Dana's Boots

In my boots, around the world.

[danailie2004]

Matera on the Rocks

Matera on the Rocks

Little did I know on the last day of 2019 that the following year was going to be “rocky”… So what better place to spend it than a literal prehistoric city built on rocks and caves? Matera, an incredible destination in Southern Italy, was just as lively as I imagined a European Capital of Culture to be, and it didn’t disappoint in the slightest!

Matera is one of the oldest towns in the world.…

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[danailie2004]

After a brief incursion in the mysteries of the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, the time has come to remember my visits to the most grandiose museum in the world: the Louvre! The first time I visited it was at the end of 2006 and, since I was on a tight schedule, I could only squeeze in a couple of hours to see the highlights of the museum. On my second visit, in the first days of 2014, I walked around for more than 4 hours, until my feet started hurting. In this article I will share 10 of my favourite exhibits from the world’s most visited museum (out of which the first 5 are representations of women, because we deserve it 😛 )!

The Louvre Museum in Paris

“The Winged Victory of Samothrace”, also called the “Nike of Samothrace” (approx. 200–190 BC)

The Winged Victory of Samothrace in the Louvre Museum

“Aphrodite”, known as the “Venus de Milo” (Island of Melos, Cyclades, Greece; 100 BC)

Venus de Milo in the Louvre Museum

“Mona Lisa” – Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, by Leonardo da Vinci (1503)

Gioconda or Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci in the Louvre Museum

Portrait of a woman, known as “L’Européenne” (2nd century AD)

Portrait of a woman, known as L’Europeenne in the Louvre Museum

“Liberty Leading the People” by Eugène Delacroix (1830)

Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix in the Louvre Museum

The Code of Hammurabi, king of Babylon (1792 – 1750 BC)

The Code of Hammurabi in the Louvre Museum

“Seated Scribe” or “Squatting Scribe” (Saqqara, Egypt; 2600 – 2350 BC)

Egyptian Seated Scribe in the Louvre Museum

“The Death of Saint-Innocent“, an allegory of Death (Cemetery of the Innocents, Paris; approx. 1520-1530)

The Death of Saint-Innocent in the Louvre Museum

“The 4 Seasons” by Giuseppe Arcimboldo (16th century)

The 4 Seasons by Giuseppe Arcimboldo in the Louvre Museum

“Captive” (“The Rebellious Slave“) by Michelangelo Buonarroti (approx. 1513)

The Rebellious Slave by Michelangelo Buonarroti in the Louvre Museum

Apart from the individual works of art, I very much enjoyed visiting Napoleon III Apartments from the 1st floor of Richelieu wing, in the Decorative Arts department. Especially the Grand Salon and the Dining Rooms caught my eyes with their opulent interiors and lavish stucco decorations.

Napoleon III Apartments Grand Salon in the Louvre – ceiling details

Napoleon III Apartments Grand Salon in the Louvre – furniture

Napoleon III Apartments Grand Salon in Louvre Museum

Napoleon III Apartments Dining Room in the Louvre – table

Napoleon III Apartments Dining Room in the Louvre

The Louvre is the most overwhelming museum I have ever been to, mostly due to the immensity of art works inside (in both quantity and quality), but also because everywhere you turn your head, there is something beautiful or spectacular to see. This includes floors and ceilings, which I adore.

Have you been to the Louvre? What are your top picks (if you can make yourself choose)?

Museum Freak II – Louvre Museum in Paris, France After a brief incursion in the mysteries of the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, the time has come to remember my visits to the most grandiose museum in the world: the Louvre!

[danailie2004]

When you think of Bavaria’s finest tourist attractions, castles, palaces and fortress are the first ones that come to one’s mind. But if you’re looking for something not so much in the spotlight, turn for the small village of Ettal. There you’ll find the beautiful Benedictine Ettal Abbey, one of the most important monasteries in the German Alpine region and an important pilgrimage centre.

Ettal Abbey in Bavaria

The heart of the abbey is its beautifully decorated basilica. I was impressed by the outstanding frescoes (especially the ones in the cupola), the superb stucco decorations, the splendid dome and the exquisite 18th century Baroque organ.

Painted cupola of Ettal Church in Bavaria

Impressive dome of the Ettal Basilica in Bavaria

Cupola and chandelier of Ettal Church

The church is surrounded by a castle-like domain, which houses all the edifices necessary to the monks’ community. The abbey is similar to a small self-sufficient village and inside its 3 walled courtyards you can find the monks’ quarters, a school, a library, a boarding school and a playground for the students, a cheese factory, a brewery, a distillery, a bookstore, an art publishing house, a hotel and several small crafts stores.

Beautiful Ettal Church in Bavaria

History of Ettal Abbey

The founding of the monastery is based on a legend. In exchange for his safe return to Bavaria after his coronation in Rome, Emperor Ludwig of Bavaria made a vow to build a church on the trade route between Italy and Augsburg (Germany’s third oldest city). Near the area of today’s monastery, Ludwig’s horse kneeled three times. Now a marble statuette of the Madonna and Child (“Frau Stifterin” or the “Ettal Madonna”) stands there. The statuette, brought by the Emperor from Pisa as a gift for his new foundation, soon became an object of pilgrimage.

Ettal Church painting – horse kneeling in front of the Virgin

Ettal Abbey was founded on April 28th 1330. After 40 years of construction, in 1370, the original Gothic church – modest in size – was completed. Apparently, the abbey was originally designed to be a Benedictine monastery for both men and women, as well as a house for the Teutonic Knights.

The 18th century was the golden age of Ettal, as it saw the establishment of a highly successful school (first an academy for knights). In 1744, a fire destroyed the abbey and the church, which were then rebuilt in the spectacular Baroque style that we admire today.

In 1803, during the secularization of church property in Bavaria, the abbey was dissolved. It was re-founded in 1900. Twenty years later, the abbey church was declared a basilica minor in 1920.

Interior of Ettal Church

I left Ettal Abbey with a sense of peace, but also with a small souvenir: the delicious Ettaler Kloster Liqueur, a herbal liqueur manufactured at the abbey.

Beautiful Churches Around the World: Ettal Abbey in Germany When you think of Bavaria’s finest tourist attractions, castles, palaces and fortress are the first ones that come to one’s mind.

[danailie2004]

The capital of one of the largest empires in the world couldn’t have been less impressive! With its wonderful architecture, mind-blowing museums, spectacular views, superb green spaces and delicious food, Madrid quickly earned a place in my heart. By far, my favourite experience was strolling along the large boulevards and admire the capital’s diverse architecture, a “showcase of early 20th-century revival architecture, with architectural styles ranging from Vienna Secession style, Plateresque, Neo-Mudéjar, Art Deco, and others”.

I must admit to spending a whole lot of time taking pictures of the wonderful buildings on Gran Vía, Calle Mayor and around the city’s main squares (Puerta del Sol, Cibeles, Plaza Mayor or Plaza de España). Here’s a photo essay with some of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid, Spain.

Abrantes Palace (today headquarters of the Italian Cultural Institute in Madrid) on Calle Mayor in Madrid

Building in Plaza de Espana in Madrid

Building on Gran Via in Madrid

CaixaForum Madrid on Paseo del Prado in Madrid

Circulo de Bellas Artes on Gran Via in Madrid

Crystal Palace in Madrid’s Buen Retiro Park

Edificio Carrión Capitol Building on Gran Via in Madrid

Facade of the Museum of History of Madrid

Fomento Palace (the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters) in Madrid

Iberostar Las Letras Hotel on Gran Via in Madrid

Instituto Cervantes in Madrid

La Adriatica Building on Gran Via in Madrid

Metropolis Building on Gran Via in Madrid

National Museum of Anthropology in Madrid

Oratory of Caballero de Gracia on Gran Via in Madrid

Palazuelo House on Calle Mayor in Madrid

Petit Palace Posada del Peine Hotel in Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

Santalucia Seguros (Insurance) headquarters in Plaza de Espana in Madrid

The Cybele Palace in Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid

Architectural Madrid – Photo Essay The capital of one of the largest empires in the world couldn't have been less impressive! With its wonderful architecture, mind-blowing museums, spectacular views, superb green spaces and delicious food, Madrid quickly earned a place in my heart.

[danailie2004]

Everybody told me Ferrara is less famous, but just as beautiful as Florence. So in my latest trip to Italy I just HAD to include it in my itinerary! Even if Mondays are the worst for museum freaks like me, I still managed to fill the day to the brim with things to do and see in this lovely Renaissance UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are my recommendations for a 1-day visit to Ferrara!

One day in Ferrara, Italy

The moated medieval Este Castle (Castello Estense) is definitely the symbol of the city and the most famous landmark in Ferrara. Built in the 14th century as a defensive fortress for the ruling Este family, it soon became the residence of the court. At the end of the 16th century, the dukedom moved its headquarters to Modena, so all the art collections form the Este Castle were moved there. Nowadays, the castle houses a museum where visitors can find out more about the building, the Este family and the history of Ferrara. My favourite spots: the Garden of the Oranges (Giardino degli Aranci), the Lion’s Tower with its beautiful panoramic view over the city and the superbly decorated ceilings of the 1st floor rooms.

Este Castle in Ferrara

Este Castle Tower

Gothich style vaulted ceiling in Este Castle, Ferrara

Painted ceiling in Este Castle, Ferrara

Painted ceiling in the Small Chamber of Poisons in Este Castle, Ferrara

Panoramic view from the Lion’s Tower in Este Castle, Ferrara

Wooden model of the Este Castle, Ferrara

Castello Estense in Ferrara

Garden of the Oranges in Castello Estense

The Estense Ducal Palace was built in the 13the century in front of the city’s cathedral. It was the duke’s residence up until the end of the 16th century; now it’s the headquarters of the Ferrara municipality (Palazzo Municipale). You can enter the interior courtyard, called Piazza Municipale, and go inside the palace through the Grand Staircase (Scalone D’Onore). There are beautiful frescoes and decorations in the interior halls, open to visitors.

Interior of the Estense Ducal Palace or Palazzo Municipale in Ferrara

Main facade of the Estense Ducal Palace or Palazzo Municipale in Ferrara

Statues on the facade of the Estense Ducal Palace or Palazzo Municipale in Ferrara

The Estense Ducal Palace or Palazzo Municipale in Ferrara

The Grand Staircase of the Estense Ducal Palace or Palazzo Municipale in Ferrara

The interior courtyard of the Estense Ducal Palace or Palazzo Municipale in Ferrara

Being the largest religious building in the city, the Ferrara Cathedral shouldn’t be missed. Dedicated to Saint George, this church is a 12th century masterpiece of art and architecture. Be advised that the facade is currently under renovation and that the cathedral is closed for a couple of hours at midday.

Bell Tower of Ferrara Cathedral

Ferrara Cathedral

Ferrara Cathedral

Ferrara Cathedral

Another photo-worthy landmark in Piazza della Cattedrale is the Clock Tower. Also, opposite the Cathedral you can enjoy savoury pastry and delicious Italian gelato at the Leon D’Oro pasticceria & gelateria.

Clock Tower in Ferrara

The Clock Tower and Ducal Palace in Ferrara

In Ferrara, almost every house is a Renaissance palazzo! Some are private residences, while others house local museums. Here are some that drew our attention: The Palazzo dei Diamanti takes its name from the 8,500 white marble blocks on the facade, carved to represent diamonds. It’s an absolutely spectacular sight, which attracts many tourists and curious people. Art aficionados can visit the Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery and the National Painting Gallery of Ferrara.

Details of Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara

Details of the facade of Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara

Entrance to Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara

Inner courtyard of Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara

Palazzo dei Diamanti in Ferrara

Palazzo dei Diamanti, Ferrara

Across the street, the monumental doors and stairs of the Palazzo Prosperi-Sacrati are a popular places for tourists to take photos.

Palazzo Prosperi-Sacrati’s monumental entrance

Those who enjoy antiquities, coins and medals should head to Palazzo Schifanoia. This rather strange name is thought to originate from “schivar la noia“, meaning literally to “escape from boredom“. Since this palace and the nearby villas were the places where the Este court relaxed, the name describes accurately the building’s purpose.

Palazzo Schifanoia’s monumental entrance

The Palazzo Costabili (also know as Palazzo di Lodovico II Moro) is the house of the National Archaeological Museum in Ferrara.

Details of the facade of Palazzo Costabili in Ferrara

Inner courtyard of Palazzo Costabili in Ferrara

Palazzo Costabili in Ferrara

For a change of scenery, go visit the Certosa Cemetery, known as the Certosa di Ferrara. Visiting a cemetery is always half cathartic, half creepy. But here, while walking under the porticoes decorated with sculptures, it is impossible not to feel a sense of calm and peace.

Certosa Cemetery in Ferrara

Decorated porticoes of the Certosa Cemetery in Ferrara

Porticoes of Certosa Cemetery in Ferrara

The 18th century Massari Park close to the cemetery is a nice place to rest in on a hot day. Must stop to take pictures with the impressive Lebanon cedar by the entrance!

Lebanon cedar in Parco Massari in Ferrara

If you’ve been to Ferrara, let me know what I missed. If you haven’t, buy your tickets! 🙂

Bonus random pics from all around the historical city centre below!

Lazy Monday in Ferrara Everybody told me Ferrara is less famous, but just as beautiful as Florence. So in my latest trip to Italy I just HAD to include it in my itinerary!

[danailie2004]

Fellow museum lovers all over the world, I feel your pain! For as long as I can remember, I have lived with this curiosity: what lies behind those closed museum doors? And I kind of made it my purpose in life to open as many as I can and to bask in the mysteries I find there. After all, it is our basic need to pursue knowledge and seek beauty, don’t you think? So I’m starting a new blog series here on danasboots.com – Museum Freak. Step in my boots and let’s discover together some of the most interesting museums in the world. First off the list: Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany!

Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany

The Pergamon is located in the centre of Berlin, on the famous Museum Island (Museumsinsel) on the Spree River. The northern part of the island is occupied by some of the world’s most famous museum: Altes Museum (The Old Museum), Neues Museum (The New Museum), Alte Nationalgalerie (The Old National Gallery), Bode Museum and Pergamon Museum. In 1999, the museum complex was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The Pergamon is the most visited of all these Berlin State Museums and in Germany as a whole. It is famous throughout the world due to the three collections is houses: the Antikensammlung (Collection of Classical Antiquities), the Vorderasiatisches Museum (Museum of the Ancient Near East) and the Museum für Islamische Kunst (Museum of Islamic Art).

If you ask me, it is solely on the shoulders of the impressive reconstructions of massive archaeological structures where the fame of the Pergamon lies. The Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus or the Ishtar Gate with the Processional Way from Babylon were, until now, things I’ve only seen in the history books and always wanted to face. However, if you plan to visit the museum, take into consideration that the hall that contains its main attraction, the Pergamon Altar, and other artifacts will be inaccessible to the public due to renovations.

The Antikensammlung (Collection of Classical Antiquities)

If you’re into Greek and Roman art, you will have a culturgasm while visiting the Antikensammlung! The extraordinary exhibition in the Pergamon features architectural superstructures from Greek and Roman antiquity. The main attraction is the Pergamon Altar, but, as it was closed, I had to settle for the second best: the Market Gate of Miletus. Dating from around 100 AD, it is a marvellous example of Roman architecture.

Market Gate of Miletus – column and statue

Market Gate of Miletus – columns

Market Gate of Miletus – Pergamon Museum, Berlin

Market Gate of Miletus – seen from below

Also, don’t miss the Orpheus Mosaic from Miletus!

Orpheus Mosaic from Miletus – Pergamon Museum, Berlin

The Vorderasiatisches Museum (Museum of the Ancient Near East)

The approximately 270.000 artifacts in this collection come from a 6000-year span of cultural history from Mesopotamia, Syria and Anatolia. Prepare yourself to be blown away by the colourful Ishtar Gate and Processional Way of Babylon, dating from the time of Nebuchadnezzar II (6th century BC). The gate was constructed using glazed brick with alternating rows of bas-relief dragons, aurochs and lions, symbolizing three gods (Marduk, Adad and Ishtar). The gate was considered one of the original Seven Wonders of the World (but was replaced by the Lighthouse of Alexandria). I’ll never admit it, but I was so overwhelmed by this construction that I may have had my mouth hanging open a bit when I first saw it. 😛

Processional Way of Babylon – lions reliefs

Ishtar Gate of Babylon – aurochs relief

Ishtar Gate of Babylon – dragon relief

Ishtar Gate of Babylon – Pergamon Museum in Berlin

Processional Way of Babylon – view from the temple of Marduk to the Ishtar Gate

No less impressive are the reproductions of an Assyrian palace chamber, guarded by the protective lumasi (plural for lamassu) or those from the temple of the God of Ashur!

Lumasi guarding an Assyrian palace chamber

Lamassu guarding an Assyrian palace chamber

Water basin for ritual cleansing from the Temple of the God of Ashur

Reproductions from an Assyrian palace chamber

Reconstruction of a room in an Assyrian palace – Pergamon Museum, Berlin

Relief depicting an ancient Assyrian deity in Pergamon Museum, Berlin

The Museum für Islamische Kunst (Museum of Islamic Art)

More modern, but not less impressive, is the Islamic art collection which exhibits masterpieces of the decorative arts and archaeological artifacts from the 7th to the 19th century. My highlights:

the Alhambra Cupola (1320 AD, coming from the Torre de las Damas from the Palacio del Partal within the Alhambra palace complex in Granada, Spain)

Alhambra Cupola – Pergamon Museum, Berlin

Niche hiding the Alhambra Cupola – Pergamon Museum, Berlin

the prayer niches from Kashan, Iran (1226 AD)  and Konya, Anatolia (13th century AD) and the niche from a Samaritan house in Damascus, Syria (16th century AD)

Prayer niche of Beyhakim mosque in Konya – Pergamon Museum, Berlin

Prayer niche from Kashan – Pergamon Museum, Berlin

View of the niche from a Samaritan house in Damascus – Pergamon Museum, Berlin

Niche from a Samaritan house in Damascus – Pergamon Museum, Berlin

the ceramic tiles from Kashan, Iran (13th-14th century AD)

Islamic glazed tiles – Pergamon Museum, Berlin

Museum Freak I – Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany Fellow museum lovers all over the world, I feel your pain! For as long as I can remember, I have lived with this curiosity: what lies behind those closed museum doors?

[danailie2004]

Not far from Budapest, on a hill overlooking one of the Danube’s bends, lays the mother-church of the Hungarian Catholic Church: The Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed Into Heaven and St Adalbert, or, as it best known as, the Esztergom Basilica. This wonderful edifice and place of worship is also a main tourist attraction for non-religious people who enjoy the spectacular view from the basilica’s dome over the surrounding landscape.

Esztergom Basilica – main facade

It is said that the present church was built over the foundation of several earlier churches. The initial one was actually the first cathedral in Hungary, erected by Stephen I of Hungary between 1001 and 1010. Due to its strategic position, the Castle Hill became first the seat of Hungary’s rulers, then the main centre of the Catholic Church of Hungary. The current Classicist-style basilica was built in the 19th century as the biggest church building project of those times. The consecration festivity took place on August 31st 1856 in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph and with the tunes of the Esztergom Mass composed by Ferenc Liszt specially for this occasion.

Esztergom Basilica in Hungary

Designed as a huge ecclesiastical complex on the Castle Hill of Esztergom, the basilica should have been a veritable Hungarian Vatican, but not all parts of the project were realized. However, the cathedral and the surrounding buildings is a monumental, beautiful and harmonious Classicist masterpiece of architecture.

Model of the Esztergom Basilica

Facts and details about the Esztergom Basilica:

It is the largest church and the tallest building in Hungary (Surface: 5,600 m²; Size: 118 m long and 49 m wide).

The dome has a diameter of 33,5 m and is 71,5 m high inside and 100 m high from outside (400 steps from the crypt)

Echo: it has a reverberation time of more than 9 seconds.

The altarpiece (13,5 × 6,6 m, depicting the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Girolamo Michelangelo Grigoletti) is the largest painting in the world painted on a single piece of canvas.

Altar of the Esztergom Basilica

Floor of the Esztergom Basilica

Paintings inside the Esztergom Basilica’s dome

If you are not big on religion or architecture, the beautiful panorama on the surrounding landscape from the basilica’s dome will surely take your breath away!

Monument The Coronation Of St. Stephen seen from the Esztergom Basilica

View from the Esztergom Basilica’s dome

View from the Esztergom Basilica’s dome

View from the Esztergom Basilica’s dome

View from the Esztergom Basilica’s dome

View from the Esztergom Basilica’s dome

View from the Esztergom Basilica’s dome

Beautiful Churches Around the World: Esztergom Basilica in Hungary Not far from Budapest, on a hill overlooking one of the Danube’s bends, lays the mother-church of the Hungarian Catholic Church: The Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed Into Heaven and St Adalbert, or, as it best known as, the Esztergom Basilica.

[danailie2004]

Green, touristy and overall impressive – that is how I saw the largest German state. Bavaria draws millions of tourists every year, especially in its southern region. Here lie the world-famous castles and palaces of King Ludwig II, also known as the Swan King, the Mad King or the Fairy Tale King.

Linderhof Palace – the palace and the pool

King Ludwig II of Bavaria

Ludwig became King of Bavaria in 1864, when he was 18. Though he always fulfilled his duties, the monarch had a mainly decorative role in matters of state. So Ludwig focused on pursuing his dreams: he began building theatres and castles, supported the arts and artists (he had a long-lasting friendship with Richard Wagner) and travelled through the alpine countryside. He was a visionary whose imagination and love of beauty left the world richer with three marvellous castles: Herrenchiemsee, Linderhof and the crown jewel – Neuschwanstein. In an attempt to decrease Ludwig’s expenditures, the government had the king declared insane (so unable to rule). On June 12th 1886, he was taken from Neuschwanstein to the Castle of Berg on Lake Starnberg, where he was found drowned the following day.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Located in an idyllic setting, among majestic mountains, Neuschwanstein is a fairytale 19th-century Romanesque Revival castle. It was intended as a home for King Ludwig and it was open to the public shortly after his death. Since then, the castle has been visited by more than 61 million people. Every year, 1.4 million people visit “the castle of the fairy-tale king”, with as many as 6,000 per day in the summer.

The exterior architecture and decoration of the castle are among the most iconic in the world. However, the interior is also impressive, with many rooms depicting the various operas written by Wagner.

Neuschwanstein Castle seen from Marienbrücke

Neuschwanstein Castle

Linderhof Palace

Linderhof is the only palace King Ludwig II lived to see completed. Initially, Ludwig envisioned here a large Byzantine palace, surrounded by a recreation of the magnificent park and gardens of Versailles. It was only when the king acquired the island of Herrenwörth in the Chiemsee in 1873, that he relocated the Versailles project there and allowed Linderhof to become this small, private and absolutely breathtaking complex.

Linderhof Palace – view from the top of the terraced hill

Though the palace in itself is rather small, the gardens surrounding it are considered one of the most beautiful creations of historicist garden style. The park combines elements of Baroque design (the parterres), Italian Renaissance (the gardens and terraces) with English, French and Spanish landscape sections.

Linderhof Palace – 25m high fountain

Linderhof Palace

Take a walk through the park and admire the large pool with the 25-metres high fountain, the three terrace gardens crowned with a round temple and the miniature waterfall with the Neptune Fountain at the bottom and the Music Pavilion at the top. Don’t avoid the numerous building, houses, grottoes, pavilions and kiosks strewn all over the park!

Linderhof Palace – garden

Linderhof Palace – flower garden

Linderhof Palace – garden art

Linderhof Palace – Music Pavilion at the top of the waterfall

Linderhof Palace – Neptune Fountain at the foot of the waterfall

Linderhof Palace – the pool

Herrenchiemsee Palace

Located in a wonderful setting, on the Herreninsel (the largest island in the Chiemsee lake), Herrenchiemsee was the true “Bavarian Versailles”. This new palace was built as a “Temple of Fame” for King Louis XIV of France, whom King Ludwig II fervently admired.

Herrenchiemsee Palace – facade

Herrenchiemsee Palace

Enjoy a full day of strolling through these opulent gardens and  bask in the monarchic splendour of King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s dream world!

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The Fairytale Castles of Ludwig II, King of Bavaria Green, touristy and overall impressive – that is how I saw the largest German state. Bavaria draws millions of tourists every year, especially in its southern region.

[danailie2004]

The facades of Wroclaw

The facades of Wroclaw

Poland is always a good idea, but if you’re into architecture, head to Wroclaw! The 2016 European Capital of Culture is a wonderful blend of styles:during a half-hour walk you’ll go from the late-Gothic Old City Hall (Ratusz) in the Market Square (Rynek) to Baroque churches or the Classicistic style Opera house. Here and there, the glass facades of the modern buildings remind us that Wroclaw is a…

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[danailie2004]

Had a laugh at one of the people in my group saying tourism is poor people visiting rich people's homes. 😂 Well, he kind of nailed it with the Lednice Castle in the Czech Republic, former residence of the House of Liechtenstein. #danasboots #travel #lednice (la Lednice Castle)

[danailie2004]

Short stop in Bratislava; made a great choice and visited the UFO Tower, which gave us a wonderful panoramic view of the whole city. It was a bit windy up in the open-air observation deck, but totally worth it! 😁 #danasboots #travel #travelling #traveller #travelblogger #traveladdict #travelbug #travelgram #instatravel #igtravel #ig_travel #travelogue #travelholic #slovakia #bratislava #ufotower (la UFO watch.taste.groove.)

[danailie2004]

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Underworld. The old Turda Salt Mine is today a modern tourist attraction. I admit I went a little crazy with the video effects, but still...the UFO vibe is there! 😁 #travel #travelling #traveller #travelblogger #traveladdict #travelbug #travelgram #instatravel #igtravel #ig_travel #iheartromania #romania #romaniawow #romania🇹🇩 #romaniaefrumoasa #visitromania #turda #turdasaltmine #salinaturda (la Salina Turda)

[danailie2004]

Sky, trees, Neuschwanstein Castle, who needs anything else? #germany #neuschwanstein #travel #travelphotography #danasboots

[danailie2004]

Thought hard about what filter to use for this Montenegro holiday pic, but that's the thing with Montenegro holiday pics...they don't need filters to be perfect! :) #montenegro #perast #travel #danasboots

[danailie2004]

Lovely Swiss architecture in the centre of St Gallen. #switzerland #stgallen #travel #danasboots

[danailie2004]

Neața! Să te trezești aici, în sunet tandru de talangă...aproape că mă invidiez! 😁 (la Alphotel Ettal)

[danailie2004]

Fairytale castle - Cesky Krumlov. #czechrepublic #ceskykrumlov #travel #danasboots (la Český Krumlov Castle)