subject: Find Weekend Beach Vacations To Virginia And Research On Renowned Churches And Festivities In Europe [print this page] Admire the Beauty of Rome on European Vacations
Rome has many beautiful churches that could make your European vacations more memorable and meaningful. Visit the five patriarchal basilicas in the city, each one ceremonially assigned to one of the patriarchs. The first church of the popes is San Giovanni in Laterano, designated to Pope St. John Lateran. Designed in Baroque style, it is the cathedral of Rome. Exquisite 5th century biblical mosaics, marble floors, spectacular ceilings and a bell tower are things you will see when you visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, for St. Mary Major, the Patriarch of Antioch. San Pietro in Vaticano, for St. Peter's Basilica, the Patriarch of Constantinople, is in the Vatican City. It is the current church of the pope, and one of the largest and most important Catholic churches in the world. The vast interior features a lot of bronze, marble and gold paintings, including Michelangelo's Pieta. Rome's second largest church is where the Apostle Paul is said to be buried -- San Paolo fuori le Mura, appointed to St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Patriarch of Alexandria.
Experience a Barcelona Fiesta on European Vacations
What better way to start your European vacations than with a bang in Barcelona!Visit in September when the Festes de la Merce arrives in town. This festival used to be an intimate religious parade which has evolved into a weeklong celebration of Catalan culture. Visitors are treated to a variety of choices, including fireworks displays on the beach, air shows on the seafront, performances and exhibitions, and free concerts of local music and hip hop genres. Kids are not left out, as activities targeted to different age groups are also available. Celebrate Barcelona and have a taste of local cooking. For a delectable selection of Catalan classics, head to Cinc Sentits. Bestsellers include lamb cutlets with porcini dust, the Catalan float coca bread with foie gras, suckling pig with apple compote, and slow-braised pork belly on gingerbread. For a truly hefty feast, order all four dishes!Leave room for scrumptious desserts such as apple sorbet, maple quesada, or a plate of cheese paired with fine wine.
Visit Historic Moscow on European Vacations
European vacations are made memorable with visits to the historic city of Moscow. The Moscow Kremlin has witnessed many significant events in history, and is now one of the worlds largest museums. The cathedrals and chambers of the Kremlin are rife with state regalia from ancient Russia, valuable icons and treasures of several Russian czars. Visit the Spasskaya Tower that was designed by architect Pietro Antonio Solari in 1491. Located at the main gate of the complex, the Spasskaya is one of the most beautiful towers in the Kremlin. At the Ivanovskaya Square of the Cathedral of Twelve Apostles is the Emperor Cannon. The oldest and biggest cannon in the world, the Emperor Cannon was cast by Andrey Shchokhov in 1586 and measures 5 meters and 34 centimeters, with a 120-centimeter barrel diameter and 890-millimeter caliber. It was made in Moscows Gun Court during the reign of Ivan the Terribles son, Fyodor. No Moscow trip is complete without visiting the famous Red Square.
European Vacations to Medieval Stockholm
Since Stockholm was founded more than 750 years ago, there has been a settlement in the Old City of Gamla Stan. As early as 1252, pillaging raids abounded in the winding medieval alleyways, small town squares, ancient churches and of course, the Royal Palace. Today, the horses and donkeys with carriages have been replaced by dozens of bus tours carrying tourists from around the world. You can easily avoid them by keeping off the main streets and instead taking the quaint side streets during your European vacations. You'll see how Sweden has come along since the ancient times when you visit Stadshuset, the City Hall. Stadshuset is Stockholm's most prominent landmark and one of the most important too, as it hosts the Nobel Prize banquet every year. Other must-see attractions in Stockholm include the 10,000-pipe organ, the inspiring Golden Hall where Swedish history is depicted by 18 million gold leaf pieces on wall mosaics, and the Council Chamber which looks like an open roof of a Viking longhouse.
