Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall was build in the 13th century and reconstructed in the 15th century with Gothic elements. Today you can find in here a popular restaurant and the city museum.

View location in Szczecin, Poland

Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin

The Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin was destroyed in World War II but rebuilt after. Today it serves as the seat of administrative and cultural institutions. Some parts are open for visitors, from the Bell Tower (last photo) you can enjoy a great view of the city. One the many benches on the bailey you can rest and have a look at the Clock Tower (first photo), which dates back to the 16th century.

View location in Szczecin, Poland

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. It was founded in 1128 as a monastery. It stands at the end of the Royal Mile and is open for visitors.

View location in Edinburgh, Scotland

Calton Hill

Calton Hill offers the best panoramic views of Edinburgh, from here you also get a great view of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat.
On the top are standing a few monuments, one the first photo you can see the Dugald Stewart Monument. It was built in 1831 and is a memorial to the Scottish philosopher Dugald Stewart.
Another one is the Nelson's Monument(3rd photo), built in memory of Admiral Lord Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The building, a signal mast, is 32m high and is open for visitors.
The National Monument(last photo) was erected in 1812 in memory of those who fell in the Napoleonic Wars. It was designed by Charles Cockerell who was assisted by William Playfair. The building was intended to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens but was unfinished because of financial problems.

View location in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish writer. It's over 61 metres tall and stands on Princes Street. It has a viewing deck on the top that can be reached by a total of 287 steps. The fairground that you see close to the monument is there for the festive season, a nice extra when visiting Edinburgh around Christmas.

View location in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia was the home of the Royal Family while being on the sea. It retired in December 1997 and now lays in the harbor of Edinburgh open for visitors. The entrance to the yacht is via a shopping centre next to it.

View location in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Former Seat of the Scottish Kings

Perched atop an extinct volcano at the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh Castle is an iconic symbol of Scottish history, heritage, and resilience. With its dramatic setting and rich tapestry of historical events, it stands as one of Europe's most captivating and culturally significant fortresses.

The origins of Edinburgh Castle date back over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited strongholds in Europe. Its strategic location made it an ideal defensive site, and over the centuries, it played a pivotal role in Scotland's tumultuous history.

Visitors to Edinburgh Castle are immediately struck by its commanding presence, dominating the skyline of the city. The castle's volcanic rock foundation is crowned by a complex of buildings that represent different architectural styles and periods. Among its prominent features is the Crown Square, where the Scottish Crown Jewels are displayed, including the Crown, Scepter, and Sword of State.

 

Edinburgh Castle's military history is equally compelling. The One O'Clock Gun, fired daily since 1861 (except Sundays), is a tradition that harkens back to the days when ships in the Firth of Forth relied on the precise timekeeping of the castle's gun to set their maritime clocks.

 

The castle also bears the scars of numerous sieges and battles, with Mons Meg, a massive medieval cannon, and the Half Moon Battery, constructed in the 16th century, serving as reminders of its military past.

Beyond its historical significance, Edinburgh Castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape, providing a unique vantage point for visitors to appreciate the beauty of Scotland.

Today, Edinburgh Castle stands as a testament to Scotland's enduring spirit and its ability to preserve its rich heritage. It continues to welcome visitors from around the world who come to explore its storied past, marvel at its architectural wonders, and immerse themselves in the history of this remarkable fortress at the heart of Scotland's capital.

Location: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, Scotland.

Website: Edinburgh Castle

A view from the Eiffel Tower

These photos are taken from the different levels of the Eiffel Tower.

View location in Paris, France

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe stands at the end of the Champs-Élysees. It is 51 metres high, 45 metres wide and is the second largest triumphal arch in the world. It was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to commemorate his victories.

View location in Paris, France