luni, 30 aprilie 2012
marți, 24 aprilie 2012
Top 5 places to see in Venice
Venice
is a unique city built entirely on water, which managed to survive without cars
to this day. The city remained unchanged for hundreds of years and is like a
time machine that offers
lovely views.
1. Basilica San Marco
This
lovely Byzantine church dominates the Piazza San Marco and was built to show
the world the infinite power of the Venetian Republic and to house the tomb of
St. Mark. Visitors can admire the west façade, the atrium and floor mosaics, the
central dome and Pala D Oro, the gold atlarpiece
decorated with jewels, made in Constantinople
in 926.
The Basilica houses a museum where there is a
bronze quadriga with gold-plated horses, statues that adorned the Hippodrome of
Constantinople. Loggia dei Cavalli is a wonderful balcony overlooking the
Piazza San Marco, decorated with replicas of horses in the museum.
2. Doges Palace
This
palace was the official residence of the Venetian Doges and features a
wonderful combination of Gothic, Byzantine and Renaissance architecture. The
palace is decorated with paintings and sculptures of famous artists, including
Titian, Tintoretto and Bellini. It
includes The Hall of the Full Council, flourished with canvases illustrating Venice 's victories, The Senate
Hall, a fascinating maze of cells for prisoners and the Doge's apartments,
decorated with rich brocades, impressive fireplaces, gilded ceilings and
artwork.
3. Piazza San Marco
The political and religious
centre of Venice used to be the garden of an old monastery, crossed by a river.
The square is animated by a museum complex,
elegant cafes and orchestras. Here you can find Basilica San Marco, The Doges
Palace, the Clock Tower, Campanile tower (98 meters tall) and the columns of
St. Mark and Sf.Theodore.
4. Canal Grande
It is Venice's highway, with
a length of 4 km and a width of 30-70 meters. It winds through the city with a double curve, and its banks are full of
the most beautiful palaces, such as Fondaco Dei Turchi, a Venetian-Byzantine
building with an exotic air and round arches, and Ca' Pesaro , a magnificent Baroque palace
decorated with stone work. Important nobles and merchants once lived in these
castles.
5. Rialto Bridge
This
bridge is located at the narrowest point of the Canal Grande, it is 28 meters long
and was built out of stone in 1588. In the middle of the bridge are
small shops selling jewellery, paintings, Murano glass and other items for
tourists.
Top 5 places to see in Prague
Prague, also
known as the City of a hundred towers, is located on the Vltava river in the
heart of Europe. The city’s architecture’s is over 600 years old, but it is
very well preserved. The new town contrasts with the old town and it is crossed
by wide boulevards and large squares, out of which Wenceslas Square is the best known one.
1. Olt town (Staroměstská namesti)
All the old
buildings date century from the 11th century. Besides Prague Castle ,
St. Vitus Cathedral and Charles
Bridge , there are many
churches and palaces that make up an extraordinarily architectural, cultural
and artistic complex. The oldest part of the complex is St. George, dating in
921. The center has a surface of 866 ha and it is situated on the banks of the Vltava River .
It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.
2. Prague Castle
The Prague
Castle is an amazing castle that hosts the presidential office. It is the
largest medieval complex in Europe , with a
surface of 7 ha. The Castle holds the royal treasury. On the Gold Street there are 11 historical
houses built within the castle walls, where medieval armor and textiles are
exposed.
3. City Hall
and Astronomical Clock
The appearance of the City Hall has changed several times over the
years, but it became famous after the events of 1419 connected to Jan Hus.
Today, the memorial hall hosts cultural, social and religious events. The
astronomical clock dates from the 15th century. Every hour a small
door opens and figurines come out through it in the sound made by bells.
Beneath the clock there are 12 medallions with zodiacal signs. The Tower Hall
is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Inside there are stairs
and elevators that tourists can use to visit it
.
4. Charles Bridge
The construction of Charles Bridge began in
1357 and was completed at the beginning of the 15th century. It is
515 meters long and 9,50 meters wide. It has 16 pillars (with heights ranging
between 16 and 23 meters) and it is 13 meters above the River Vltava. Since
1657, statues have been placed over the bridge. In the 20th century,
the old statues have been replaced with modern replicas of baroque statues.
5. The Hebrew
Quarter
This district is named
after the Franz Josef Emperor and it preserves remnants of the old Hebrew
ghetto. The Hebrew
Museum has one of the
most impressive collections of Jewish art in the world. The old cemetery is the
oldest Hebrew cemetery in Europe . In the
neighborhood there are several museums housing historical synagogues and many
amazing buildings.
Top 5 places to see in Istanbul
Istanbul is the
only city in the world located on two continents and it is connected to two
seas: Black Sea and Marmara Sea. The old city was called Constantinople
and was the house of the Patriarch of the Eastern Christians until the Muslims
conquered it. The city lies at the confluence of several cultures.
1. Hagia Sophia
It was
originally a Christian-Orthodox church and was converted into a mosque in 1453
and then into a museum in 1953. It is covered by a dome that is 56 meters tall,
supported by pendants. Hagia Sophia is one of the most important examples of
Byzantine architecture that remains to this day. For 1,000 years, it was the
biggest Orthodox cathedral.
2. Blue Mosque
It was built
between 1609-1616 by Sultan Ahmet I to compete with Hagia Sophia. It is the
largest mosque in Istanbul and one of the most
famous, the only mosque in Turkey
that has six towers. It is built in classical Ottoman style, with spacious
interiors, impressive columns and a dome with Arabian motifs painted in the
ceiling. It gets its name from the 20,000 blue tiles decorated with flowers,
trees and abstract motifs. At the exterior there are 260 stained pieces of
glass and very tall domes supported on four enormous circular pillars.
3. Topkapi Palace
This palace
housed all the Ottoman sultans until the king Abdulmeid I (1860). The palace
was built by Mehmet II after the conquest of Constantinople ,
has an area of 700,000 square meters and a wall of 1400 meters, on which there
are three main gates: Otluk, Demir and Bab-i Hamayun. The palace is a complex
of buildings and annexes that are constantly being developed.
4. Basilica
Cistern
This huge
cistern was founded by Emperor Justinian I and was a venue for artistic and
scientific activities. At the entrance there are 52 steps that you need to
climb down in order to reach the wonderful, 9 meters tall columns set on 12
rows. The wall is 4,8 meters thick and the bricks were plastered with a thick
layer of mortar Horasan to be waterproof.
5. Grand Bazaar
This is one of
the largest covered markets in the world, with 60 streets and 5,000 shops and
is known for its jewelry, hand painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries and
antiques. The Grand Bazaar has been an important commercial center since 1461
and is located at the end of the two main streets.
Top 5 places to see in Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital of Romania, a member state of
the European Union. Although it is not at all as visited as other capitals in
the EU, Bucharest offers many interesting buildings and places.
1. Palace of the Parliament
It is the most controversial building in
Bucharest: while it amazes by size (being the second largest administrative
building in the World, after the Pentagon), for the Romanian people it is also
a vivid reminder of the sufferance they had to endure while former communist
dictator Nicolae Ceausescu continued his megalomaniac vision of the capital.
The building has 12 stories above ground and 8 stories underground, as well as
a huge anti-nuclear bunker. There are a total of 1100 rooms in the building.
The construction began in 1981 and there still are parts of the building that
have not been completed up to now.
2. Triumphal Arch
The Triumphal Arch was raised in order to
celebrate Romania’s victory in World War I. It was built in 1921 and restored
in 1935. It is 27 meters tall, half the size of the Triumphal Arch in Paris.
3.
The Village Museum
It is an open air museum that illustrates the different
architectural styles in rural Romania. The museum was opened to the general
public in 1936. The houses in the museum have been dismembered from the area
they come from, transported to Bucharest and that set back together within the
museum. The oldest house was built in the 17th century and the
newest one was built in the 19th century.
Built more than a century ago (between
1886-1888), The Atenaeum is a symbol for the Romanian culture and architecture.
It is built in a neoclassical style, but it also has some romantic influences. The
columns at the entrance remind us of ancient Greek buildings. In 1992 the
building was seriously restored, the total cost of the restoration being of 9 million
euros.
5.
The historic centre
The old centre of Bucharest lets you take a glance at the medieval
era or admire the many palaces and old buildings it houses. Thanks to many
investors and business men, the historic centre is now flourishing, becoming
one of the most animated areas of the city. Lots of cafes, clubs and restaurant
await you in this place of mixed architecture, culture and historical periods.
Top 5 places to see in Athens
Today’s Athens is a
bustling city where the past and the present meet at every step. Athens
attracts many tourists due to its pleasant climate, excellent traditional
cuisine, culture and history.
1. Acropolis
The most beautiful and
famous temple in Athens, a symbol of Greece, is located on this hill. It dates back
from the Vth century BC and reflects the beauty, wealth and power of
Athens. The stairs at the entrance, called Propilaea, were built by architect
Mnesicles. In south-west there is the Ionian temple of Nike Aptera, which has
been recently restored. The Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis were
built by Pericles in the Vth century BC. The Parthenon was built by
Iktinos Kallicrates to house a huge statue of Athena. Today it is the
world's most imitated building and it is in an ongoing process of restoration.
2. The Temple of Zeus
The Olympic Temple of Zeus,
called Olympeion, is located at 500 meters from the Acropolis and it is built
with marble from the Mount Pentelus. It is 96 meters long and 40 meters wide.
It had 104 columns, each 17 meters in height. Only 15 of these columns remained.
Hadrian dedicated the temple to Zeus.
3. The National
Archaeological Museum
This is the largest museum
in Greece and one of the largest in the world. The museum houses over 20,000
exhibits, including the most important historical vestiges around the country. It
offers a complete view of the Greek civilization, from prehistoric times to the
late Roman period. The museum is located in an imposing building that on its 5
stories houses Prehistoric Antiquities, sculptures, collections of vases and
minor arts, metalwork collection and Egyptian Collection and the Middle East.
Also, the museum features an impressive collection of photographs and a library
of rare books.
4.
Theater of Dionysus
This is the world's first theater built in stone and is the birthplace of the Greek tragedy. Here have been played works by Aeschylus, Sofocles, Euripides and Aristophanes. The theater dates back from the Roman Empire, had a capacity of 17,000 spectators and had 64 rows of seats, out of which 20 have remained to this day.
This is the world's first theater built in stone and is the birthplace of the Greek tragedy. Here have been played works by Aeschylus, Sofocles, Euripides and Aristophanes. The theater dates back from the Roman Empire, had a capacity of 17,000 spectators and had 64 rows of seats, out of which 20 have remained to this day.
5. Piraeus
This is the largest port of Greece, dating from the time of Temistocles. It gained importance when Greece became a naval power. It covers 8 km and consists of 3 ports. The harbor area is particularly important and has great streets, squares and parks.
Top 5 places to see in Bruges
Bruges
is an unique place because the local authorities have done everything in their
powers to maintain the medieval atmosphere and image of the city. The unique
combination of old and new fascinates everyone who comes for the first time in Bruges .
1. The
historic center
The historic center of Bruges became
part of UNESCO in 2000. Modern architecture and infrastructure
are rare in the center of Bruges. The streets are still covered by typical
medieval cobblestone instead of asphalt. Many historic buildings have been declared monuments
protected by the town council. Visiting the historic center is like travelling
back in time.
2. The Groeninge
Museum
The museum
was named after the street where the Flemish armies defeated the troops of the
French king in 1302. The museum's collection includes works of art belonging to
artists who lived or worked in
Bruges. The most important artwork in the museum is "Virgin with
the priest Joris van der Paele" painted by Jan Van Eyck in 1436. Other
paintings from the 15th century are "Virgin's Death" by
Hugo van der Goes, "Altar of St. Christopher" by Hans Memling and
"Baptism of Jesus" by Gerard David. Another part of the museum
includes artworks from Renaissance and Baroque painters such as Jan Provoost,
Lanceloot Blondeel, Adriaan Pieter Isenbrant and Pourbus. The 19th
century is represented by works from artists such as Joseph spool, Ducq Jozef,
Jozef Odevaere and Albert Gregory.
3. The Belfort
Tower
The Belfort
Tower in Bruges is a tourist attraction that was
built in the 13th century. It is 88 meters tall and houses the
treasure of old Bruges. If you decide to go up the 366 steps, you can admire
the impressive clock mechanism which has 47 bells, each with different sounds
and functions. The highlight is the panoramic city view from the top of the
tower.
4. Chocolate Museum
The Chocolate
Museum is a landmark located in "De Croon House" which dates from
1480. Here you can see various sculptures in chocolate and a history of how it
evolved. If
you want to discover how cocoa turned into chocolate and to
learn about the aspects of quality and health of the Belgian chocolate, you should
definitely visit the chocolate museum.
5. Aquarium
The Aquarium
has 1600 seats, providing enough space for all those who want admire the dolphins
and the seals in a fascinating show. Besides the performances offered by the
animals, the park also offers other attractions: mountain rousse (Hurricane,
Orca Ride), huge swings (Sancta Maria), panoramic Ferris wheel (Explorer II),
chains (Wave Swinger), water slides (Toboggan AQUATIQUE ), Carousel (Carrousel)
and antique cars (Oldtimers).
Top 5 landmarks in Salzburg
Salzburg is one of the
most beautiful cities in Europe and it is located at the feet
of Mount Mönchsberg, on top of which is the massive fortress Hohensalzburg. In
1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born, the foremost son of town. His presence
is felt all over the city, from the famous memorial home to the Mozartkugeln
chocolates, created by Paul Furst in 1890. The famous movie The Sound of Music
was filmed here.
1. Hohensalzburg
Fortress
This is the most important fortress in
central Europe and the major attraction of Salzburg . The
first documentary attestation of the fortifications dates back to the Roman Empire . Different rulers added towers, walls and bastions. The Fortress had a strategic and military purpose and during the reign of
Leonhard von Keutschach it was turned into a palace. Huge amounts of money were
invested in its decoration, modernization and expansion. The heights of the fortress
offer excellent views of the city.
2. House of
Mozart
There
are two Mozart museums in Salzburg :
the house where he was born and the house where he lived. The museum of the
house where Mozart was born is today's most popular museum in Salzburg and houses his childhood violin,
concert violins, a harpsichord, portraits, letters and objects that belonged to
the family. The second home offered space for rehearsals and meetings and is where
Mozart composed many of his works. It exhibits 232 of his letters.
3. Salzburger
Dom
In front of the
dome is the Cathedral Square
- Domplatz, where the famous Christmas Fair, that attracts thousands of
visitors every year, is being held. The dome has 7 bells, out
of which Salvatorglocke is the second largest bell in Austria. The nave has
paintings by Donato Mascagni and Ignazio Solari. The highlight of the cathedral
is the 71 meters high dome.
4.Mirabell Palace and Gardens
5. Getreidegasse
It is
the busiest and most expensive commercial street in the city. Here are tall and
crowded houses, with romantic passages and courtyards. The windows of these
houses are smaller on the higher floors and each garden is a work of art, with
columns, arched passages and marble balustrades.
Without
any doubt, Salzburg is Austria's pearl, the entire city being part of UNESCO
World Heritage since 1997, in recognition of the unique value of the Baroque
style.
Top 5 landmarks in Rome
1.
Colloseum
This
building is an elliptical amphitheatre, one of the greatest works of
engineering and architecture of the Roman Empire .
To visit the Colloseum, you will have to wait in a long queue (at least one
hour in high season and about 30 minutes in a low season), but it is definitely
worth the wait. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, this iconic
symbol built between 70-80 A.D. was designed for hosting 50,000 spectators and
is 57 meters tall. The top level provides a stunning view and you can see the
underground levels, which housed elevators and animal cages. At the mid level
there is a covered passage which functions as an arcade, promenade and walkway.
2. The Papal Basilica of
Saint Peter
Located in the central part of the Vatican State ,
this huge church
is breath-taking. Make sure you climb up to the top
to see the great view. Many famous architects and artists have contributed
to this construction, including Bramante, Raphael Sanzio, Michelangelo and
Bernini. The baroque facade is dominated by statues of Christ, St. John
the Baptist and 11 Apostles. Inside, you will find the famous Pieta sculpture, made by Michelangelo when he was only 25
years old.
3. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is the best preserved building from Roman Empire and
oldest standing domed structure in Rome .
The dome's diameter
is 43 meters, equal to the building's height. The
only source of light in the building is the hole shaped as a circle located at
the top of the dome. The entry has 3 rows of 8 columns each.
4. Fontana di Trevi
Fontana di Trevi is probably the most famous fountain in the city.
This artwork was build by Nicolo Salvi, based on a previous project by Bernini.
It consists of a central statuary that is Neptune ,
located in a chariot pulled by two sea horses, one of them being restless and
the other quiet and subdued.
5 Monument to Vittorio Emanule II
The monument is dedicated to memory of Vittorio Emanule II, the
first king of unified Italy .
The building is constructed entirely out of white marble, is 135 meters tall
and features a huge Equestrian sculpture of Victor Emmanuel and two statues of goddesses riding on quadrigas Niki. Also, here it is
located The Grave of the Unknown Warrior. The monument has a great location,
from Venezia Piazza to Capitoline Hill, close by Trajan's Column.
Top 5 landmarks in 5 Budapest
Budapest is located on the
Danube, at the confluence of the Great Hungarian Plain and the hills of Buda. Here you will find
beautifully landscaped parks, museums, cruise ships on the Danube and thermal
spas of the Ottoman era. Former capital of the
Austro-Hungarian Empire, the city preserves the specifics of the era in the
smallest details.
1. Parliament Building
The building was opened in
1896 and was completed in 1904. It is built in a Gothic Renaissance style,
the same as Westminster in London. It is one of the most beautiful legislative
buildings in Europe and the third largest in the world that hosts a national
parliament. The Parliament has a symmetric structure and a
large dome with a height of 96 meters. The building has 90 statues outside and 152
inside.
2. The Gellert Hill
It has a height of 140 meters and it is
located above the Danube in Buda. On top of the hill is the Citadel, with the
statue of Liberty in front of it. It is very high and can be seen from anywhere
in the city. On the hill there is a cave with a
church where you can still see a part of the wall built during the communist
era to block the entry.
3. Chain Bridge
This was the first permanent link between
Buda and Pest. From here you can admire
the great Parliament building and the Citadel towers on Gellert Hill. At nighttime, the bridge’s lights give it an
amazing look. The bridge has two massive stone feet, it is 375
meters long and 16 meters wide.
4. Heroes’ Square
It is one of the most visited tourist
attractions in Budapest and faces Central Park, at the end of Andrassy Avenue,
one of the most important streets of Budapest. The monument consists of two semicircles
decorated with various symbols. Here are statues of kings, governors and
famous people of Hungary. In the middle of the
square there is a column of 36 meters high, on top of which is the statue of
the Archangel Gabriel. The pedestal has
equestrian statues. In this square is the Cave of the Unknown Warrior and on each
side are the Art Museum and Art Gallery.
5. Vaci utca
This is the most famous shopping street in
Budapest, with many shops and trendy fashion boutiques, as well as bookstores
and antique shops. Also, there are numerous cafes, bars, restaurants and
souvenir shops. Although the street is from the 18th
century, most buildings date from the 19th century and early 20th century. Vaci
utca has become a place for promenade for tourists and locals alike.
Top 5 attractions in Vienna
Vienna is the capital of Austria and the largest city in the country. It
is also known as “The City of Music”. Thanks to its historic legacy, it has
many attractions for tourists, such as old palaces and cathedrals.
1. The Schönbrunn Palace
This amazing baroque palace is the most popular place in Vienna. It used
to be the summer residence of the Hapsburg Family. The palace is set in very
beautiful gardens, that together with the palace are part of the UNESCO list of
World Heritage Sites. The Vienna Zoo is also set in these gardens and it is one of the best
zoos in Europe.
2. Vienna State Opera
It is probably the most famous Opera House in the world. The
construction project was finished in 1869. It is closed in the months of July
and August. When there aren’t any spectacles, you can take a tour to visit the
building.
3. St. Stephan's Cathedral
It was built in 1137, but it was renovated many times throughout time.
The south tower of the cathedrals is 136 meters tall, the highest point in
Vienna’s skyline. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to admire the
amazing view of the city. The multi-colored roof of the cathedral has become
one of the most recognisable symbols of Vienna.
4. The Sigmund Freud Museum
Vienna is also called “The City of Dreams” because it is the home of
Sigmund Freud. The Sigmund Freud Museum is located in the house where Freud,
the world’s first psychoanalyst worked and lived for almost fifty years. Opened
in 1971, the museum includes personal possessions of Freud and the largest
psychoanalysis library in Europe.
5. Wiener Riesenrad
Wiener Riesenrad is a Ferris wheel located at the entrance of the Prater
amusement park. It was built in 1897, being one of the first Ferris wheels in
the world. It is 65 meters tall and it is one of the most loved tourist
attractions in Vienna and a symbol of the city. The Ferris Wheel was almost
demolished in 1916, but fortunately the local authorities did not have the
required funds to proceed with the demolition, so it survived. However, it was
seriously damaged during War World II. When it was rebuilt, the Ferris only
received 15 cabins, instead of 30 as it originally had.
Top 5 attractions in New York City
New York is one of the most spectacular cities in the world offering its tourists everything from architecture, culture, fashion or entertainment. It is a city of excitement and unforgettable landmarks, such as:
1. The Statue of
This neoclassical
sculpture is probably the most famous statue in the world. It represents
Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom and it is one of the symbols of the United States of America .
It is located on Liberty Island . The statue was
a gift received by the Americans from the French people in 1886.
2. Empire State Building.
This skyscraper, built in
1931, is another symbol of the USA and of New York. It has 102 stories and a
height of 443 meters, including the 62 meter pinnacle. For 30 years it was the
tallest building in the world. The Empire State Building is not only famous due
to its heights, but also because of its distinctive art deco style design. The
building was included among the seven wonders of the modern world on a list
made by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
3.
Located in the centre of
Manhattan, this public park around thirty five million visitors each year,
being the most visited urban park in all USA. It is a huge park, almost
entirely landscaped. Here you will find birds and animals, trees and flowers,
entertainment and art. You can visit the Central Park Zoo or you can go
ice-skating, you can go boating and or take a ride in the carrousel. Whatever
you decide to do, you will not get bored at Central
Park .
4. Grand Central Terminal.
Better known as Grand
Central Station, it is the largest train station in the world, covering an area
of 19 ha. It was first opened in 1871 and then rebuilt in 1913. It is one of
the most famous tourist attractions in the world, receiving over twenty one
million visitors each year.
5.
This complex of 19
buildings gets its name after the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. who financed
the project. The complex was completed in 1937 and covers a surface of 89.000 m2.
The centerpiece of the complex is the GE building, where in 1931 was taken the
famous photo, “Lunch atop a skyscraper”, illustrating eleven men having lunch
on a girder, hundreds of meters above ground.
Top 5 attractions in London
With a history of over 2000 years, London
still captivates the interest and admiration of people everywhere, as this is a
place where the past, present and future meet.
1. Westminster Abbey and Parliament Palace
This
former Benedictine monastery was built in the XIth century by Edward the
Confessor and was completed in its current form in 1745. The huge building has a typical medieval
architecture and the tallest Gothic nave in England (32 meters). Also, here is
the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Parliament House is 1,000 years old and is
located opposite the Westminster Abbey. The palace tower houses the
famous Big Ben clock, whose sound is used by BBC to announce the exact time.
2. London Eye
Built to celebrate the year 2000, this wheel is
the highest in the world (135 meters) and offers a fascinating view of London. It
is located on the banks of Thames, opposite to the Palace of Parliament .
One rotation takes about 30 minutes and on a clear day you can see over a
distance of 40 km.
3. Buckingham Palace
This palace is the residence of the Queen, and
during summertime, the public can visit the State Rooms and royal parks. Do not
miss
the famous changing of the guards, in their special red uniforms and tall hats.
On special occasions, the Queen and the royal
family members come out on the palace’s balcony to greet the crowd.
4. Natural History Museum and Science Museum
The Natural
History Museum was originally the repository for the samples of Charles Darwin
and Joseph Banks, Cook's botanist. Currently,
the museum hosts over 70 million exhibits. The main attractions include a life
sized model of a blue whale and a model of a T Rex dinosaur that moves and makes
sounds. The Science Museum is very close nearby
and features the world of science and technological inventions. Here you can admire the first steam locomotive
in the world, Apollo 11 Command Module and you can watch 3D projections on a
giant screen. Also, the museum features exhibitions from the worlds of shipping,
aeronautics and technology leadership
6. The
British Museum
This is the oldest museum in the world and
houses over six million exhibits. Among them is the Rosetta stone, discovered
in 1799, which allowed the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphics. The
museum exposes extremely varied objects, ranging from
Egyptian mummies to Roman treasures.
Top 5 attractions in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers impressive
architecture, lovely canals, shops and many sights. Most of the city is crossed
by water canals with boats. Some are permanent Residences and for this reason
the city is also called the Venice of the North.
1. National Monument on Dam
Square
It is the most famous square
in the Netherlands and it is located on the site where the fishing village that
became Amsterdam used to be. This place is the tourist centre of the city and
is full of restaurants and shops. The National Monument is a column, built out
of natural stone and it is decorated with allegorical figures. The monument was
built in 1956 in memory of the fallen heroes in the war. Here is the Royal
Palace, which is used for events, official visits and receptions. The Dam
Square is the place where you can meet various people, because of the proximity
to the Red Quarter and the famous cafes of Amsterdam.
2. Red Quarter
Known as Walletjes, it
consists of numerous streets full of restaurants that offer adult
entertainment. Here you can find the museum of cannabis, as well as many places
where cannabis can be smoked. This neighbourhood is one of the safest in
Amsterdam, being under permanent surveillance. Without any doubt, it is one of
the symbols of the city.
3. The Heineken Factory
This factory is no longer
functional and has become a tourist attraction where you can see how beer is
produced. The ticket includes 3 pints of beer and a gift that varies by period.
In the factory there are some impressive glass staircases and a cinema. Tourists
can bottle their own beer or can order a personalized bottle of beer.
4. Anne Frank House
Anne Frank was one of the
victims of Hebrew origin persecuted by Nazis during the Second World War. The
Frank family hid in the house for two years until the group was betrayed and
deported. The building has a part in the front and an appendix in the back,
which served as a hideout. While they were hiding, Anne Frank wrote a diary
which was published in 1947 and immediately became a best seller.
5. Van Gogh Museum
This museum contains the
largest collection of Van Gogh's paintings worldwide. Visitors can observe the
evolution of the artist or compare his paintings with other artists. The museum
also offers other artistic exhibitions of the 19th century. Van Gogh's
works are organized chronologically into five periods, corresponding to phases
of the artist’s life and creation.
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