Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Vienna: Austria's Largest City

Vienna is the capital of the Republic of Austria. And 'by far the largest city in Austria (pop. 1.7m), as well as its cultural, economic and political. As the former home of the Habsburg court and its various empires, the city still has the trappings of the imperial capital than once, and the old town is inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage List.


Schönbrunn Palace with its surrounding buildings and the park is considered one of the most important cultural monuments in Austria. The castle was built to rival French Versailles in Baroque beauty and importance but House Habsburg lacked funds to outdo a rival of his nation France. In the past it served as a summer residence of various monarchs Habsburgs.


Belvedere Palace: The two magnificent palaces on the Belvedere grounds lie in the middle of a beautiful park. They were for Prince Eugene of Savoy by JL von Hildebrandt, a famous baroque Belvedere architect.At this time even outside Vienna's defenses were built, but today they are a part of Vienna's third district, which is not far away from the center of Vienna . The Palaces' architecture and interior design are typical of the rococo style.


St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom): One of the most famous sights in Vienna. St. Stephen's Cathedral defines the inner city and was in the heart of Vienna for centuries. It is one of the most famous Viennese sights and was built in 1147 AD. For a long time it was uncontested as highest building in Europe with almost 137 m.



Anchor Clock was built between 1911 and 1917 after the plans of the painter Franz von Matsch. And 'situated on the oldest square of Vienna' Hoher Markt 'and represents a typical Art Nouveau design. The clock forms a bridge between two parts of the building insurance company Anker. The same watch is adorned with mosaic ornaments. During 12 hours, twelve historical figures or pairs of moving data across the bridge including Joseph Haydn, medieval lyricist Walther von der Vogelweide, the Empress Maria Theresa and Prince Eugene of Savoy. Every day at noon, all figures parade accompanied by music from various eras. This show is a special kind of tourist Vienna High Noon.


To Be Continue with others Attractions in Vienna!!!. Stay Tuned!!!

Related Link:
http://traveltheromancecities.blogspot.com/2011/10/vienna-austrias-largest-city-2.html

Monday, September 26, 2011

Casablanca: Morocco’s Largest City

Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco with over 3 million inhabitants. It is also located on the northwest Atlantic coast of Morocco, Casablanca – or Dar el Beida as it is known in Arabic – is Morocco’s largest city, boasting a population of more than three million people. Casablanca is home to North Africa’s largest port and is the nation’s leading economic center.
Short History of Casablanca
Originally established as an independent kingdom by the Berbers in the 7th century, Casablanca fell under Arab, Almoravids, Merenids, Portuguese and Spanish rule. It was the Portuguese who gave the name Casabranca, or “white house,” to the city. The Spanish equivalent, Casablanca, was later used. The town was destroyed by an earthquake in the mid-1700s, and was reconstructed by the grandson of Moulay Ismael, the second ruler in the Moroccan Alaouite dynasty.



Hassan II Mosque
The Mosque of Hassan II is one of the largest mosques in the world, after those in Mecca and Medina (Saudi Arabia), which are generally off limits to tourists. This might just be one of the most famous among travelers worldwide. It is located right next to the Atlantic Ocean, giving a more certain charm. The minaret of 210 meters is actually the highest in the world. The architectural style is Moorish influences and has strong similarities to the Alhambra and the Great Mosque, both in Cordoba. It's actually one of the few mosques in Morocco which is actually open to non moslims, so definitely worth a visit during the tour around this country in the Maghreb.


Catholic Cathedral
Casablanca Cathedral (Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur) is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Casablanca, Morocco. It was built in 1930. when Morocco was still under the rule of Catholic France. Falling into disuse after Morocco's independence in 1956, the Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur was used as a school and then a culture center. Today, it hosts fairs and exhibitions. The cathedral was designed by French architect Paul Tournon using the Neo-Gothic style.  The huge Casablanca Cathedral  is a surprising sight in the heart of Casablanca. With its unique architecture, the disused church seems both out of place and in harmony with its surroundings all at the same time.


Rialto Cinema
A classic, cavernous, single-screen art-deco cinema. This beautiful Art Deco cinema palace was constructed in 1930. Catch a movie and enjoy the architecture too.


Old Medina
To the north of the Place des Nations Unies There is a small traditional town in the north side of Casablanca. If you are in town is worth a visit, but it's nothing compared to the glories of Fes and Marrakesh.


La Corniche
Not far from the Mosque of Hassan II is La Corniche, an area of ​​rolling on the beach at Ain Diab is popular with locals and tourists. Restaurants, swimming pools and beaches - both public and private - are the main attractions. It 'a great place for a scenic walk at any time of day or night.


Place Mohammad V
Town Square with the large fountain is a favorite hangout for locals. Buildings surrounding the square are especially notable for their architecture: the historic main post office, courthouse, French Consulate, and Banque Prefecture of Morocco.


The Bazaar
The Bazaar of the center is a souk (market) that the locals frequent for the international exchange of money, but the tourists will be attracted by the wide range of souvenirs and functional pieces made ​​of leather, wood, ceramic, metal and more. Moroccan traditional clothes, jewelry, antiques and handmade rugs and carpets are also available.


Friday, September 23, 2011

Cologne:12 Romanesque Churches-Part 2

Cologne has 12 important Romanesque churches, all of which stand within the medieval city wall. Although devastated during World War II, all of them have been fully restored and once again recapture Cologne's rich early medieval heritage. 
  


St. Maria im Kapitol: "Santa Maria in the Capitol" is located where the stamp was the Roman capital in Cologne. The construction of the present building originated in the 11 st century. The default scale of the temple was kept in the construction of the nave. The initiator of the construction project was the Benedictine sister Ida, granddaughter of Emperor Otto II. The origins and its imperial claims to have been clear the size of the church and the crypt.


St. Maria Lyskirchen is the smallest twelve Romanesque churches of Cologne and the only one to be built as a parish church. And 'situated on the Rhine between Deutz and bridges Brücke Severin. Throughout its existence, since the beginning of 13 °, the change has relatively little experience and was the only Romanesque church was not destroyed in World War II.




Groß St. Martin's is located directly behind the Rhine promenade in the attractive old town, between the Hohenzollern Bridge and Deutzer. Groß St. Martin: With its imposing towers that cross and leaf clover Groß St. Martin Choir has made ​​its impression on the landscape of the historic center of Cologne from the middle Ages.


St. Pantaleon Church: The imposing church, south-west of the city center, still has a large share of the original building. This is one of the oldest religious buildings in Cologne. The monumental church of St. Pantaleon was born in the mid-10 th century with the founding of a Benedictine Abbey by Archbishop Bruno. His nephew by marriage, the Byzantine Theophanu, continued building after Bruno's death in 965. His interest in the church certainly had family reasons, but especially the Holy of Pantaleone Patrocinium played a decisive role, because they come to this holy land of Theophanu. After his death he was buried in St. Pantaleon. His mortal remains rest today in a modern marble sarcophagus.





St. Ursula was originally dedicated to the Holy Virgin and was also built in the late antiquity. It originated on the property of a Roman graveyard. It was named after the Breton princess Ursula, who, according to the legend suffered martyrdom in Cologne together with 11,000 female companions.



St. Severin Church: This church is also home to the late fourth century. It 'was extended and expanded several times. Area passable archaeological dig under the church in the middle of a Roman cemetery of the foundation remains of the original building can be displayed. The forked cross the 14 th century and the paintings in the late Gothic nave long glass are also remarkable. The external impression is mainly Gothic Romanesque choir as the choir has remained.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Cologne:12 Romanesque Churches-Part 1

Cologne has 12 important Romanesque churches, all of which stand within the medieval city wall. Although devastated during World War II, all of them have been fully restored and once again recapture Cologne's rich early medieval heritage.


St. Andreas Church: near the cathedral  contains the tomb of St. Albertus Magnus, a wealth of late Romanesque architectural sculpture, and murals in the crypt.

St. Aposteln Church: Situated right in the heart of the metropolis, St. Aposteln is a monumental oasis of peace: a completely different world. Its glory, the domed clover leaf chancel, was built around 1200.



St. Cecilia's Church : dates from the late 12th century. It has a fine tympanum carving of the patron saint over the north door and murals in the choir and nave. It now houses the Schnütgen Museum of medieval art, which contains sculpture, paintings, church furnishings, ivory reliefs and more.


St. Georg Church is the only remaining Romanesque pillared basilica in the Rhineland and was a stop on the medieval pilgrimage to Santiago. It has carved capitals in the porch and an impressive forked crucifix from the early 14th century.


St. Gereon Church: According to a medieval legend, the name patron to St. Gereon was a Roman officer, who died for his Christian faith together with 318 legionaries. An oval-base church was built on the martyrs’ grave in ancient times.


St. Kunibert Church: Cologne’s latest Romanesque church dominates the Rhine panorama in the north of the cathedral city. In 1247, it was completed, one year before the foundation stone to the Cologne Cathedral was laid.


To be continue with Cologne:12 Romanesque Churches-Part 2......

Related Link:
http://traveltheromancecities.blogspot.com/2011/09/cologne-germans-roman-city.html
http://traveltheromancecities.blogspot.com/2011/09/cologne12-romanesque-churches-part-2.html

Monday, September 19, 2011

Cologne: German's Roman City

Cologne on the Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia and is the fourth largest city in Germany with around 1,000,000 inhabitants. It is one of the nation's media, tourism and business hotspots. Cologne is best known as one of the most liberal cities in Germany. Cologne is a traditional Ripuarian speaking city, although this mostly by German, which was now the primary language of the city replaced. English speaking guides and information for many of the landmarks of the city are available. For tourists who speak German and want to practice it, the citizens tend to have much patience with those who are trying to come to grips with the language. Citizens of Cologne are very friendly and jovial people, welcoming tourists of all kinds and with all interests. Beside that, travellers to Cologne, expect the hottest time of the year to July, the coldest is January (in July 2010, temperatures over 30 degrees for several days) were (temperature hovers around the freezing mark) and the month with most rainfall is in June.

 
The Cologne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church in Cologne, Germany and the landmark, described by the UNESCO as "exceptional work of human creative genius". Cologne Cathedral is the first sight you notice when at the main exit from the station. If you are in good condition, take the 509 steps to the top of the south tower. It takes about an hour, so you wear comfortable shoes, but it's worth the hike.

The Great Saint Martin Church is a Roman Catholic church in Cologne, Germany. Its foundations rest on the remains of a Romanesque chapel, built on what was then an island in the Rhine. The church was later converted into a Benedictine monastery. The current building, including a central tower rising that a landmark is the old town of Cologne, were built between 1150-1250.




 The Cologne City Hall  is the oldest city hall in Germany still in use and established in the 12th century.



Hohenzollern Bridge: Also called the Locking Bridge. There is a bridge on the Rhine that is covered in padlocks and the  locks are placed there by couples to show their loyalty to each other. Couples often have their names and a significant date inscribed on the locks.

 Medieval city gates: Of the 12 former medieval city gates, only the Eigelsteintorburg at Ebertplatz that Hahnentor at Rudolf Square, and on the Severinstorburg Chlodwigplatz as below are still stand today:

Eigelsteintorburg

Hahnentor

Severinstorburg

 
Related Link:
http://traveltheromancecities.blogspot.com/2011/09/cologne12-romanesque-churches-part-1.html
http://traveltheromancecities.blogspot.com/2011/09/cologne12-romanesque-churches-part-2.html

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Goa:Charming City

Goa is an Indian state situated in the western part of the country. The former Portuguese colony was renowned as a popular tourist destination, rising as millions of domestic and foreign tourists here every year. The beautiful city is known for its unique blend of indigenous and Portuguese culture, magnificent works of architecture, pristine beaches and attractive works of art known. If you are planning a holiday, Goa can be a wonderful holiday destination for you. You will discover countless entertainment options, if you will book your cheap trip to Goa. Let's look at some attractions and entertainment venues that have popularized as a leading tourist hub of India.


 Dona Paula Bay is where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian sea.

The beautiful town is famous as the "Queen of Beaches". A distance of 125 km long coastline makes Goa a ranked destination on the globe. This vast stretch of coast can be divided into northern beaches and the beaches in the south. The beaches of these two different regions are known for their own characteristics. Panjim is the capital of Goa. Tourists can Flights to Goa's most beautiful churches and temples, unbeatable selection of over 40 beaches, active and enthusiastic nightlife, book festivals and celebrations light, pleasant sun-sea-sand-surf and exotic seafood, and the best of nature to enjoy between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea.


Church of My Lady of Immaculate Conception, Panaji
Beautiful churches are one of the highlights of the state. Panjim city is full of Christian pilgrimage centers. The church and monastery of St. Monica, Church of our Lady of the Rosary, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Church of St. Francis Xavier are a few of the post popular churches in the city. If you want to make Goa holidays, there are dozens of destinations to see.

Immaculate sun kissed beaches, clear sky, remarkably pleasant weather, rippling waves of the Arabian Sea, abundance of adventure sports, green vegetables and excellent accommodation options make all of this charming region a wonderful destination. Unlike the exceptional travel and entertainment options, tourists can mouth watering delicacies in Goa to enjoy. Fish curry and rice is the staple food of the locals. Gourmets can enjoy a variety of fish dishes in Goa.


Colva is a white sand beach in the South Goa district of Goa, India.

Coming to Goa's beaches, this beautiful state with many pristine beaches appealing tourists and holidaymakers from all over the world scattered. Goa beaches are exquisite for impressive holiday tourism and mesmeric. Anjuna, Baga, Dona Paula, Vagator, Candolim, Benaulim, Colva, etc are some of the most popular beaches in the country.

Finally, the state of Goa has its unique charm and character. Arrange your travel to Goa, Goa Tours Book your cheap in advanve and even released in this pure paradise for travelers.