Fatal attraction: Europe's top cemeteries. When I'm traveling in Europe, I often see stupid "torture museums" that are cleverly marketed. They make lots of money by appealing to the lowest desires of dumbed-down travelers, even though none of them has any real artifacts. If you're looking for the macabre side of Europe, skip these hokey rip-offs and visit a cemetery — they're authentic, artsy, and oozing with history.
Here's a list of some of my favorites. Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris: Littered with the tombstones of many of the city's most illustrious dead, this is your best one-stop look at Paris' fascinating, romantic past residents. The cemetery holds the remains of Frédéric Chopin, Molière, Edith Piaf, Gertrude Stein, Héloïse and Abélard, and many more — but the grave of rock legend Jim Morrison is perhaps its most visited tomb. Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome: Of the countless catacombs honeycombing the ground just outside Rome's ancient city walls, only five are open to the public. Portofino, the height of Italian chic. Portofino bay The church of San Giorgio A place to see and be seen The earth tones of rusty browns, oranges and terracotta of the simple facades curving round the fishing port could almost be mistaken for a medieval painting were it not for the mega-yachts that bring the ultra-rich to this quiet corner of northern Italy where it's said they come to get away from it all rather than to flaunt their wealth.
Dating from Roman times, and later a modest fishing village that changed hands from the Benedictines to the Republic of Genoa and later to the Republic of Florence, Portofino is now one of the most stylish corners of the Mediterranean. Decades ago its unspoiled charm was already a draw for artists, politicians and aristocrats and, despite attempts to keep it hidden, it has become an open secret among travellers of all sorts.
Fortunately, though, Portofino is set on a small bay backed by a wooded hillside and it is quite simply impossible for the town to grow. Ljubljana, the unknown capital of Slovenia. Slovenia gained independence in 1991, but its capital, Ljubljana, remains a mystery to most. In some ways, the city is reminiscent of Amsterdam – the peace and quiet, the canals, the cyclists – but it's also like a miniature Prague, with elegant buildings lining the banks of the River Ljubljanica, and examples of Central European modernism sitting comfortably alongside classical architecture. You might compare Ljubljana to the cultured Austrian cities of Graz and Salzburg, or perhaps its youthful atmosphere will remind you of one of the many European university cities.
The truth is that this boutique capital city is a small gem where life runs a peaceful course among fine monuments – note the castle and the medieval churches – elegant bridges linking the two river banks, sheltered squares and small streets that are home to pleasant cafes, bars and neat shops. Use the left and right arrow keys to view the images Concert in Preseren Square / © www.slovenia.info photo: Dunja Wedam. Kotor, the best kept secret in Montenegro.
After a major earthquake hit the Montenegrin coast in 1979, causing great damage to the Old Town of Kotor, the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which helped the ensure the reconstruction of this beautiful historical port. The Yugoslav wars of the Nineties caused havoc in the tourist industry along the Adriatic coast, and the ancient gems of Dalmatia such as Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor practically disappeared from the tourist map. Now, though, they are coming into their own again with all the glory of their rich cultural legacy and their stunning natural setting. A small and accessible town, Kotor is an absolute delight to explore. With its labyrinth of shady cobbled streets, peaceful squares and graceful old buildings, its medieval tiles, moss-covered sculptures, dark alleyways and ancient friezes, it's like a scene from a fairytale. And there is no shortage of cosy cafes, unusual craft shops and boutiques to tempt the visitor. .
Explore Croatia's unspoiled Adriatic coastline. Europe’s Top 25 Castles – The Best Castles in Europe. There is something about castles that inspires awe and at the same time touches a gentler, more romantic side in each of us. And if you want to visit and tour some of the best castles in the world, then Europe should be your destination as this continent certainly has more than its share. Here are the top 25 castles in Europe, in no particular order. 1. Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany Neuschwanstein Castle For many of those that see this castle for the first time, they get a niggling feeling that Castle Neuschwanstein looks so familiar. 2. Peles Castle Known as one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, Peles Castle can be discovered in the majestic Carpathian Mountains, near the town of Sinaia, Romania. 3.
Bojnice Castle Bojnice Castle is located in Bojnice, Slovakia and is one of the most delightful romantic castles in Europe. 4. Castillo de Coca 5. Brodick Castle Situated in the Isle of Arran in Scotland, this castle is one of the oldest. 6. Veliki Tabor Castle 7. Ksiaz Castle 8. 9. 10. Scandinavia's Top 20 Adventures: Hike Swedish Lapland | Away.com. Advertisement Arctic trek complete with icy river crossings and wildlife got your name written all over it? Grab your gear and two-foot the Kungsleden trail in Swedish Lapland to experience a section of Sweden's unspoiled, tundra-like landscape surrounded by spectacular mountains, crystal-clear streams, and unique wildlife. The Kungsleden—or "King's Trail," in honor of country's monarch—is the oldest marked long-distance trail in Scandinavia and was established by the government almost a century ago.
The King's trail begins at the railway station of Abisko, north of the Arctic Circle, and ends at Hemavan, a small village 272 miles to the south. There are no villages along the route, but you will find scattered camps maintained by Lappish reindeer herders, and log cabins where trekkers can overnight. Don't attempt the trek in offseason—you won't make it through the snow—and keep your eyes open for the Lappish reindeer, lynx, and bears as you go. Visit Norway 360 Panorama Sky Cam - Geiranger/Aalesund. Plitvice, a watery paradise in Croatia - StumbleUpon. In recent years, Croatia has changed from a relative unknown to one of the trendiest destinations in Europe.
To a great extent this is due to the country's rocky littoral, which, washed by the Adriatic, is considered one of the most beautiful of the Mediterranean coastlines. Then there is the rich history and cultural heritage of medieval towns such as Dubrovnik, Split and Sibenik. But the well-deserved popularity also depends on the protected natural areas, which make up some ten per cent of the country's area. Eight areas enjoy national park status – a very high number for a relatively small country. Of these, Plitvice is the best known. It owes its fame to the 16 lakes of crystal clear water in all shades of green, grey and blue linked by nearly a hundred tumbling cascades, as well as to the dense forests of beech, fir and pines where bears and wolves roam, and which are home to a great variety of birds.
Use the left and right arrow keys to view the images.