monument
Teapots at the Monastery in Petra
The monastery is one of the highlights of a visit to the ancient city of Petra in southern Jordan. It’s a strenuous climb up the mountain to get to the monastery but I can assure you that you’ll never forget your first glimpse of this magnificent monument once you turn the final corner. There’s a little café in the shade where you can sit back, have a cup of tea and enjoy the view!
Read the accompanying post: “Ten Things To Do in Petra“.
Aqueduct in Lucca
The Nottolini aqueduct (named after its architect, Lorenzo Nottolini) was built in the 19th century to carry water from the springs on Monte Pisano to Lucca in the Tuscan region of Italy. With its 400 arches stretching more than 3km, it is a wondrous sight. There’s a path along the aqueduct which is great for a walk or a bike ride. Eco guide organises lovely tours in and around Lucca, including walks and bike rides along the aqueduct.
Naarden Vesting – the star-shaped fortress
Naarden Vesting is a small fortress town near Amsterdam. Surrounded by impressive walls and encircled by two moats, the town can trace its history back to the 14th century. The most striking feature of the town is its star shape; this is best seen from above. Today, Naarden Vesting is one of the best preserved fortress towns in Europe and is a popular attraction amongst both tourists and locals. On a recent flight from Amsterdam, the plane flew right past Naarden Vesting, offering spectacular views of the star-shaped fortress town.
The Corinthian columns of Jerash
Jerash is an ancient Greco-Roman city, the remains of which can be found in the town of the same name in northern Jordan. Also known as the ‘City of a Thousand Columns’, Jerash is a must-see in Jordan. Highlights in the old city include the Roman Oval, the colonnaded avenues, the Theatre, the Temples of Artemis and Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch. I’m not sure if there are indeed a thousand columns in the city but there are many of them! The stunning Corinthian columns which are 15 meters tall are my favourites. The intricate details on the pinkish-peach coloured columns are absolutely beautiful.
The Corinthian columns of Jerash
Column details against the bright blue sky
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
The famous Roman city of Pompeii was completely destroyed by an eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79. Today, Pompeii is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world who come here to explore the ruins of the city and admire it’s impressive frescoes and statues. Wherever you are in the city, the cone of Mt. Vesuvius looms large in the distance, a reminder of the city’s tragic fate.
Read the accompanying posts: ‘The Faces of Pompeii‘ and ‘Aerial views of Mt. Vesuvius‘.
