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Seongsan Ilchulbong, also called ‘Sunrise Peak’, is an archetypal tuff cone formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions upon a shallow seabed about 5 thousand years ago. Situated on the eastern seaboard of Jeju Island and said to resemble a gigantic ancient castle, this tuff cone is 182 meters high, has a preserved bowl-like crater and also displays diverse inner structures resulting from the sea cliff. These features are considered to be of geologic worth, providing information on eruptive and depositional processes of hydromagmatic volcanoes worldwide as well as past volcanic activity of Seongsan Ilchulbong itself.

This beautiful, colorful temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Seoul, Korea. Equally lovely is the courtyard, which is filled with vibrant lanterns and trees more than 500 years old.

Hwaseong Fortress in the town of Suwon is just a 30-minute train ride from Seoul. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Korea’s most important historical treasures and is the only remaining walled fortress in the country.

Engineering marvel, Toronto Landmark, Canadian icon – Canada’s National Tower is an awe-inspiring symbol of Canadian achievement. This national treasure is considered one of the world’s top tourist destinations, and one of Canada’s most celebrated and visited dining and entertainment destinations. After almost four decades, it continues to attract over 1.5 million annual visitors who come from all over the world to experience all the Tower offers. While visiting the CN Tower, guests can purchase tickets to explore different areas at the top of the tower, including the Edgewalk, which allows visitors to walk suspended from the outside of the tower.

First time in Prague? Join the one and only veggie food tour. Get off the beaten path and enjoy the view at the veggie life by a perspective of a local guide. Tours are suitable for anyone, who simply loves healthy lifestyle and great tasty food. vegetarians, vegans, raw eaters or anyone who likes healthy life style is welcome to join our food tour. This food tour is focused on showing people great veggie restaurants around the Old Town while discovering the contrast between the present and our rich history. All restaurant we visit are chosen by heart of local guides who grew up in Prague and Prague is not just a city for them. It is a passion and it is a lifestyle. Healthy and happy lifestyle. Tour Duration: 4 hours Cost: 80EUR / 2000CZK Visit 4 destinations and enjoy 7 courses!

The Sedlec Ossuary is a Roman Catholic chapel located beneath a cemetery church in Kutna Hora, a small town just outside of Prague. It is one of 12 world heritage sites in the Czech Republic. Unassuming on the outside, upon entering the ossuary, visitors are confronted with the varied arrangement of over 40,000 human bones. The cemetery became a desirable site for for burial among most of Central Europe in 14th century after Henry, the abbot of Sedlec, returned from the Holy Land and sprinkled a handful of earth from Golgotha over the cemetery of the Sedlec monastery. An entry fee is charged to visit the ossuary.

The Astronomical Clock is a nearly 600 year old timepiece that is centered in the Old Town Hall Tower in the Old Square of Prague. The original function of the clock was to depict the movement of celestial bodies– telling time was a secondary feature. The clock features figures of the 12 Apostles, as well as other carved figures representing elements of humanity (a skeleton representing the march of time for all, a miser representing vice and avarice, etc). On every hour, a figure of Christ marches out of the clock. There is a daily schedule of tours in various languages available for the Astronomical Tower (more information here).

St. Vitus Cathedral is the dominant building in Prague, built in the gothic architectural style. Though a historic site in the city, St Vitus is still the site of daily religious services. Visitors can choose either a free or paid tour of the cathedral, with the paid tour giving access to areas that are not available in the free roaming areas.

The Charles Bridge (Karlův most) is the oldest bridge in Prague, Czech Republic, and was built to replace a previous bridge that had been damaged in the mid-1300s. The bridge is constructed of sandstone blocks, and either end is flanked by fortified towers. There are 30 carved statues of saints that line the length of the bridge, which spans 16 arches.

The John Lennon wall in Prague was once a blank space that is now filled with quotes and images of the late musician and artist. Despite efforts over the years to remove or cover up the graffiti that is attracted here, the culture has persevered to make the wall a continuous space for hope, peace, and inspiration.

Sydney Vegan Library is a mobile collection of vegan-themed books, DVDs, magazines and CDs. Books for cooks, kids, activists and thinkers! Standard membership is $10 (or a gold coin for low income earners), which goes towards stall hire and purchasing books for the collection. At Newtown market starting Sept 10, 2016.

The East Side Gallery in Berlin is a 1.3 km section of the Berlin Wall painted in 1990.

We promote authentic travel experiences offered by local tour operators abroad that specialize in personalized travel. The tour operators are hand-picked and verified. We focus on responsible travel, sustainable and conservationism approaches. We work on more than just connecting you with local tour operators our job is to craft an authentic travel experience for you hassle-free.

Valencia was founded in the year 138 B.C by the Romans, who established their Forum in the Plaza de la Almoina, under which lies today a museum of Roman ruins. After the Romans, the Visigoths arrived in Valencia but in 714, the Muslims established control of the city, a situation that lasted until 1238 when King Jaime I of Valencia ousted them. The Arabs left a profound legacy with their irrigation systems, recipes and artistic influences that are relevant and noticeable right up to the present day. In the City Centre, visitors can find many sights, including The Cathedral, Miguelete Tower, Plaza de la Virgen, La Lonja de la Seda, The City Hall, The Market Hall, and Mercado Colon.

Built on the site of a Roman temple, which later became a mosque, the origins of the cathedral date back to the 13th century. It has various architectural styles, from the Romanesque to the baroque, as can be observed on the three doors: The main door, or Puerta de los Hierros, is baroque; the Puerta de los Apóstoles is gothic and the Puerta del Palau is Romanesque. The Miguelete belfry was built in the 13th and 14th centuries and was designed by Andrés Juliá Torre; it is octagonal, 50.85m high and built in a markedly baroque style, next to the main entrance. There is a spiral stairway inside that leads to the terrace, where there are views of the city, the countryside and the sea. The Santo Cáliz Chapel, the old Sala Capitular y de Estudios (1356) was originally a Chapter House and study and was separate from the cathedral. The Holy Chalice that according to tradition was used by Christ during the last Supper is kept inside. The “Obra Nova” or “Balconets de Cabildo” were built over three floors next to the cathedral dome and they dominate the Plaza de la Virgen. It was a renaissance work of a triple serlienne arcade. Entry: €6, €3.30 for groups, €4.50 for pensioners, disabled people and children up to 12 years old.

The Bell Tower El Miguelete is the symbol of the city of Valencia. It was made in the Gothic style, and was built between the years 1380 and 1429 to a height of 50 meters. Its terrace provides a wonderful view of the city. Its name comes from the great bell dedicated to San Miguel.

The Plaza de la Virgen houses some of the great architectural examples of Valencia, including the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, The Water Court, and Casa Vestuario.

The Lonja is an emblematic building of Valencia, and one of the most famous civil gothic monuments in Europe. It was declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument in July1931 and was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1996. The Lonja is located in the centre of the city – in front of the Central Market and the Temple of Santos Juanes – and occupies a rectangular area of 1.990 square metres. Tickets: €2 or €1 for groups, students, pensioners, large families. Free entry on Sundays and public holidays.

The City Hall of Valencia is made up of two connected blocks: the Casa de la Enseñanza (the old Mayoral School) and the section that was added by the architects Francisco de Mora y Berenguer and Carlos Carbonell Pañella at the beginning of this century. The first block is characterised by its academic design, including baroque features on the front doors, while the newer part combines more traditional and mannerist styles. The City Council has been based there since 1934, and the building also houses the municipal archives, a museum, and various offices of the administration. The construction is modern, with lavish decoration and there is a clock tower in the centre of the building. Inside, the reception area, assembly halls and the formidable marble stairway are worth mentioning, while outside the elliptical domes decorated with glazed tiles and the great balcony covering the main part of the first floor are the most outstanding features.

The Mercat Central de Valencia (Valencia Central Market Hall) has always been known for the quality, variety and freshness of its products as well as the helpful, personalised service provided by its traders. In addition to the market’s main activity, the innovative and business-like character of the traders has made the market grow and improve day by day. Nowadays, it is an important place for the sale of fresh products and a major cultural and tourist attraction not only for foreign visitors but also for the people of Valencia. The Mercat Central de Valencia covers exactly 8,160 square metres divided into two areas or zones. The first one is an irregular shape with a surface area of 6,760 square metres and the other, which is octagonal and covers 1,400 square metres, houses the fish market. The basement, which has 7,690 square metres, was previously a fish auction and is now used as a car park. The Mercat Central brings together almost 400 small traders and 1,500 people are involved in its daily activity. It is the largest centre of its kind in Europe specialising in fresh products and the first market in the world to rise to the challenge of computerising sales and offering home delivery, services which have been available since 2nd October 1996. Nowadays, the Mercat Central is an important economic focal point of Valencia, not only because of the work of its traders but also because of the large number of visits it receives and events it organises.

The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is a major cultural leisure complex promoted by the Generalitat Valenciana, which has become an international point of reference both for its architecture by Santiago Calatrava, and for their ability to teach, entertain and excite through its content. The complex consists of six iconic buildings among which include the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema digita 3D), the Museu de les Ciències Princep Felipe (interactive museum where science and technology are understood in an interactive mode), the Oceanogràfic (the largest aquarium in Europe), the Umbracle (outdoor exhibition area more garden), the agora (multidisciplinary space) and the Palau de les arts (Opera and Performing arts).

Batu Caves is a an iconic and popular tourist attraction in Selangor. Site of a Hindu temple and shrine, Batu Caves attracts thousands of worshippers and tourists, especially during the annual Hindu festival, Thaipusam. A limestone outcrop located just north of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves has three main caves featuring temples and Hindu shrines. Its main attraction is the large statue of the Hindu God at the entrance, besides a steep 272 climb up its steps to finally view the stunning skyline of the city centre. Monkeys frolic around the caves, and it is a popular spot for rock climbing enthusiasts. Paintings and scenes of Hindu Gods can also be seen in the Ramayana Cave. Batu Caves is a place where you should not miss on your next visit to Malaysia!

Soaring to a height of 451.9 metres, the 88-storey twin structure is Kuala Lumpur’s crown jewel. Majestic by day and dazzling at night, the Petronas Twin Towers are inspired by Tun Mahathir Mohamad’s vision for Malaysia to be a global player. Together with master architect Cesar Pelli, the international icons capture the nation’s ambitions and aspirations. Visitors are highly encourage to purchase their tickets in advance via e-ticketing at www.petronastwintowers.com.my or at ticketing counter. Thank you. The Petronas Twin Towers serves to link the country’s cultural heritage with its future. Local handicrafts and weaving patterns inspire the building’s interior motifs. Interact with cutting-edge displays throughout your visit. Stand in between the Twin Towers in the world’s highest 2-storey bridge. Ascend higher to level 86, where the story of Malaysia’s vision unfolds amid breathtaking views of the city. And wrap up your experience with beautiful souvenirs at the PETRONAS Twin Towers’ Gift Shop. Ticket Price: Adult – RM80 Adult (MyKad) – RM25 Child – RM30 Child (MyKid) – RM12

Located in central Copenhagen in picturesque surroundings. All activities within the Nyhavn Bridge belong to Nyhavnsforeningen, Nyhavns Skipperlaug. Inside the bridge area the harbour is in fact a museum and veteran ship harbour where only members of the Association of Wooden Ships are admitted or guests with vessels of special historical interest. Beyond the bridge acitivites are the business of Copenhagen Harbour Ltd.

The Amalienborg complex in Copenhagen was originally four externally identical noblemen’s palaces, symmetrically placed around an octagonal palace yard with the equestrian statue of Frederik V, by the French sculptor J.F.J. Saly, in the centre. The large complex was constructed as the centre of Frederiksstaden, the new upper class quarter of Copenhagen, laid out in 1748 as part of the tribute to the House of Oldenborg on the occasion of its 300th anniversary on the Danish throne. Since then, the four palaces have by turns served as residences for the reigning monarch. Today, one of them (Moltke’s or Christian VII’s Palace) is fitted up as a guest palace and mainly used for ceremonial purposes. The others are the residences of the Queen and her husband (Schack’s or Christian IX’s Palace) and the Crown Prince and his wife (Levetzau’s or Christian VIII’s Palace). Once its refurbishment is completed, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess will move to Brockdorff’s Palace (Frederik VIII’s Palace), which was formerly the residence of Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid. With the Yellow Palace, located immediately next to the Amalienborg complex, the palaces also house the various court functions.

Shoes on the Danube Bank in Budapest, Hungary is a memorial site that pays tribute to Budapest Jews who were killed during World War II.

The Hungarian National Museum in Budapest is filled with over three million artifacts and works of art, and is the national museum for the history, art and archaeology of Hungary.

The Hungarian Parliament building in Budapest is the third largest parliament building in the world. Visits to the House of Parliament are restricted during weeks in which the National Assembly holds its plenary sittings. On the first day of the plenary, the building will be accessible to visitors from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and the ticket office will be open until 11.00 a.m.

The Széchenyi is a suspension bridge that crosses over the Danube river between Buda and Pest, the western and eastern sides of Budapest.

Buda castle is a historic site in Budapest, Hungary. The castle and palace complex is a popular tourist destination, and was home to many Hungarian royal families.

The Vegan Tour Berlin combines a city tour and a culinary tour. You will experience the best vegan cafes/restaurants and get to see where you can find vegan food from around the world. And in addition to that you will hear cool stories about Berlin, its different districts, as well as about Berlin’s green movement and vegan culture! The tour is on a donation basis.

Metelkova Mesto is an autonomous zone in Ljubljana, situated on the former Slovenian headquarters for the Yugoslavian army, inhabited by artists, musicians, and some of the city’s counterculture populations. Visitors can enjoy art exhibitions, live music, or grab a bite or a drink from one of the many cafe and bars in the area.

Ljubljana Castle: a mighty medieval fortress, a symbol of the Slovenian capital, an interesting tourist spot, an idyllic footpath only a few minutes away from the vibrant city center, the cultural center of Ljubljana, and much, much more.

Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens played an important historical role in the introduction and promotion of many plants of economic value to Southeast Asia, including the Para rubber tree. Over the years, the Gardens has continued to introduce and rejuvenate its horticultural attractions, each designed to enchant and delight while continuing its mission of connecting plants and people. Today, the 74-hectare Gardens is a key civic and community space, and a national tourist destination. Attracting an annual visitorship of more than 4 million, it is also an important institution for tropical botanical and horticultural research, education and conservation. The Singapore Botanic Gardens showcases the best and most spectacular of tropical flora, including more than 10,000 types of plants and the region’s most significant living collection of documented palms, orchids, cycads and gingers. Its historic 19th century garden landscape is well preserved and includes the earliest ornamental designed lake in Singapore. Home to numerous heritage trees and a tract of primary rainforest, the Gardens is less than a 10-minute walk from the shopping belt in Orchard Road. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is managed by the National Parks Board.

Welcome, ladies and gents, to Clarke Quay – a colourful kaleidoscope of restaurants, wine bars, entertainment spots and retail shops in Singapore. The bustling market atmosphere of bygone days comes alive amidst the rows of charming shophouses, pushcarts, and five-foot-way merchants. Today, Clarke Quay is a delightful mix of modern and traditional. A reminder of its rich heritage is reflected in the vibrantly orchestrated concept. Their vision – an innovative approach which boldly reflects the heritage and charm of Clarke Quay.

A gateway to Singapore’s nature reserves, the MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a popular spot for nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts. With hiking trails, a newly improved pontoon for kayakers and an upgraded canoe shed, it is also a great place for recreational activities, both on land and in water. A 12-hectare green haven bordering the country’s first reservoir and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the MacRitichie Reservoir Park is highly visited by nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. As a gateway to our pristine forest and waters, the park is a popular venue for schools and organisations to hold cross-country events, allowing participants to run through designated trails while embracing the wonders of our native biodiversity. The iconic MacRitchie bandstand continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Singaporeans, and is often used to host performing arts presentations and solemnisation ceremonies. Take a morning or evening walk and stroll along the water’s edge to admire the beauty and serenity of the reservoir. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely paddle through the calm waters or explore the forest and discover its inhabitants on the many trails. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, hike over to the TreeTop Walk. Featuring an amenities centre equipped with washrooms, showering facilities, lockers, drinking fountains and food kiosks, the reservoir deck is an ideal venue for warm-ups and cross-country events. Under the Active, Beautiful and Clean programme initiated by the Public Utilities Board, a landscape highlight in the park is a near 100-metre vegetated gravel swale, which is complemented by a 40-metre submerged boardwalk. These features are primarily designed to sieve out coarse sediments and pollutants from surface water runoffs, which eventually enhance the nation’s water quality in the reservoir. The furnishing of these features with plants and vegetation has further enriched biodiversity. Visitors can stay captivated by nature while taking a leisure stroll along the reservoir edge. The park also features a green two-storey car park with 300 parking lots, with an upper deck which collects rainwater and channels them into a bioswale. The MacRitchie Reservoir is one of the four reservoirs that bound Singapore’s nature reserves. Other reservoirs include the Lower Peirce Reservoir, the Upper Peirce Reservoir and the Upper Seletar Reservoir. Serving as water catchment areas, forests surrounding these reservoirs are protected from agricultural activities in order to ensure the quality of the water.

The centre of the Roman city, today’s Gothic Quarter, was marked by the point where the two main streets, the Cardo and Decumanus, converged. Today the Carrer del Bisbe and Carrer Llibreteria stand on this site. Nearby, we can still see the remains of the Roman temple of Augustus. In fact, the original centre of Roman and medieval Barcelona still forms the core of 21st-century Barcelona. Its maze of narrow streets and squares is steeped in the city’s past and present. Here, in the Gothic Quarter, we find the City Hall and the seat of the Catalan Government, the Palau de la Generalitat, the Cathedral and other Gothic churches, including Santa Maria del Pi and Sants Just i Pastor. Very near the Plaça de Sant Jaume, right in the middle of this Barcelona neighbourhood, is the old Jewish Quarter, the Call Jueu, with its endless narrow streets, where some remains of the ancient synagogue still survive. In the Gothic Quarter, the Plaça del Rei proudly showcases the architectural ensemble made up of the royal residences of the Catalan-Aragonese monarchs. Below the square, you can visit the impressive archaeological remains of Roman Barcino. Behind the Cathedral stands the beautiful Plaça de Sant Felip Neri, with its baroque church. The square is surrounded by narrow streets in a Barcelona neighbourhood suffused with history which comes to life when you go there.

The Basilica of the Sagrada Família is a monumental church devoted to the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Construction began in 1882, based on plans drawn up by the architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, and Antoni Gaudí was commissioned to continue the project in 1883. Every year, millions of people visit the Basilica, in Barcelona center, whilst many also come here to study its architectural and religious content. The Temple has always been an expiatory church, built only from donations. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the site as a minor basilica.

One of Gràcia’s most important tourist attractions is undoubtedly Park Güell, one of Gaudí’s masterpieces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This garden-city project was commissioned by Eusebi Güell but never completed. It eventually became the property of Barcelona City Council. The result is a public park full of imagination and colour where every detail expresses Antoni Gaudí’s desire to integrate architecture into the surrounding natural setting. Visitors may elect to purchase tickets for a guided tour through Park Güell.

This square is so beautiful, it’s no wonder it was named “royal” (reial Catalan for royal). The elegant ambiance of the Plaça Reial is accentuated by the fountain, streetlamps and palm trees, and it is one of Barcelona’s busiest, most vibrant spots, particularly at night. This is Barcelona’s best-loved porticoed square, boasting a busy nightlife hub, and porticoes that conceal restaurants, bars and some of Barcelona’s most popular nightspots.

The Kazan Cathedral also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, is a cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church on the Nevsky Prospekt in Saint Petersburg. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, probably the most venerated icon in Russia.

Saint Peter’s Basilica is a lavish and actively used church in Vatican City. Mass is held daily, and visitors are able to tour the the building for free with appropriate attire (elbows and knees covered for all attendees). Relief sculptures, paintings, exquisite architecture, stained glass depictions of religious scenes, and more adorn the basilica throughout. To visit other areas of the building, such as Michaelangelo’s dome, maybe involve a separate fee and/or different visitor’s hours. Please check the website for the most current information.

The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (pontiff from 1471 to 1484) who had the old Cappella Magna restored between 1477 and 1480. The 15th century decoration of the walls includes: the false drapes, the Stories of Moses (south and entrance walls) and of Christ (north and entrance walls) and the portraits of the Popes (north and south and entrance walls). It was executed by a team of painters made up initially of Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Cosimo Rosselli, assisted by their respective shops and by some closer assistants among whom Biagio di Antonio, Bartolomeo della Gatta and Luca Signorelli stand out. On the Ceiling Pier Matteo d’Amelia painted a starry sky. The work on the frescoes began in 1481 and was concluded in 1482. This is also the date of the following works in marble: the screen, the choir stalls (where the choristers took their places), and the pontifical coat of arms over the entrance door. On 15 August 1483, Sixtus IV consecrated the new chapel dedicating it to Our Lady of the Assumption. Julius II della Rovere (pontiff from 1503 to 1513), nephew of Sixtus IV, decided to partly alter the decoration, entrusting the work in 1508 to Michelangelo Buonarroti, who painted the Ceiling and, on the upper part of the walls, the lunettes. The work was finished in October 1512 and on the Feast of All Saints (1 November), Julius II inaugurated the Sistine Chapel with a solemn Mass. The nine central panels show the Stories of Genesis, from the Creation to the Fall of man, to the Flood and the subsequent rebirth of mankind with the family of Noah.

The Vatican Museums originated as a group of sculptures collected by Pope Julius II (1503-1513) and placed in what today is the “Cortile Ottagono” within the museum complex. The popes were among the first sovereigns who opened the art collections of their palaces to the public thus promoting knowledge of art history and culture. As seen today, the Vatican Museums are a complex of different pontifical museums and galleries that began under the patronage of the popes Clement XIV (1769-1774) and Pius VI (1775-1799). In fact, the Pio-Clementine Museum was named after these two popes, who set up this first major curatorial section. Later, Pius VII (1800-1823) considerably expanded the collections of Classical Antiquities, to which he added the Chiaromonti Museum and the “Braccio Nuovo” gallery. He also enriched the Epigraphic Collection, which was conserved in the Lapidary Gallery. Gregory XVI (1831-1846) founded the Etruscan Museum (1837) with archaeological finds discovered during excavations carried out from 1828 onwards in southern Etruria. Later, he established the Egyptian Museum (1839), which houses ancient artifacts from explorations in Egypt, together with other pieces already conserved in the Vatican and in the Museo Capitolino, and the Lateran Profane Museum (1844), with statues, bas-relief sculptures and mosaics of the Roman era, which could not be adequately placed in the Vatican Palace. The Lateran Profane Museum was expanded in 1854 under Pius IX (1846-1878) with the addition of the Pio Christian Museum. This museum is comprised of ancient sculptures (especially sarcophagi) and inscriptions with ancient Christian content. In 1910, under the pontificate of Saint Pius X (1903-1914), the Hebrew Lapidary was established. This section of the museum contains 137 inscriptions from ancient Hebrew cemeteries in Rome mostly from via Portuense and donated by the Marquisate Pellegrini-Quarantotti. These last collections (Gregorian Profane Museum, Pio Christian Museum and the Hebrew Lapidary) were transferred, under the pontificate of Pope John XXIII (1958-1963), from the Lateran Palace to their present building within the Vatican and inaugurated in 1970. The Museums also include the Gallery of Tapestries, a collection of various 15th and 17th century tapestries; the Gallery of Maps, decorated under the pontificate of Gregory XIII (1572-1585) and restored by Urban VIII (1623-1644); the Sobieski Room and the Room of the Immaculate Conception; the Raphael Stanze and the Loggia, which were decorated by order of Julius II and Leo X (1513-1521); the Chapel of Nicholas V (1447-1455), painted by Fra Angelico; the Sistine Chapel, which takes the name of its founder, Pope Sixtus IV; the Borgia Apartment, where Pope Alexander VI lived until his death (1492-1503); the Vatican Pinacoteca, created under Pius XI (1922-1932) in a special building near the new entrance to the Museums; the Missionary-Ethnological Museum which was founded by Pius XI in 1926, arranged on the upper floors of the Lateran Palace and later transferred, under Pope John XXIII, to the Vatican where it has been opened again to the public in the same building which housed the former Lateran collections. In 1973 the Collection of Modern and Contemporary Religious Art was added and inaugurated by Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) in the Borgia Apartment. The Vatican Historical Museum, founded in 1973 and transferred in 1987 to the Papal Apartment in the Lateran Palace, houses a series of papal portraits along with objects of the past Pontifical Military Corps and of the Pontifical Chapel and Family and historic ceremonial objects no longer in use. The Carriage and Automobile Museum is a section of the Vatican Historical Museum. In the year 2000, the Vatican Museums opened a new large entrance that provides visitor information and other services; on display are many new artworks, two of which were specially created for this grand entrance hall.

Dedicated to the worship of every god (Pan-every Theon-divinity), the Pantheon was built by the Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 A.D. over the ruins of another temple dating back to 27 A.D. Statesman and General Marcus Agrippa was responsible for the construction of the original church, to whom a dedicatory inscription is clearly visible over today’s magnificent portico. In 609, it was converted into a Christian Church by Pope Boniface IV and consecrated to Santa Maria of the Martyrs. Turned into a memorial chapel for the kingsof Italy in 1870, the tombs of Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I and Margherita of Savoy are to be found here together with that of the celebrated Renaissance Artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, who is more often referred to as simply Raphael. The Pantheon is free to visit, and though heavy lines will form throughout the day for admittance, they move quickly.

Located in the archaeological heart of the city of Rome, the Flavian Amphitheatre, or, more commonly, the Colosseum, stands for monumentality and receives daily a large number of visitors attracted by the enchantment of its history and its complex architecture. Built in the first century CE at the behest of the emperors of the Flavian dynasty, the Colosseum, named after a colossal statue that stood nearby, until the end of the Ancient Age accommodated games of great popular appeal, such as hunts and gladiatorial fights. The building was, and still is today, a show in itself. In fact, it is the largest amphitheatre not only in the city of Rome but in the world, able to offer stunning sceneries as well as services for spectators. Symbol of the pageantry of the Empire, over the centuries the amphitheatre has changed its face and its function, offering itself as a structured space also open to the Roman community. Today, the Colosseum is a monument unto itself and unto the works of human genius, which survive time; yet it is still comfortable and dynamic, accessible on two levels offering a wide overview onto its interiors, but also short and evocative brief glimpses of the city from its outer arches. It also hosts temporary exhibitions related to the timeless theme of the “Ancient” and its relationship with the “Contemporary”, as well as modern performances. This outcome of events and experiences makes the amphitheatre a new place every day, significant for all and able to tell everybody a story.

Established in 1253 Poznań Old Market Square is a vibrant and historic must-see site when visiting Poland. In terms of size, the square is the third biggest in Poland, losing only to the squares in Krakow and Wrocław. Every June the square is home to a lively street fair (Jarmark Świętojański), and throughout the summer it features many cultural events including some performances of Malta Theatre Festival. In the summer months many bars set up beer gardens in the square, where you can drink as much coffee or beer as you want and make yourself familiar with Polish cuisine! There is never-ending party on the square! Join it!

Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall) is a public landmark in South Iceland, free to visit and open 24/7.

The Golden Pavillion, or Kinkaku-ji, is one of the most well-known sights in Japan. The building’s first purpose was to serve the retiring Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358-1409) as a residence. The gold-leaf-adorned building was converted into a Zen temple shortly after his death. In an event that was later fictionalized by the renowned author Yukio Mishima, a 21-year-old monk burned Kinkaku-ji Temple down in 1950. The temple was rebuilt in 1955 and continues to function as a storehouse of sacred relics.

Located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Chion-in is connected to Hōnen (1133-1212), the founder of the Jōdo Shū (Pure Land Sect) of Buddhism. It was here at Chion-in that Hōnen taught chanting the name of Amida (Sanskrit: Amitabha) to attain salvation, and it was here that he spent his final years. Today, with over 7,000 temples, the teachings of Hōnen have spread throughout Japan. Since 1523, Chion-in has been the head temple of the Jōdo Shū. Also, Chion-in is highly appealing from a cultural standpoint, since it received donations from the Tokugawa shogun (supreme military commander) during the early Edo (1600-1867) period, and was built by the master artisans of the day.