Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne

The castle of Lavaux-Sainte-Anne was commissioned by Jean II de Berlo in 1450. This magnificent castle is encircled by a moat and is made up of three corner towers and a cavernous keep. It has many rooms to explore which are home to different exhibitions. A part of the castle still has all the furniture in it and is dedicated to local history and legend. Another part serves has a hunting museum.

View location in Lavaux-Sainte-Anne, Belgium.

Borkrijk's Arboretum

The arboretum is part of the domain of Bokrijk, which is 550 ha large and is managed by the Province of Limburg. The garden compromises 18 ha and was established at the beginning of 1965.

The arboretum specializes in Holly, having the largest reference collection of this genus in Europe. It is also home to the Belgium's Bamboo collection. Other theme gardens that can be seen here include a wetlands garden, a woodland garden, a fern garden and a Mediterranean garden.

View location in Genk, Belgium.

Château de la Hulpe

Château de La Hulpe was built in 1842 in French style by the Marquis of Béthune. The castle was purchased by Count Ernest Solvay in 1893. His grandson, Ernest-John Solvay, transferred the property to the Belgian state in 1968.

The castle is not open for public, but can be rented for special occasions. Domaine Solvay, which surrounds Château de la Hulpe, is 227-ha big and is classified as an “Exceptional Heritage Site in Wallonia”. This beautiful landscape park is open daily from 8am to 9pm in the summer, from 8am to 6pm in the winter.

View location in La Hulpe, Belgium.

Milan's Duomo: a Magnificent Cathedral

Milan's magnificent Duomo is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Construction was commissioned by bishop Antonio da Saluzzo in 1385. Although it was consecrated in 1418, the Duomo was not finished until the 19th century, when Napoleon had the façade completed.

The roof of the Duomo is decorated with more than 2200 statues. Most famous is the 4 m high gilded statue of Madonna which dates back to 1774. It's possible to access the roof by stairs or elevator and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

The inside of Milan's Cathedral is rather dark. There are five large naves divided by 52 pillars that support the cross vaulted ceiling. The stained glass windows of the choir are said to be the largest in the world.

Location: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy.