Why You Should Visit the Largest Ancient Castle in the World in Prague

The castle has always been the seat of Czech monarchs as well as the official residence of the head of state. Looming above the Vltava's left bank, its serried ranks of spires, towers, and palaces dominate the city center like a fairy-tale fortress. Its history begins in the 9th century when Prince Bořivoj founded a fortified settlement here. It grew haphazardly as rulers made their own additions. Download the Prague Castle Travel Guide and Offline Map and make your way there now.

1. The Crown Jewels

Stowed away in a chamber of St. Vitus Cathedral, the Bohemian Crown Jewels include the St. Wenceslas crown, royal scepter, and coronation cloak. And the Republic isn't taking any chances with their safekeeping. Both the chamber door and iron safe inside have seven locks, the keys to which are held by seven people, including the President, Prime Minister, and Prague Archbishop. The President typically puts them on display every five years. When he does, all seven key holders must head over to the Castle for the unlocking process.

2. Its History

A crucial Holocaust organizer, Reinhard Heydrich held court at Prague Castle starting in 1941. Terrified Czechs nicknamed him The Butcher of Prague. But a group of exiled Czech government officials decided to take action. Two Czech soldiers parachuted back into the country and headed for Prague, where they hopped on bicycles and rode toward the Castle. When they spotted The Butcher in his Mercedez convertible, they made their move, shooting and tossing grenades his way.

3. The Largest Castle in the World

The Prague Castle complex is enormous, with an area totaling of 753,474 square feet. That makes it the largest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The complex extends down to the Lesser Quarter or Mala Strana, where several chateaux and palaces are found. Wallenstein Palace, for one, is home to the Czech Senate and includes 26 houses and six gardens.

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Outstanding Reasons to Visit the Hermitage Museum in Russia

The Hermitage Museum does not disappoint and it certainly lives up to its reputation. You can get lost for days just soaking up all the treasures in its 360 rooms. And to think what's on display is a mere fraction of over three million items in their collection--this amounts to a comprehensive history of Western European art. Catherine the Great, one of the greatest art collectors of all time, began the collection. Visiting the museum requires planning so download the Hermitage Museum Travel Guide and Offline Map and start now!

1. Portrait of Soler

One of the most emotive paintings from Picasso’s ‘Blue Period’, Portrait of Soler is a picture of a young man sitting alone in a café, and is widely considered a comment on loneliness and isolation within the artist’s own life. Painted in 1903, using his good friend and patron, Soleras as his model, Picasso expresses melancholy through a powerful use of color, expression, and lighting – or lack thereof.

2. St. Luke Drawing the Virgin

A significant artwork by Belgian painter Rogier van der Weyden, St Luke Drawing the Virgin portrays an artist--perhaps a self-portrait of van der Weyden himself--sketching the Virgin Mary as she cradles baby Jesus. Interestingly, the canvas was initially two separate pieces, one half owned by Tsar Nicholas I, and the other by Alexander III. If you look closely, you can still see the vertical join.

3. Head of Athena

There are a number of sculptures of Greek Goddess Athena throughout the State Hermitage Museum, but the Head of Athena is arguably the most captivating. Dating back to the 2nd century, the marble is immaculately preserved, so her powerful and wise gaze continues to be as striking as it would have been when it was created.

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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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Dublin, Ireland’s Fair City

Dublin is one of the most exhilarating tourist destinations in the world. But it offers a lot more than just the extreme. Below are some of the most interesting reasons to check out Dublin. And don’t forget to get the Dublin Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro when you do.

The Forty Foot

The Forty Foot is one of Dublin’s traditional bathing pools is also the city’s most iconic attraction. It is a rocky plateau projecting into the Irish Sea. The clean deep waters of this swimming hole have been providing thrill and enjoyment to locals and tourists for more than 250 years. Just remember that it is not for everybody. The waters are frigid and there are no lifeguards. Jumping from the rocks is discouraged by not prohibited.

Mass-participation Events

Dublin holds several mass-participation events each year. The most popular of these events are the Great Dublin Bike Ride held in September and the Dublin Marathon held in October. Several thousands of people participate in each of these two events each year. They provide an opportunity for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts to meet and mingle with other likeminded people.

The ADIFF

The 10-day Audi Dublin International Film Festival 10-day is the event film buffs and movie nerds from all over the country are looking forward to the most. Numerous premiers, previews, and Q&A sessions happen in each of the 10 days. Prominent local and international celebrities grace the event. The highlight happens in the last few days when the audience is given the chance to see upcoming films several months before their scheduled released dates.

St Patrick’s Festival

Dublin is the true home of St Patrick’s Day. It is a national celebration of identity, arts, and culture during which the best of the best of local and international talents are honored with a slew of festivities. There is always something to look forward to when it comes to Dublin’s celebration of St Patrick’s Day. The city ups the ante each year so even regular visitors don’t know what to expect.

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St Petersburg, Russia’s Window to Europe

The 350 year-old city of St Petersburg has become an epic of European revolt and intrigue. Its political and historical narratives can still be seen today all around the city. Below are a few convincing reasons on why you should check out this amazing city. The city is huge so prepare your St Petersburg Travel Guide and Offline City Map.

The Art

Art is deeply ingrained in the veins of St. Petersburg. This is made obvious the moment you set foot into the city. Almost all the streets are covered in amazing street art that conveys various political and personal views by the artists. The most famous among this marvelous works of art is Timofey Radya’s manifesto All I Know About Street Art he painted at a former plastics factory and dedicated to the St Petersburg Street Art Museum. If you are not that into street art, the world renowned Hermitage Museum houses invaluable works by Rembrandt, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Rubens, and other famous artists.

The Parks

St. Petersburg has several world class parks worthy of your attention the most famous one being the Lower Park which is also referred to as the Russian Versailles. Its location which is between the Grand Palace and the seashore allows for an enthralling scenery and soothing breeze. The Lower Park houses the largest system of fountains in the world. Its arrangement of over 140 fountains will definitely make your jaw drop. It has three major cascades, each one distinct from the others.

The Palaces

St Petersburg has no shortage of majestic palaces. The Pavlovsk Palace was designed by several of its era’s brightest architects to serve as the perfect summer residence for Great Paul I. inside of the palace is like a different world where cultures from all over the world converge. It has sections dedicated for a particular culture. Its most popular sections are the Egyptian Vestibule, the Italian Hall, and the Greek Hall. Also hanging all around the palace interior are priceless French paintings. The palace also has a serene garden where musical greats such as Strauss occasionally perform.

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