If you’re looking for travel inspiration in Europe then luckily there are plenty of places to see. Firstly however it is best that you consider looking at the entry requirements and necessary visas. You can look at europe-visa.com for example.
Plovdiv
This European city has a fascinating history and it is said that it is the oldest inhabited city in Europe and one of the oldest in the world – it was a Neolithic settlement four thousand years before Christ. And it is only two and a half hours from the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. The streets of its charming old town are lined with artists’ workshops and art galleries. There are more than restaurants. But speaking of art, where you have to get closer is its beautiful Kapana neighborhood, where every corner of its secluded streets can be seen in urban and alternative art. In the neighborhood there are also some pretty Viennese-style houses that have been preserved since the beginning of the 20th century.
Matera, the prehistoric city of Italy
We do not forget the other scenario of the European Capital of Culture 2019. It is located in southern Italy and is an ancient city called Matera, which was already put on the map when Mel Gibson chose it as the setting for his film The Passion of Christ because it reminded him of Jerusalem. And it is not surprising, because this city is also called “the second Bethlehem” thanks to its set of troglodyte dwellings excavated in the rocks that remind us of a manger. These houses called Sassi are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Galway, Ireland
Imagine a city in Ireland, green, rainy, with pubs where you can have a good pint. Add to this the bohemian touch and you discover the peculiar city of Galway on the shores of the Atlantic. In this city every year the Galway Festival of the Arts is celebrated – from July 15 to 28, 2019 – which this year will be 40 years old. An appointment full of artistic and heritage projects that you cannot miss. In addition, in 2020, Galway together with Rijeka in Croatia, will join the club of European cities named European Capital of Culture.
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg, the former Russian imperial capital, is currently one of the most dynamic cities in Russia and, above all, a modern city with a lot of art. Known for being the Venice of the North thanks to its canals and also for being the window to the western world. In fact, here is one of the largest art galleries in the world, the Hermitage Museum – the tenth in the world in terms of number of annual visits: more than 4.2 million visitors. If you visit it, take your time, because there are almost 400 rooms open to the public in different buildings and choosing well what you want to see –all in one day is impossible. One of these buildings is the impressive Winter Palace known for its tricolor facade. Do not forget to leave time to visit the Russian Museum, where you will get to know in depth the culture of the largest country in the world. The museum also celebrates its 255th anniversary this year.
Belgrade, the cradle of Serbian art
Destroyed and built a few times throughout its history, Belgrade has become a hub of opportunities to enjoy art and culture in Serbia. Art exhibitions in galleries and museums, musicals, film or book festivals, theaters, or notorious architecture such as the Belgrade Fortress or Kalemegdan Park. This underground spirit is running through the neighborhoods and districts of the city, in which more and more, different leisure proposals are seen. For example, in the Savamala district, an industrial area on the banks of the Sava, there are warehouses converted into cultural centers and art galleries, as well as designer restaurants that reinvent traditional cuisine and graffiti on almost every façade. One of the most famous is Kulturni Centar GRAD , an old warehouse turned into a multidisciplinary space where concerts, poetry recitals, art exhibitions, book presentations are organized.
Vaduz, in Liechtenstein, the medieval paradise
Wine cellars, museums, a ski resort open all year round, routes for cycling or hiking, and history. The princely history of one of the smallest countries in the world – almost 40,000 inhabitants – and that this year is celebrating its anniversary: it is 300 years old! Would you travel to this tiny paradise? In the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz, the main attraction is its castle in which the royalty of the country lives and which will be there throughout the year of celebration. The Cathedral of San Florián is also worth visiting. Vaduz’s artistic proposals can be seen in the National Museum and the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein museum of modern art.
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This is a contributed post.
