Why You Must Visit Siena, the Epitome of Tuscan Culture

The city of Siena is where architecture shines most in Tuscany. Everywhere you look you'll be greeted by great Gothic architecture, spectacular secular monuments from the medieval times, and extraordinary art collection from the same period. As one of the most well-preserved 17th-century villages, you can expect it to be as colorful and vibrant as it once was. Explore the beautiful city of Siena with the Siena Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     Duomo

Built over a former Roman temple in 1179, Siena's iconic Duomo was constructed over the 13th and 14th centuries. The majestic cathedral showcases the talents of great medieval and Renaissance architects and artists. From Giovanni Pisano who designed its intricate white, green and red marble facade to Nicola Pisano who carved the elaborate pulpit just to name a few. Its intricate flooring took over 200 years to finish with 40 artists working on the depiction of the historical and biblical scenes.

2.      Piazza del Campo

Popular known as "Il Campo", the sloping piazza has been the city's civic and social center since the mid-12th century. What once was a Roman marketplace is now divided into nine sectors representing the number of members of the consiglio and these days acts as a carpet on which young locals meet and relax. Enjoy the view and marvel in its grandness by sitting in one of its cafes and have some popular Italian coffee or apertivi.

3.     Libreria Piccolomini

Commisioned by Cardinal Francesco Todeschini Piccolomini, archbishop of Siena who later on became Pope Pius III, in 1492, it houses books of his uncle, Enea Silvio Piccolomini Pope Pius II. But the books aren't the only things that draw in the crowds. Its vividly colored narrative frescoes by Pinturicchio that depict the life of Pius II is a thing to behold. In the center of the hall is a group of statues known as the Tre Grazie (Three Graces), a 3rd-century Roman copy of an earlier Hellenistic work.

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Adventures in Santiago de Compostela, Spain's Famed Pilgrimage Site

Situated in the far north-west of Spain in the region of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela is a famous pilgrimage site. It symbolizes the Spanish Christian's struggle against Islam. At the end of the 10th century, the Muslims destroyed the city and was later rebuilt in the following century. It is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site not only for its rich history but also for its Gothic and Baroque architecture. Pack your bags and head over there with the Santiago de Compostela Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

The city's cathedral plays an important role in Christianity. It is said to be the burial place of Saint James the Great himself, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. The cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage since the early Middle Ages and marks the end of the pilgrimage route. The architecture itself is marvellous in its own right with a Romanesque structure, with later Gothic and Baroque additions.

2.      Museum of Galician People

The former 17th to 18th-century Convent of Santo Domingo de Bonaval house the Museum of Galician People that opened in 1977. The museum showcases the Galician culture with different rooms dedicated to the sea, trades, the land, clothes, music, the living environment, and architecture. It also has two sections dedicated to archaeology, painting, and sculpture. The museum owns a great collection of traditional costumes, laces, even musical instruments.

3.     Monte do Gozo

The Hill of Joy or what locals call Monte do Gozo is a hill in Santiago de Compostela and it is the first place where pilgrims get their first view of the spires of their final destination--the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. By tradition, this is also where the pilgrims cry out in rapture upon seeing their final destination. Monte de Gozo is about three kilometers outside the city and you may hike up to the top or alternatively and the more popular choice among visitors, cycle to the top.

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Why Visit Alicante, the Spanish City Set in the Mediterranean

The port city of Spain's Alicante in southeastern Costa Blanca s a melting pot of the old and the new. Nestled in this waterfront, Mediterranean city is a medieval castle, and old quarter, and a long waterfront with amazing hilltop views of the coast. Despite the sweeping medieval sites, Alicante is definitely one of the Spanish cities that is most influenced by tourism. So you'd also best expect an exciting dining scene and a legendary nightlife that's buzzing all year-round. So what are you waiting for? Download the Alicante Travel Guide and Offline Map now and make your way to this beautiful city!

1.      Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Set on Benacantil Mountain this large 16th-century castle offers a great panoramic view of the city at 166 meters above sea level. Archeological remains have been found on its slopes dating back to the Bronze Age, Iberian, and Roman times. The castle itself houses a museum that depicts the history of the city and as well as dedicating a couple of chambers for a temporary exhibition.

2.      Playa del Postiguet

This lively beach town is famous among locals where the young and young at heart spend their day. If you don't mind a little bit crowd especially during the Summers then Playa del Postiguet is the perfect getaway for a blissful day at the beach. If you don't want to sunbathe or go swimming then you can stroll along the promenade and its many chiringuitos, cafés, and restaurants. There's definitely plenty to do for both city breakers and families.

3.      Basílica de Santa María

As the oldest active church in the whole of Alicante province, the Basílica de Santa María was built in Valencian Gothic style between the 14th and 16th centuries over the remains of a mosque. The basilica stands tall with its single nave and six side chapels located between the buttresses. By the request of the city of Alicante to the Holy See, the church was promoted to the rank of basilica in 2007.

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Things You Must Experience at the Vatican

Right in the heart of Rome, Italy is Vatican City, a city-state that is considered the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. However, it isn't just known for being the Pope home, but it also houses a trove of iconic art and architecture. The Vatican Museums that hold ancient Roman sculptures, Michelangelo's masterpiece of the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Raphael rooms' stunning frescos are just some the most notable art that you will see in the Vatican. Explore the seat of Catholicism with the Vatican Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      The Sistine Chapel

Experience the rush of religious grandeur within the walls of the chapel in the Apostolic Palace. Revel in the grandeur of the official residence of the Pope and be stunned by the famous The Last Judgment ceiling by Michael Angelo himself. Along with the Sistine ceiling, the fame of the chapel lies mainly in the frescos that decorate the interior. Between 1470's and 1480's a team of Renaissance painters that included created a series of frescos depicting the Life of Moses and the Life of Christ.

2.      The St. Peter's Basilica

Experience the Pope's liturgies at the St. Peter's Basilica. Not only is St. Peter's regarded as one of the holiest Roman Catholic shrines, but it is also the largest church in the world. With that being said, it is famous as a place of pilgrimage where the pope holds liturgical functions throughout the year, drawing crowds of 15,000 to over 80,000 people at a time. The Basilica is also the burial site of the first Pope, Saint Peter, who is also one of Christ's Apostles. His tomb is said to be directly below the high altar of the Basilica.

3.      The Vatican Museums

Experience artistic history by visiting the Vatican museums, which holds an immense collection of more or less 70,000 pieces and 20,000 of them on display. The museums' collection was built up by the Popes and throughout centuries has included some of the most celebrated masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. It is one of the largest museums in the world and was visited by 6 million people 2013 making it the 6th most visited art museum in the world.

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Barcelona’s Architectural Masterpiece - Sagrada Familia – Must See!

Whether your time in Barcelona revolves around a layover, weekend away or a longer break, the one thing you cannot miss during your time in the Catalan capital is a visit to the Sagrada Familia. One of the most magnificent churches in the world, this amazing creation comes from the mind of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. The church is still a work in progress even though construction began in 1882 and is expected to finish in 2026--that’s 100 years after Gaudi's death. Tour this magnificent masterpiece with the Sagrada Familia Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      The Size, Detail, and Craftsmanship

Towering over its neighboring buildings, the Sagrada Familia is epic in scale. When complete it will have an impressive 18 spires, according to Gaudi's design, and will be the tallest church in the world. Outside the grand facade's intricate designs cover the walls in their entirety, with different styles being embraced in the telling of Christ's birth, life, and death. Visitors pass under the tree of life, with animals and wildlife to be spotted wherever you look and throughout the church areas are dedicated to everything from saints to sins. Inside the columns of the church are designed to look like trees and branches, and the roof so intricately designed you would want to stare at it for hours.

2.      The Stained Glass Windows

The stained glass brings the building to life, with rainbows of light showering down onto the walls and columns all around you. They really have to be seen to be believed. They are considered an essential feature of the church. Gaudi gave them the same expressive intricacy as the architecture of the carvings. And if you love it enough, you can even pay to have a pane of glass added with your own name on it.

3.      The View from the Top

The panoramic view of Barcelona will blow you away. The way the blue ocean from the Barcelona beach from afar contrasted with the orange glow of the church and the cityscape is worth mustering up your courage to defy your fear of heights, if you have one that is. The spectacular view is definitely a must-see for Barcelona first-timers and frequent visitors alike.

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5 reasons to visit Helsinki, the Compact Capital and Largest City of Finland. Find out!

Helsinki makes for a great destination any day of the year. Here are but some of the reasons why you really need to check this fantastic city out. Download the Helsinki Travel Guide and Offline City Map before you get there.

1.      Design Overload

Finland is well known the world over for its modern design heritage and you can see this showcased everywhere in Helsinki. Marimekko, Iittala, Artek, Arabia, and other world-renowned brands have become so ingrained in daily life in the city that you can’t avoid them even if you tried.

2.      Urban Nature

Helsinki is a highly modern city and yet it has managed to stick close to nature. Numerous green squares are still perfectly maintained and if they aren’t enough for you, the shoreline, parks, and forests are just a few minutes away. You can easily go back and forth between modern civilization and nature anytime you want.

3.      Sea All Around

Helsinki is part of an archipelago of around 300 islands. The city itself has a shoreline that stretches for more than a hundred kilometers. You can see water in every direction. Almost every kind of maritime attraction in existence can be found in or near the city which is why tourism is at its peak during summer. If there is a water sport or activity you want to try, odds are extremely high that you can do so in Helsinki.

4.      Innovative Food Culture

The city of Helsinki is surrounded by ocean which grants it easy access to a wide variety of fresh seafood while several nearby forests make for quick sources of fruits and herbs. There are also several nearby farms that supply fresh meat. All these fresh ingredients are the main reason why the city has several Michelin-starred restaurants. Helsinki is definitely the best place to savor authentic Finnish cuisine.

5.      Urban Saunas

Helsinki is home to both traditional saunas and state of the art modern saunas, and a significant portion of them are available to the public for free. Saunas are an important part of Finnish culture. Make sure you indulge on them.

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