Kusadasi is one of the most popular holiday resorts of Turkey, located at 90km south of Izmir, in the Aegean region and close to the famous ancient city of Ephesus. Kusadasi is a famous tourist destination for its sandy and golden beaches and for its sunny and template days. The city also boasts one of the largest and modern marinas in Turkey, with a capacity for 600 boats.
Around the city there are still remains of Ottoman and Turkish mosques, like the "The Fortress Mosque" that is the most impressing mosque of the city where is possible to appreciate fine works in wood. The “Hanim Mosque” is another good example of the finest work of the Ottoman architecture. Also to the south of the city there are many historical cities to visit like the Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, Goddess Artemis, House of Virgin Mary, Seven Sleepers, Didyma, Priene, Miletos.
Thank to the tourist development, the city grew considerably and today has many facilities for the visitors as well as a great environment to enjoy the holidays. Around the city is possible to find many hotels, restaurants, shops, also counts with an increasing and lively nightlife.
Kadinlar Denizi beach is the most famous in the city and is located at 3km south from the town, but it is very crowded in high season, also is the Pamucak beach at 15 km north of the town on the road to Selcuk.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Izmir Travel Guide
The city of Izmir is located in the Aegean region in western turkey, at the gulf with the same name Izmir. Called as “the Peal of the Aegean”, is the third largest city and one of the most important commercial and industrial centre in the country. Izmir is also the second largest Turkish sea port.
Studies and excavations prove that Izmir dates back to 3000 B.C. During the ancient times Izmir was known as Smyrna and was initially built on the Tepekule site today as Bayrakli. Later, in the Turkish era the city of Smyrna was re-named Izmir...
Studies and excavations prove that Izmir dates back to 3000 B.C. During the ancient times Izmir was known as Smyrna and was initially built on the Tepekule site today as Bayrakli. Later, in the Turkish era the city of Smyrna was re-named Izmir...
Ankara Travel Guide
Ankara is Turkey’s capital and the second largest city after Istanbul. Located in the center of Anatolia on the eastern edge of the great, high Anatolian Plateau, in the province of the same name, Ankara is a lovely tourist destination. Besides its cultural and architectural heritage, the city has a major European appearance than most of the other cities in Turkey, with wide-open roads, large hotels, restaurants and museums…
Istanbul Travel Guide
Istanbul is located in the north-west Turkey extending into the Marmara region and surrounded by the provinces of Tekirdag to the west, Kocaeli to the east, the Black Sea to the north and the Sea of Marmara to the south.
Istanbul famous for its history and its importance for the country as one of the most principal commercial centre today is a huge cosmopolitan metropolis connecting continents , cultures, religions and home of around of twelve millions of inhabitants. The Bosphorus (Bogaziēi) Strait divides the province in two parts: the European side and the Asian side, and that is why Istanbul is described as "the crossroads of Europe and Asia".
Istanbul along its history was the capital of three successive empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Today Istanbul still maintains remains of its glorious past which contrasts with the development of the region and the modernity. Turkey is worth to visit and where travellers will not be disappointed.
Istanbul famous for its history and its importance for the country as one of the most principal commercial centre today is a huge cosmopolitan metropolis connecting continents , cultures, religions and home of around of twelve millions of inhabitants. The Bosphorus (Bogaziēi) Strait divides the province in two parts: the European side and the Asian side, and that is why Istanbul is described as "the crossroads of Europe and Asia".
Istanbul along its history was the capital of three successive empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. Today Istanbul still maintains remains of its glorious past which contrasts with the development of the region and the modernity. Turkey is worth to visit and where travellers will not be disappointed.
Turkey Travel Guide
Turkey considered as the gateway between Europe and Asia is an Eurasian country located on the Mediterranean stretching across the Anatolian peninsula in southwest Asia and the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. It is bordered by the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea, the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea.
Turkey is a fascinating country where many important civilizations have flourished since 9,000 BC. Turkey was home from the ancient Hittites, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines to the Ottomans which have left behind them superb architectural, archaeological and historical heritage.
Modern Turkey is a secular and democratic Moslem country, founded in 1920 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and from that time, Turkey has been suffering big changes and one of the most notable is its rapidly economic development. Despite of its traditional and Islam roots, Turkey is decidedly western oriented country and today is considered as a candidate to be part of the European Union, which will permit to the country grow up more.
Istanbul and Ankara are the most important cities in Turkey, the first is a city of mosques, palaces and fabulous treasures, sultans and mysterious harems; and Ankara the capital of the country.
Turkish people are very friendly and hospitable, welcoming people of many races and religions, certainly in this country coexist harmoniously the Islam and Christianism. Visitor can find in Turkey dozens of things to do and see then they never would be disappointed. Historical ancient cities such as Troy, Ephesus, Tarsus, Konya, and many other more are very interesting places to visit.
Turkey boasts peaceful harbours, quiet gardens, golden sandy beaches and lively nightclubs and hectic bars, is also the perfect place for leisure and sports. Turkey also has an enviable Mediterranean climate, not for nothing it is said that you can find the four seasons simultaneously.
Turkey is a fascinating country where many important civilizations have flourished since 9,000 BC. Turkey was home from the ancient Hittites, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines to the Ottomans which have left behind them superb architectural, archaeological and historical heritage.
Modern Turkey is a secular and democratic Moslem country, founded in 1920 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and from that time, Turkey has been suffering big changes and one of the most notable is its rapidly economic development. Despite of its traditional and Islam roots, Turkey is decidedly western oriented country and today is considered as a candidate to be part of the European Union, which will permit to the country grow up more.
Istanbul and Ankara are the most important cities in Turkey, the first is a city of mosques, palaces and fabulous treasures, sultans and mysterious harems; and Ankara the capital of the country.
Turkish people are very friendly and hospitable, welcoming people of many races and religions, certainly in this country coexist harmoniously the Islam and Christianism. Visitor can find in Turkey dozens of things to do and see then they never would be disappointed. Historical ancient cities such as Troy, Ephesus, Tarsus, Konya, and many other more are very interesting places to visit.
Turkey boasts peaceful harbours, quiet gardens, golden sandy beaches and lively nightclubs and hectic bars, is also the perfect place for leisure and sports. Turkey also has an enviable Mediterranean climate, not for nothing it is said that you can find the four seasons simultaneously.
Discover the Architecture of Ukraine
Most of Ukraine's cities will give you a glimpse into the country's grand architectural history. Architecture in Ukraine ranges from buildings dating back hundreds of years to massive contemporary high-rise structures. An outstanding sample of Ukrainian architecture can be seen in the Cathedral of Saint-Sophia in Kyiv, which dates back to the 11th century. Visit Lviv if you are interested in medieval architecture or stop in Chernihiv to view its stunning buildings of long ago.
Ukraine's architecture began developing during the 9th century during the Kievan Rus era. Buildings from this time period were constructed out of wood and included churches, fortifications and palaces. Timber was placed in horizontal sections with a hipped roof, providing a base for further construction. An example of a residential home in this style is seen in Chernihiv. At around the same time the Byzantine style began to take root in Kievan Rus. Both architectural styles had an influence on each other. Byzantine domes were reformed and colors used in decorating became more Rus.
From the 12th to the 15th century defensive structures such as castles, fortresses and protected monasteries were constructed in populated areas. Decorative patterns can be seen on the massive walls of these buildings in the form of red brick plakhta. Fortified monasteries closely resembled castles as they were carefully adapted to guard against attack.
Between the 16th and 17th centuries a new form of architecture arose in Ukraine – Renaissance. This is clearly seen in the the architecture of Ukraine's Lviv. Renaissance style greatly developed Ukraine's Baroque style. Soon a completely Ukrainian form of Baroque architecture was born. During the 18th century Ukraine's architecture began to feature plastering. Classicism came to the fore at that time and more public buildings and palaces were built. Ukraine's architecture of the late 1800s and early 1900s took on a variety of styles such as modern, neo-classicism, neo-Gothic and Moorish.
Sadly, numerous stunning buildings were destroyed during the communist regime. Despite this many exquisite examples of Ukrainian architecture can be viewed throughout the country.
Ukraine's architecture began developing during the 9th century during the Kievan Rus era. Buildings from this time period were constructed out of wood and included churches, fortifications and palaces. Timber was placed in horizontal sections with a hipped roof, providing a base for further construction. An example of a residential home in this style is seen in Chernihiv. At around the same time the Byzantine style began to take root in Kievan Rus. Both architectural styles had an influence on each other. Byzantine domes were reformed and colors used in decorating became more Rus.
From the 12th to the 15th century defensive structures such as castles, fortresses and protected monasteries were constructed in populated areas. Decorative patterns can be seen on the massive walls of these buildings in the form of red brick plakhta. Fortified monasteries closely resembled castles as they were carefully adapted to guard against attack.
Between the 16th and 17th centuries a new form of architecture arose in Ukraine – Renaissance. This is clearly seen in the the architecture of Ukraine's Lviv. Renaissance style greatly developed Ukraine's Baroque style. Soon a completely Ukrainian form of Baroque architecture was born. During the 18th century Ukraine's architecture began to feature plastering. Classicism came to the fore at that time and more public buildings and palaces were built. Ukraine's architecture of the late 1800s and early 1900s took on a variety of styles such as modern, neo-classicism, neo-Gothic and Moorish.
Sadly, numerous stunning buildings were destroyed during the communist regime. Despite this many exquisite examples of Ukrainian architecture can be viewed throughout the country.
The Geography of Ukraine
The stunning country of Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe and is bordered by the black sea, Poland, Russia, Belarus, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and Slovakia. If you had to look on a map, you would find Ukraine at 49 00 N, 32 00 E. Ukraine is a geographically interesting country with many variations of climate and terrain taking place in an area which is only slightly smaller than the state of Texas. Ukraine Geography is worth taking note of.
Ukraine enjoys some 2 782 km of varied coastline – from stunning white beaches to rocky shores. It has no inland bodies of water but enjoys a large number of fertile plains or steppes nonetheless. The vast majority of the country consists of grassy, fertile plains and plateaus. The only mountains in Ukraine can be found in the west and extreme south of the country. The Carpathian Mountains are in the west and the Crimean Peninsula is in the south.
Generally speaking, Ukraine enjoys a temperate continental climate. On the southern Crimean coast it becomes somewhat Mediterranean. Winters along the coast may be cool and temperatures drop the further inland you go. Summers are warm to hot depending on what part of the country you are visiting. Ukraine enjoys a large variety of natural resources which are constantly mined and sourced for both local use and exporting. Some 57.1% of the countr'ys landmass is considered to be very arable and a large portion of this is already being farmed.
There are almost 23 000 rivers within the borders of Ukraine. Its longest river is the Dnieper which is some 966 kilometers long. Other notable rivers include the Dniester, Donets Danube and Southern Buh. Lake Svityaz is one of the largest natural lakes in the country. Water is used for drinking, transportation and hydroelectricity and is considered to be a very important natural resource in the country. As the second largest country in Europe, Ukraine’s geography is varied and picturesque. Don’t forget to take your camera with when visiting this beautiful country.
Ukraine enjoys some 2 782 km of varied coastline – from stunning white beaches to rocky shores. It has no inland bodies of water but enjoys a large number of fertile plains or steppes nonetheless. The vast majority of the country consists of grassy, fertile plains and plateaus. The only mountains in Ukraine can be found in the west and extreme south of the country. The Carpathian Mountains are in the west and the Crimean Peninsula is in the south.
Generally speaking, Ukraine enjoys a temperate continental climate. On the southern Crimean coast it becomes somewhat Mediterranean. Winters along the coast may be cool and temperatures drop the further inland you go. Summers are warm to hot depending on what part of the country you are visiting. Ukraine enjoys a large variety of natural resources which are constantly mined and sourced for both local use and exporting. Some 57.1% of the countr'ys landmass is considered to be very arable and a large portion of this is already being farmed.
There are almost 23 000 rivers within the borders of Ukraine. Its longest river is the Dnieper which is some 966 kilometers long. Other notable rivers include the Dniester, Donets Danube and Southern Buh. Lake Svityaz is one of the largest natural lakes in the country. Water is used for drinking, transportation and hydroelectricity and is considered to be a very important natural resource in the country. As the second largest country in Europe, Ukraine’s geography is varied and picturesque. Don’t forget to take your camera with when visiting this beautiful country.
Ukraine History
Ukraine has a long and troubled history. Early in the Christian era the Ukranian steppes were overrun by various invaders, among which were Huns, Goths and Avars. From the 4th to 7th centuries the first Slavic community was established in the area. A Varangian dynasty from Scandinavia settled in Kiev in the 9th century and proceeded to free the Slavs from Khazar domination and then unite them in them in Kievan Rus. The Ukrainians and their land formed the nucleus of Kievan Rus. Thereafter, Ukraine's history followed a series of changes in power and domination of one group over the other.
Notably, in the mid-14th century, Lithuania began to extend its borders and took over the rule of Ukraine, which proved to be reasonably beneficial for the Ukrainians. However, in 1569 Poland and Lithuania formed a union which disrupted the relative peace that the Ukrainians had been enjoying. The peasants soon found themselves subject to serfdom and persecution was brought upon the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In 1596 the Bishops of the Ukrainian Church, to preserve their own identity and not be assimilated into Polish Catholicism, established the Greek Catholic faith. They acknowledged the authority of the pope, but kept their Orthodox rites.
In the 16th century, the term “Ukraine”, which is translated as “borderland” or “at the border”, came into use. Poland-Lithuania was now struggling against the growing principality of Moscow for control of the area of Ukraine. Many Ukrainians fled beyond the area of the lower Dnieper rapids in order to escape the religious persecution and serfdom that harsh Polish rule had brought upon them. These fugitives established a military order known as Cossaks, or Kozaks, being taken from the Turkic “kazak” which means “adventurer” or “outlaw”. The Cossacks waged a successful revolution against Polish domination in 1648.
Ukraine was unable to stand alone though, and a treaty was concluded with Moscow, acknowledging their superiority, but allowing Ukraine a large measure of independence. Russia did not respect the terms of the treaty however, and treated the Ukrainians with contempt, referring to them as “little Russians”. Ukraine concluded a treaty with Poland in 1658 which resulted in the Russo-Polish war and the partitioning of Ukraine. Thereafter followed years of domination, treaties and unrest in Ukraine until after the Bolshevik Revolution, when Ukraine declared complete independence in January 1918.
This situation was fairly short-lived though, when after much conflict in the area, Soviet troops gained control of Ukraine, which became one of the republics of the USSR in 1922. This inclusion into the USSR under communist rule resulted in much hardship for the Ukrainians, and so during World War II when Germany invaded Ukraine, many saw them as liberators. However, the Nazis viewed all Slavs with contempt and treated them very harshly during their occupation of Ukraine.
After the devastation of World War II Ukraine still suffered much unrest on their way to independence. In July 1990 a declaration of sovereignty was passed by the Ukrainian parliament, and in August 1991 Ukraine was declared to be independent of the Soviet Union. Leonid Kravchuk became the first president of Ukraine in December 1991.
Notably, in the mid-14th century, Lithuania began to extend its borders and took over the rule of Ukraine, which proved to be reasonably beneficial for the Ukrainians. However, in 1569 Poland and Lithuania formed a union which disrupted the relative peace that the Ukrainians had been enjoying. The peasants soon found themselves subject to serfdom and persecution was brought upon the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In 1596 the Bishops of the Ukrainian Church, to preserve their own identity and not be assimilated into Polish Catholicism, established the Greek Catholic faith. They acknowledged the authority of the pope, but kept their Orthodox rites.
In the 16th century, the term “Ukraine”, which is translated as “borderland” or “at the border”, came into use. Poland-Lithuania was now struggling against the growing principality of Moscow for control of the area of Ukraine. Many Ukrainians fled beyond the area of the lower Dnieper rapids in order to escape the religious persecution and serfdom that harsh Polish rule had brought upon them. These fugitives established a military order known as Cossaks, or Kozaks, being taken from the Turkic “kazak” which means “adventurer” or “outlaw”. The Cossacks waged a successful revolution against Polish domination in 1648.
Ukraine was unable to stand alone though, and a treaty was concluded with Moscow, acknowledging their superiority, but allowing Ukraine a large measure of independence. Russia did not respect the terms of the treaty however, and treated the Ukrainians with contempt, referring to them as “little Russians”. Ukraine concluded a treaty with Poland in 1658 which resulted in the Russo-Polish war and the partitioning of Ukraine. Thereafter followed years of domination, treaties and unrest in Ukraine until after the Bolshevik Revolution, when Ukraine declared complete independence in January 1918.
This situation was fairly short-lived though, when after much conflict in the area, Soviet troops gained control of Ukraine, which became one of the republics of the USSR in 1922. This inclusion into the USSR under communist rule resulted in much hardship for the Ukrainians, and so during World War II when Germany invaded Ukraine, many saw them as liberators. However, the Nazis viewed all Slavs with contempt and treated them very harshly during their occupation of Ukraine.
After the devastation of World War II Ukraine still suffered much unrest on their way to independence. In July 1990 a declaration of sovereignty was passed by the Ukrainian parliament, and in August 1991 Ukraine was declared to be independent of the Soviet Union. Leonid Kravchuk became the first president of Ukraine in December 1991.
Parks and Reserves
Ukraine has wonderfully interesting National Parks and Nature Reserves scattered throughout the country. These parks and reserves are important for preserving large tracts of lands for future generations. They also attract international attention to Ukraine’s efforts to improve environmental conditions and nature. Recently, eco-tourists have been finding Ukraine to be an inspiration in the effort to protect wetlands, coastal regions, and majestic mountains. With three types of areas under protection, Ukraine is home to biospheres like the Shats'kyi National Park, ecological reserves for fauna such as National Park Podil'ski Tovtry, and the Cape Mart’yan Reserve which also protects shoreline and aquatic ecosystems. Ukraine also offers exciting outdoor activities such as skiing, climbing, hiking and cycling at national parks and special activity centers throughout the country. A detailed review of these outdoor treasures and sports facilities minded can be found by reading our sections on Day-Trips and activities.
Ukraine.com proudly offers hundreds of pages of travel ideas and travel guides that are available without charge so feel free peruse our catalogue of destinations and travel guides while searching for special offers and the best rates on hotels, flights, and car rentals.
Have a great visit to Ukraine.
Ukraine.com proudly offers hundreds of pages of travel ideas and travel guides that are available without charge so feel free peruse our catalogue of destinations and travel guides while searching for special offers and the best rates on hotels, flights, and car rentals.
Have a great visit to Ukraine.
Places of Interest
Ukraine offers many fascinating museums and art galleries to visit. Ukraine has a strong artistic and cultural heritage which supports many galleries throughout the country. The Podol Fortuna Gallery is known for its social realism art while the Aquarel Gallery and Gallery 36 tend to feature many young, local Ukrainian artists. The Center for Contemporary Art located in Podil, Kyiv is a branch of the internationally known Soros Center for Contemporary Art and serves as a showcase for aspiring artists. Museums are numerous and equally impressive as Ukrainian society is rooted in a strong national culture that pays homage to its heritage through exhibitions at museums and sites of historical interest. Museums such as the Lviv Glass Museum, the National Art Museum and the Solomiya Krushelnytska Musical Museum are just a few of what we feature under our section on museums.
Attractions
Travelers have many choices of attractions and destinations to explore such as castles, palaces, ancient cathedrals, and stunningly beautiful national parks and reserves. Castles have their special place in Ukrainian history with such international favorites as the Lviv High Castle and Bakhchisaray Palace, which served at core of the political and spiritual life of the Crimean Tartar people. Kiev, which is considered to be the religious hub of Ukraine, is home to many churches, monasteries and theological attractions. St. George Cathedral is home to the Icon of the Virgin; Uzhgorod Synagogue displays its ornate architecture; and St. Sophia’s Cathedral serves as the oldest and most beautiful cathedral in Ukraine. For those who enjoy cultural attractions, Ukraine has some of the finest acting troupes in Europe. With its world-class theatrical and performing arts centers, the cities offer numerous venues to enjoy original Ukrainian productions. High on our list of must-see theatres include the Live Drama Theatre in Podol and the Tara Shevchenko National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Ukraine also has a number of outdoor attractions for visitors of every age. The Kiev Zoo, the Botanical Gardens in Kiev, and the Odessa Catacombs are all favorites of locals and visitors alike. To read about more attractions see our section about local sites.
Getting Here
Ukraine has more than 180 airports with most international flights landing at Boryspil International Airport (KBP), which is approximately 29 km (18 miles) from Kiev. Other main airports in Ukraine include Zhulyany Airport (domestic) and Gostomel Airport (cargo). Ukraine has many regional airports that make travel between its cities convenient and affordable. Ukraine International Airlines is the national air carrier and has regular service to major airports world-wide. Approximately 60 international air carriers serve the Ukrainian market including Delta, KLM, Lufthansa and Air France. Travel time between Kiev and London is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. From the east coast of the United States, Kiev is approximately 12 hours, with connecting flights offered at London Heathrow, Paris or Frankfurt. For domestic flights within Ukraine travelers rely upon the national airlines, Ukraine International Airlines and regional carriers such as Air Ukraine. For more information about getting to Ukraine see our flights center.
About Ukraine
About Ukraine
Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe and shares its border with seven countries, including Russia. It is partially bounded by two bodies of water - most notably, the Black Sea. Ukraine is delineated into 24 providences (called oblasts) and Crimea, which is an autonomous republic. Kiev is the capital of Ukraine and the largest city, followed by Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Odessa. One of the most famous cites in Ukraine is Yalta where the Yalta Conference was held in 1945. The national currency is the Hryvna. Ukraine is a very popular destination for North American, European and Asian travelers with its world-class resorts that dot the Black Sea. Tourists from the United States and most of Western Europe, including the European Union and Japan, do not require visas and can stay up to 90 days without further documentation.
Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe and shares its border with seven countries, including Russia. It is partially bounded by two bodies of water - most notably, the Black Sea. Ukraine is delineated into 24 providences (called oblasts) and Crimea, which is an autonomous republic. Kiev is the capital of Ukraine and the largest city, followed by Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Odessa. One of the most famous cites in Ukraine is Yalta where the Yalta Conference was held in 1945. The national currency is the Hryvna. Ukraine is a very popular destination for North American, European and Asian travelers with its world-class resorts that dot the Black Sea. Tourists from the United States and most of Western Europe, including the European Union and Japan, do not require visas and can stay up to 90 days without further documentation.
Vladimir Travel Guide
Vladimir is one of the oldest and most famous cities of Russia. It has a millennial history; according to the latest data discovered by the historians and archaeologists. Vladimir is famous for its unique cathedrals dating back to the XII century. Four of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The geographical position of Vladimir makes it an attractive place for business development. Some attractions which you can visit in Vladimir are The Golden Ring of the ancient Russian, The St. Demetrius’ Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Assumption or the Cathedral of the Dormition, the Golden Gate, the Trinity Church, the water Tower, the Church of St. Nicolas and many others tourist attraction that you can visit.
But you can see more of Vladimir than only the famous churches and some museums that can tell you a lot about the history of old Russia. The same city provides interesting ideas of the provincial Russian life.
Vladimir travel gives to visitors the option to enjoy a memorable touring experience, unforgettable impressions of the inimitable and majestic Vladimir landscape. And the city belongs to the so called "Golden Ring" of Russia and, consequently, presents a major international domestic and international tourism that waits for your visit.
The geographical position of Vladimir makes it an attractive place for business development. Some attractions which you can visit in Vladimir are The Golden Ring of the ancient Russian, The St. Demetrius’ Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Assumption or the Cathedral of the Dormition, the Golden Gate, the Trinity Church, the water Tower, the Church of St. Nicolas and many others tourist attraction that you can visit.
But you can see more of Vladimir than only the famous churches and some museums that can tell you a lot about the history of old Russia. The same city provides interesting ideas of the provincial Russian life.
Vladimir travel gives to visitors the option to enjoy a memorable touring experience, unforgettable impressions of the inimitable and majestic Vladimir landscape. And the city belongs to the so called "Golden Ring" of Russia and, consequently, presents a major international domestic and international tourism that waits for your visit.
Irkutsk Travel Guide
Irkutsk is located 60km east of the world famous Lake Baikal. This city surrounded by natural beauty. Irkust is an industrial center, a port, the site of a hydroelectric dam and a major stop along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
The city of Irkutsk, with attractive embankments along the river and many surviving wooden houses on its tree-lined streets, is an administrative and cultural centre for Eastern Siberia and of the Russian Far East. The wide streets and ornate, continental architecture led to Irkutsk being called the capital of Siberia, the pearl of Siberia, and even Paris of Siberia.
Irkutsk became the major center of intellectual and social life for Russian artists, officers and nobles exiles, and much of the city's cultural heritage comes from them; also, many of their wooden houses filled with pastel colour, adorned with ornate, hand-carved decorations, brick mansions and the dark black wooden cabins survive today in stark contrast with the standard Soviet apartment blocks that surround them. Ice palaces and sculptures are the main attraction, while classic Russian palaces are of interest to those wanting to know more about the city's history.
In summer, there are a lot of travellers from all over the world going to the lake from Irkutsk. If you don’t have time for the lake but just several hours in the city, you can buy any type of Baikal Lake fish there as well as caviar. Irkutsk is a really nice place to spend several days, or just going to the trip to Baikal Lake.
Another of Irkutsk's attractions is the proximity to lovely, 636km long Lake Baikal where hiking, biking, horse trekking, fishing and boating are big time. The north end is the most beautiful and isolated. Listvyanka village is a popular place to stay for tourists.
The city of Irkutsk, with attractive embankments along the river and many surviving wooden houses on its tree-lined streets, is an administrative and cultural centre for Eastern Siberia and of the Russian Far East. The wide streets and ornate, continental architecture led to Irkutsk being called the capital of Siberia, the pearl of Siberia, and even Paris of Siberia.
Irkutsk became the major center of intellectual and social life for Russian artists, officers and nobles exiles, and much of the city's cultural heritage comes from them; also, many of their wooden houses filled with pastel colour, adorned with ornate, hand-carved decorations, brick mansions and the dark black wooden cabins survive today in stark contrast with the standard Soviet apartment blocks that surround them. Ice palaces and sculptures are the main attraction, while classic Russian palaces are of interest to those wanting to know more about the city's history.
In summer, there are a lot of travellers from all over the world going to the lake from Irkutsk. If you don’t have time for the lake but just several hours in the city, you can buy any type of Baikal Lake fish there as well as caviar. Irkutsk is a really nice place to spend several days, or just going to the trip to Baikal Lake.
Another of Irkutsk's attractions is the proximity to lovely, 636km long Lake Baikal where hiking, biking, horse trekking, fishing and boating are big time. The north end is the most beautiful and isolated. Listvyanka village is a popular place to stay for tourists.
Novgorod Travel Guide
Novgorod or Nizhni Novgorod, it is Russia's fourth largest city, is an exciting city to live. Unlike Moscow and St. Petersburg, with their large numbers of westerners, Nizhni Novgorod offers insights into life in Russia's heartland. This Old Russian city has a rich history of almost 1000 years and this give to the visitor a combination of old and new city that you can enjoy.
Nowadays Novgorod connecting Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Novgorod enjoys of stable economy and well established cultural relations with both capitals, and also attracts foreign investors. Its geographical location causes that Novgorod is one of the cities prospered commercially establishing. As a cosmopolitan city of wealth, it also became an important education and cultural center, reaching its peak in the 18th century when it was considered one of the most prosperous trade centres in all of Europe.
Construction, restoration and renovation have helped the city recapture some of its past grandeur. There are about two hundred of culture and art institutions in Nizhny Novgorod. Some of then are exhibit in one of the most ancient and richest museums of Russia. It museum offers to visitors a unique collection of historic, cultural and art relics, that gave grounds to UNESCO to include Nizhny Novgorod in the list of 100 cities of the world which are of great historical and cultural value.
A visit to Novgorod usually leaves guests with unforgettable impressions of the inimitable and majestic Novgorod landscape which can be appreciated by making a boat tour of the Volga and Oka River. Modern Novgorod is a center of Russian domestic and international tourism that waits for your visit.
Nowadays Novgorod connecting Moscow and Saint Petersburg, Novgorod enjoys of stable economy and well established cultural relations with both capitals, and also attracts foreign investors. Its geographical location causes that Novgorod is one of the cities prospered commercially establishing. As a cosmopolitan city of wealth, it also became an important education and cultural center, reaching its peak in the 18th century when it was considered one of the most prosperous trade centres in all of Europe.
Construction, restoration and renovation have helped the city recapture some of its past grandeur. There are about two hundred of culture and art institutions in Nizhny Novgorod. Some of then are exhibit in one of the most ancient and richest museums of Russia. It museum offers to visitors a unique collection of historic, cultural and art relics, that gave grounds to UNESCO to include Nizhny Novgorod in the list of 100 cities of the world which are of great historical and cultural value.
A visit to Novgorod usually leaves guests with unforgettable impressions of the inimitable and majestic Novgorod landscape which can be appreciated by making a boat tour of the Volga and Oka River. Modern Novgorod is a center of Russian domestic and international tourism that waits for your visit.
St Petersburg Travel Guide
St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The city was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great. Built on 45 islands, water plays an important architectural feature in the city; it is often referred to as the Venice of the North or the Paris of the East. Within St Petersburg's geometry are a dust devil of influences and styles and a bewitching vortex of life's extremes.
More than 500 bridges link the city, varying from narrow traverses such as the Lions and Bank chain bridges for pedestrians to giant drawbridges crossing the Neva River. St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia after Moscow. It is probably the only city in the world to have acquired so much historic importance in so a short a time. St. Petersburg is the only city where the styles of different epochs are so harmoniously fused.
From the White Nights festival during the mysterious summer twilight to top theatre and ballet productions and concerts on magical winter evenings, St. Petersburg travel is a focus on the arts of Russia, palaces, cathedrals, fortresses, domes, spires, turrets, sculpture, painting and literature. The city is an open-air museum, with more than 140 museums. The Hermitage is most famous, three million objects collected from a span of ages, movements and nations. The collection represents the vastness of the country and its turbulent history.
St Petersburg is also a romantic trip, the endless twilights of the famous White Nights, crowded with visitors who come to experience the dreamy sunset, along with music festivals and cultural events. St. Petersburg travel gives to visitors the option to enjoy sunny summer days, feel the first buds of spring, the delicious and brilliant sun of autumn and the brittle brightness winters.
More than 500 bridges link the city, varying from narrow traverses such as the Lions and Bank chain bridges for pedestrians to giant drawbridges crossing the Neva River. St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia after Moscow. It is probably the only city in the world to have acquired so much historic importance in so a short a time. St. Petersburg is the only city where the styles of different epochs are so harmoniously fused.
From the White Nights festival during the mysterious summer twilight to top theatre and ballet productions and concerts on magical winter evenings, St. Petersburg travel is a focus on the arts of Russia, palaces, cathedrals, fortresses, domes, spires, turrets, sculpture, painting and literature. The city is an open-air museum, with more than 140 museums. The Hermitage is most famous, three million objects collected from a span of ages, movements and nations. The collection represents the vastness of the country and its turbulent history.
St Petersburg is also a romantic trip, the endless twilights of the famous White Nights, crowded with visitors who come to experience the dreamy sunset, along with music festivals and cultural events. St. Petersburg travel gives to visitors the option to enjoy sunny summer days, feel the first buds of spring, the delicious and brilliant sun of autumn and the brittle brightness winters.
Moscow Travel Guide
Moscow is the capital of Russia located in the midle of the country and includes most of its territory. In Moscow is the Kremlin that would come to be the Russian place where the control has been taken during almost eight centuries in addition to being a religious center. The Red Square is the symbol of Russia and is considered like one of the most beautiful seats in Europe with its exquisite and colourful domes of the Cathedral of the Saint's Basil that for a long time has been associated with the Soviet Union in the minds of Westerners.
Moscow is a peculiar city combining European, Russian and Asian traditions, the city is a fusion of both splendour and ugliness that is evident in the massive concrete slabs and high-rise apartments of the Stalinist era, and in the ornate churches, beautiful neo-classical houses, and the impressive architecture of the old city. Wide grey thoroughfares give way to narrow winding inner city streets, and golden church domes gleam between the looming skyscrapers. It attracts not only those eager to embrace new business and free enterprise.
It is also a city of entertainment, the "Heart of the Arts", with theatres and the renowned Moscow Circus, museums, art galleries, the annual Jazz Festival, live music on the town, the Rendezvous in the Park, and summer theatre. It boasts the world's largest and most efficient metro system with gleaming stations deep underground, astonishingly decorated in elegant marble, glittering chandeliers and gilded works of art and magnificent mosaics. It is the soul of the new Russia and an intriguing mix of history and politics, business and culture.
Moscow is a metropolis that can often overwhelm with monstrous-sized avenues, unbearable traffic jams, and a 24-hour lifestyle as New York or London that seems to exclude any peace and harmony. But behind that brash facade is a city where a visitor can find those quiet moments of serenity and beauty with a great place for those who love the outdoors like camping, mountain biking, fishing and skiing.
Moscow is a peculiar city combining European, Russian and Asian traditions, the city is a fusion of both splendour and ugliness that is evident in the massive concrete slabs and high-rise apartments of the Stalinist era, and in the ornate churches, beautiful neo-classical houses, and the impressive architecture of the old city. Wide grey thoroughfares give way to narrow winding inner city streets, and golden church domes gleam between the looming skyscrapers. It attracts not only those eager to embrace new business and free enterprise.
It is also a city of entertainment, the "Heart of the Arts", with theatres and the renowned Moscow Circus, museums, art galleries, the annual Jazz Festival, live music on the town, the Rendezvous in the Park, and summer theatre. It boasts the world's largest and most efficient metro system with gleaming stations deep underground, astonishingly decorated in elegant marble, glittering chandeliers and gilded works of art and magnificent mosaics. It is the soul of the new Russia and an intriguing mix of history and politics, business and culture.
Moscow is a metropolis that can often overwhelm with monstrous-sized avenues, unbearable traffic jams, and a 24-hour lifestyle as New York or London that seems to exclude any peace and harmony. But behind that brash facade is a city where a visitor can find those quiet moments of serenity and beauty with a great place for those who love the outdoors like camping, mountain biking, fishing and skiing.
Russia Travel Guide
Going to Russia is a unique opportunity to get to know its impressive and amazing history, as well as to enjoy its rich culture, its people, its historic monuments, its entertainment, etcetera that wait for their visit.
Russia or the Russian federation is the greatest country worldwide, extends by Europe and by Asia, their coasts extend by the Arctic Ocean until the Pacific Ocean of the North, and in addition it has coast in inner seas like the Caspian Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea.
In the last few years, the Russian government has opened up enormous areas that for decades have been closed to tourism. In Russia, you can learn about the most interesting and rich history of all small cities and inappreciable treasures of its culture. An enormous artistic value represents the magnificent oldest Russian architectonic sets conserved to the present time and reconstructed in its entire splendours thanks to the efforts of the restaurateurs.
The white stone cathedrals of centuries XII - XIII, are a sample of the old architecture, reunited in the museums outdoors, unique paintings of the temples made by teachers of diverse schools, beautiful creations of applied teachers of art.
Russia is a land of snow and coldest winters, but also of rivers that meander across meadows and a midsummer sun that never sets. You have a chance to explore its land of striking beauty and diversity, from magnificent capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg, to the measured life of Siberian cities. This is a great country with an array of rivers, forests and towering mountains, it is the adventuresome traveller's dream.
Russia or the Russian federation is the greatest country worldwide, extends by Europe and by Asia, their coasts extend by the Arctic Ocean until the Pacific Ocean of the North, and in addition it has coast in inner seas like the Caspian Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea.
In the last few years, the Russian government has opened up enormous areas that for decades have been closed to tourism. In Russia, you can learn about the most interesting and rich history of all small cities and inappreciable treasures of its culture. An enormous artistic value represents the magnificent oldest Russian architectonic sets conserved to the present time and reconstructed in its entire splendours thanks to the efforts of the restaurateurs.
The white stone cathedrals of centuries XII - XIII, are a sample of the old architecture, reunited in the museums outdoors, unique paintings of the temples made by teachers of diverse schools, beautiful creations of applied teachers of art.
Russia is a land of snow and coldest winters, but also of rivers that meander across meadows and a midsummer sun that never sets. You have a chance to explore its land of striking beauty and diversity, from magnificent capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg, to the measured life of Siberian cities. This is a great country with an array of rivers, forests and towering mountains, it is the adventuresome traveller's dream.
Munich Travel Guide
Located to the north of the Bavarian Alps, on the River Isar, MUNICH is the capital city of Bavaria, the largest federal state of Germany and one of Europe's most prosperous and expensive cities. Munich is a wonderfully charming 800-year-old city that enjoys contradicting itself, there folk traditions ride alongside BMWs and Black Forest cake shares the table with haute cousin.
Founded by Duke Henry the Lion, in 1158, within a century, the city had become the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty, who ruled the duchy, electorate and kingdom of Bavaria until the end of World War I. Their influence is evident in the concentration of grand Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and neo-classical architecture adorning Munich’s streets. Possibly most significantly, the Wittelsbach’s patronage of the arts and extensive collections provided the basis for Munich’s world-class museums and galleries.
The city was the cradle of the Nazi movement after World War I and was the scene of Hitler’s first attempt to seize power on 8 November 1923. Furthermore, in 1938, the treaty that surrendered a large portion of Czechoslovakia to the Nazis was signed by Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy in Munich, an act of conciliation that started the slide towards World War II. The city was severe bombarded at the end of the war, but in the post-war years the city was rebuilding with an intensive restoration program, and since then Munich is become in one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany.
Munich is one of Germany’s cultural centers, with an amazing array of museums, a vibrant art scene and the world-famous Oktoberfest. Despite its name, events begins in late September and spills into the first week of October, dancing oompah bands and food dominate. With a strong cultural scene, abundantly endowed art collections and excellent shopping, Munich certainly has more to offer than just light entertainment.
Founded by Duke Henry the Lion, in 1158, within a century, the city had become the seat of the Wittelsbach dynasty, who ruled the duchy, electorate and kingdom of Bavaria until the end of World War I. Their influence is evident in the concentration of grand Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and neo-classical architecture adorning Munich’s streets. Possibly most significantly, the Wittelsbach’s patronage of the arts and extensive collections provided the basis for Munich’s world-class museums and galleries.
The city was the cradle of the Nazi movement after World War I and was the scene of Hitler’s first attempt to seize power on 8 November 1923. Furthermore, in 1938, the treaty that surrendered a large portion of Czechoslovakia to the Nazis was signed by Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy in Munich, an act of conciliation that started the slide towards World War II. The city was severe bombarded at the end of the war, but in the post-war years the city was rebuilding with an intensive restoration program, and since then Munich is become in one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany.
Munich is one of Germany’s cultural centers, with an amazing array of museums, a vibrant art scene and the world-famous Oktoberfest. Despite its name, events begins in late September and spills into the first week of October, dancing oompah bands and food dominate. With a strong cultural scene, abundantly endowed art collections and excellent shopping, Munich certainly has more to offer than just light entertainment.
Frankfurt Travel Guide
FRANKFURT AM MAIN is called “the Manhattan of Germany” because of its location on the Main river. The city is the financial heart not only of Germany but also of the European Union, pumping euros into the world economy. Frankfurt is a dynamic metropolis and for many visitors it will be the first point of call in Europe, because its airport is the largest in terms of passengers on the European continent.
During World War II Frankfurt was deeply bombed, and as consequence, its medieval city was destroyed. Happily, the city recovered quite quickly after the war, and its modern shape was formed. With the rebuilding process, one of the Europe’s most efficient underground transportation systems was developed. That system includes a subway train system (S-Bahn) and a deep subway with smaller coaches (U-Bahn). Frankfurt also contains the tallest skyscraper in the European Union, the Commerzbank Tower, which is also the second tallest on the continent (after the Triumph-Palace building in Moscow).
Frankfurt is frequently seen only as a transit hub or a business centre, but it is so much more. In fact, it is a prosperous cultural centre for the entire Hesse, with a good collection of theatres, galleries, museums, amongst them some architectural highlights. While Frankfurt is not the size of London or Paris, it will not keep you wanting in terms of cultural activities.
Frankfurt is a city with two faces: On the first it is the competitive financial capital of Germany and on the other it is a civilized place which spends more on the arts than any other city in Europe. If you have more time to spend, Frankfurt is a perfect starting point for daytrips up the Rhine River towards Rudesheim or Heidelberg and only a 30 minutes train trip away from Wiesbaden, Mainz or Marburg.
During World War II Frankfurt was deeply bombed, and as consequence, its medieval city was destroyed. Happily, the city recovered quite quickly after the war, and its modern shape was formed. With the rebuilding process, one of the Europe’s most efficient underground transportation systems was developed. That system includes a subway train system (S-Bahn) and a deep subway with smaller coaches (U-Bahn). Frankfurt also contains the tallest skyscraper in the European Union, the Commerzbank Tower, which is also the second tallest on the continent (after the Triumph-Palace building in Moscow).
Frankfurt is frequently seen only as a transit hub or a business centre, but it is so much more. In fact, it is a prosperous cultural centre for the entire Hesse, with a good collection of theatres, galleries, museums, amongst them some architectural highlights. While Frankfurt is not the size of London or Paris, it will not keep you wanting in terms of cultural activities.
Frankfurt is a city with two faces: On the first it is the competitive financial capital of Germany and on the other it is a civilized place which spends more on the arts than any other city in Europe. If you have more time to spend, Frankfurt is a perfect starting point for daytrips up the Rhine River towards Rudesheim or Heidelberg and only a 30 minutes train trip away from Wiesbaden, Mainz or Marburg.
Frankfurt Travel Guide
FRANKFURT AM MAIN is called “the Manhattan of Germany” because of its location on the Main river. The city is the financial heart not only of Germany but also of the European Union, pumping euros into the world economy. Frankfurt is a dynamic metropolis and for many visitors it will be the first point of call in Europe, because its airport is the largest in terms of passengers on the European continent.
During World War II Frankfurt was deeply bombed, and as consequence, its medieval city was destroyed. Happily, the city recovered quite quickly after the war, and its modern shape was formed. With the rebuilding process, one of the Europe’s most efficient underground transportation systems was developed. That system includes a subway train system (S-Bahn) and a deep subway with smaller coaches (U-Bahn). Frankfurt also contains the tallest skyscraper in the European Union, the Commerzbank Tower, which is also the second tallest on the continent (after the Triumph-Palace building in Moscow).
Frankfurt is frequently seen only as a transit hub or a business centre, but it is so much more. In fact, it is a prosperous cultural centre for the entire Hesse, with a good collection of theatres, galleries, museums, amongst them some architectural highlights. While Frankfurt is not the size of London or Paris, it will not keep you wanting in terms of cultural activities.
Frankfurt is a city with two faces: On the first it is the competitive financial capital of Germany and on the other it is a civilized place which spends more on the arts than any other city in Europe. If you have more time to spend, Frankfurt is a perfect starting point for daytrips up the Rhine River towards Rudesheim or Heidelberg and only a 30 minutes train trip away from Wiesbaden, Mainz or Marburg.
During World War II Frankfurt was deeply bombed, and as consequence, its medieval city was destroyed. Happily, the city recovered quite quickly after the war, and its modern shape was formed. With the rebuilding process, one of the Europe’s most efficient underground transportation systems was developed. That system includes a subway train system (S-Bahn) and a deep subway with smaller coaches (U-Bahn). Frankfurt also contains the tallest skyscraper in the European Union, the Commerzbank Tower, which is also the second tallest on the continent (after the Triumph-Palace building in Moscow).
Frankfurt is frequently seen only as a transit hub or a business centre, but it is so much more. In fact, it is a prosperous cultural centre for the entire Hesse, with a good collection of theatres, galleries, museums, amongst them some architectural highlights. While Frankfurt is not the size of London or Paris, it will not keep you wanting in terms of cultural activities.
Frankfurt is a city with two faces: On the first it is the competitive financial capital of Germany and on the other it is a civilized place which spends more on the arts than any other city in Europe. If you have more time to spend, Frankfurt is a perfect starting point for daytrips up the Rhine River towards Rudesheim or Heidelberg and only a 30 minutes train trip away from Wiesbaden, Mainz or Marburg.
Berlin Travel Guide
BERLIN is the largest city in Germany and it is best known for its historical associations as the German capital. It offers a wonderful combination of history, night life, architecture and culture. Berlin has modest beginnings, but over time it grew into a European powerhouse and since reunification in 1990 it became into a dynamic and creative city.
Berlin has wonderful sights although it is not as centralized or small as other European cities. It is also known as one of the greenest cities in Europe: over 60% of its surface area is either a park or a river, it is beautiful! Berlin is also an industrial city; key industries such as electronics, manufacturing and information technology reflect the hopes for a brighter future for the city.
In Berlin, you will find the leisure time activities that you would find in every big city all over the world, and in the city limits there are numerous recreational areas, nature reserves and parks. You can find a lot of amazing things simply strolling along one of its fascinating streets. Berlin is a city that thrives on change and that has made a virtue out of reinventing itself s one of Europe’s finest capitals.
Berlin has wonderful sights although it is not as centralized or small as other European cities. It is also known as one of the greenest cities in Europe: over 60% of its surface area is either a park or a river, it is beautiful! Berlin is also an industrial city; key industries such as electronics, manufacturing and information technology reflect the hopes for a brighter future for the city.
In Berlin, you will find the leisure time activities that you would find in every big city all over the world, and in the city limits there are numerous recreational areas, nature reserves and parks. You can find a lot of amazing things simply strolling along one of its fascinating streets. Berlin is a city that thrives on change and that has made a virtue out of reinventing itself s one of Europe’s finest capitals.
Germany Travel Guide
From the high Alps in the South, the Bavarian plain, and the flowing hills of central Germany to the coast of the North and Baltic Sea: it all looks like a miniature train landscape packed with the nicest of old towns, medieval houses, gothic churches and small villages.
Thanks to the different regional princedoms, earldoms, monarchies and states Germany did not unite until the last centuries. Thus Germany has not one but many major cities. And each city has its own unique character, formed by its history and the surrounding region. Each is a whole new world unto itself in which you will experience not only different architectural styles and art treasures but also a very distinctive lifestyle. Local traditions and mentalities are clearly reflected everywhere - in the arts, the nightlife, the shops, the pubs and restaurants and the way people work and live.
Germany's cities have endless pleasant surprises in store for those who enjoy good food and drink. In addition to top-quality international cooking each region has its own local specialities, ranging from hearty country fare at simple inns to modern light cuisine at star-rated restaurants. Accompanied by our world-famous beers and wines, all this plenty is guaranteed to make your tour of Germany's cities an unforgettable culinary experience.
Discover the beautiful Southwest of Germany with cities like Freiburg, Heidelberg and Tübingen. In the western part cities still have some french influence, discover Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne- the heart of the Rhineland, Trier, the oldest city of Germany and a former capital of the Roman Empire or Aachen with its impressive cathedral and history back to Charlemagne.
Today, Germany is also an industrial powerhouse. In the Ruhrgebiet ( Essen, Oberhausen, Duisburg and surroundings) there is heavy industry, different car brands like Mercedes (near Stuttgart ), BMW and VW make Germany one of the world's biggest car producers and Frankfurt is the country's bank and finance centre, called also "Mainhattan" ("Main" is a river in Frankfurt). All this makes the standard of living one of the highest in the world.
Thanks to the different regional princedoms, earldoms, monarchies and states Germany did not unite until the last centuries. Thus Germany has not one but many major cities. And each city has its own unique character, formed by its history and the surrounding region. Each is a whole new world unto itself in which you will experience not only different architectural styles and art treasures but also a very distinctive lifestyle. Local traditions and mentalities are clearly reflected everywhere - in the arts, the nightlife, the shops, the pubs and restaurants and the way people work and live.
Germany's cities have endless pleasant surprises in store for those who enjoy good food and drink. In addition to top-quality international cooking each region has its own local specialities, ranging from hearty country fare at simple inns to modern light cuisine at star-rated restaurants. Accompanied by our world-famous beers and wines, all this plenty is guaranteed to make your tour of Germany's cities an unforgettable culinary experience.
Discover the beautiful Southwest of Germany with cities like Freiburg, Heidelberg and Tübingen. In the western part cities still have some french influence, discover Bonn, Düsseldorf, Cologne- the heart of the Rhineland, Trier, the oldest city of Germany and a former capital of the Roman Empire or Aachen with its impressive cathedral and history back to Charlemagne.
Today, Germany is also an industrial powerhouse. In the Ruhrgebiet ( Essen, Oberhausen, Duisburg and surroundings) there is heavy industry, different car brands like Mercedes (near Stuttgart ), BMW and VW make Germany one of the world's biggest car producers and Frankfurt is the country's bank and finance centre, called also "Mainhattan" ("Main" is a river in Frankfurt). All this makes the standard of living one of the highest in the world.
Ibiza Travel Guide
Ibiza (or Eivissa in Catalan) is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. Ibiza belongs to Balearic Islands and, with Formentera, it is one of the two Pine Islands. Ibiza is also known as the 'white island' due to the predominance of its white houses. Ibiza is invaded every summer by a multinational force ofsunseekers . It has fine beaches, relentless sunshine, good food and wild nightlife. But on the other hand, if you leave the beaches behind you to explore the island's interior, you will find a pure and simple Mediterranean culture as well as remains of populations which inhabited Ibiza thousands of years ago (wall-paintings ofSes Fontelles ). Ibiza Town is the capital of the island. In many aspects it’s the center of the island, its focal point. It’s here that you’ll find most clubs, bars Cafes and restaurants. There are over 40 large clubs on the islandas well as a large number of bars.
Ibiza became a major center of touristical attraction during the 1960s, being then famous for its "Hippie-Culture" and nudist beaches. Today Ibiza is a cosmopolitan island and its atmosphere, the climate, the entertainment on offer and its attractive naturalenvironment attract a high number of tourists all year round. Ibiza has an ample offer as well for families and older visitors, anyhow, still there are the young ones who are attracted by the island's rollicking nightlife. The official language in Ibiza is Catalan, but Spanish is spoken everywhere and due to the importance of tourism to the island's economy many locals speak other languages too.
The coast is spectacular with pretty coves and dramatic cliffs. The excellent sandy beaches are well equipped for tourists. The maintouristic beaches are Portinatx, Port de Sant Miquel and Sant Vicenē. There is only one river on the whole island called Santa Eularia. The climate of Ibiza is Mediterranean and has milder winters and slightly cooler summers than Mallorca . The hot summer season lasts from June to September (30°C or 85°F), lots of sunshine and very little rain. Frost and snow are very rare.
Ibiza became a major center of touristical attraction during the 1960s, being then famous for its "Hippie-Culture" and nudist beaches. Today Ibiza is a cosmopolitan island and its atmosphere, the climate, the entertainment on offer and its attractive naturalenvironment attract a high number of tourists all year round. Ibiza has an ample offer as well for families and older visitors, anyhow, still there are the young ones who are attracted by the island's rollicking nightlife. The official language in Ibiza is Catalan, but Spanish is spoken everywhere and due to the importance of tourism to the island's economy many locals speak other languages too.
The coast is spectacular with pretty coves and dramatic cliffs. The excellent sandy beaches are well equipped for tourists. The maintouristic beaches are Portinatx, Port de Sant Miquel and Sant Vicenē. There is only one river on the whole island called Santa Eularia. The climate of Ibiza is Mediterranean and has milder winters and slightly cooler summers than Mallorca . The hot summer season lasts from June to September (30°C or 85°F), lots of sunshine and very little rain. Frost and snow are very rare.
Granada Travel Guide
Granada is one of Spain's most spectacular historical World Heritage cities, and millions of tourists and international students visit this amazing city each year. Granada is located on one of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and was a stronghold of the Nazeri Dynasty, the last great Moorish kingdom in Spain. Granada sprawls over two main hills, the Alhambra and the Albaicķn, and is crossed by two rivers, the Genil and the Darro. This former stronghold of Moorish Spain is full of romance and folklore. Furthermore, crowned by the Alhambra palace on its hill, Granada has been declared a national monument in virtue of its many well preserved remains of a rich alien culture and art and as the scene of great events in the history of Spain.
In fact, the Alhambra is one of the most famous items of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian historical legacy that makes Granada one of the most historic cities in Spain. Granada came to prominence in the 1200s at the peak of Muslim power. Even after Seville and Córdoba had fallen to the Catholic monarchs, Granada stood as the last surviving Islamic capital in Spain. It's where the sultans took their last stand against the Catholic invaders.
Granada is also well-known within Spain due to the prestigious University of Granada which, is said, that it is one of the three best cities for college students (the other two are Salamanca and Santiago de Compostela). An important cultural centre for centuries, both during Muslim and Christian rule, nowadays the city boasts an enviable calendar of cultural and leisure events. Music, cinema and theatre seasons and festivals are listed, along with permanent and temporary exhibitions ranging over all fields of knowledge.
However, you'll find in Granada not only the Alhambra. The Generalife summer palace, on the same Granadan hill, is known for its lush gardens with beautiful fountains and tranquil ponds. Also, the Sierra Nevada mountain range rises to the south of Granada and contains a ski resort with the highest peak in continental Spain, Mulhacén (3482 m).
In fact, the Alhambra is one of the most famous items of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian historical legacy that makes Granada one of the most historic cities in Spain. Granada came to prominence in the 1200s at the peak of Muslim power. Even after Seville and Córdoba had fallen to the Catholic monarchs, Granada stood as the last surviving Islamic capital in Spain. It's where the sultans took their last stand against the Catholic invaders.
Granada is also well-known within Spain due to the prestigious University of Granada which, is said, that it is one of the three best cities for college students (the other two are Salamanca and Santiago de Compostela). An important cultural centre for centuries, both during Muslim and Christian rule, nowadays the city boasts an enviable calendar of cultural and leisure events. Music, cinema and theatre seasons and festivals are listed, along with permanent and temporary exhibitions ranging over all fields of knowledge.
However, you'll find in Granada not only the Alhambra. The Generalife summer palace, on the same Granadan hill, is known for its lush gardens with beautiful fountains and tranquil ponds. Also, the Sierra Nevada mountain range rises to the south of Granada and contains a ski resort with the highest peak in continental Spain, Mulhacén (3482 m).
Barcelona Travel Guide
Well known as a cultural centre, Barcelona boasts splendid architecture, monuments, historical sites, natural resources, beaches and much more. It is a very modern, multicultural, cosmopolitan city. Almost 4.5 million people live in the Barcelona metropolitan area. The city enjoys a prime location, bathed by the sea and has excellent transport links with the rest of Europe. Some people say that Barcelona is Spain's most European city because it is always open to new ideas and trends. You can note this in its people, the Catalans.
The Catalan capital's is a modern, cosmopolitan city, but has inherited many centuries of history. There are monuments of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods or still before, but most characteristic is what has been built during the last 100 years. Though the 1992 Olympics focused the world’s attention on the city, Antoni Gaudi’s wonderfully weird architecture demonstrates how long Barcelona has been at the vanguard of all that is new and different.
Barcelona, a 2,000-year-old master of the art of perpetual novelty, has catapulted to the rank of Spain's most-visited city. In fact, in 2003 nearly four million visitors came to the city, many on charter flights from Northern Europe. Autumn is the perfect time to visit Barcelona with less heat, fewer tourists and the city’s biggest street party, Festes de la Mercč, on September 24. The city continues to evolve as a centre of design, as a gastronomic powerhouse, as an educational and business centre and potentially the coolest city in the world. And one the world never tires of visiting.
Although Barcelona is a large city, it is easy to get around on public transport and on foot. You can reach any point in the city by metro, bus and taxi. Also, Barcelona attracts tourists from all over the world. The explosion of low-cost, Internet airlines, plus the good value at hotels and restaurants compared to other European cities, has made Barcelona the European weekender capital.
The area around the Catalunya Place, including the city's historical center includes the Passeig de Gracia, the Rambla de Catalunya and the upper half of the Diagonal avenue is the main commercial area of the city. "La Rambla", a pedestrian street, is the best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax. Also, here you can find dozens of outdoor cafes. Nearby is 'Plaēa Real', with plenty of bars and restaurants, and 'Palau Guell', built by Antoni Gaudķ in his undulating art-nouveau style.
The Balearic Islands lie to the east, the Costa Brava to the north, the monastery at Montserrat to the west, and to the south, the Roman city of Tarragona, and the playground resort of Sitges. Barcelona's inhabitants are open and welcoming. The people of Barcelona speak Catalan, their own language, and Spanish. Many of them also understand a little English and French.
The Catalan capital's is a modern, cosmopolitan city, but has inherited many centuries of history. There are monuments of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods or still before, but most characteristic is what has been built during the last 100 years. Though the 1992 Olympics focused the world’s attention on the city, Antoni Gaudi’s wonderfully weird architecture demonstrates how long Barcelona has been at the vanguard of all that is new and different.
Barcelona, a 2,000-year-old master of the art of perpetual novelty, has catapulted to the rank of Spain's most-visited city. In fact, in 2003 nearly four million visitors came to the city, many on charter flights from Northern Europe. Autumn is the perfect time to visit Barcelona with less heat, fewer tourists and the city’s biggest street party, Festes de la Mercč, on September 24. The city continues to evolve as a centre of design, as a gastronomic powerhouse, as an educational and business centre and potentially the coolest city in the world. And one the world never tires of visiting.
Although Barcelona is a large city, it is easy to get around on public transport and on foot. You can reach any point in the city by metro, bus and taxi. Also, Barcelona attracts tourists from all over the world. The explosion of low-cost, Internet airlines, plus the good value at hotels and restaurants compared to other European cities, has made Barcelona the European weekender capital.
The area around the Catalunya Place, including the city's historical center includes the Passeig de Gracia, the Rambla de Catalunya and the upper half of the Diagonal avenue is the main commercial area of the city. "La Rambla", a pedestrian street, is the best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax. Also, here you can find dozens of outdoor cafes. Nearby is 'Plaēa Real', with plenty of bars and restaurants, and 'Palau Guell', built by Antoni Gaudķ in his undulating art-nouveau style.
The Balearic Islands lie to the east, the Costa Brava to the north, the monastery at Montserrat to the west, and to the south, the Roman city of Tarragona, and the playground resort of Sitges. Barcelona's inhabitants are open and welcoming. The people of Barcelona speak Catalan, their own language, and Spanish. Many of them also understand a little English and French.
Madrid Travel Guide
Madrid is the capital of Spain since 1562. Madrid is located on the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula. Due to this central location and high altitude, the climate of Madrid is characterized by warm dry summers and cool winters. Madrid is the political center of Spain. This is also a cosmopolitan city with cultural and political importance. Its position as a centre for economics, finance, administration and services combines the most modern infrastructure with an important cultural and artistic heritage, the legacy of centuries of fascinating history. So, while Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure, it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighborhoods and streets. For instance, some of its main historic places are the huge Royal Palace of Madrid; the Teatro Real (Royal theatre); the Buen Retiro park; the imposing 19th-century National Library building (founded in 1712); an archaeological museum of international reputation; and three superb art museums: Prado Museum, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofķa and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, housed in the renovated Villahermosa Palace.
But Madrid is not just a cultural destination. It is also a lively metropolis with many pubs, cafes, discotheques and nightclubs open late into the night (nobody is really sure when the Madrileńos sleep). It may be the afternoon siesta that gives them the endurance to keep things going well into the night. In fact, on weekends, Madrilenian youth are famous for dancing all night long, stopping off only for having some chocolate y churros at dawn, go home, take a shower, shave, and go to work. Madrid has an amazing quantity of dance halls, tascas, cafes, theaters, movie houses, music halls, and nightclubs. However, many of these offerings are strictly for residents or for Spanish-speakers.
After spending much of the 20th century sequestered at the center of a totalitarian regime, Madrid has burst back onto the world stage with an energy redolent of its 16th-century golden age. Beginning in the early 20th century, Madrid grew to be an important industrial centre. Its commercial and industrial life developed very rapidly after the 1890s and is rivalled in Spain only by that of Barcelona. The city's major industrial products include motor vehicles, aircraft, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, processed food, printed materials, and leather goods. Besides its many manufacturing industries. Most of its industry is located in the Southern fringe of the city, where important textile, food and metal working factories are clustered.
Especially around Puerta del Sol, you'll find a high concentration of everything relating to food, drinking, entertainment and staying away from your hotels as long as possible. Madrid, during the summer, becomes a virtual free festival because the city sponsors a series of plays, concerts, and films. If you're in Madrid during the second half of May be sure to join Madrileńos in celebrating the Feria de San Isidro, which has music, operas, concerts, bullfighting and dancing. In the same way, mid August is when the city celebrates the Verbena de la Paloma.
But Madrid is not just a cultural destination. It is also a lively metropolis with many pubs, cafes, discotheques and nightclubs open late into the night (nobody is really sure when the Madrileńos sleep). It may be the afternoon siesta that gives them the endurance to keep things going well into the night. In fact, on weekends, Madrilenian youth are famous for dancing all night long, stopping off only for having some chocolate y churros at dawn, go home, take a shower, shave, and go to work. Madrid has an amazing quantity of dance halls, tascas, cafes, theaters, movie houses, music halls, and nightclubs. However, many of these offerings are strictly for residents or for Spanish-speakers.
After spending much of the 20th century sequestered at the center of a totalitarian regime, Madrid has burst back onto the world stage with an energy redolent of its 16th-century golden age. Beginning in the early 20th century, Madrid grew to be an important industrial centre. Its commercial and industrial life developed very rapidly after the 1890s and is rivalled in Spain only by that of Barcelona. The city's major industrial products include motor vehicles, aircraft, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, processed food, printed materials, and leather goods. Besides its many manufacturing industries. Most of its industry is located in the Southern fringe of the city, where important textile, food and metal working factories are clustered.
Especially around Puerta del Sol, you'll find a high concentration of everything relating to food, drinking, entertainment and staying away from your hotels as long as possible. Madrid, during the summer, becomes a virtual free festival because the city sponsors a series of plays, concerts, and films. If you're in Madrid during the second half of May be sure to join Madrileńos in celebrating the Feria de San Isidro, which has music, operas, concerts, bullfighting and dancing. In the same way, mid August is when the city celebrates the Verbena de la Paloma.
Spain Travel Guide
Spain is more than bullfights, flamenco dancers and crowded beaches. It's a spectacular and diverse country, the north resembling the rolling, green hills of Ireland and the south giving you a taste of Moroccan landscapes and architecture. Its tremendous history is reflected in its prehistoric cave paintings, Moorish palaces, crumbling castles, Roman ruins, Gothic and Renaissance cathedrals as well as some very distinctive modern architecture. The uniqueness of Spain lies in the separate kingdoms which made up the original Spanish nation. These regions remain diverse in their language, culture, cuisine and art. They include: Andalucķa, Aragon, Asturias, Basque Country, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Cantabria, Castilla La Mancha, Castilla León, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarra and Valencia. Areas of interest are not limited to each region.
Beaches
Excellent and quiet beaches can be found near Malaga, Huelva and Almerķa in the south as well as near the coasts of La Manga, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Euskadi. If you do enjoy extremely developed resort towns, there are plenty of crowded beaches on the Costa de la Luz and the Costa del Sol. Interesting is the harbour of Almerimar with cosy bars, just south of El Ejido (Almeria).
Very unique architecture can be found in Córdoba, Salamanca, Granada, Toledo, Madrid... The visionary architecture of Antoni Gaudķ and the Picasso museum are in Barcelona while Madrid is home to Spain’s top three art museums.
Countrysides
If you would rather get some fresh air, Spain is filled with opportunities to visit wildlife parks as well as trekking. The Pyrenees, especially around the Aragón area, are the best areas for trekking. Andalucķa has its Sierra Nevada mountain chain with luxurious skiing resorts near Granada. Ski-sports are possible from November up to May. Between Guadix and Baza (famous horsemarket) one can find cave-dwellings, cave hotels, and beautiful natural parks. North and between these towns still are unexplored desert sceneries, with hamlets not even found on maps! The highway infrastructure in this "wild" part of Andalucia is excellent.
Social culture
Spanish people are very open-hearted and comunicative. You won't have any problems to get to know someone, especially in the big cities like Madrid or Barcelona. It's often said that the Spanish living room is the bar where the people usually spend a lot of time in the mornings and in the evenings.
Beaches
Excellent and quiet beaches can be found near Malaga, Huelva and Almerķa in the south as well as near the coasts of La Manga, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Euskadi. If you do enjoy extremely developed resort towns, there are plenty of crowded beaches on the Costa de la Luz and the Costa del Sol. Interesting is the harbour of Almerimar with cosy bars, just south of El Ejido (Almeria).
Very unique architecture can be found in Córdoba, Salamanca, Granada, Toledo, Madrid... The visionary architecture of Antoni Gaudķ and the Picasso museum are in Barcelona while Madrid is home to Spain’s top three art museums.
Countrysides
If you would rather get some fresh air, Spain is filled with opportunities to visit wildlife parks as well as trekking. The Pyrenees, especially around the Aragón area, are the best areas for trekking. Andalucķa has its Sierra Nevada mountain chain with luxurious skiing resorts near Granada. Ski-sports are possible from November up to May. Between Guadix and Baza (famous horsemarket) one can find cave-dwellings, cave hotels, and beautiful natural parks. North and between these towns still are unexplored desert sceneries, with hamlets not even found on maps! The highway infrastructure in this "wild" part of Andalucia is excellent.
Social culture
Spanish people are very open-hearted and comunicative. You won't have any problems to get to know someone, especially in the big cities like Madrid or Barcelona. It's often said that the Spanish living room is the bar where the people usually spend a lot of time in the mornings and in the evenings.
Milan Travel Guide
Milan is a city that evokes extreme feelings; the city lifestyle is extreme too. A frenetic, restless rhythm is an element of work and leisure, so much so that it is difficult to stay unmoved and not get overwhelmed by the entire cultural and social stimulus. Perhaps to this reason, Milan makes itself indispensable, because it is impossible to stay so alive and full of energy when you are away from the city.
Milan is always one step ahead: a laboratory of artistic experiments and a building site for social behavior that is continuously changing. City full of contradictions, ancient and modern trends and counter-trends, fashion and underground, middle class and working class, but always simply “cool”.
This city is whole about worldly pleasures. Theatre and cinema prosper in this fashionable milieu, as does a hopping club scene and a slew of tempting restaurants. Apart from a few gems, the city is not renowned for its looks; it's lifestyle that counts. Shopping is of quasi-religious significance.
Milan is one of the principal artistic centers of Italy of the north.
Some cultural centers of Milan:
The Duomo, the second largest cathedral of the world and the world's largest collection of marble statues.
The Castello Sforzesco
The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
The Palaeo-Christian Basilica of San Lorenzo
The Biblioteca Ambrosiana, containing drawings and notebooks by Leonardo da Vinci among its vast holdings of books, manuscripts, and drawings, and is one of the main repositories of European culture. The city is also the home of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts.
The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, housing one of the most famous paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper
The Pinacoteca di Brera, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Poldi Pezzoli, the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum and the Musei del Castello galleries, which host a great number of pictorial masterpieces.
Milan is also one of the most important centres in the world for Opera lirica, with its famous Teatro alla Scala (La Scala).
Milan is always one step ahead: a laboratory of artistic experiments and a building site for social behavior that is continuously changing. City full of contradictions, ancient and modern trends and counter-trends, fashion and underground, middle class and working class, but always simply “cool”.
This city is whole about worldly pleasures. Theatre and cinema prosper in this fashionable milieu, as does a hopping club scene and a slew of tempting restaurants. Apart from a few gems, the city is not renowned for its looks; it's lifestyle that counts. Shopping is of quasi-religious significance.
Milan is one of the principal artistic centers of Italy of the north.
Some cultural centers of Milan:
The Duomo, the second largest cathedral of the world and the world's largest collection of marble statues.
The Castello Sforzesco
The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
The Palaeo-Christian Basilica of San Lorenzo
The Biblioteca Ambrosiana, containing drawings and notebooks by Leonardo da Vinci among its vast holdings of books, manuscripts, and drawings, and is one of the main repositories of European culture. The city is also the home of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts.
The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, housing one of the most famous paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper
The Pinacoteca di Brera, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Poldi Pezzoli, the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum and the Musei del Castello galleries, which host a great number of pictorial masterpieces.
Milan is also one of the most important centres in the world for Opera lirica, with its famous Teatro alla Scala (La Scala).
Florence Travel Guide
Florence is considered one of the most magnificent cities in Italy, as well as the world. Located in the heart of Tuscany, the tourist can find fields of sunflowers, miles of vineyards, rolling hills and mountaintop castles. This place is the Renaissance capital of the world, its famous sons are Leonardo Da Vinci, Dante Alighieri, Machiavelli, Fra Angelico and Michelangelo. It is a destination not to be missed.
Florence has an exceptional artistic patrimony, celebrated testimony to its secular civilization. Cimabue and Giotto were considered the fathers of Italian painting, they lived in this place, along with Arnolfo and Andrea Pisano, reformists of architecture and sculpture; Brunelleschi, Donatello and Masaccio, founders of the Renaissance. The Italian Renaissance, Europe's richest cultural period, began in Florence when the artist Brunelleschi finished the Duomo, with the huge dome. Ghiberti and the Della Robbia; Filippo Lippi and l'Angelico; Botticelli and Paolo Uccello; the universal geniuses Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Their works are exhibited in the city's many museums and known around of the world. Boccaccio wrote his 'Decameron' in Florence. From the 13th to the 16th century it was a seemingly endless source of creative masterpieces and Italian genius. During the Italian Renaissance Florence constructed its renaissance palaces and squares, turning it into a living museum. Many squares, such as Piazza della Signoria exhibit famous statues and fountains.
Probably Florence is a city of incomparable indoor pleasures. Its chapels, galleries and museums are an incomparable treasure, apprehending the complex, often elusive spirit of the Renaissance more fully than any other place in the country. The most famous museum in Florence is the Uffizi which houses works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and Rubens. Other great art museums include the Pitti Palace, Galleria dell'Accademia and Palazzo Vecchio. Florence is also home to some of the biggest churches in Italy, including the famous Duomo of Florence, San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce.
The surroundings of Florence have many things to offer to the visitor. You can explore this region for weeks without being bored. For these day trips the city of Florence is the perfect starting point.
Florence has an exceptional artistic patrimony, celebrated testimony to its secular civilization. Cimabue and Giotto were considered the fathers of Italian painting, they lived in this place, along with Arnolfo and Andrea Pisano, reformists of architecture and sculpture; Brunelleschi, Donatello and Masaccio, founders of the Renaissance. The Italian Renaissance, Europe's richest cultural period, began in Florence when the artist Brunelleschi finished the Duomo, with the huge dome. Ghiberti and the Della Robbia; Filippo Lippi and l'Angelico; Botticelli and Paolo Uccello; the universal geniuses Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Their works are exhibited in the city's many museums and known around of the world. Boccaccio wrote his 'Decameron' in Florence. From the 13th to the 16th century it was a seemingly endless source of creative masterpieces and Italian genius. During the Italian Renaissance Florence constructed its renaissance palaces and squares, turning it into a living museum. Many squares, such as Piazza della Signoria exhibit famous statues and fountains.
Probably Florence is a city of incomparable indoor pleasures. Its chapels, galleries and museums are an incomparable treasure, apprehending the complex, often elusive spirit of the Renaissance more fully than any other place in the country. The most famous museum in Florence is the Uffizi which houses works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and Rubens. Other great art museums include the Pitti Palace, Galleria dell'Accademia and Palazzo Vecchio. Florence is also home to some of the biggest churches in Italy, including the famous Duomo of Florence, San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce.
The surroundings of Florence have many things to offer to the visitor. You can explore this region for weeks without being bored. For these day trips the city of Florence is the perfect starting point.
Venice Travel Guide
Venice is a dream that shines on the waters, a city of painted palaces and serene churches. This unique urban masterpiece has canals instead of streets, boats instead of buses, and ornate bridges instead of subways. A trip to Venice provides an unforgettable glimpse of life's defining moments played out on watery avenues: weddings, funerals, carnivals and regattas. Yet, in these opulent surroundings the daily grind continues: commuters pack on to the rush hour vaporetti (waterbuses), dustmen collect rubbish in their refuse boats and fishermen deliver their catch to the market.
Particularly tourists visit Venice to experience its inimitable charm. The inconvenient of this can be felt in the narrow streets and cramped piazzas of its sought-after areas. A good way to get to know a more personal side of Venice is to saunter through its romantic back streets and residential quarters.
Maybe the only ways of getting around Venice are walking and paying up for the 'expensive-but-worth-it' gondola, water bus/taxi or a regular taxi is officially banned in the lagoon city, a bicycle won’t help you much.
The classic gondola ride with the opera-warbling operator is pretty touristy and expensive but the traghetto is a commuter gondola that crosses the Grand Canal at strategic points. It's entirely a balance test for newbies, as you have to stand. Water taxis (motorboats) are almost as expensive as gondolas, but their pilots don't wear stripy shirts and bellow out 'O Sole Mio'.
If you are looking for the cheerful bars and restaurants, you can't go wrong with the area surrounding Campo di Santa Margarita in San Polo. There you will get an Irish pub, trendy bars that do the limbo, and just plain fun. The area is visited by students from the University and is buzzing with life during the weekends as market stalls of fish and vegetables open up.
Particularly tourists visit Venice to experience its inimitable charm. The inconvenient of this can be felt in the narrow streets and cramped piazzas of its sought-after areas. A good way to get to know a more personal side of Venice is to saunter through its romantic back streets and residential quarters.
Maybe the only ways of getting around Venice are walking and paying up for the 'expensive-but-worth-it' gondola, water bus/taxi or a regular taxi is officially banned in the lagoon city, a bicycle won’t help you much.
The classic gondola ride with the opera-warbling operator is pretty touristy and expensive but the traghetto is a commuter gondola that crosses the Grand Canal at strategic points. It's entirely a balance test for newbies, as you have to stand. Water taxis (motorboats) are almost as expensive as gondolas, but their pilots don't wear stripy shirts and bellow out 'O Sole Mio'.
If you are looking for the cheerful bars and restaurants, you can't go wrong with the area surrounding Campo di Santa Margarita in San Polo. There you will get an Irish pub, trendy bars that do the limbo, and just plain fun. The area is visited by students from the University and is buzzing with life during the weekends as market stalls of fish and vegetables open up.
Rome Travel Guide
Rome Caput Mundi, Rome the ageless City. A different city around the world because of the absolutely opposite styles of art and life that manage to live side by side there: Imperial Rome and Baroque Rome, sophisticated Rome and working-class Rome.
Rome has a long and tempestuous history. No other city had the attention center of the world for such a long period. The city more loved of the Roman Empire, lavished with architectural jewelry by her emperors, but also often seized raided and destroyed. Also fires and earthquakes left their scars, but each time the eternal city recovered from her injuries.
Rome's history is strongly related to the history of Europe. Not just the Roman emperors, but also medieval emperors and kings like Charlemagne or Otto I saw Rome as the true seat of power. They confronted the new rulers, the popes for the supreme power. It was the dispute about who was the true representative of God. Both emperor and pope claimed to be true inheritors of the Roman Empire.
It is said that one life is not enough to get to comprehend Rome. Maybe you'll require about ten, as much as the countless stray cats that also occupy the city, but a week will do for a first introduction. At each corner of each street there’s a story to tell. Thousands of stories together tell the history of a three thousand year old city. Two weeks may be enough for a hasty tour through most everything; a month would be better. Fortunately, Rome (population 2.900.000) is compact enough to skim the best in three (full) days, and if you have more time we guarantee you will find delightful and fulfilling ways to use it.
The most impressive features in Rome comprehend the Trevi fountain (remind Anita Ekberg in the classic scene in La Dolce Vita) and the Spanish Steps, the Roman heritage sights such as the Pantheon, the Colloseum and the Forum Romanum, at least some of the world famous churches such as Il Gesu, S. Giovanni in Laterano or Sta. Maria Maggiore. Make sure not to miss a stroll through the Vatican City with the incredibly huge St. Peter's Cathedral and the unrivalled Vatican Museum.
Rome has a long and tempestuous history. No other city had the attention center of the world for such a long period. The city more loved of the Roman Empire, lavished with architectural jewelry by her emperors, but also often seized raided and destroyed. Also fires and earthquakes left their scars, but each time the eternal city recovered from her injuries.
Rome's history is strongly related to the history of Europe. Not just the Roman emperors, but also medieval emperors and kings like Charlemagne or Otto I saw Rome as the true seat of power. They confronted the new rulers, the popes for the supreme power. It was the dispute about who was the true representative of God. Both emperor and pope claimed to be true inheritors of the Roman Empire.
It is said that one life is not enough to get to comprehend Rome. Maybe you'll require about ten, as much as the countless stray cats that also occupy the city, but a week will do for a first introduction. At each corner of each street there’s a story to tell. Thousands of stories together tell the history of a three thousand year old city. Two weeks may be enough for a hasty tour through most everything; a month would be better. Fortunately, Rome (population 2.900.000) is compact enough to skim the best in three (full) days, and if you have more time we guarantee you will find delightful and fulfilling ways to use it.
The most impressive features in Rome comprehend the Trevi fountain (remind Anita Ekberg in the classic scene in La Dolce Vita) and the Spanish Steps, the Roman heritage sights such as the Pantheon, the Colloseum and the Forum Romanum, at least some of the world famous churches such as Il Gesu, S. Giovanni in Laterano or Sta. Maria Maggiore. Make sure not to miss a stroll through the Vatican City with the incredibly huge St. Peter's Cathedral and the unrivalled Vatican Museum.
Italy Travel Guide
Italy is a beautiful country but is one of those countries which you probably have some questions and preconceptions, before your coming to this special country. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia and sunshine, roman ruins and renaissance palaces, Italy has a lot to give its tourists. Although some of these conceptions are amazing and interesting, it would be a shame if that was the only thing you come away with. Italy is certainly much more complex and stimulating than these concepts.
Italy is a country full of interesting things for the casual tourist and the educated tourist, it has deep Roman Catholic roots. The tourists can stay weeks in important tourist centers without reason to feel bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track. In the north, next to the Alps and the landscapes of the Po river, many cultural gems and highly developed industrial cities fascinate. In this exciting country the people live the "la vita Italiana".
Lombardia is the capital of Milan, city of business organization and haute couture, the tourist can easily stay weeks without being bored. Bergamo is only an hour of distance and has an upper Old Town. On every corner you will observe something new. Venice and Verona are the most famous tourist attractions in the north-east of Italy, maybe you can think about romantic love affairs here.
The people can discover easily the beautiful landscapes of Italy, Verona province may be the more fascinating. Many persons say that the north-west of italy is a paradise for every culinary interested traveler. For the people who adore the wine, Piemonte is related with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Turin is the capital of Piemonte, this city provides more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions. Lots of tourist attractions like museums, modern art, music and book fairs make of this city, one of the notable Italian cities concerning cultural life. At the same time it is a booming industrial and multimedia city.
Italy is a country full of interesting things for the casual tourist and the educated tourist, it has deep Roman Catholic roots. The tourists can stay weeks in important tourist centers without reason to feel bored, but it is equally simple to get off the beaten track. In the north, next to the Alps and the landscapes of the Po river, many cultural gems and highly developed industrial cities fascinate. In this exciting country the people live the "la vita Italiana".
Lombardia is the capital of Milan, city of business organization and haute couture, the tourist can easily stay weeks without being bored. Bergamo is only an hour of distance and has an upper Old Town. On every corner you will observe something new. Venice and Verona are the most famous tourist attractions in the north-east of Italy, maybe you can think about romantic love affairs here.
The people can discover easily the beautiful landscapes of Italy, Verona province may be the more fascinating. Many persons say that the north-west of italy is a paradise for every culinary interested traveler. For the people who adore the wine, Piemonte is related with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Turin is the capital of Piemonte, this city provides more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions. Lots of tourist attractions like museums, modern art, music and book fairs make of this city, one of the notable Italian cities concerning cultural life. At the same time it is a booming industrial and multimedia city.
Bordeaux Travel Guide
Bordeaux is the capital of Gironde department with a population of 660,000 people, this is the largest cities in France and one of the largest in Europe, Bordeaux is an economic, comercial and industrial center, but its principal source is the wine trade, all the wine produced in the Bordelais region is known as Bordeaux wine. In the 5th century the city lost its importance but it was increased again when the city became the seat of the dukes of Aquitaine, the commercial activity also increased during this period.
The intellectual reputation of Bordeaux was made by Montaigne and Montesquieu, who were born nearby and who were both magistrates in the city. In the 18th century Bordeaux begun exporting wine to England and the relation between these regions were better. The Third Republic was established in Bordeaux in the National Assembly in 1871. This city was the temporary seat of French Goverment during the World Wars.
The intellectual reputation of Bordeaux was made by Montaigne and Montesquieu, who were born nearby and who were both magistrates in the city. In the 18th century Bordeaux begun exporting wine to England and the relation between these regions were better. The Third Republic was established in Bordeaux in the National Assembly in 1871. This city was the temporary seat of French Goverment during the World Wars.
Cannes Travel Guide
The city of Cannes is situated at the south part of France in the Riviera region and its population is approximately of 70.000 inhabitants. Cannes is very famous around the world for its Film Festival and also for its Cannes Lions Festival. This is a very luxurious city and has as a principal source the tourism.
It is 905 km away from Paris, 164 km from Marseille and 26 km away from Nice. The coast is very visited, the Boulevard de la Croisette is one of the most important attractions for tourists who love beach, sun and sand.
La Croisette is a 12 km waterfront avenue with many elegant hotels, cafés, shops and restaurants around and many palm trees along. Visiting the Musée de la Castre is also a good option for seeing impresionant works of art, paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. And if you want to relax visit the Īles de Lérins (Lérins Islands) nice views and beautiful beaches.
If you just take a walk in the streets of Cannes you will find a very friendly atmosphere, the main rues are d’Antibes and Meynardier. You will have a good time at the boutiques and the restaurants are very good, the prices are sometimes expensive depending if the restaurant is located in the waterfront the price'll be a bit more expensive than the other.
It is 905 km away from Paris, 164 km from Marseille and 26 km away from Nice. The coast is very visited, the Boulevard de la Croisette is one of the most important attractions for tourists who love beach, sun and sand.
La Croisette is a 12 km waterfront avenue with many elegant hotels, cafés, shops and restaurants around and many palm trees along. Visiting the Musée de la Castre is also a good option for seeing impresionant works of art, paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. And if you want to relax visit the Īles de Lérins (Lérins Islands) nice views and beautiful beaches.
If you just take a walk in the streets of Cannes you will find a very friendly atmosphere, the main rues are d’Antibes and Meynardier. You will have a good time at the boutiques and the restaurants are very good, the prices are sometimes expensive depending if the restaurant is located in the waterfront the price'll be a bit more expensive than the other.
Lyon Travel Guide
Lyon is the third largest city in France, is located 431km (268 miles) southeast of Paris and 311km (193 miles) north of Marseille, is the capital of the Rhōne-Alpes region and the second largest contributor to the French economy after Paris, has a population of 413 000 inhabitants.
Lyon is between two hills: the Fourvičre and Croix-Rousse and between two rivers: the turbulent Rhōne and the tranquil Saōne. Lyon is a very industrial city, textile manufacturing is one of the most important here, but not only that, this city is known as the capital of gastronomy, like Paris, this city has the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, the most famous chef Paul Bocuse has his restaurant in Lyon and this city can be called the cuisine's paradise.
Lyon is considered an UNESCO World Heritage List since December 1998, specifically the Saint-Jean and the Croix-Rousse areas. A very beautiful city with its architectural renaissance buildings and monuments.
Lyon is also called the 'city of light' because of its history which began on Fourvičre Hill, when the city was under the Romans, and the city was proclaimed capital of the three Gauls, while during this period Lyon obtained a big development in economic, politic, religious and military aspects. The tradition od the city of Lights or 'Lugdunum' (as called by the Romans) is still present, every evening more than 100 sites across the city are lit up to show the splendor of Lyon’s architecture.
Lyon is between two hills: the Fourvičre and Croix-Rousse and between two rivers: the turbulent Rhōne and the tranquil Saōne. Lyon is a very industrial city, textile manufacturing is one of the most important here, but not only that, this city is known as the capital of gastronomy, like Paris, this city has the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants, the most famous chef Paul Bocuse has his restaurant in Lyon and this city can be called the cuisine's paradise.
Lyon is considered an UNESCO World Heritage List since December 1998, specifically the Saint-Jean and the Croix-Rousse areas. A very beautiful city with its architectural renaissance buildings and monuments.
Lyon is also called the 'city of light' because of its history which began on Fourvičre Hill, when the city was under the Romans, and the city was proclaimed capital of the three Gauls, while during this period Lyon obtained a big development in economic, politic, religious and military aspects. The tradition od the city of Lights or 'Lugdunum' (as called by the Romans) is still present, every evening more than 100 sites across the city are lit up to show the splendor of Lyon’s architecture.
Paris Travel Guide
Paris is the capital city of France and is located in Īle-de-France region, on the Seine river, with an estimated population of 2,153,600 inhabitants. The Paris region is the France's center of economic activity and also in paris are located the main offices of important organizations such as: UNESCO, NATO, the OECD, the ICC. Paris is not only an economic center but also a learning and cultural city, the fashion of Paris is well known around the world, many famous fashion designers make their events in this city.
During the first to fifth century Paris was called Lutetia but after this period it adopted its actual name. Paris is sometimes called 'The City of Light' because its cultural life and intellectual preeminance and also for its beautiful appearance. The French capital is one of the most wonderful cities around the world, a metropolis that satisfied all tourist's expectation and more, Paris has a seductive atmosphere.
Paris territory was firstly habitated by a sub-tribe of celtic Senones, the Parisii, settled the area near the Seine River from around 250 B.C. In 1190 was constructed a wall for enclosing Paris, this wall had the Louver as its western fortress. During the late 17th and the 18th cent. Paris acquired further glory as the scene of many of France's greatest cultural achievements: the plays of Moličre, Racine, and Corneille; the music of Lully, Rameau, and Gluck; the paintings of Watteau, Fragonard, and Boucher; and the salons where many of the philosophes of the Enlightenment gathered.
At the beginning of 1968, Paris was the scene of serius disorders such as a student strike, in 1971 the Paris's famous central market was dismantled, but there is now located the Paris new metro hub. In 1977 was constructed the Georges Pompidou National Center for Art and Culture, which includes the National Museum of Modern Art. In 1992 it was built Eurodisney in the Parisian suburbs, and the Louver was renovated this year too.
Modern Paris is the result of many remodeling and ordering process, at the middle of 19th century occured an urbanisation, new wide roads, neo classical stone buildings, and no more narrow streets, part of this Paris is what we see nowadays, also were constructed higher buildings but there are laws that try to preserve the city historic making difficult the construction of modern edifications within city limits.
During the first to fifth century Paris was called Lutetia but after this period it adopted its actual name. Paris is sometimes called 'The City of Light' because its cultural life and intellectual preeminance and also for its beautiful appearance. The French capital is one of the most wonderful cities around the world, a metropolis that satisfied all tourist's expectation and more, Paris has a seductive atmosphere.
Paris territory was firstly habitated by a sub-tribe of celtic Senones, the Parisii, settled the area near the Seine River from around 250 B.C. In 1190 was constructed a wall for enclosing Paris, this wall had the Louver as its western fortress. During the late 17th and the 18th cent. Paris acquired further glory as the scene of many of France's greatest cultural achievements: the plays of Moličre, Racine, and Corneille; the music of Lully, Rameau, and Gluck; the paintings of Watteau, Fragonard, and Boucher; and the salons where many of the philosophes of the Enlightenment gathered.
At the beginning of 1968, Paris was the scene of serius disorders such as a student strike, in 1971 the Paris's famous central market was dismantled, but there is now located the Paris new metro hub. In 1977 was constructed the Georges Pompidou National Center for Art and Culture, which includes the National Museum of Modern Art. In 1992 it was built Eurodisney in the Parisian suburbs, and the Louver was renovated this year too.
Modern Paris is the result of many remodeling and ordering process, at the middle of 19th century occured an urbanisation, new wide roads, neo classical stone buildings, and no more narrow streets, part of this Paris is what we see nowadays, also were constructed higher buildings but there are laws that try to preserve the city historic making difficult the construction of modern edifications within city limits.
French Architecture
French is an architectural city, you can spend all your days walking through the streets of Paris, or any other region, visiting the museums, and taking pictures next to one of the many impressive monuments. France has many old monuments and they are in well condition as an example are the Maison Carrée and the Pont du Gard near Nīmes.
The Carolingian dinasty of Charlemagne was a period of innovative buildings, using the Romanesque architecture, and gave rise to the architecture of the Romanesque period, many works of art were constructed in France in this period as the Gothic style cathedrals, an example of this is the Chartres Cathedral (begun 1194), St. Sernin, Toulouse (1080–1120) and Ste-Madeleine Church at Vézelay (1089-1206).
The term Romanesque comes from the buildings of the Roman Empire. The Romanesque style incorporates elements of Byzantine and Eastern origin and can be thought it was a response to the needs of monasteries and churches, the stone vault was one of the most successful Romanesque innovations. Each region has its own romanesque style which reflect the regional traditions and costumes. The Benedictine monastery church at Cluny in Burgundy is the largest and most important romanesque building, Cluny was the center of the Bebedictine order in France.
The Carolingian dinasty of Charlemagne was a period of innovative buildings, using the Romanesque architecture, and gave rise to the architecture of the Romanesque period, many works of art were constructed in France in this period as the Gothic style cathedrals, an example of this is the Chartres Cathedral (begun 1194), St. Sernin, Toulouse (1080–1120) and Ste-Madeleine Church at Vézelay (1089-1206).
The term Romanesque comes from the buildings of the Roman Empire. The Romanesque style incorporates elements of Byzantine and Eastern origin and can be thought it was a response to the needs of monasteries and churches, the stone vault was one of the most successful Romanesque innovations. Each region has its own romanesque style which reflect the regional traditions and costumes. The Benedictine monastery church at Cluny in Burgundy is the largest and most important romanesque building, Cluny was the center of the Bebedictine order in France.
Best of France
La Rochelle
The city of La Rochelle was the first city in the world to provide free bikes - "city bikes", back in the 70's. Free to use for the day. La Rochelle also has beautiful beaches all around where you can enjoy and relax, La Rochelle is also famous for its towers some of them are: La Tour de la Lanterne, Tour Saint-Nicolas and la Tour de la Chaine.
The French Alps
If you like skying this is a good option, the French Alps are imponent and majestic, the perfect place to sky, the Mount Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe with an altitude of 4808 meters. There are also shop markets and valleys with trees and lakes, the landscape is simply fascinating.
The Eiffel Tower
This is probably the most known monument in France, but at the beginning it was a not very well accepted construction, french citizens did not like it and thought it was a waste of money. This iron tower was built on the Champ de Mars beside the River Seine in Paris, the tower replaced the Washington Monument and was called the Tower Eiffel in honor of its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel.
Champagne
Champagne is a province located at the northeast of France, and is well known for its famous white wine. Champagne is mostly fermented in two sizes bottles, standard bottle (750 mL), and Magnum (1.5 L). In general, magnums are thought to be higher quality, as there is less oxygen in the bottle, and the volume to surface area favors the creation of appropriately-sized bubbles.
Chartres Cathedral
Chartres is truly one of the greatest of all French Gothic cathedrals. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is located less than 100 km (about 50 miles) south of Paris and is considered to be one of the finest examples of the "high Gothic" style of architecture.
The city of La Rochelle was the first city in the world to provide free bikes - "city bikes", back in the 70's. Free to use for the day. La Rochelle also has beautiful beaches all around where you can enjoy and relax, La Rochelle is also famous for its towers some of them are: La Tour de la Lanterne, Tour Saint-Nicolas and la Tour de la Chaine.
The French Alps
If you like skying this is a good option, the French Alps are imponent and majestic, the perfect place to sky, the Mount Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe with an altitude of 4808 meters. There are also shop markets and valleys with trees and lakes, the landscape is simply fascinating.
The Eiffel Tower
This is probably the most known monument in France, but at the beginning it was a not very well accepted construction, french citizens did not like it and thought it was a waste of money. This iron tower was built on the Champ de Mars beside the River Seine in Paris, the tower replaced the Washington Monument and was called the Tower Eiffel in honor of its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel.
Champagne
Champagne is a province located at the northeast of France, and is well known for its famous white wine. Champagne is mostly fermented in two sizes bottles, standard bottle (750 mL), and Magnum (1.5 L). In general, magnums are thought to be higher quality, as there is less oxygen in the bottle, and the volume to surface area favors the creation of appropriately-sized bubbles.
Chartres Cathedral
Chartres is truly one of the greatest of all French Gothic cathedrals. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is located less than 100 km (about 50 miles) south of Paris and is considered to be one of the finest examples of the "high Gothic" style of architecture.
French History
Europe begun to be occupied from about 200,000 BC by the Homo sapiens, but have died 30,000 years ago supposedly during a period of cold weather. Around 2500 B.C the Celts came from Central Europe and settled in Gaul. The Celts were iron workers and dominated Gaul until 125 B.C., when the Roman Empire began its reign in southern France. Greeks and Phoenicians established settlements along the Mediterranean, most notably at Marseille. Julius Caesar conquered part of Gaul in 57–52 B.C., and it remained Roman until Franks invaded in the 5th century A.D.
Gaul was divided in seven provinces. The Romans were afraid about populations become in local identities and begun to displace them so they avoided a threat to the Roman integrity. That's why many Celts were moved and enslaved out of Gaul. Many changes have occured during a cultural evolution under the Roman Empire, one of them was the change of the Gaulish language by Vulgar Latin, the similarities between one language and the other favoured the transition. Gaul was under the Romans control for centuries.
In 486, Clovis I, leader of the Salian Franks, defeated Syagrius at Soissons and then united most of northern and central Gaul under his rule. Christianity in France received a boost when in 496, Clovis adopted the Roman Catholic form of Christianity. In some ways Clovis' reign brought stability and unity to France, but in some other ways it contributed to fragmentation, because Clovis divided up the territory as gifts and rewards.
Charles Martel was the first leader of the Carolingian dynasty and is the responsible of the expansion of the Frankish kingdom and also stopped the Muslim advance. Charlemagne not only was an able military leader, but he was also a great supporter of education and the arts. During Charlemagne's period there was a Carolingian renaissance but shortly after his death the kingdom was divided. Hugh Capet was elected to the throne of France, this way the Carolingian dynasty ended and the Capetian Dynasty begun. In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy invaded England and was crowned as the English king on Christmas Day, 1066. With the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was married before with king Louis VII of France and the get married with Henry II of England, there was yielded most of the western part of France to the British Wreath. After the death of the last Capetian king Charles IV, Edward III of England claimed the French Throne and started the Hundred Years' War in 1337. With the help of a French peasant girl, Joan of Arc, Charles VIII emerged victorious in the war and drove the English back to Calais.
France become a centralized state where was established an absolute monarchy having the doctrine of the Divine Right of Kings and the explicit support of the established Church. The long Italian Wars (1494-1559) marked the beginning of early modern France. Once Francis I was captured at Pavia the French monarchy had to look for allies and founded one in the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Admiral Barbarossa captured Nice on 5 August 1543 and handed it down to Francis I. During the 16th century, the Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs were the dominant power in Europe, they controlled some other duchies and kingdoms across Europe. Despite all of this, French became the preferred language of Europe's aristocracy.
Gaul was divided in seven provinces. The Romans were afraid about populations become in local identities and begun to displace them so they avoided a threat to the Roman integrity. That's why many Celts were moved and enslaved out of Gaul. Many changes have occured during a cultural evolution under the Roman Empire, one of them was the change of the Gaulish language by Vulgar Latin, the similarities between one language and the other favoured the transition. Gaul was under the Romans control for centuries.
In 486, Clovis I, leader of the Salian Franks, defeated Syagrius at Soissons and then united most of northern and central Gaul under his rule. Christianity in France received a boost when in 496, Clovis adopted the Roman Catholic form of Christianity. In some ways Clovis' reign brought stability and unity to France, but in some other ways it contributed to fragmentation, because Clovis divided up the territory as gifts and rewards.
Charles Martel was the first leader of the Carolingian dynasty and is the responsible of the expansion of the Frankish kingdom and also stopped the Muslim advance. Charlemagne not only was an able military leader, but he was also a great supporter of education and the arts. During Charlemagne's period there was a Carolingian renaissance but shortly after his death the kingdom was divided. Hugh Capet was elected to the throne of France, this way the Carolingian dynasty ended and the Capetian Dynasty begun. In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy invaded England and was crowned as the English king on Christmas Day, 1066. With the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine, who was married before with king Louis VII of France and the get married with Henry II of England, there was yielded most of the western part of France to the British Wreath. After the death of the last Capetian king Charles IV, Edward III of England claimed the French Throne and started the Hundred Years' War in 1337. With the help of a French peasant girl, Joan of Arc, Charles VIII emerged victorious in the war and drove the English back to Calais.
France become a centralized state where was established an absolute monarchy having the doctrine of the Divine Right of Kings and the explicit support of the established Church. The long Italian Wars (1494-1559) marked the beginning of early modern France. Once Francis I was captured at Pavia the French monarchy had to look for allies and founded one in the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Admiral Barbarossa captured Nice on 5 August 1543 and handed it down to Francis I. During the 16th century, the Spanish and Austrian Habsburgs were the dominant power in Europe, they controlled some other duchies and kingdoms across Europe. Despite all of this, French became the preferred language of Europe's aristocracy.
France Travel Guide
France is the most visited country in the world. It has everything that you could ever want to see on your holidays: a great city like Paris, good beaches, more monuments than any other country, lovely nature, incredible mountain scenery; need I go on? France is also a very pleasant place to stay. It has good food, great wines and people enjoy their lives. And the best thing is, maybe apart from Paris, living in France does not have to be expensive. The North of France consists of the flatlands around the town of Lille and the Channel. The area will remind visitors in many ways of Belgium and the Netherlands. The Grand' Place in Lille for example is a lot like that of Brussels.
Paris, the city of light and its surroundings are one of the most visited areas. Paris is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities on the planet.
West of France is turned towards the Atlantic Coast. In the north Normandy & Brittany have rolling hills, sandy beaches and quiet little harbour towns. Normandy & Brittany have a more rugged coast and many neolithic sites. It has quite a distinct atmosphere from the rest of the country; you can still sense the Celtic origin of the region and its inhabitants.
The eastern part of France consists of the Alsace, Lorraine, Franche Comté and Burgundy regions. The landscape has rolling hills and many beautiful cities, such as Metz, Strasbourg, Nancy and Dijon. This region produces many famous wines, including magnificent pinot noirs and chardonnays valued the world over, as well as the famous "Yellow wine" from the Jura mountain vineyard.
The Center of France is in many ways the most quiet part of France. But the great treasure of this region is the Loire valley , with many great castles and beautiful towns. Chartres with its famous cathedral and Tours rate among the most beautiful French cities.
The Alps are great for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Albertville, Grenoble and Chamonix have all hosted the Olympic games. But the Alps also have nice towns to visit, such as Chambéry, Annecy or Grenoble .
The South with its lovely nature, good food, roman ruins and of course the Riviera draws a lot of visitors every year. Towns like Orange, and Arles but also big cities like Marseille and Toulon are must sees. The Provence is dotted with pleasant small villages. In the South west of France the Dordogne is one of the most quintessential French regions. The valley is so pretty, the towns are so cute and the food is so good, that it is hard to believe that the people who live here go somewhere else for their holidays. The Languedoc has its own language and culture. In the south of the Languedoc you find the Pyrenees, a great mountain range separating France from Spain, where you can hike and ski. The towns of Toulouse and Montpellier are nice and the medieval town of Carcassone is a top destination.
Paris, the city of light and its surroundings are one of the most visited areas. Paris is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities on the planet.
West of France is turned towards the Atlantic Coast. In the north Normandy & Brittany have rolling hills, sandy beaches and quiet little harbour towns. Normandy & Brittany have a more rugged coast and many neolithic sites. It has quite a distinct atmosphere from the rest of the country; you can still sense the Celtic origin of the region and its inhabitants.
The eastern part of France consists of the Alsace, Lorraine, Franche Comté and Burgundy regions. The landscape has rolling hills and many beautiful cities, such as Metz, Strasbourg, Nancy and Dijon. This region produces many famous wines, including magnificent pinot noirs and chardonnays valued the world over, as well as the famous "Yellow wine" from the Jura mountain vineyard.
The Center of France is in many ways the most quiet part of France. But the great treasure of this region is the Loire valley , with many great castles and beautiful towns. Chartres with its famous cathedral and Tours rate among the most beautiful French cities.
The Alps are great for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Albertville, Grenoble and Chamonix have all hosted the Olympic games. But the Alps also have nice towns to visit, such as Chambéry, Annecy or Grenoble .
The South with its lovely nature, good food, roman ruins and of course the Riviera draws a lot of visitors every year. Towns like Orange, and Arles but also big cities like Marseille and Toulon are must sees. The Provence is dotted with pleasant small villages. In the South west of France the Dordogne is one of the most quintessential French regions. The valley is so pretty, the towns are so cute and the food is so good, that it is hard to believe that the people who live here go somewhere else for their holidays. The Languedoc has its own language and culture. In the south of the Languedoc you find the Pyrenees, a great mountain range separating France from Spain, where you can hike and ski. The towns of Toulouse and Montpellier are nice and the medieval town of Carcassone is a top destination.
Bratislava attractions
Bratislava attractions
St. Martin's cathedral
10 worthwhile ways to spend an hour (or more) in Bratislava
If you only have an hour or so free, you may be interested in one of the following local favourites. Most of them are within the historic Old Town within walking distance of each other; the exceptions are easily reachable by public transportation. Unless otherwise noted, the following list is oriented mostly to adults – for the best ideas on what to do with young children, please visit our Kids page.
St Martin’s Cathedral and its surroundings, particularly the adjacent seminary on Kapitulska Street with its robed adepts, give an almost intact physical overview of the environs of a major coronation cathedral.
Bratislava Castle, apart from offering a quick look at historical architecture and artifacts, gives you a wonderful view of the city, especially pretty in the evening.
The Slovak National Gallery displays an overview of Slovak art, with the most remarkable and extensive collection focusing on Gothic church art. www.sng.sk
The Slovak National Museum centres on natural history (geology, wildlife and ancient man), and recently has increasingly invested in outstanding temporary exhibits.
Bibiana children’s museum will of course captivate younger visitors, but its uniquely creative arts exhibits interest visitors of all ages. Close to other Old Town attractions, it’s especially easy to add to other activities.
A short but rich Jewish history tour includes a stop at the Chatam Sofer mausoleum (tours here requires special arrangement in advance), the Jewish History museum, and a stroll through the adjacent old Jewish quarter – partly decimated by communist building projects, but even in these spots suitably marked with commemorative monuments. Information on all these sights at www.slovak-jewish-heritage.org.
Other small museums abound in Old Town. The art exhibitions are especially memorable, in part because of their location in palaces mostly baroque in period.
Old Town “without museums”: even those who don’t enjoy museums will be moved by the beauty available on a simple stroll through the historic core, mostly closed to cars. Small art and antique galleries and shops are mingled with a surprising number of restaurants and cafes.
Devin Castle, even if you have limited time, is fifteen minutes from downtown by car or bus.
Outdoors inside the city: the most popular participatory sport by far is walking in the woods, and it is easy to enjoy this with even a few free minutes. Koliba with its distinctive radio tower is best known, but unexpectedly close in-city forests are also to be found in Horsky Park, Zelezne Studienka and Devinska Kobyla.
St. Martin's cathedral
10 worthwhile ways to spend an hour (or more) in Bratislava
If you only have an hour or so free, you may be interested in one of the following local favourites. Most of them are within the historic Old Town within walking distance of each other; the exceptions are easily reachable by public transportation. Unless otherwise noted, the following list is oriented mostly to adults – for the best ideas on what to do with young children, please visit our Kids page.
St Martin’s Cathedral and its surroundings, particularly the adjacent seminary on Kapitulska Street with its robed adepts, give an almost intact physical overview of the environs of a major coronation cathedral.
Bratislava Castle, apart from offering a quick look at historical architecture and artifacts, gives you a wonderful view of the city, especially pretty in the evening.
The Slovak National Gallery displays an overview of Slovak art, with the most remarkable and extensive collection focusing on Gothic church art. www.sng.sk
The Slovak National Museum centres on natural history (geology, wildlife and ancient man), and recently has increasingly invested in outstanding temporary exhibits.
Bibiana children’s museum will of course captivate younger visitors, but its uniquely creative arts exhibits interest visitors of all ages. Close to other Old Town attractions, it’s especially easy to add to other activities.
A short but rich Jewish history tour includes a stop at the Chatam Sofer mausoleum (tours here requires special arrangement in advance), the Jewish History museum, and a stroll through the adjacent old Jewish quarter – partly decimated by communist building projects, but even in these spots suitably marked with commemorative monuments. Information on all these sights at www.slovak-jewish-heritage.org.
Other small museums abound in Old Town. The art exhibitions are especially memorable, in part because of their location in palaces mostly baroque in period.
Old Town “without museums”: even those who don’t enjoy museums will be moved by the beauty available on a simple stroll through the historic core, mostly closed to cars. Small art and antique galleries and shops are mingled with a surprising number of restaurants and cafes.
Devin Castle, even if you have limited time, is fifteen minutes from downtown by car or bus.
Outdoors inside the city: the most popular participatory sport by far is walking in the woods, and it is easy to enjoy this with even a few free minutes. Koliba with its distinctive radio tower is best known, but unexpectedly close in-city forests are also to be found in Horsky Park, Zelezne Studienka and Devinska Kobyla.
Bratislava Tours
Bratislava tours & day trips
History of Bratislava
The rise of Bratislava as an important centre of economic, political and cultural life was not just a coincidence, but it was similar to that of other Europeans hubs. Learn more about the city's history.
Guided tours
Bratislava, capital city of Slovakia, has many interesting places and sights to visit. Experience
the unique atmosphere of both historical and modern Bratislava with a qualified tour guide.
We offer you these possibilities:
Bratislava Sightseeing - guaranteed daily tours
Bratislava Tour Guide
Must see sights in Bratislava:
Bratislava Castle
Slovak National Theatre
Slovak National Gallery
Slovak National Museum
Main Square
St. Martin's Cathedral
Danube port
Clock Museum
Primatial Palace
and many more
History of Bratislava
The rise of Bratislava as an important centre of economic, political and cultural life was not just a coincidence, but it was similar to that of other Europeans hubs. Learn more about the city's history.
Guided tours
Bratislava, capital city of Slovakia, has many interesting places and sights to visit. Experience
the unique atmosphere of both historical and modern Bratislava with a qualified tour guide.
We offer you these possibilities:
Bratislava Sightseeing - guaranteed daily tours
Bratislava Tour Guide
Must see sights in Bratislava:
Bratislava Castle
Slovak National Theatre
Slovak National Gallery
Slovak National Museum
Main Square
St. Martin's Cathedral
Danube port
Clock Museum
Primatial Palace
and many more
Amsterdam Info
Amsterdam is one of the greatest small cities in the world. From its canals to world-famous museums and historical sights, Amsterdam is one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in Europe.
Amsterdam is also a city of tolerance and diversity. It has all the advantages of a big city: culture, nightlife, international restaurants, good transport - but is quiet, and largely thanks to its canals, has a little road traffic. In Amsterdam your destination is never far away, but get a bike for most authentic experience.
Amsterdam quick facts:
Population: 751,000
Time zone: CET (UTC +1 hour)
Telephone area code: +20
Country: The Netherlands (also known as Holland)
Amsterdam tourist attractions:
Museums are the main tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Everyone knows the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, but there is much more. Amsterdam has over fifty museums which attract millions of visitors each year.
Amsterdam is also a city of tolerance and diversity. It has all the advantages of a big city: culture, nightlife, international restaurants, good transport - but is quiet, and largely thanks to its canals, has a little road traffic. In Amsterdam your destination is never far away, but get a bike for most authentic experience.
Amsterdam quick facts:
Population: 751,000
Time zone: CET (UTC +1 hour)
Telephone area code: +20
Country: The Netherlands (also known as Holland)
Amsterdam tourist attractions:
Museums are the main tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Everyone knows the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, but there is much more. Amsterdam has over fifty museums which attract millions of visitors each year.
Facts and Figures
Geography
Location Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Area total: 30,528 sq km
land: 30,278 sq km
water: 250 sq km
Area - comparative about the size of Maryland
Land boundaries total: 1,385 km
border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km
Coastline 66.5 km
Climate temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Terrain flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Elevation extremes lowest point: North Sea 0 m
highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m
Natural resources coal, natural gas, construction materials, silica sand, carbonates
Land use arable land: 23.28%
permanent crops: 0.4%
other: 76.32%
note: includes Luxembourg (2001)
Geography - note crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO
People
Population 10,364,388 (July 2005 est.)
Age structure 0-14 years: 16.9% (male 892,995/female 855,177)
15-64 years: 65.7% (male 3,435,282/female 3,373,917)
65 years and over: 17.4% (male 745,178/female 1,061,839) (2005 est.)
Birth rate 10.48 births/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Death rate 10.22 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Net migration rate 1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Sex ratio at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)
Total fertility rate 1.64 children born/woman (2005 est.)
Nationality noun: Belgian(s)
adjective: Belgian
Ethnic groups Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
Religions Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Languages Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Government
Country name conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium
conventional short form: Belgium
local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie
local short form: Belgique/Belgie
Government type federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch
Capital Brussels
Administrative divisions 10 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Dutch: provinces, singular - provincie) and 3 regions* (French: regions; Dutch: gewesten); Antwerpen, Brabant Walloon, Brussels* (Bruxelles), Flanders*, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams-Brabant, Wallonia*, West-Vlaanderen
note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities
Independence: 4 October 1830 (a provisional government declares independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King Leopold I ascends to the throne)
National holiday 21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King Leopold I
Constitution 7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a constitutional package creating a federal state
Legal system civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Diplomatic representation in the US chief of mission: Ambassador Franciskus VAN DAELE
chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York
Diplomatic representation from the US chief of mission: Ambassador Tom C. KOROLOGOS
embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710
telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111
FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725
Flag description three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France
Economy
Economy - overview This modern private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Roughly three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt is nearly 100% of GDP. On the positive side, the government has succeeded in balancing its budget, and income distribution is relatively equal. Belgium began circulating the euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth in 2001-03 dropped sharply because of the global economic slowdown, with moderate recovery in 2004.
GDP purchasing power parity - $316.2 billion (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 2.6% (2004 est.)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $30,600 (2004 est.)
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 1.3%
industry: 25.7%
services: 73% (2004 est.)
Investment (gross fixed) 19.1% of GDP (2004 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 1.9% (2004 est.)
Labor force 4.75 million (2004 est.)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture 1.3%, industry 24.5%, services 74.2% (2003 est.)
Budget revenues: $173.7 billion
expenditures: $174.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.56 billion (2004 est.)
Public debt 96.2% of GDP (2004 est.)
Agriculture - products sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk
Industries engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate 3.5% (2004 est.)
Current account balance $11.4 billion (2004 est.)
Exports $255.7 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.)
Exports - commodities machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs
Exports - partners Germany 19.9%, France 17.2%, Netherlands 11.8%, UK 8.6%, US 6.5%, Italy 5.2% (2004)
Imports $235 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.)
Imports - commodities machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil products
Imports - partners Germany 18.4%, Netherlands 17%, France 12.5%, UK 6.8%, Ireland 6.3%, US 5.5% (2004)
Currency euro (EUR)
note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries
Fiscal year calendar year
Transportation
Railways total: 3,518 km
standard gauge: 3,518 km 1.435-m gauge (2,631 km electrified) (2003)
Highways: total: 149,028 km
paved: 116,540 km (including 1,729 km of expressways)
unpaved: 32,488 km (2002)
Waterways: 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) (2003)
Pipelines: gas 1,485 km; oil 158 km; refined products 535 km (2004)
Ports and harbors: Antwerp (one of the world's busiest ports), Brugge, Gent, Hasselt, Liege, Mons, Namur,
Oostende, Zeebrugge
Merchant marine: total: 53 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,146,301 GRT/1,588,184 DWT
by type: bulk carrier 15, cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, container 8, liquefied gas 17, petroleum tanker 9
foreign-owned: 12 (Denmark 4, France 4, Greece 4)
registered in other countries: 101 (2005)
Airports: 43 (2004 est.)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 25
over 3,047 m: 6
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 7 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 18
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 16 (2004 est.)
Heliports: 1 (2004 est.)
Location Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France and the Netherlands
Area total: 30,528 sq km
land: 30,278 sq km
water: 250 sq km
Area - comparative about the size of Maryland
Land boundaries total: 1,385 km
border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands 450 km
Coastline 66.5 km
Climate temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Terrain flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Elevation extremes lowest point: North Sea 0 m
highest point: Signal de Botrange 694 m
Natural resources coal, natural gas, construction materials, silica sand, carbonates
Land use arable land: 23.28%
permanent crops: 0.4%
other: 76.32%
note: includes Luxembourg (2001)
Geography - note crossroads of Western Europe; majority of West European capitals within 1,000 km of Brussels, the seat of both the European Union and NATO
People
Population 10,364,388 (July 2005 est.)
Age structure 0-14 years: 16.9% (male 892,995/female 855,177)
15-64 years: 65.7% (male 3,435,282/female 3,373,917)
65 years and over: 17.4% (male 745,178/female 1,061,839) (2005 est.)
Birth rate 10.48 births/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Death rate 10.22 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Net migration rate 1.23 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Sex ratio at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female
total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2005 est.)
Total fertility rate 1.64 children born/woman (2005 est.)
Nationality noun: Belgian(s)
adjective: Belgian
Ethnic groups Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
Religions Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Languages Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)
Government
Country name conventional long form: Kingdom of Belgium
conventional short form: Belgium
local long form: Royaume de Belgique/Koninkrijk Belgie
local short form: Belgique/Belgie
Government type federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch
Capital Brussels
Administrative divisions 10 provinces (French: provinces, singular - province; Dutch: provinces, singular - provincie) and 3 regions* (French: regions; Dutch: gewesten); Antwerpen, Brabant Walloon, Brussels* (Bruxelles), Flanders*, Hainaut, Liege, Limburg, Luxembourg, Namur, Oost-Vlaanderen, Vlaams-Brabant, Wallonia*, West-Vlaanderen
note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities
Independence: 4 October 1830 (a provisional government declares independence from the Netherlands); 21 July 1831 (King Leopold I ascends to the throne)
National holiday 21 July (1831) ascension to the Throne of King Leopold I
Constitution 7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a constitutional package creating a federal state
Legal system civil law system influenced by English constitutional theory; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal and compulsory
Diplomatic representation in the US chief of mission: Ambassador Franciskus VAN DAELE
chancery: 3330 Garfield Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-6900
FAX: [1] (202) 333-3079
consulate(s) general: Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York
Diplomatic representation from the US chief of mission: Ambassador Tom C. KOROLOGOS
embassy: Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent, B-1000 Brussels
mailing address: PSC 82, Box 002, APO AE 09710
telephone: [32] (2) 508-2111
FAX: [32] (2) 511-2725
Flag description three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the design was based on the flag of France
Economy
Economy - overview This modern private enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Roughly three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt is nearly 100% of GDP. On the positive side, the government has succeeded in balancing its budget, and income distribution is relatively equal. Belgium began circulating the euro currency in January 2002. Economic growth in 2001-03 dropped sharply because of the global economic slowdown, with moderate recovery in 2004.
GDP purchasing power parity - $316.2 billion (2004 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 2.6% (2004 est.)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $30,600 (2004 est.)
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 1.3%
industry: 25.7%
services: 73% (2004 est.)
Investment (gross fixed) 19.1% of GDP (2004 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 1.9% (2004 est.)
Labor force 4.75 million (2004 est.)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture 1.3%, industry 24.5%, services 74.2% (2003 est.)
Budget revenues: $173.7 billion
expenditures: $174.8 billion, including capital expenditures of $1.56 billion (2004 est.)
Public debt 96.2% of GDP (2004 est.)
Agriculture - products sugar beets, fresh vegetables, fruits, grain, tobacco; beef, veal, pork, milk
Industries engineering and metal products, motor vehicle assembly, transportation equipment, scientific instruments, processed food and beverages, chemicals, basic metals, textiles, glass, petroleum
Industrial production growth rate 3.5% (2004 est.)
Current account balance $11.4 billion (2004 est.)
Exports $255.7 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.)
Exports - commodities machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, metals and metal products, foodstuffs
Exports - partners Germany 19.9%, France 17.2%, Netherlands 11.8%, UK 8.6%, US 6.5%, Italy 5.2% (2004)
Imports $235 billion f.o.b. (2003 est.)
Imports - commodities machinery and equipment, chemicals, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, transportation equipment, oil products
Imports - partners Germany 18.4%, Netherlands 17%, France 12.5%, UK 6.8%, Ireland 6.3%, US 5.5% (2004)
Currency euro (EUR)
note: on 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro as a common currency to be used by financial institutions of member countries; on 1 January 2002, the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the member countries
Fiscal year calendar year
Transportation
Railways total: 3,518 km
standard gauge: 3,518 km 1.435-m gauge (2,631 km electrified) (2003)
Highways: total: 149,028 km
paved: 116,540 km (including 1,729 km of expressways)
unpaved: 32,488 km (2002)
Waterways: 2,043 km (1,528 km in regular commercial use) (2003)
Pipelines: gas 1,485 km; oil 158 km; refined products 535 km (2004)
Ports and harbors: Antwerp (one of the world's busiest ports), Brugge, Gent, Hasselt, Liege, Mons, Namur,
Oostende, Zeebrugge
Merchant marine: total: 53 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 1,146,301 GRT/1,588,184 DWT
by type: bulk carrier 15, cargo 2, chemical tanker 2, container 8, liquefied gas 17, petroleum tanker 9
foreign-owned: 12 (Denmark 4, France 4, Greece 4)
registered in other countries: 101 (2005)
Airports: 43 (2004 est.)
Airports - with paved runways: total: 25
over 3,047 m: 6
2,438 to 3,047 m: 8
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 7 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways: total: 18
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m: 16 (2004 est.)
Heliports: 1 (2004 est.)
History Of Belgium
Beginning in 57 BC, Julius Caesar extended the power of Rome into the region of Europe that is now Belgium. The people he encountered there were the Belgae, one of the various Celtic tribes of early Gaul, and the Romans dubbed their new province Gallia Belgica. In the fourth century AD, with Rome in decline, control of Gaul was ceded to the Franks, a Germanic tribe that the weakened empire employed as mercenaries. As the Franks flourished, they decided to dispense with their Roman employers. By 431, they had established an independent dynasty, the Merovingian, with its capital at Tournai. Soon after, under Clovis I (c.466-511), the Merovingians succeeded in pummeling the last of the Romans in Gaul. They held large parts of present day France and Belgium as well as southwestern Germany. Clovis also adopted Christianity, thus gaining the support of the Church.
After Clovis' death the Merovingian kingdom began to fragment, and the Frankish lands did not come together under single rule again until the reign of Pepin III (the Short) in 751. Pepin deposed the last of the Merovingians and founded the Carolingian dynasty, which is named after his son Charlemagne.
Charlemagne succeeded his father in 768 and ruled for almost a half century, creating during that time an empire that covered nearly all of continental Europe, with the exception of Spain and Scandinavia. In 800, Pope Leo III crowned him Emperor of the West. Although Charlemagne spent much of his reign conquering and subduing various parts of Europe, he also did much to foster commerce and the arts. The beginnings of organized trade along Belgium's rivers was one result of his reign, as was the preservation of classical learning and the arts.
On Charlemagne's death, his empire was divided, and familial feuding led finally to the Treaty of Verdun in 843. Under the terms of the treaty, three of Charlemagne's grandsons split the empire between them. West Francia, under Charles the Bold, formed the basis of France. The Middle Kingdom was given to Lothair, though it would soon fragment. East Francia, under Louis the German, became the basis of Germany. West Francia included the narrow strip of land north and west of the Scheldt river in today's Belgium. The remainder of present-day Belgium was included first in the Middle Kingdom, under Lothair, but it gradually came under the sway of the German kings.
Medieval Belgium
This division was soon to have great consequences for the development of Belgium's nascent cities. In the northwestern part of Belgium, which nominally belonged to the young kingdom of France, there arose the powerful Counts of Flanders. The first of these was Baldwin Iron Arm, who amply demonstrated his independence from the French by carrying off and marrying one of the daughters of Charles the Bold. Baldwin also began the process of creating fortified towns in Flanders in order to curtail the depredations of the Norsemen. The first of these was Ghent (c.867), and the process was continued by Baldwin's heir (Baldwin II) with the fortification of Bruges and Ypres. The southeastern part of today's Belgium eventually became part of the Duchy of Lower Lotharingia or Lorraine, under the German kings.
In 977, Charles, Duke of Lorraine, built the fortress on the Senne River that was the foundation of Brussels. For the most part, however, the southeastern portion of today's Belgium became split into a number of minor spheres of power, one of which was the prince-bishoprie of Liege.
At the outset of the new millennium, Belgium consisted of the cities of Flanders, unified under their strong Counts, and the less unified cities to the south and east of the Scheldt. As the Norse raids fell off and Europe's major kingdoms gradually stabilized, trade began to grow by leaps and bounds. For Flanders in particular, this was the beginning of a golden age. By importing wool from England and weaving it into fine cloth for sale on the continent, the Flemish cities became exceedingly wealthy, populous, and powerful. By 1300, Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres, in particular, had gained virtual autonomy from aristocratic rule, developing the proud civic culture that still distinguishes them today.
Needless to say, this situation did not please the aristocracy, who itched to regain control over such attractive sources of wealth and power. The Counts of Flanders wanted to regain their local authority, and France very much wanted to reassert its claims to Flanders. In 1302, the cities successfully rejected such claims, utterly defeating the French nobility at the Battle of the Golden Spurs. But the aristocracy persisted, and its unity eventually proved stronger than that of the cities, where local rivalries complicated unified resistance. By 1329, the independence of the cities had been broken, and Flanders once again came under the control of France.
England, as the supplier of raw wool to the cloth trade, was more than a little displeased by this outcome. It stopped sending wool, and began a long attempt to break French power, both in Flanders and in France itself. For almost a century, the French and English clashed repeatedly in the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), and in Flanders the struggle coincided with repeated attempts by the cities to regain their autonomy. The struggles finally ended when Philip the Bold of Burgundy, who had benefited from Burgundy's long alliance with the English against the French, became the ruler of Flanders in 1384.
The Burgundian Period
Under Philip the Good (ruled 1419-1467), the Burgundian empire in Belgium expanded and began to flourish. Philip gained control of the southeastern areas, including Brussels, Namur, and Liege. He suppressed the independence of the cities, brought them under central rule from Brussels, and consolidated the region's economy. Philip's reign brought new prosperity and, with it, a great era of cultural development.
Painting especially reached new highs in the work of Robert Campin, the brothers van Eyck, and Rogier van der Weyden. After Philip's death, his rule over present-day Belgium passed first to Charles V.
In the 1490s, as Bruges' waterways to the sea gradually silted up, trade shifted further north and Antwerp emerged as the pre-eminent commercial city in the region
The ascension of Philip II to the Spanish throne in 1555 brought on the next crisis in Belgium's history, as King Philip's strident Spanish Catholicism coincided tragically with the rise of Protestantism in northern Europe. In the Flemish cities especially, Protestantism was a deeply political movement, linked to the long tradition of resistance to aristocratic domination. Social unrest in the cities was met by Philip with harsh and rigid repression, including the introduction of a massive Spanish military presence in the north as well as the execution of thousands of Protestants. By 1565, a powerful League of Nobility, under the leadership of William of Orange and Count Egmont (governor of Flanders), had joined in the opposition to Spain. Philip responded by sending in the notorious Duke of Alva at the head of an army of 10,000 troops.
Alva outlawed William, executed Egmont and other leading nobles in Brussels' Grand'Place, and began terrorizing the country. Popular opposition exploded, particularly in the north, and within a few years Alva found himself powerless to exercise control over any but the southern cities, which had remained much closer to the Catholic church.
By 1576, William's power in the north was virtually unchallenged, and he came to terms with the Spanish. The United Provinces, as the northern regions came to be known, struggled for the next seventy-five years to maintain their independence. The Catholic regions to the south remained faithful to Spain, becoming known as the Spanish Netherlands. In 1648, with the Treaty of Munster, the much-weakened Spanish not only recognized the independence of the United Provinces, but also agreed to close the Scheldt to navigation. As a result, Antwerp and Ghent, like Bruges before them, lost their predominance as the region's centers of trade. For the next several centuries, the Dutch port of Amsterdam would play that role.
The Battleground
Over the next century, France emerged as the most powerful state in Europe. Under the rule of Louis XIV (1659-1715), the French made sustained efforts to extend their control over the Spanish Netherlands. Louis' ambitions were feared not only by the Spanish, but also by the Dutch, who had no desire to see powerful France extend its borders to their own. England also opposed French expansion, especially after William III, ruler of the Dutch, accepted the English throne.
As a result, present-day Belgium was for much of the century a battleground between Louis XIV and the shifting alliances of his opponents.
These struggles reached their climax during the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713), prompted by the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain. Before his death, Charles had named as his successor Philip of Anjou, who also happened to be Louis' grandson. As one might expect, Louis informed his young relative that it would be best for all concerned if Philip would immediately cede the Spanish Netherlands to France. It was an offer that Philip could not refuse, but also one that no one else in Europe could accept. For the next decade France attempted repeatedly to establish its rule, while Dutch, English, and Austrian armies consistently rejected each attempt. By 1713, Louis had had enough, and with the Treaty of Utrecht France ceded its claims over the Spanish Netherlands to the Habsburg rulers of Austria.
In fact, the region continued to enjoy virtual independence, paying as little attention to the Habsburg claims as it had paid to the claims of the weakened Spanish during the previous century. By the end of the 18th century Belgium was ready to assert its own identity. With the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, the country rose up in revolt against the Austrians, and in 1790 independence was declared in the form of the United States of Belgium. However, the leaders of the new country were deeply divided amongst themselves, and the Austrians rapidly re-established control. Austria, however, soon found itself at war with the French Republic, and by 1795 the successful French had "liberated" Belgium. Although the French instituted far-reaching reforms that later served as the foundations for the modern Belgian government, they were in fact far more inclined to see Belgium as a source of revenue and troops. Churches were seized and despoiled, massive conscription was introduced, and popular protest was crushed with a ruthlessness reminiscent of the Spanish occupation.
The New Kingdom
With the rise of Napoleon, French rule over Belgium became more constructive, including the revitalization of industry and (with the opening of the Scheldt) the partial recovery of Antwerp. With Napoleon's fall, the great Allied powers decreed that Belgium would become a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, ruled by the pro-Dutch William of Orange. By 1830 the Belgians' patience had run out. Revolution erupted in Brussels and quickly spread across the country. William made a brief effort to regain control, but within a few months he withdrew. On 20 January, 1831, after centuries of external rule, Belgium was recognized as an independent nation.
The Belgians chose Leopold of Saxe-Coburg to be their first King, under a constitution that significantly limited the power of the monarchy.
Under Leopold I and then his son Leopold II, Belgium flourished both economically and culturally.
Leopold II was succeeded in 1909 by Albert I, his nephew. Albert's reign was dominated by World War I, during which most of the country fell under extremely harsh German occupation despite determined resistance. The Belgian army survived the invasion, and it played a central role in retaking the country at the end of the war. Albert lived until 1934, when he died in a tragic climbing accident. His wife Elisabeth is remembered as a great patron of the arts. Together with Eugene Ysaye, she founded the world-renowned Queen Elisabeth Contest, Belgium's foremost musical competition.
Albert was succeeded by his son Leopold III, who like his father was soon confronted by war. In 1940, Germany invaded Belgium and Holland. As the blitzkrieg swept across the country, the Belgian government evacuated to London. Leopold, however, surrendered to the German forces when the Belgian lines at Kortrijk were broken. The territories of Eupen, Malmedy and St. Vith were annexed to the German Reich and the rest of Belgium occupied. Leopold was held prisoner in the palace of Laeken before being taken to Germany. When the Allied Forces liberated Belgium at the end of 1944, popular feeling against Leopold was substantial, and his brother Prince Charles assumed regency.
Leopold III returned to Belgium in 1950, but popular opposition to his rule remained substantial. In 1951, he abdicated in favor of his son Baudouin.
In the post-war period, Brussels has gradually taken on its role as the 'capital' of Europe. It is the headquarters of the European Community and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as well as gaining a reputation as the foremost European center of international business. In 1957, Belgium formed, with the Netherlands and Luxembourg, the Benelux Union.
Perhaps the most significant of the postwar developments has been the increasing local autonomy of various regions of the country. In 1977 the country was divided into three administrative regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. In 1980, the Belgian constitution was changed to recognize this separation, shifting the structure of the nation to a federation. In 1995, the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant were created from the old province of Brabant, leaving Belgium with a total of 10 provinces.
When King Baudouin died in 1993, his brother Albert II succeeded to the throne. Albert II is married to Paola Ruffo di Calabria. The Royal couple has three children, Prince Philip (the official heir to the throne), Princess Astrid (who is married to Archduke Lorenz of Austria), and Prince Laurent.
After Clovis' death the Merovingian kingdom began to fragment, and the Frankish lands did not come together under single rule again until the reign of Pepin III (the Short) in 751. Pepin deposed the last of the Merovingians and founded the Carolingian dynasty, which is named after his son Charlemagne.
Charlemagne succeeded his father in 768 and ruled for almost a half century, creating during that time an empire that covered nearly all of continental Europe, with the exception of Spain and Scandinavia. In 800, Pope Leo III crowned him Emperor of the West. Although Charlemagne spent much of his reign conquering and subduing various parts of Europe, he also did much to foster commerce and the arts. The beginnings of organized trade along Belgium's rivers was one result of his reign, as was the preservation of classical learning and the arts.
On Charlemagne's death, his empire was divided, and familial feuding led finally to the Treaty of Verdun in 843. Under the terms of the treaty, three of Charlemagne's grandsons split the empire between them. West Francia, under Charles the Bold, formed the basis of France. The Middle Kingdom was given to Lothair, though it would soon fragment. East Francia, under Louis the German, became the basis of Germany. West Francia included the narrow strip of land north and west of the Scheldt river in today's Belgium. The remainder of present-day Belgium was included first in the Middle Kingdom, under Lothair, but it gradually came under the sway of the German kings.
Medieval Belgium
This division was soon to have great consequences for the development of Belgium's nascent cities. In the northwestern part of Belgium, which nominally belonged to the young kingdom of France, there arose the powerful Counts of Flanders. The first of these was Baldwin Iron Arm, who amply demonstrated his independence from the French by carrying off and marrying one of the daughters of Charles the Bold. Baldwin also began the process of creating fortified towns in Flanders in order to curtail the depredations of the Norsemen. The first of these was Ghent (c.867), and the process was continued by Baldwin's heir (Baldwin II) with the fortification of Bruges and Ypres. The southeastern part of today's Belgium eventually became part of the Duchy of Lower Lotharingia or Lorraine, under the German kings.
In 977, Charles, Duke of Lorraine, built the fortress on the Senne River that was the foundation of Brussels. For the most part, however, the southeastern portion of today's Belgium became split into a number of minor spheres of power, one of which was the prince-bishoprie of Liege.
At the outset of the new millennium, Belgium consisted of the cities of Flanders, unified under their strong Counts, and the less unified cities to the south and east of the Scheldt. As the Norse raids fell off and Europe's major kingdoms gradually stabilized, trade began to grow by leaps and bounds. For Flanders in particular, this was the beginning of a golden age. By importing wool from England and weaving it into fine cloth for sale on the continent, the Flemish cities became exceedingly wealthy, populous, and powerful. By 1300, Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres, in particular, had gained virtual autonomy from aristocratic rule, developing the proud civic culture that still distinguishes them today.
Needless to say, this situation did not please the aristocracy, who itched to regain control over such attractive sources of wealth and power. The Counts of Flanders wanted to regain their local authority, and France very much wanted to reassert its claims to Flanders. In 1302, the cities successfully rejected such claims, utterly defeating the French nobility at the Battle of the Golden Spurs. But the aristocracy persisted, and its unity eventually proved stronger than that of the cities, where local rivalries complicated unified resistance. By 1329, the independence of the cities had been broken, and Flanders once again came under the control of France.
England, as the supplier of raw wool to the cloth trade, was more than a little displeased by this outcome. It stopped sending wool, and began a long attempt to break French power, both in Flanders and in France itself. For almost a century, the French and English clashed repeatedly in the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), and in Flanders the struggle coincided with repeated attempts by the cities to regain their autonomy. The struggles finally ended when Philip the Bold of Burgundy, who had benefited from Burgundy's long alliance with the English against the French, became the ruler of Flanders in 1384.
The Burgundian Period
Under Philip the Good (ruled 1419-1467), the Burgundian empire in Belgium expanded and began to flourish. Philip gained control of the southeastern areas, including Brussels, Namur, and Liege. He suppressed the independence of the cities, brought them under central rule from Brussels, and consolidated the region's economy. Philip's reign brought new prosperity and, with it, a great era of cultural development.
Painting especially reached new highs in the work of Robert Campin, the brothers van Eyck, and Rogier van der Weyden. After Philip's death, his rule over present-day Belgium passed first to Charles V.
In the 1490s, as Bruges' waterways to the sea gradually silted up, trade shifted further north and Antwerp emerged as the pre-eminent commercial city in the region
The ascension of Philip II to the Spanish throne in 1555 brought on the next crisis in Belgium's history, as King Philip's strident Spanish Catholicism coincided tragically with the rise of Protestantism in northern Europe. In the Flemish cities especially, Protestantism was a deeply political movement, linked to the long tradition of resistance to aristocratic domination. Social unrest in the cities was met by Philip with harsh and rigid repression, including the introduction of a massive Spanish military presence in the north as well as the execution of thousands of Protestants. By 1565, a powerful League of Nobility, under the leadership of William of Orange and Count Egmont (governor of Flanders), had joined in the opposition to Spain. Philip responded by sending in the notorious Duke of Alva at the head of an army of 10,000 troops.
Alva outlawed William, executed Egmont and other leading nobles in Brussels' Grand'Place, and began terrorizing the country. Popular opposition exploded, particularly in the north, and within a few years Alva found himself powerless to exercise control over any but the southern cities, which had remained much closer to the Catholic church.
By 1576, William's power in the north was virtually unchallenged, and he came to terms with the Spanish. The United Provinces, as the northern regions came to be known, struggled for the next seventy-five years to maintain their independence. The Catholic regions to the south remained faithful to Spain, becoming known as the Spanish Netherlands. In 1648, with the Treaty of Munster, the much-weakened Spanish not only recognized the independence of the United Provinces, but also agreed to close the Scheldt to navigation. As a result, Antwerp and Ghent, like Bruges before them, lost their predominance as the region's centers of trade. For the next several centuries, the Dutch port of Amsterdam would play that role.
The Battleground
Over the next century, France emerged as the most powerful state in Europe. Under the rule of Louis XIV (1659-1715), the French made sustained efforts to extend their control over the Spanish Netherlands. Louis' ambitions were feared not only by the Spanish, but also by the Dutch, who had no desire to see powerful France extend its borders to their own. England also opposed French expansion, especially after William III, ruler of the Dutch, accepted the English throne.
As a result, present-day Belgium was for much of the century a battleground between Louis XIV and the shifting alliances of his opponents.
These struggles reached their climax during the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713), prompted by the death of the childless King Charles II of Spain. Before his death, Charles had named as his successor Philip of Anjou, who also happened to be Louis' grandson. As one might expect, Louis informed his young relative that it would be best for all concerned if Philip would immediately cede the Spanish Netherlands to France. It was an offer that Philip could not refuse, but also one that no one else in Europe could accept. For the next decade France attempted repeatedly to establish its rule, while Dutch, English, and Austrian armies consistently rejected each attempt. By 1713, Louis had had enough, and with the Treaty of Utrecht France ceded its claims over the Spanish Netherlands to the Habsburg rulers of Austria.
In fact, the region continued to enjoy virtual independence, paying as little attention to the Habsburg claims as it had paid to the claims of the weakened Spanish during the previous century. By the end of the 18th century Belgium was ready to assert its own identity. With the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, the country rose up in revolt against the Austrians, and in 1790 independence was declared in the form of the United States of Belgium. However, the leaders of the new country were deeply divided amongst themselves, and the Austrians rapidly re-established control. Austria, however, soon found itself at war with the French Republic, and by 1795 the successful French had "liberated" Belgium. Although the French instituted far-reaching reforms that later served as the foundations for the modern Belgian government, they were in fact far more inclined to see Belgium as a source of revenue and troops. Churches were seized and despoiled, massive conscription was introduced, and popular protest was crushed with a ruthlessness reminiscent of the Spanish occupation.
The New Kingdom
With the rise of Napoleon, French rule over Belgium became more constructive, including the revitalization of industry and (with the opening of the Scheldt) the partial recovery of Antwerp. With Napoleon's fall, the great Allied powers decreed that Belgium would become a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, ruled by the pro-Dutch William of Orange. By 1830 the Belgians' patience had run out. Revolution erupted in Brussels and quickly spread across the country. William made a brief effort to regain control, but within a few months he withdrew. On 20 January, 1831, after centuries of external rule, Belgium was recognized as an independent nation.
The Belgians chose Leopold of Saxe-Coburg to be their first King, under a constitution that significantly limited the power of the monarchy.
Under Leopold I and then his son Leopold II, Belgium flourished both economically and culturally.
Leopold II was succeeded in 1909 by Albert I, his nephew. Albert's reign was dominated by World War I, during which most of the country fell under extremely harsh German occupation despite determined resistance. The Belgian army survived the invasion, and it played a central role in retaking the country at the end of the war. Albert lived until 1934, when he died in a tragic climbing accident. His wife Elisabeth is remembered as a great patron of the arts. Together with Eugene Ysaye, she founded the world-renowned Queen Elisabeth Contest, Belgium's foremost musical competition.
Albert was succeeded by his son Leopold III, who like his father was soon confronted by war. In 1940, Germany invaded Belgium and Holland. As the blitzkrieg swept across the country, the Belgian government evacuated to London. Leopold, however, surrendered to the German forces when the Belgian lines at Kortrijk were broken. The territories of Eupen, Malmedy and St. Vith were annexed to the German Reich and the rest of Belgium occupied. Leopold was held prisoner in the palace of Laeken before being taken to Germany. When the Allied Forces liberated Belgium at the end of 1944, popular feeling against Leopold was substantial, and his brother Prince Charles assumed regency.
Leopold III returned to Belgium in 1950, but popular opposition to his rule remained substantial. In 1951, he abdicated in favor of his son Baudouin.
In the post-war period, Brussels has gradually taken on its role as the 'capital' of Europe. It is the headquarters of the European Community and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as well as gaining a reputation as the foremost European center of international business. In 1957, Belgium formed, with the Netherlands and Luxembourg, the Benelux Union.
Perhaps the most significant of the postwar developments has been the increasing local autonomy of various regions of the country. In 1977 the country was divided into three administrative regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. In 1980, the Belgian constitution was changed to recognize this separation, shifting the structure of the nation to a federation. In 1995, the provinces of Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant were created from the old province of Brabant, leaving Belgium with a total of 10 provinces.
When King Baudouin died in 1993, his brother Albert II succeeded to the throne. Albert II is married to Paola Ruffo di Calabria. The Royal couple has three children, Prince Philip (the official heir to the throne), Princess Astrid (who is married to Archduke Lorenz of Austria), and Prince Laurent.
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