October 2011 ~ Beautiful Places

Manarola

Manarola is part of the Cinque Terre in the Italian region of Liguria. The Cinque Terre consists of five villages located on the cliffs at the Mediterranean coast. The other villages are Corniglia, Vernazza, Riomaggiore and Monterosso al Mare.

The Cliffs at Etretat

The cliffs at Etretat are part of the Alabaster coast in France. In this seaside town you can have a great view of the white cliffs and the natural archways that reach out into the sea. You can enjoy the view of the 70 m high limestone cliffs with a walk on the paths leading from the beaches.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an island in the Lower Normandy region in France. The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway build in 1879. According to the legend, Archangel Saint-Michael instructed the bishop of Avranches to build a monastery at the top of the rocky island.

Monte Carlo Casino

Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco is one of the most luxurious casinos in the world. Charles Garnier, who also designed the Paris Opera House, was hired to created this famous Belle Époque building. The construction of the casino took place between 1858-1863 and was ordered by Prince Charles III.

Beersel Castle

Beersel Castle, located in the South of Brussels, was built by Godfried van Hellebeke between 1300 and 1310. It has 3 massive watchtowers and is surrounded by a wide moat. The castle was only conquered once in its existence, by the troops of Brussels in the rebellion against Maximilian of Austria in 1489.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Jan van Eyck Square

juka14

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This square in Bruges was named after famous 15th century Flemish painter Jan van Eyck. It's visited by many tourist for its beautiful views and the exceptional buildings surrounding the square. Most important building are the Poortersloge and the Old Toll House.

View location in Bruges, Belgium.

Church of Our Lady in Bruges

juka14

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The impressive Church of Our lady in Bruges dates back to the second half of the 13th century. Reaching a height of 122 m, the church is the second highest in Belgium and has the second highest brick tower in the world.

The Church of Our Lady contains a rich collection of art works, of which the most important is Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child”. This statue was made in 1504 in Carrara marble.

Other important art work include the painting "Crucifixion of Christ" by Anthony van Dyck and a rococo pulpit designed by Jan Antoon Garemijn.

View location in Bruges, Belgium.