Prince's Palace: Official Residence of the Prince of Monaco

The official residence of the Prince of Monaco, the Prince's Palace, has been the home of the Grimaldi family since the end of the 13th century. It was founded in 1191 as a Genoese fortress but was captured by Francois Grimaldi and his men on January 8, 1297. Francois Grimaldi disguised as a monk and asking for shelter, managed to get inside by an unwitting guard and led the attack from there. The Grimaldi's, an aristocratic family of Genoa, were ousted some time before of their home during a conflict about the authority of Pope Innocent IV. The statue of Francois Grimaldi dressed as a monk is standing in front of the palace.
The Prince's Palace is open for visits from April 2 to October 31. During your visit you can see the State Apartments, the royal courtyard, 16th-century Genovese frescoes, a spectacular double-revolution staircase and much more. The changing of the guards takes place daily at 11:55 in the Palace Square.

View location in Monaco-Ville, Principality of Monaco.

De Haar Castle: A Fairytale Come to Life in the Netherlands

Located amidst the serene Dutch countryside, De Haar Castle, or Kasteel de Haar, is a true gem of Neo-Gothic architecture and a testament to the romance of the past. Located near the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands, this enchanting castle transports visitors to a world where fairytales merge with reality, creating a vision of opulence and elegance.

The origins of De Haar Castle trace back to the Middle Ages when a fortified stronghold stood on the site. However, it was in the late 19th century that the castle underwent a remarkable transformation. The renowned Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, known for his work on Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum and Centraal Station, led an extensive reconstruction project. The result was a stunning Neo-Gothic masterpiece that would become the epitome of fairytale castles.

 

Approaching De Haar Castle, visitors are greeted by a picturesque drawbridge that spans a serene moat. The castle's breathtaking exterior features pointed towers, turrets, and intricate carvings, all framed by impeccably maintained gardens that reflect the beauty of each season. The castle's allure is further enhanced by its charming courtyards and lush parkland, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics.

 

Stepping inside, the castle's opulent interior transports visitors back in time. Lavishly decorated rooms, including the grand reception hall, the dining room, and the luxurious bedroom suites, are adorned with sumptuous fabrics, exquisite artwork, and stunning stained glass windows. The castle's interior is a testament to the Victorian-era fascination with medieval themes and historical revival.

 

One of the most captivating aspects of De Haar Castle is its rich history and association with European nobility. It served as a private residence for the Rothschild family and hosted illustrious guests, including European royalty, diplomats, and celebrities.

 

The Castle's Chapel, a serene place of worship, and the delightful gardens, including the Rose Garden and the Roman Garden, provide tranquil spaces for reflection and admiration.

 

Throughout the year, De Haar Castle hosts a variety of cultural events, including exhibitions, concerts, and fairs, adding a dynamic element to its timeless charm. De Haar Castle is not merely a historical landmark; it's a living testament to the romantic ideals of a bygone era. It invites visitors to explore its fairytale-like grounds, revel in the opulence of its interiors, and immerse themselves in a world where dreams of grandeur come to life. A visit to De Haar Castle is an enchanting journey through the pages of a storybook, where the magic of the past endures in the present.

Location: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Website: De Haar Castle

Box Trees Sculptures in Parc des Topiaires

The Parc des Topiaires in Durbuy has a collection of mainly box trees trimmed in all possible forms. More than 250 sculptures are located in an area of 10.000 m². Some of these beautiful shaped plants are almost 120 years old. They received their current form after 20 years of patient trimming. The park is located on the banks of the Ourthe River, from here you have also a great view of the castle and the centre of Durbuy.

View location in Durbuy, Belgium.

Durbuy, the smallest city in the world

Durbuy is a Belgian city in the province of Luxembourg. It is located on the banks of the Ourthe River in the Ardennes region. Durbuy describes itself as being the smallest city in the world. They lost claims to this title when it joined with a number of surrounding communities into a single commune in 1977. According to the Guinness Book of World Records the smallest city in the world today is Hum in Croatia.
Nevertheless, Durbuy is a popular destination in Belgium for its adventure activities like kayaking, rock-climbing, cave exploration and many more. Main attraction in the centre is the Parc des Topiaires, a garden with beautiful shaped box trees. The city has also a castle(last photo) which is not open for visitors.

View location of Durbuy, Belgium.

Beautiful Architecture in Prague

Walking through the streets of Prague is a real pleasure. The mix of architecture makes Prague a great city to discover. Here is a small collection of some beautiful buildings in the centre. More great architecture can be found on my other posts.

View location of Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague's Magnificent Old Town Square

Located between Vltava River and Wenceslas Square, the Old Town Square is the heart of old Prague. The square is surround by many beautiful buildings like the Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock, the Church of Our Lady before Týn and St. Nicholas Church. In the centre of the square you can see the statue of Jan Hus, a religious reformer who was burned at the stake for his beliefs. The statue was erected on the 500th anniversary of his death at July 6 1915, it was made by Ladislav Saloud.
In the summer the Old Town Square is packed with tourists enjoying refreshment at the many terraces the square has to offer. During the year it is the place where many events, protests or celebrations are held.

View location in Prague, Czech Republic.