| Description: | You must see Europe at least once? Having been commissioned following the 1870 defeat in the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune of 1871, work on this enormous mock Romano-Byzantine edifice began in 1877. Paid for from the public purse and completed almost half a century later, in 1914, it was consecrated in 1919, by which time a jumble of architects had succeeded Paul Abadie, winner of the original competition. The results are impressive, especially given its prominent position atop the hill of Montmartre, and the interior is covered in lavish mosaics.
Fanning out right into the boundless blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, the walled city of Dubrovnik is something that can be termed as nothing less than 'Awe-Inspiring.' Enjoying the elevated status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik, by default, becomes an outstanding destination in the uncharted waters of Croatia travel for a casual tourist. For the adrenaline addicts, activities like kayaking, swimming, and a host of other water activities add to the thrill. And for the fans of Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik's fortifications create some deja vu. A sweeping view of the city can be enjoyed by climbing up Mount Srd, which remains effortlessly accessible via cable car or on foot.
The Anne Frank House is a must-see when in Amsterdam. On Prinsengracht, in the home where Anne's family hid for much of WWII (they were Jewish refugees from Frankfurt), is where this remarkable girl wrote her famous diary. Although she died just two months before the war ended, her legacy lives on through her words, which have since been translated into 51 languages. The back of the fully-restored house where the Frank family had their hiding place has been kept in its original state as much as possible and is a poignant monument to a tragic slice of world history and a brave young woman who continues to inspire people around the globe. A word of caution: tickets for this must-see attraction do sell out, so be sure to reserve yours online well ahead of time. |
