_nii5Z0VSwKSdil_LT-xRIr_4Y1YIxTMLJ6v0Abuiq84HjP8XMR5c/s400/Pompeii-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 <span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">The city has re-emerged from the darkness of centuries
precisely as it would have been when it was unexpectedly buried in the thick
layer of ash and lava which poured down from the devastating eruption of
Vesuvius. It was the year 79 A.D. The scale of the tragedy was appalling: in
what had been one of the most active and splendid Roman centres, life came to a
permanent standstill.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2nOxyASRUs9BlaJV70EOCg0_lNf039LXZ2ImxKcsYbuDpnarad90Yn3__B3qy52eEoXZc5rmXzqRmdFK6CHlmnjiwK8WvMtLx5gmUln9_fSgoVS-UfAIGx5lRaOL0Crut6NOQAQ8OfY/s1600/Pompeii-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2nOxyASRUs9BlaJV70EOCg0_lNf039LXZ2ImxKcsYbuDpnarad90Yn3__B3qy52eEoXZc5rmXzqRmdFK6CHlmnjiwK8WvMtLx5gmUln9_fSgoVS-UfAIGx5lRaOL0Crut6NOQAQ8OfY/s400/Pompeii-02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">The thick layer of volcanic material which submerged it,
made up to a large extent of ash and lapilli - non-hard material, unlike that
which covered Herculaneum and which solidified into extremely hard stone -has
meant that the city has remained intact until the present day, not only as far
as its buildings are concerned, but also as regards the contents inside the
houses and shops, providing an absolutely fascinating picture of
"daily" life.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcHsalBjObvSz8hA7uEj8-KzmxxynaUSLjUQLoVwFpaVFxgucjYlSgEWlzhmuGnRb2E5l5Z-EMPwkTSB3DWij_ivn-MjHgb5xJDL6XiQoGBcG1D-EmJ142GqMTgWNoySZY-928C8eaKQ/s1600/Pompeii-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcHsalBjObvSz8hA7uEj8-KzmxxynaUSLjUQLoVwFpaVFxgucjYlSgEWlzhmuGnRb2E5l5Z-EMPwkTSB3DWij_ivn-MjHgb5xJDL6XiQoGBcG1D-EmJ142GqMTgWNoySZY-928C8eaKQ/s400/Pompeii-04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The walls of the houses are covered with electoral
propaganda messages or risque jokes aimed at particular citizens. The signs on
the shop doorways indicate the activity carried out there or the name of the
owner. Alongside the elegant villas belonging to the nobility and the luxurious
residences of the middle class, stand modest houses where several families
lived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiH1NCkxzRqw-IFGTdyFBKdakv1jpCARzdwzFSF7dbegVwevTbKBxM6X7_qPgDINp8SffbJyCBPG-cRxDka5lN4dBemDedsyj_-NxVD6hW29rCPkVrTnaOexgFVCmac-GhaSDl9qIXwA/s1600/Pompeii-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiH1NCkxzRqw-IFGTdyFBKdakv1jpCARzdwzFSF7dbegVwevTbKBxM6X7_qPgDINp8SffbJyCBPG-cRxDka5lN4dBemDedsyj_-NxVD6hW29rCPkVrTnaOexgFVCmac-GhaSDl9qIXwA/s400/Pompeii-05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The peasant dwellings on the other hand are situated around
vegetable gardens or small plots of land. On the edge of the city stood the
brothels, squalid rooms intended as places of pleasure for sailors and
travellers passing through, in the narrow lanes, the workshops and utility
rooms provide further evidence of the daily routine performed by workmen and
slaves as well as the women of the house. The houses still contain furniture,
ornaments, gold and silverware, work tools, kitchenware, bronze and terracotta
lamps, foodstuffs of all kinds, counters for serving drinks, grain mills and
grindstones, workshops for manufacturing cloth, smithies and outlets selling
groceries, fruit and vegetables.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ1mu4K3tL8mFB1Mj0HyVuaJhODZjdZLfC_3jBSiQR3h6v2B9uBccgQ_d-ZZATTPzueEmUwSjZl_OeWxDrrqSJHwplYh3irGeBvd2ZpxSZ2ZuADg0ZGY3rmIbkyJt60eA6Rz3BvkwlqI/s1600/pompeii-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ1mu4K3tL8mFB1Mj0HyVuaJhODZjdZLfC_3jBSiQR3h6v2B9uBccgQ_d-ZZATTPzueEmUwSjZl_OeWxDrrqSJHwplYh3irGeBvd2ZpxSZ2ZuADg0ZGY3rmIbkyJt60eA6Rz3BvkwlqI/s400/pompeii-06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">There is a remarkable record of Roman painting, of which,
without the finds made in Pompeii, virtually nothing would be known.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The architecture and development of the various types of
houses is also amply documented. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Thus the excavated city provides outstanding historical
evidence of Roman civilization: these reminders of the past, which are so vivid
and tangible in the remains brought to light, contribute to the fascination of
the present.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i>pompeionline.net</i></span></span></div>

Europe Pompeii

Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization and, like an open book, provides outstanding information on the art, cu...

Matterhorn

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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>July 14, 2015 - To celebrate today’s 150th anniversary of
the Matterhorn’s first ascent, we present 10 fun facts about Europe’s most
famous summit.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kr5L5A14M0ff_sA113TyfIx0kO36PODbATfax7guEKXLa6afoLls1dcRTow4nxZcKdJDwJVmXfb3TkMMb8m5cQPJm0YEHWkXymfkZyDm5zp8F6_O5cvoxCb2tXvs0sJVxrWf-0ffEzI/s1600/Matterhorn-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kr5L5A14M0ff_sA113TyfIx0kO36PODbATfax7guEKXLa6afoLls1dcRTow4nxZcKdJDwJVmXfb3TkMMb8m5cQPJm0YEHWkXymfkZyDm5zp8F6_O5cvoxCb2tXvs0sJVxrWf-0ffEzI/s400/Matterhorn-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10pt;">1. At 4,478 meters (14,692 feet), the Matterhorn is only
Western Europe’s 12th-highest peak, but it is taller than Mt. Whitney, the
highest summit in the Lower 48 of the U.S., by about 187 feet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10.0pt;">2. The Matterhorn straddles two countries, Switzerland and
Italy, and has three common names. The German name Matterhorn derives from the
words for "meadow" and "peak." The Italian name (Cervino)
and French (Cervin) likely originated with the Latin word for forest, silva,
though some believe it comes from the Italian and French words for “deer.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5vbIsenznZx56wp7a61O4uPmGBEldE-CaDNwnPBESEFapeFrHJm7Wc9Dq92XPBD_3zqG_MXb-JG9AUpah8Zx2JXf25r_9xA8mslJ3qoQwpzPjF7hbUi-dIm8DKlRDwQU5T4a2NtRSB4/s1600/Matterhorn-02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5vbIsenznZx56wp7a61O4uPmGBEldE-CaDNwnPBESEFapeFrHJm7Wc9Dq92XPBD_3zqG_MXb-JG9AUpah8Zx2JXf25r_9xA8mslJ3qoQwpzPjF7hbUi-dIm8DKlRDwQU5T4a2NtRSB4/s400/Matterhorn-02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10pt;">3. The first ascent on July 14, 1865, from the Swiss side
of the mountain, ended a race that lasted nearly a decade and came down to the
wire, with rivals on the Italian side poised only 1,250 feet below the top when
Edward Whymper and Michel Croz first reached the summit. In order to ensure his
rivals knew they were beaten, Whymper rather unsportingly shouted at the
Italian team from the top and hurled rocks to make a clatter. “The Italians
turned and fled,” Whymper wrote in his famed book Scrambles Amongst
the Alps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10.0pt;">4. The glorious victory was marred when, during the
descent, four of the seven climbers in the summit party fell to their deaths.
The remaining three, including Whymper, likely would have fallen as well if the
rope linking the men had not broken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdr1_YjRRoN3X9GPQWpwceJG5YFYVtWq1iGBvDJma4tzjJJIUuEUKHtLSvlPut89TZVFjZacmQBZdX7uyjrwV4bbnSu-0ftRxBTpEECJxEI7oEqq3LZgN01pkALmPkntEMml3NeEZD-8/s1600/Matterhorn-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdr1_YjRRoN3X9GPQWpwceJG5YFYVtWq1iGBvDJma4tzjJJIUuEUKHtLSvlPut89TZVFjZacmQBZdX7uyjrwV4bbnSu-0ftRxBTpEECJxEI7oEqq3LZgN01pkALmPkntEMml3NeEZD-8/s400/Matterhorn-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10pt;">5. The second route up the Matterhorn, the Lion Ridge
from Italy, was completed just three days after the first, on July 17,
1865.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10.0pt;">6. Since the first ascent, more than 500 people have died
while climbing or descending the Matterhorn—an average of three to four per
year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10.0pt;">7. About 3,000 people summit the Matterhorn annually.
However, starting this year, by reducing the size of the hut at the base of the
most popular route, the Hörnli Ridge, and eliminating camping outside the hut,
Swiss officials hope to slash the number of climbers by as much as
one-third and reduce crowding on the mountain. About 80 percent of
Matterhorn climbers are either guides or clients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMASTdvzwQQ3OCSExbCntm9TDpov3WT8eoL_4bFO6CxCtwwsQgoOMxpTigngx0vkv9zLEVYbPThHkWLHHLyiV1YaH4_C0GQrFUNN0-OIv1zaanl-iN11B0rls7EXS4Pa6SqjEiz-w-_Q/s1600/Matterhorn-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHMASTdvzwQQ3OCSExbCntm9TDpov3WT8eoL_4bFO6CxCtwwsQgoOMxpTigngx0vkv9zLEVYbPThHkWLHHLyiV1YaH4_C0GQrFUNN0-OIv1zaanl-iN11B0rls7EXS4Pa6SqjEiz-w-_Q/s400/Matterhorn-04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10pt;">8. Both a railway and a cable car to the summit of the
Matterhorn have been proposed. The latter, a tramway from the Italian town
of Breuil-Cervinia, was proposed in 1950 but scuttled after tens of
thousands of people protested to the Italian government.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10.0pt;">9. Emil Cardinaux’s striking poster of the Matterhorn
(shown above), designed as a card in 1903 and printed as a tourism poster for
Zermatt in 1908, is considered the first modern travel poster and a landmark of
20th-century design.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroT2R0yxRU31sezqkPQuiBceKBSpvzEDcvvnb7qyMiNtDY2MEN7uh7rrDXHT6TRxSVEs7nUHJTL9PYc50KTvz8y9FJgxd857SiKKOWvORn5NzRcnKIQMxwxL2ahPSjXtLIJ6Bc43eGnM/s1600/Matterhorn-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgroT2R0yxRU31sezqkPQuiBceKBSpvzEDcvvnb7qyMiNtDY2MEN7uh7rrDXHT6TRxSVEs7nUHJTL9PYc50KTvz8y9FJgxd857SiKKOWvORn5NzRcnKIQMxwxL2ahPSjXtLIJ6Bc43eGnM/s400/Matterhorn-05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma"; font-size: 10pt;">10. The mountain is closed to all climbing today (July 14,
2015), out of respect for those who have died on the peak.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>climbing.com</i></div>
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<br /></div>

Europe Matterhorn

July 14, 2015 - To celebrate today’s 150th anniversary of the Matterhorn’s first ascent, we present 10 fun facts about Europe’s most famous...

Neuschwanstein Castle

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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt;"><b>Germany is the land of
fairy tales that gave the world Wilhelm Hauff and The Brothers Grimm, for
example. Germany is also home to the most magical castle on the planet,
Neuschwanstein Castle, the name of which translates as «The New Swan Cliff». It
was built in the second half of the nineteenth century by Ludwig II of Bavaria,
or as they called him, «The Fairy-Tale King».</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6YARR1dVrp3t9Kb56B2_GIxGRYhCrTSUN668sBPmQXFBwuYW78ufwATjuUYHLF9lk3LIv69RyLtafcprAFA4tY-fpFjlM2at0EO5q0sMntqUpBeYieNQK5JzkWJyW8noRlPaTtiEMbg/s1600/Neuschwanstein-Castle-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6YARR1dVrp3t9Kb56B2_GIxGRYhCrTSUN668sBPmQXFBwuYW78ufwATjuUYHLF9lk3LIv69RyLtafcprAFA4tY-fpFjlM2at0EO5q0sMntqUpBeYieNQK5JzkWJyW8noRlPaTtiEMbg/s400/Neuschwanstein-Castle-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">Ludwig II holds a
special place amongst other German rulers. What set him apart from his
stringent and warrior-like predecessors was his romanticism and dreamy
character, so much so that he channelled all of his statesman's passion
(alongside with state funds) towards making his dreams come true, dreams of
magical countries populated by fairy-tale creatures.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">Disillusioned by the
daily routines of Munich, Ludwig II was not interested in its problems.
Instead, day by day he became more and more submerged in his own dream world.
This gave the world several castles — Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof and
Neuschwanstein, each one is a masterpiece of world architecture, enchanting us
with its weightlessness and fairy-tale silhouettes with magnificent mountains
as a backdrop.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiS8KyJM73EMAkWLsMvLD7OhtKqTwmrGCv-5GwObzcnJBxBT6jGgVhjVjjECV1NJvbgYf-0XEWhjHa5_jIo5umnlX6txx6jqTN2Zyd9R7U0C-QSxdWyZ5qw6FHUsd1j92c7UUnXUjt8WA/s1600/Neuschwanstein-Castle-02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiS8KyJM73EMAkWLsMvLD7OhtKqTwmrGCv-5GwObzcnJBxBT6jGgVhjVjjECV1NJvbgYf-0XEWhjHa5_jIo5umnlX6txx6jqTN2Zyd9R7U0C-QSxdWyZ5qw6FHUsd1j92c7UUnXUjt8WA/s400/Neuschwanstein-Castle-02.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">Wartburg Castle was
chosen as the model for Neuschwanstein as it is the only remaining castle from
the feudal period in Bavaria. Ludwig the II's creation surpassed the original.
At the time the King was very deeply moved by Richard Wagner's opera
«Lohengrin», he saw himself in the opera's main character, the noble white
swan-knight, a fairy-tale hero of the ancient legends. And with the help of
architects he created his own «Swan Castle».</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt;">The walls of the
castle depict the magical world of «The Song of The Nibelungs»
(«Nibelungenlied»), medieval legends of Przival, Lohengrin and Tannhäuser, The
Holy Grail, Tristan and Isolde... The masters spent a long time working very
carefully on every hall and every panel painting, with every detail a true
masterpiece. This is also the reason why the building work took so long and
failed to reach completion even in Ludwig's lifetime. As an example, the wood
carving in one bedroom took 14 carpenters 4 and a half years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBvSgBmN9H9o9EDK17sZpvFqiycykQs7Zr3bnRtPnM-G5UhG_u8C6mSONfh2hJZ0WY5P7-ue2SxzeybdkPeFAmB9NzW7zBkWzWls_nFrJrVXOsWxNb8i2FDSHldUshiyP9Y8SVmQQO40/s1600/Neuschwanstein-Castle-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjBvSgBmN9H9o9EDK17sZpvFqiycykQs7Zr3bnRtPnM-G5UhG_u8C6mSONfh2hJZ0WY5P7-ue2SxzeybdkPeFAmB9NzW7zBkWzWls_nFrJrVXOsWxNb8i2FDSHldUshiyP9Y8SVmQQO40/s400/Neuschwanstein-Castle-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 7.5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">Yet the King had the
incredible ability to combine fantasies with reality, and despite the castle's
heavenly appearance, it was equipped with all the modern technology of its
time. The rooms in the royal residence were fitted with hot air central
heating, toilets were equipped with an automatic flushing system, electric
bells were in place to summon servants and some floors even had telephones!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt;">Neuschwanstein is
first and foremost a true fairy tale made of stone. It became the prototype for
the Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland Paris and a source of inspiration for
Tchaikovsky's ballet «The Swan Lake». But in the end it drove the King insane, and
instead of attending to the urgent duties of his country as a ruler, he went on
expeditions, following the footsteps of Wilhelm Tell or had dinner with the
spirit of Louis XIV. Night became day and day became night for Ludwig II and
for that he was nicknamed The Moon King.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0QSDMsVpL1usGwR4u3AXiM9H_PwzIMMLhKvi4KHFtJqWpg1Flk5jmBPdxiXWe5NWJSXLQ3JwycnKYO_WrcaDHeUJqJtK7LHoDADRCyn7c5V341FKGoDYUuMC63b_BuzHgDnD10Y3THE/s1600/Neuschwanstein-Castle-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn0QSDMsVpL1usGwR4u3AXiM9H_PwzIMMLhKvi4KHFtJqWpg1Flk5jmBPdxiXWe5NWJSXLQ3JwycnKYO_WrcaDHeUJqJtK7LHoDADRCyn7c5V341FKGoDYUuMC63b_BuzHgDnD10Y3THE/s400/Neuschwanstein-Castle-06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">According to Bavarian
law a king can be removed from power if found unfit to govern. It is not
surprising then that eventually (in 1886) he was deposed. He was transported to
the Berg Castle and died the next day in a lake under mysterious circumstances
together, with the psychiatrist who diagnosed him as insane. These mysterious
events have contributed to the intriguing image of the castle. Just two months
after the King's death, the unfinished Neuschwanstein was open to visitors!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt;">And it was the right
thing to do. No stories or photos of Neuschwanstein can possibly depict its
beauty. Once you have admired our aerial panoramas, we strongly recommend you
see the fairy tale for yourself. Getting to Neuschwanstein Castle: there are
trains and taxis available from nearby towns.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvX1E3h_EId2J6dyzPd2OfID4YiPkI3wKL1rohIOk3iNS3_OO2our38dPHM1O5kKYfejfOAi8E1_0oHBILT8nFaKFfgD0FAAL8SCmMgK3LXIISkdgi-FnWkYuqp971kTWWn-n-Dd53to/s1600/Neuschwanstein-Castle-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvX1E3h_EId2J6dyzPd2OfID4YiPkI3wKL1rohIOk3iNS3_OO2our38dPHM1O5kKYfejfOAi8E1_0oHBILT8nFaKFfgD0FAAL8SCmMgK3LXIISkdgi-FnWkYuqp971kTWWn-n-Dd53to/s400/Neuschwanstein-Castle-05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 14.25pt;">There are several
other famous castles in the area surrounding Neuschwanstein, namely
Hohenschwangau, Füssen and Schwangau. For the convenience of tourists, a
special "romantic road" was created (Romantikstrasse), a special tour
popular with visitors to Bavaria. The surrounding area also boasts ski slopes
and special lifts to take skiers and tourists to the top of the Tegelberg
Mountain. In general, even a whole day is not enough to fully enjoy the beauty
and diversity of this place.</span></div>
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<span class="image-caption"><i><span lang="EN-US">airpano.com<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>

Europe Neuschwanstein Castle

Germany is the land of fairy tales that gave the world Wilhelm Hauff and The Brothers Grimm, for example. Germany is also home to the most ...

Versailles

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Palace of Versailles,  former French royal residence
and centre of government, now a national landmark. It is located in the city of Versailles,
Yvelines département, Île-de-France région, northern France, 10 miles (16 km)
west-southwest of Paris.
As the centre of the French court, Versailles was one of the grandest theatres
of European absolutism.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3ZR_GahNrT0iN9NfUcO9pfo5YmmPG1LQSJOBbcnXdz5l_YFjPp4KmUPSfgKs3Bo65wJkR5JtqMYdPiTnlGjr8q_dlkIQ9nNdqgIhzZhuwPj4WfR61XeaTLZNPwdLx1pLTh2b-WFrO8w/s1600/Versailles_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3ZR_GahNrT0iN9NfUcO9pfo5YmmPG1LQSJOBbcnXdz5l_YFjPp4KmUPSfgKs3Bo65wJkR5JtqMYdPiTnlGjr8q_dlkIQ9nNdqgIhzZhuwPj4WfR61XeaTLZNPwdLx1pLTh2b-WFrO8w/s400/Versailles_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The original residence, built from 1631 to 1634, was
primarily a hunting lodge and private retreat for </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Louis XIII</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> (reigned
1610–43) and his family. Under the guidance of </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="ref634043" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Louis XIV</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> (1643–1715),
it was transformed (1661–1710) into an immense and extravagant complex
surrounded by stylized English and French gardens; every detail of its
construction glorified the king. The additions were designed by such renowned
architects as </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="ref634044" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Jules
Hardouin-Mansart</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">, </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Robert de Cotte</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">,
and Louis Le Vau. </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Charles Le Brun</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> oversaw
the interior decoration. Landscape artist </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="ref634045" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">André Le Nôtre</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> created
symmetrical French gardens that included ornate fountains with “magically”
still water, expressing the power of humanity—and, specifically, the king—over
nature.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pK2nzAzDwNncUwUL0L5ik0mRGxcOYT_AarymTy2m7maiI1ibQnuo71f8dfXwL-U60yGqcb51l6dezMJ-09udvrn2VaSRV6g43p_Bd2fY8ksHjfuLiJrO1L9IrMQCS3dU_5ZHjTDT5iI/s1600/Versailles_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pK2nzAzDwNncUwUL0L5ik0mRGxcOYT_AarymTy2m7maiI1ibQnuo71f8dfXwL-U60yGqcb51l6dezMJ-09udvrn2VaSRV6g43p_Bd2fY8ksHjfuLiJrO1L9IrMQCS3dU_5ZHjTDT5iI/s400/Versailles_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Declared the official royal residence in 1682 and the
official residence of the court of France on May 6, 1682, the Palace of
Versailles was abandoned after the death of </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Louis XIV</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> in
1715. In 1722, however, it was returned to its status as royal residence.
Further additions were made during the reigns of </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Louis XV</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> (1715–74)
and </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Louis XVI</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> (1774–92).
Following the </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">French
Revolution</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> of 1789, the complex was nearly destroyed; it was
subsequently restored by </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Louis-Philippe</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> (1830–48),
but its utility gradually decreased. By the 20th century, though it was
occasionally used for plenary congresses of the French parliament or as housing
for visiting heads of state, the primary utility of the palace lay in tourism.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs42_RNpTH5z21D6i7GHOnGuH2r8dBQfXdJfvtkQYD3QP3VqcsHIBGE8yx0xLXAMYSOBlH3LR-tBkDWrvQ5mTbYiPIGSPFC-PBPOxJav8uoBrMkNzBwtpSXwACxuCg0QAPQjPV0TnOZo/s1600/Versailles_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibs42_RNpTH5z21D6i7GHOnGuH2r8dBQfXdJfvtkQYD3QP3VqcsHIBGE8yx0xLXAMYSOBlH3LR-tBkDWrvQ5mTbYiPIGSPFC-PBPOxJav8uoBrMkNzBwtpSXwACxuCg0QAPQjPV0TnOZo/s400/Versailles_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Among the most famous rooms in the palace are the Galerie
des Glaces (</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="ref634047" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Hall of Mirrors</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">;
1678–89) and the other Grands Appartements (State Rooms). The former is
characterized by 17 wide, arcaded mirrors opposite 17 windows; glass
chandeliers hang from its arched, ornately painted ceiling, and gilded statues
and reliefs border its walls. The hall is flanked on opposite ends by the
equally striking Salon de la Paix (Salon of Peace) and Salon de la Guerre
(Salon of War). It was in the Galerie des Glaces that the </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Treaty of
Versailles</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> was signed by the Allies and Germany in 1919. Other
important sites are the Grand Trianon (1678–88) and the late 18th-century Petit
Trianon, which were built as private residences for the royal family and
special guests. The Museum of French History, founded in 1837 during the period
of restoration overseen by Louis-Philippe, was consecrated “to all the glories
of France”; however, its 6,000 paintings and 2,000 sculptures are largely
closed to the public.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLEY1p0v2uZR793UuxvHMrb-NNZx5sVLomZnFpALVAl4rqX_3oe_inF_pt8kBGolHAlImkr0j_uSdp_W4Hs6-8S95ySTs9s2MYg6i6JN-M6CNZPQ5f514Rm9Jt8lxYhTYl9IwSm7IVws/s1600/Versailles_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLEY1p0v2uZR793UuxvHMrb-NNZx5sVLomZnFpALVAl4rqX_3oe_inF_pt8kBGolHAlImkr0j_uSdp_W4Hs6-8S95ySTs9s2MYg6i6JN-M6CNZPQ5f514Rm9Jt8lxYhTYl9IwSm7IVws/s400/Versailles_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">UNESCO designated the palace and its gardens a </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="ref634041" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"></a><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">World
Heritage site</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;"> in 1979. Following a devastating winter storm in 1989,
which destroyed more than 1,000 trees on the palace grounds, the French
government initiated a wide-ranging project of repair and renovation. A severe
windstorm in 1999 caused the loss of some 10,000 trees, including several
planted by Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte. The château was also
damaged. In the late 1990s some nine million people visited the palace annually.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i>britannica.com</i></span></span></div>
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Europe Versailles

Palace of Versailles, former French royal residence and centre of government, now a national landmark. It is located in the city of Versai...

Buckingham Palace

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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">uckingham Palace is
the most iconic royal building in the country. It is the London residence of
Her Majesty The Queen and is one of only a few working royal palaces left in
the world.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixokKobPJ-VYqhEM1ZLYVC7svXN8ec0shwYi6_bTM-BlFcBPlVoLDeCzOX7aqwF3jfSMxc5TMsZVn4WaHIs8osTPeCowE745pigbTa7VQlTudhdPEOCZZ_58D3Erp_AnrllMmQJtv-seE/s1600/Buckingham_Palace_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixokKobPJ-VYqhEM1ZLYVC7svXN8ec0shwYi6_bTM-BlFcBPlVoLDeCzOX7aqwF3jfSMxc5TMsZVn4WaHIs8osTPeCowE745pigbTa7VQlTudhdPEOCZZ_58D3Erp_AnrllMmQJtv-seE/s400/Buckingham_Palace_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The history of the original building dates back to the
early 1700’s and finally became the official residence of the British monarch
in 1837 after Queen Victoria came to the throne.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The 19 State Rooms at the palace are regularly used by the
Royal family to entertain guests on their State, ceremonial and official visits
to the United Kingdom. During August and September the Queen makes her yearly
visit to Scotland allowing the palace to open up these lavish rooms to the
public.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwODYCY5HJNFEoaqdfEWyo2LLs2bbgBnzjy64tI1ZfBQROa-gO2sLWXnJxg8zKTJj0RTwuzut25ZhRMMktmGvyka2UL5x0OXDnCn0tKt3LPdQk0S5Y_zmYtBNA8yr7gtk5_zGGFeQd0Hk/s1600/Buckingham_Palace_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwODYCY5HJNFEoaqdfEWyo2LLs2bbgBnzjy64tI1ZfBQROa-gO2sLWXnJxg8zKTJj0RTwuzut25ZhRMMktmGvyka2UL5x0OXDnCn0tKt3LPdQk0S5Y_zmYtBNA8yr7gtk5_zGGFeQd0Hk/s400/Buckingham_Palace_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The reception of the 2011 Royal Wedding was hosted by Her
Majesty The Queen at the Palace, and Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge
were greeted by hundreds of thousands rejoicing fans and well wishers as they
posed for pictures on the famous East Front balcony.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Located in the heart of London and surrounded by 2 royal
parks, a trip to Buckingham Palace is a must for any visitor to London during
August and September.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">State Rooms<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Palace has an incredible 19 state rooms which are used
to entertain visitors with lavish Banquets, speeches and famously the Pipers.
The State rooms are beautifully furnished with treasures from the Royal
Collection including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Poussin as well classic
furniture from England and France.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">During the Queens annual visit to Balmoral in Scotland from
August to September the State Rooms are opened to visitors and are laid out as
they are during state visits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxZ8Z0Pt13uxhH2Y-KPfZ2ylLW-P6gv2X_D8Ut6vtovR8FCw_wnfmBcexW9SY7L98W_glXEvLAb5tlvQrF-UAhfAf_XGbQfBAqxQ4dnN46GvQHc2Pe1bUvFDgpRGkdrN3czfsGNxjhbk/s1600/Buckingham_Palace_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxZ8Z0Pt13uxhH2Y-KPfZ2ylLW-P6gv2X_D8Ut6vtovR8FCw_wnfmBcexW9SY7L98W_glXEvLAb5tlvQrF-UAhfAf_XGbQfBAqxQ4dnN46GvQHc2Pe1bUvFDgpRGkdrN3czfsGNxjhbk/s400/Buckingham_Palace_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">A Royal Welcome exhibition</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">This special exhibition at the Palace for the Summer 2015
0pening will provide a unique insight into what goes into creating an official
state visit to Buckingham Palace. What food is cooked in the Royal Kitchen?
What porcelain and bed linens are to be used? Every detail is scrutinised and
perfected by Royal staff at the Palace during visits by VIP guests such as
Royal family members and foreign dignitaries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Garden<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Known as the “walled oasis in the middle of London”
Buckingham Palace’s garden is as stunning as the building with over 350
different species of wild flowers. The finale of a visit is a walk along the
south side of the garden with views over the famous lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i>buckinghampalace.londonpass.com</i></span></span></div>

Europe Buckingham Palace

uckingham Palace is the most iconic royal building in the country. It is the London residence of Her Majesty The Queen and is one of only a...

Manneken Pis, Brussels

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Upon arrival in Brussels the first attraction you are shown
is definitely the Manneken Pis (little pee man in Flemish). Located close to
the Grand Place on rue
de l’Etuve 31 (Lievevrouwbroersstraat 31, 1000 Brussels, Belgium) he stands at
just 61cm (24 inches). The peeing boy is a tiny bronze fountain statue. One
would not normally call this art piece ‘majestic’, but the locals have so many
stories and ways of celebrating festivals with the little peeing boy that even
the toughest critic would leave with fondness for the bronze doll.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rQGMECb8HePMhmUBOIvAPvYD-gfNPn1ooPH_PvsU_KlIqHVH3SgLnNA5uK8ea-_T28OSzSDaj-VXdtD7wu9kBd2WAKtQM4aD5Q9sLdhQHHwD6wmG-F0_sN4KAOsCDOiWiHvUsEYCNrs/s1600/Manneken_Pis_Brussels_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rQGMECb8HePMhmUBOIvAPvYD-gfNPn1ooPH_PvsU_KlIqHVH3SgLnNA5uK8ea-_T28OSzSDaj-VXdtD7wu9kBd2WAKtQM4aD5Q9sLdhQHHwD6wmG-F0_sN4KAOsCDOiWiHvUsEYCNrs/s400/Manneken_Pis_Brussels_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Stories of Manneken
Pis</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Many great legends bring this little statue to life in the
hearts of visitors, and the question is why was this statue erected? One story
tells of a tourist father who lost his son in the city and after receiving help
from villagers to find the boy, he gifted this statue to them. Another, more
daring, tale is one where the boy was a spy during a siege of the city. He
literally put out a ploy to bomb the city by urinating on the explosives! Many
stories such as this have given the Mannekin Pis a firm place in Brussels’
city-life but none would compete with its present-day glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIfvr7FnqA18saGftu5GdLMQoZ3OAdq5Q097TdT0qHUnCDM8uvBeREJV9KjMGmVTj18OKcd0lwvxHDArHkd0TrZQwbJf3WjneaGF9KAxgK_AJhH023hU90zbnPiZh2O2G3VN5urkuvVo/s1600/Manneken_Pis_Brussels_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIfvr7FnqA18saGftu5GdLMQoZ3OAdq5Q097TdT0qHUnCDM8uvBeREJV9KjMGmVTj18OKcd0lwvxHDArHkd0TrZQwbJf3WjneaGF9KAxgK_AJhH023hU90zbnPiZh2O2G3VN5urkuvVo/s400/Manneken_Pis_Brussels_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Celebrations with the
Manneken Pis</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The people of Brussels don’t simply look upon the cute
statuette and show it to tourists. The Manneken Pis plays a full part in the
city’s annual calendar and even has an outfit for every occasion. Manneken Pis’
wardrobe ranges from Santa suits to national costumes from countries around the
world. The most recent addition is a red leather Chinese costume presented by
the city of Haining, China. On special occasions, brass-bands would play and
Manneken Pis would be hooked up to different flavours of Belgian beer, which is poured
from his fountain tip and given out to the public. With such love and care for
the Manneken, who needs Big Ben?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6qYj-HVOfsVvBUH_iSkaIXuO_C56ha8SleyIIdpJCgnC_0bZfmkXcTzcfLtYQQCtqGhCvA-CDmQbggN5En_Nhm-U1E9KQ8sUKPKmbXRiTW_oJRbTmR9X9JmN1Ws1P_1QeNzNoSAG-O8/s1600/Manneken_Pis_Brussels_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6qYj-HVOfsVvBUH_iSkaIXuO_C56ha8SleyIIdpJCgnC_0bZfmkXcTzcfLtYQQCtqGhCvA-CDmQbggN5En_Nhm-U1E9KQ8sUKPKmbXRiTW_oJRbTmR9X9JmN1Ws1P_1QeNzNoSAG-O8/s400/Manneken_Pis_Brussels_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">In the 80s another statue was built called Jeanneke Pis to
give Manneken Pis a playmate. This other statue is a little girl fountain, but
she is lesser known and hides in an alleyway a short distance away from
Mannekin Pis.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Location in Brussels</span></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihF6xaY9o283NlDooIJMsKZUiekpyoL_Wuj8S2M0_86GsTZ0P3EhcPVVYu8a8ZLTY7oRQmq2VTblYh-Ylyqj7vMeNL0G3-wClOntPgyVW3LcrqiNojppmt_eZMBtsbN7VP91LCYKjjpA/s1600/Manneken_Pis_Brussels_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiihF6xaY9o283NlDooIJMsKZUiekpyoL_Wuj8S2M0_86GsTZ0P3EhcPVVYu8a8ZLTY7oRQmq2VTblYh-Ylyqj7vMeNL0G3-wClOntPgyVW3LcrqiNojppmt_eZMBtsbN7VP91LCYKjjpA/s400/Manneken_Pis_Brussels_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Mannekin Pis is located southwest of the Town Hall. If you are at the Grand Place facing the
Town Hall take the exit on the left, the Mannekin Pis is two blocks behind the
Town Hall. Alternatively, you can walk from one of the metro stations below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i>brussels.info</i></span></span></div>

Europe Manneken Pis, Brussels

Upon arrival in Brussels the first attraction you are shown is definitely the Manneken Pis (little pee man in Flemish). Located close to th...

Louvre Museum

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>First stop in Paris for most art lovers is the Louvre, the
largest museum in the western world. Originally the building was a
fortress and if you go to the basement you can see the original walls which
date from 1190. </b></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB130ZZWUlq_HDgSyUvdOBvJtrK5xWeCp6IdZCO0bB-jxivc2Ce-8X6xiIK8Tb3RZdvZlP0kHGbOhgTfxbbnOYyaxfTXtAQ9-NKhgNZ58nOlalyxBGezoRrcG_nld7iLK-kdOWWNXvyU/s1600/Louvre_Museum_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB130ZZWUlq_HDgSyUvdOBvJtrK5xWeCp6IdZCO0bB-jxivc2Ce-8X6xiIK8Tb3RZdvZlP0kHGbOhgTfxbbnOYyaxfTXtAQ9-NKhgNZ58nOlalyxBGezoRrcG_nld7iLK-kdOWWNXvyU/s400/Louvre_Museum_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">In the 16th Century it was turned into a Renaissance style
palace which housed the royal art collection which consisted of a dozen
paintings by such artists as Leonardo di Vinci and Raphael that had been stolen
from Italy. The palace was expanded and renovated and was the home of King
Louis XIV until he moved to Versailles and the place fell into disrepair, full
of bums, bars and brothels. (Actually it must have been amazing during that
period).The Louvre once again became the home for some of the royal art of
Louis XIV and Marie Antionette shortly before their beheadings in 1793 when it
held over 2500 pieces. Though originally only kings and royalty were able to
view the art, after the French Revolution the doors were opened for everyone.
It contains some of the most famous pieces in the world including the Venus di
Milo, Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace and the best collection of Greek,
Roman, and Egyptian antiquities, and paintings from the middle agesto be
found under one roof.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTrCnUQrx5jP9ZHJBP9qqdONvWFBcynbXj_DL50e-tz0qLgz0BWKpkHqZiEkNjsrksgmThcOKnf7ec5Bto0K5sqKZbPBOrsfBfYcTXE5JpkiIKH7Z-NGTIIQOlEk8SpdIfIwbtQbTnbk/s1600/Louvre_Museum_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTrCnUQrx5jP9ZHJBP9qqdONvWFBcynbXj_DL50e-tz0qLgz0BWKpkHqZiEkNjsrksgmThcOKnf7ec5Bto0K5sqKZbPBOrsfBfYcTXE5JpkiIKH7Z-NGTIIQOlEk8SpdIfIwbtQbTnbk/s400/Louvre_Museum_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Unless you are a gifted athlete with a photographic memory
that enables you to take in a piece of art in three seconds, don't even
try to see the whole museum in one day. Make a mental list of the works
you want to see and find them on the map and you will see plenty of
other things on the way. You can always come back and you probably will.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXhA34f0Hu2oJ2DcdJSJ2cIuLzqpU5ZwGBY6wxov1XrLHGMkwzLoOikgG2QBl8zrg722BJjYr0a1F3zWUZm-b3Jsuxe6Q1TccvSHq_3sT58hc3YC_8OUw6sGEvzaOP078lJqWR-h8BF0/s1600/Louvre_Museum_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXhA34f0Hu2oJ2DcdJSJ2cIuLzqpU5ZwGBY6wxov1XrLHGMkwzLoOikgG2QBl8zrg722BJjYr0a1F3zWUZm-b3Jsuxe6Q1TccvSHq_3sT58hc3YC_8OUw6sGEvzaOP078lJqWR-h8BF0/s400/Louvre_Museum_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The entrance is through the glass pyramid in the
Cour Napoleon (Courtyard of Napoleon) which anyone who has read The
DiVinci Code will be familiar with. Beneath the Pyramid is the Hall
Napoleon, a 700 foot cavern which holds the ticket office, the excellent book
store and the entranceways to all the exhibit areas. There are other bookstores
in the different sections of the museum. Be sure to pick up a map at
the information desk. You will need it. Guided tours are offered several times
a day except Sunday and Tuesday. Expect to stand in line though the more
off-season you go the shorter the line will be. You can also do a Skip the Line Tours of the Louvre and avoid the
waiting. Otherwise, you can also buy tickets at Virgin Mega Stores
and Paris Railway Stations. The museum is open daily, except Tuesdays and
certain public holidays, from 9am to 6pm.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWkNQtV3XaOt7jeg9F6_TC2Jp5VF78Cqky8FlPHtdZn0rxXj1QX1s7eO0EhDSoZ7gOcfU6rCnY0GWDeUMKO9LwagleMBaQclMBf48oQjoyxrB3WCJ2FYdg56olqdVniKVgR3pDB8Y_1c/s1600/Louvre_Museum_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWkNQtV3XaOt7jeg9F6_TC2Jp5VF78Cqky8FlPHtdZn0rxXj1QX1s7eO0EhDSoZ7gOcfU6rCnY0GWDeUMKO9LwagleMBaQclMBf48oQjoyxrB3WCJ2FYdg56olqdVniKVgR3pDB8Y_1c/s400/Louvre_Museum_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">The Louvre is open evenings until 9.45pm on Wednesdays and
Fridays. Tickets for the permanent exhibitions is 8.50 euros before
6pm and 6 euros after 6pm. You can also buy anadmission package for 13 and
11 euros that gets you in to see all the temporary exhibitions as
well as the permanent ones. There are grouprates too. The museum is free
on the first Sunday of each month. It is also free to young people under 18,
disabled and the unemployed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OO9c6KcjpX3_v7zSzqeeyeJGtOU2d6vbvM11q6fh7Pixu1Kb9EqnjYUGPaKHZSzkQtTjJbVL3p30plUPCi2OAeXQTXGDKohpBkivlxAuBc4t1bXYFOr_d8fNnbpVTZ5IF7TlWEvM56M/s1600/Louvre_Museum_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2OO9c6KcjpX3_v7zSzqeeyeJGtOU2d6vbvM11q6fh7Pixu1Kb9EqnjYUGPaKHZSzkQtTjJbVL3p30plUPCi2OAeXQTXGDKohpBkivlxAuBc4t1bXYFOr_d8fNnbpVTZ5IF7TlWEvM56M/s400/Louvre_Museum_05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><i>aparisguide.com</i></span></span></div>

Europe Louvre Museum

First stop in Paris for most art lovers is the Louvre, the largest museum in the western world. Originally the building was a fortress and ...

St. Mark's Basilica & Campanile

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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">St. Mark’s Campanile
is the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy, located in the
Piazza San Marcos. The exact date of its original construction is unknown but
authorities agree that it was most likely during the 9th century during
the rule of Doge Tribuno Memmo. It was completed sometime between 1148-1157
during the reign of Domenico Morosini. The tower stood approximately 99 meters
tall.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZSDkzX3ClO8olSX7Ez3eE0QoyZvva2KmQbDrq7aGS5p0P5vBp678qUQEMAKltiXCdU5H9GlHLRwxV8J3efUcSyy4myKTwF9HN68ILL_5OVj8pk-dpJM_u7EIZk0_FR9ihxWjMY7kiHc/s1600/St.+Mark%2527s+Basilica+%2526+Campanile+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZSDkzX3ClO8olSX7Ez3eE0QoyZvva2KmQbDrq7aGS5p0P5vBp678qUQEMAKltiXCdU5H9GlHLRwxV8J3efUcSyy4myKTwF9HN68ILL_5OVj8pk-dpJM_u7EIZk0_FR9ihxWjMY7kiHc/s400/St.+Mark%2527s+Basilica+%2526+Campanile+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
 <span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">St. Mark’s Campanile has a very long history of accidents.
The towers first run in with mother nature occurred on June 7th, 1388 when it
was struck by lightning. Then on October 24th, 1403 the upper portion of the
tower was burned after fires lit for a celebration got out of hand. After its
reconstruction, St. Mark’s campanile suffered damage from an earthquake in
1511. In the next 500 years, the tower would be struck by lightning and
partially burned a total of seven more times. The most damaging of these
lightning strikes occurred in 1745 and resulted in three deaths and a large crack
running from near the top of the tower down to the 5th window. Finally in
1776, a conductor was installed on the tower rendering it safe from further
damage due to lightning strikes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr69n1vhE0eFtHlnsW5EGOkH6LiMqwhiLKrdja6bAJSyXOpxB6QVj1Zsg0gpd15CuooWIGBfRMD66pXE3jPGdhvgec99IAmOW_PWWzIXfvpYNiCCHPZHGPF4R-dDBqwI_A9bYTs0vY0c/s1600/St.+Mark%2527s+Basilica+%2526+Campanile+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr69n1vhE0eFtHlnsW5EGOkH6LiMqwhiLKrdja6bAJSyXOpxB6QVj1Zsg0gpd15CuooWIGBfRMD66pXE3jPGdhvgec99IAmOW_PWWzIXfvpYNiCCHPZHGPF4R-dDBqwI_A9bYTs0vY0c/s400/St.+Mark%2527s+Basilica+%2526+Campanile+02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">After suffering substantial periods of damage and
restoration throughout the course of its life, St. Mark’s Campanile collapsed
to the ground on July 14th, 1902. According to eye witnesses, the first sign of
danger appeared early in the morning on the 14th when a large crack formed
near the northeast top corner of the Loggia Sansovino (the structure at the
bottom of the tower) and rose diagonally across the main corner buttress of the
tower. “Just before the collapse, the sound of falling stones within the bell
chamber warned the people in or near the tower to flee, so that no life was
lost by the accident.”</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsl-BksvPS7AJHXcdixpClh_8HLgh0yGGJWEgWwWGOmMR6th22i-aFl6SlvtvId1TchKnhb4GgMwi8F8-asPGTZ93ouMLE0vsTh4dfaI8mTDIempHaQqKVBwuWfu2KT6_DJWwRKvKsTE/s1600/St.+Mark%2527s+Basilica+%2526+Campanile+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsl-BksvPS7AJHXcdixpClh_8HLgh0yGGJWEgWwWGOmMR6th22i-aFl6SlvtvId1TchKnhb4GgMwi8F8-asPGTZ93ouMLE0vsTh4dfaI8mTDIempHaQqKVBwuWfu2KT6_DJWwRKvKsTE/s400/St.+Mark%2527s+Basilica+%2526+Campanile+03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">The exact cause of the collapse is unknown, but there are a
multitude of probable factors that led to its collapse. First and foremost, the
tower’s original foundation “was built on a platform of two layers of oak
beams, crossed, which platform itself rests on a bed of clay, into which piles
of white poplar were driven.” </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">This
foundation was only intended to support the weight of the lower, more solid
portion of the tower and was therefore not adequate to support extra weight
when the tower was expanded upwards. Experts also believe that the foundation
could have been negatively affected by the dredging of the Grand Canal and even
more so by the frequent flooding of St. Mark’s square. Other causes for the
towers collapse are attributed to its extreme old age and long history of
damage from lightning strikes, fires, and earthquakes as mentioned above. All
of these disasters took a major toll on the structural integrity of the
foundation, internal structure, and exterior masonry of the tower. St. Mark’s
Campanile is also believed to have been repeatedly weakened by its constant
restorations and renovations throughout its long history. Different materials
and methods of construction were used in each successive attempt to mend the
tower.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW36YSR3Nlf12SuYXbXJbByyrgfAo781-6r8uWqsaYEn0fw_ZKpuZwRB0cHmsZYlRDJbnLw6E_wf4irjFJSHrtaV9AU9l3ViEA8FwBZd4KG_qhquaUdsHa6WAwXWKdfwf3dMSdN57MNFE/s1600/St.+Mark%2527s+Basilica+%2526+Campanile+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW36YSR3Nlf12SuYXbXJbByyrgfAo781-6r8uWqsaYEn0fw_ZKpuZwRB0cHmsZYlRDJbnLw6E_wf4irjFJSHrtaV9AU9l3ViEA8FwBZd4KG_qhquaUdsHa6WAwXWKdfwf3dMSdN57MNFE/s400/St.+Mark%2527s+Basilica+%2526+Campanile+04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt; text-align: justify;">After the tower collapsed, the Venetians immediately began
discussing whether or not St. Mark’s Campanile should be rebuilt and if so, if
it should be rebuilt as an exact replica of the previous version or a
completely new design. The matter was extremely controversial with many
citizens feeling strongly for both sides of the argument. In the end, it was
decided that St. Mark’s Campanile would be rebuilt as an exact replica to the
original because of its historic sentiment for the city of Venice. The new
tower would differ only in terms of its structural support. The new design
would replace the foundation beams with cement and iron, and the frame would
consist of a large iron framework with iron clamps fastened into the masonry.</span><br />
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Europe St. Mark's Basilica & Campanile

St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy, located in the Piazza San Marcos. The exact date of its ori...

Trevi Fountain

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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the most famous
and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. This impressive
monument dominates the small Trevi Square located in the Quirinale district.</b></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBJbw7ay7F_7Vikisi8zQ1OcMI88knCcLM6jAddMdFEezK0J2y1hpH0X51-w08Jrc3vjOv5Z9G9e_ORce3WpxT81brKIyDiVrTymmzt7tztJlFq23DO6e1sgq1kOoAOSNmm3OtmhpNh8/s1600/Trevi_Fountain_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBJbw7ay7F_7Vikisi8zQ1OcMI88knCcLM6jAddMdFEezK0J2y1hpH0X51-w08Jrc3vjOv5Z9G9e_ORce3WpxT81brKIyDiVrTymmzt7tztJlFq23DO6e1sgq1kOoAOSNmm3OtmhpNh8/s400/Trevi_Fountain_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Aqua Virgo</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Trevi Fountain is situated at the end of the Aqua
Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC by Agrippa, the son-in-law of Emperor
Augustus. The aqueduct brings water all the way from the Salone Springs
(approx. 21km from Rome) and supplies the fountains in the historic center of
Rome with water.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">According to legend, Agrippa sent out a group of soldiers
to search for a spring near Rome. The spring was found after a young virgin
(virgo) showed the source to the soldiers, hence the name of the aqueduct.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLxu10lHQ_jUjOmEm6I-fSY34x638gREEiHCmJGAzPunVcYvCt7aoiK1nvhV2kWNKIaHDTI0pIrrL5ZxGY0pVW3wkWRBNEiL0Su6M3NpK5A7dyFV7El6Kkf4uFAjfO5Zp4r0gLSj5PdA/s1600/Trevi_Fountain_02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLxu10lHQ_jUjOmEm6I-fSY34x638gREEiHCmJGAzPunVcYvCt7aoiK1nvhV2kWNKIaHDTI0pIrrL5ZxGY0pVW3wkWRBNEiL0Su6M3NpK5A7dyFV7El6Kkf4uFAjfO5Zp4r0gLSj5PdA/s400/Trevi_Fountain_02.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Construction of the
Fountain</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Already in the fifteenth century a small Trevi Fountain was
built here during the papacy of Nicholas V. In 1732, pope Clement XII
commissioned Nicola Salvi to create a large fountain at the Trevi Square to
replace the existing fountain. A previous undertaking to build the fountain
after a design by Bernini was halted a century earlier after the death of pope
Urban VIII. Salvi based his theatrical masterpiece on this design. He never saw
his monumental Baroque fountain completed. The Trevi Fountain was only
inaugurated in 1762, eleven years after Salvi had passed away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3TjJj9EXqztryk0RsldnMRGsYiLtQrgrIT1pqqZ7G-GZp22vIaj8T3uVG249HOgyH4sZoCfI6wjedacKWXs6cThh7EZDO6hkhsMmXeyeURL3KaWvHbRmW0-RxhQJ-PIytDEjczBcfJY/s1600/Trevi_Fountain_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3TjJj9EXqztryk0RsldnMRGsYiLtQrgrIT1pqqZ7G-GZp22vIaj8T3uVG249HOgyH4sZoCfI6wjedacKWXs6cThh7EZDO6hkhsMmXeyeURL3KaWvHbRmW0-RxhQJ-PIytDEjczBcfJY/s400/Trevi_Fountain_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Fountain</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The fountain, which is designed like a monumental triumphal
arch, was built against a wall of the Palazzo Poli. It measures twenty meters
wide and twenty-six meters high and occupies more than half the square. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">The central figure of the fountain, standing in a large
niche, is Neptune, god of the sea. He rides a shell-shaped chariot that is
pulled by two sea horses. Each sea horse is guided by a Triton. One of the
horses is calm and obedient, the other one restive. They symbolize the
fluctuating moods of the sea. The statues were sculpted by Pietro Bracci.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">On the left hand side of Neptune is a statue representing
Abundance, the statue on the right represents Salubrity. Both these statues
were the work of Filippo della Valle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Above the two allegorical statues are bas-reliefs. The one
on the left shows Agrippa, the general who built the aqueduct that carries
water to the fountain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">He is shown explaining his plan for the aqueduct to
Augustus. The bas-relief on the right captures the moment the virgin points to
the source of the spring. The allegorical statues on the top, in front of the
attic, symbolize the four seasons. Crowning the top is the coat of arms of pope
Clement XII. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30LNIRQdtFiU59EPoWGyapC0FIGHhm_3sEaa9MIpfHKkM57LJvMKYPW3SPn0xsbtWMRyFXyrWpMJacqFuCjUKb-K76ysh-7GZPMNELlf_0F98kWxKk1H3qSKoIl2nNCISsZmsLGEKo5U/s1600/Trevi_Fountain_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30LNIRQdtFiU59EPoWGyapC0FIGHhm_3sEaa9MIpfHKkM57LJvMKYPW3SPn0xsbtWMRyFXyrWpMJacqFuCjUKb-K76ysh-7GZPMNELlf_0F98kWxKk1H3qSKoIl2nNCISsZmsLGEKo5U/s400/Trevi_Fountain_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10pt;">Water flows over artificial rocks into a large semicircular
basin that represents the sea. Every day some eighty million liters of water
flow through the fountain. The water is reused to supply several other Roman
fountains, including the Fountain
of the Four Rivers, the Tortoise Fountain and the Fountain of the Old Boat
in front of the Spanish
Steps.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tossing a Coin<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tradition has it that you will return to Rome if you throw
a coin into the fountain's water basin. You should toss it with your right hand
over your left shoulder (or left hand over your right shoulder) with your back
to the fountain. You're not allowed to look behind you while you're tossing the
coin but the fountain is so large it's basically impossible to miss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Europe Trevi Fountain

The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome. This impressive monument...

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