by Lindsay Shapka in History, culture, art
Referred to by many as the Duomo, this imposing and breathtaking cathedral in Florence (it literally took my breath away the first time I saw it), is officially known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
A mix of both Gothic and Renaissance architecture, its fabled dome rises above the historic city, and its intricate facade of white, green, and pink marble attracts millions of visitors each year.
Read Moreby Lindsay Shapka in History, Discovey, Travel, culture
Yes, there are two famous Pantheons that you can visit in Europe — one in Paris and one in Rome — but they were both constructed for very different reasons, and were built hundreds of years apart.
Read Moreby Lindsay Shapka in History, Travel, Discovey, culture
The Rosetta Stone is more than an artifact; it is a symbol of discovery, persistence, and the enduring quest for knowledge. Its story reminds us that even the smallest objects can hold the key to unlocking great mysteries.
Read Moreby Lindsay Shapka in Travel, History, culture
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are more than just landmarks or tourist attractions — they are globally recognized treasures that hold significant cultural, historical, and natural value.
Whether a site showcases human ingenuity, natural beauty, or a combination of both, these places serve as a reminder of our shared heritage and responsibility to preserve it for future generations.
Read Moreby Lindsay Shapka in History, culture, Travel
The sky was a mosaic of grey, and my face felt raw from the wind that had been whipping against it for most of the afternoon. The thin, pink silk scarf wrapped around my shoulders was doing very little to keep out the chill.
Read Moreby Lindsay Shapka in art, culture, History, Travel
One of the best parts of strolling through the historic heart of Portugal’s cities — like Lisbon, Porto, and Lagos — is encountering the stunning decorative tiles that can be found covering the facades of both medieval and more modern homes, restaurants, cafes, churches, shops, and train stations.
But where did all these tiles come from?
Read Moreby Lindsay Shapka in History, Discovey, culture, Travel
I have to admit, I get a certain thrill (okay, I totally geek out) when I get to visit a place that I've seen on the big screen — Rosslyn Chapel did not disappoint.
Made famous in the film version of Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code, this ornately carved church overlooks the beautiful rolling hills of rural Scotland at the edge of the town of Roslin.
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