monument
Spectacular Easter Island
Easter Island is famous the world over for its mythical statues. However, the scenery, from volcanic cones to massive cliffs and secluded beaches, is another great reason to visit this fascinating island. Here’s a photo of Ahu Tongariki, the largest platform with 15 statues (or moai), with impressive cliffs as a backdrop.
Read the accompanying post: “Things to See and Do on Easter Island“.
The monastery in Petra
The Treasury is the first major monument every visitor to Petra sees as they exit the Siq (the narrow canyon that leads visitors into Petra). The monastery, located high up in the mountains, is another monument that cannot be missed. Visitors can choose to hike to the monastery (a 20-30 minute hike) or ride a mule. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular sight at the top!
Read the accompanying post: “Ten Things To Do in Petra“.
An awestruck visitor at the door of the monastery
Inside the Salta Cathedral
The Cathedral in Salta, Argentina, has a lavish interior with arches, towering columns and stunning frescoes. While you’re there, check out the 3D-like floor. This style, called trompe l’oeil (French for ‘deceive the eye’), was used in many churches, monasteries and official buildings throughout Europe – a magnificent example can be found in the Charterhouse of Calci in Tuscany. The Cathedral in Salta has the exact same cube floor pattern as the monastery in Calci!
Read the accompanying post: “Some Lazy Days in Salta“.
Beehive houses in Harran
Harran is a small town in southeastern Turkey which can trace its origins to the third millenium B.C.! The town was inhabited by a succession of major powers including the Assyrians, Persians and the Romans, and was for centuries an important trading and scholastic centre. Little of the ancient town can be seen today, aside from the ruins of the 8h century University of Harran. Harran is most famous for its adobe beehive houses. Constructed without wood, these houses were built in accordance with a design that’s thousands of years old.
Read the accompanying post: “A Tour of Eastern Turkey“.
Sant Pere de Rodes monastery in Cap de Creus
Sant Pere de Rodes is an old Benedictine monastery located high in the hills of the Cap de Creus in northern Catalonia near the border with France. Built in the Romanesque style, the monastery can trace its origins back to the 9th century. These days, it is a popular tourist attraction in the Cap de Creus.
Read the accompanying post: “Pristine nature, culture and cuisine in Cap de Creus“.
