Amsterdam Harbour busy port near city centre
Amsterdam Harbour is a 13th century port on the bank of a former bay known as IJ. It is the second largest port in the Netherlands, after Rotterdam. …
Europe
Santa Croce Basilica – Architecture and Art Treasures
Santa Croce Basilica is the largest Franciscan church in the world. This is a beautiful and historic basilica. It dates back to the thirteenth century. Wealthy Florentine families funded the construction. It is a vast church and well-known for its Florentine art. …
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The Netherlands – Some General Reflections
Netherlands is a small country of 17 million people. It is famous for tulip gardens, wooden windmills, cheese, canals, millions of bicycles and fields below sea level. Here are my reflections on this remarkable country and people.
People and Languages in Netherlands
Netherlands is largely a secular country. About forty percent of the population say that they haveno religion. Thirty percent are catholic and 20% are Protestant. …
Top Rome Attractions: Must-See Landmarks
Rome has a long history behind it. Top Rome attractions comprise classical ruins, age-old places of worship and iconic fountains. Rome is a modern and vibrant city where you will come across wonderful eateries, museums and activities. The city can be overwhelming to the visitors who may not know where to go first. But there are landmarks that are almost obligatory, such as the Colosseum and Vatican Museums.
1.Vatican Museums
Founded by Pope Julius II in early sixteenth century, Vatican Museums is one of the largest museums in the world. Popes amassed the collection over the centuries. The museums hold 70,000 works of art, out of which 20,000 are on display. Visitors walk through 7 km of halls and corridors. At the end of the route is Sistine Chapel which contains Michelangelo’s famous fresco The Creation of Adam. …
Roman Forum – the Ruins of Ancient Rome
A spread of impressive ruins, Roman Forum is in the heart of Rome. This is a small valley between Palatine and Capitoline hills. Many Roman emperors had built their palaces here. The Roman Forum was the scene of public meetings, law courts, and gladiatorial combats in republican times and was lined with shops and open-air markets. It was the hub of political, social and commercial activity of Roman citizens. As you go around Roman Forum, you will see ruins of temples, churches and public buildings. …