Category: Europe

Rome, the center of the ancient Roman empire, was known as the Capital of the World for a thousand years. Even after the fall of the empire, the city has maintained its hold on the western world as a center of cultural, religious and historical prominence.

Millions of tourists gather in the Italian capital city each year to drink deeply of the historical, architectural, religious and cultural sites the city has to offer.

Colosseum

One of the most iconic sites in all of Rome is the ancient Colosseum, which was built around 70 AD by Emperor Vespasian when he ascended to the throne, as a means of earning the good graces of the people of Rome. It was an multipurpose amphitheater that could host gladiatorial games, hunts of wild animals and even staged naval battles. It was even the site of crucifixions of early Christian.

While is is too deteriorated to host events now, tourists can visit the site, walk throughout the stadium and get a great feeling of what it would have been like to be entertained in ancient Rome.

The Forum

Near the Colosseum is the Forum, the large plaza that was the center of daily commercial, political, social and religious life in Rome. Ruins of several important temples including the Temple of Saturn, as well as an old Senate building, remain, along with thousands of columns, statues, pillars and building foundations.

It provides an epic visual education of just how advanced and wealthy Rome was at its peak, and just how far it fell after it was sacked and overrun in 410 AD, and again in 455 AD.

Trajan’s Column

Between the Colosseum and the Forum is the giant Trajan’s Column, which was commissioned by Emperor Trajan to commemorate his great military successes. It is an architectural and artistic feat, built and raised with only manual labor, and crafted with exceptional skill and attention to detail.

It is a great stop for visitors exploring Rome and wanting to walk in the footsteps of emperors and common men alike.

Pantheon

Unlike much of Rome’s tourist highlights, the Pantheon is a fully functioning building that has been in constant use since it was started in the time of Emperor Augustus and completed about 100 years later. It was possibly originally used as a temple to all, or many, gods as the Greek name Pantheon implies.

By the 800s AD it was a Christian church, and has been since that time. Religion aside, it is a structural marvel. The rounded building has a rotunda that is uniform in size, shape and dimensions throughout. It had a concrete coffered dome with an oculus, a round hole in the building’s roof. The oculus provides a natural source of light during the day, and actually contributes to the structural soundness of the building.

This building is a must-see to any visitor!

Trevi Fountain

Not everything in Rome is ancient and broken down. The beautiful and romantic Trevi Fountain was completed in 1762 in the Baroque style on the site of ancient aqueducts and fountains, which in the opulent style of the time, were deemed not lavish enough.

The intricate fountain, which is over 160 feet wide and 80 feet high, has become a centerpiece of Roman culture, appearing in opera, novels, romantic tales, and even movies including Roman Holiday. Any visitor to Rome should throw a coin from their right hand over their left shoulder to ensure they return to Rome someday.

It’s a fun place to hang out, especially for love birds!

St. Peter’s Basilica

While not technically in Rome, but in the independent country of the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica is truly a sight to behold. Founded on the traditional burial site of St. Peter, the grounds are sacred to Christians, especially Catholics, because the Vatican is the home of the Pope and the heart of the religion.

The Basilica is not just important to religious pilgrims. It is an architectural beauty, with sculptures, statues and frescoes that rival any in the world. Most famous among the artisans who contributed work to the church is Michelangelo.

In one corner is one of his most moving works, the Pieta, a marble sculpture depicting Mary holding the dead body of her son Jesus after his crucifixion.

St. Peter’s Square

Outside the basilica is St. Peter’s Square, a large plaza used for holy visits and commemorations conducted by the Pope. The trapezoidal shape of the plaza is embraced by two colonnades, said to represent the arms of the church embracing her people. The plaza is gigantic, over 1,000 feet deep.

Spanish Steps

Technically just a set of stairs connecting a church to an embassy below, the steps have become a focal point of culture, tourism and entertainment. The steps lead to the Piazza di Spagna, or Spanish Plaza, which has high-end retail shops, excellent dining, impromptu outdoor entertainment and an enchanting  nightlife atmosphere.

It’s certainly a place a visitor would want to see on foot, walking down the steps from the Trinita de Monti church, enjoying the view and then spending an afternoon or evening enjoying the fun vibe the area has to offer.

While Rome is no longer the official center of the known world, it still holds the heart and soul of the ancient western world, and all visitors will throw their coins in Trevi Fountain hoping to return soon, taking memories that will last a lifetime, and leaving a bit of their soul in the great city.

This weekend, the United Kingdom will be decked out in red, white, and blue, with the Union Jack flying everywhere as the country celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. This year marks 70 years the queen has led the UK and the Commonwealth, and celebrations are planned all year.

Let’s take a look at some of the places that will be part of official celebrations, as well as some places important to the longest reigning British monarch in history.

Westminster Abbey, London, UK

While traveling in Kenya, Elizabeth found out her father had passed away on February 6, 1952, and she was now queen. She returned home to Britain and ascended to the throne. But it wasn’t until June 2, 1953 that she was officially crowned queen at Westminster Abbey.

More than three million people gathered along the route to the Abbey in 1953, which has been the site of every British coronation since 1066. People will again gather at the abbey this weekend, for special tours of the church, and the roof.

Tower of London, London, UK

The Tower of London has played an important part of royal history for a thousand years, and currently holds the Crown Jewels of England. During the Jubilee, the Tower will be open for tours, with a special floral display in the historic moat. Several pieces of the Crown Jewels will be on display, as well as other historical and important pieces from British history.

Horse Guards Parade, London, UK

The celebration of the Jubilee will coincide with the Queen’s official birthday. An important celebration for the birthday is the Trooping the Color which is a military parade that starts at Buckingham Palace and culminates at the Horse Guards Parade on the opposite end of St. James Park, where the Queen or her representative inspect the troops.

On June 2, the long weekend celebration will kick off with the Trooping the Color, which always ends with a flyover by the Royal Air Force. Members of the royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to view the festivities, greet the crowds, and pose for photos.

Buckingham Palace, London, UK

Along with the Trooping the Color, Buckingham Palace will be the center of celebrations for tourists lucky enough to get a tour of the central palace. Special for the occasion, there will be displays of crown jewels and the Queen’s jewelry, carriages, and tiaras.

On June 4, there will also be a concert live from the palace. Buckingham Palace has been an important part of British royal history since the 1700s, and became the institutional center of the monarchy when Queen Victoria came to the throne.

Epsom Downs, Surrey, UK

The Queen has long been a true fan of horse breeding and racing. On Saturday, June 4, the Queen will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs, along with members of her family. The tradition of royalty attending races at Epsom Downs is hundreds of years old, and Elizabeth has fully embraced the tradition. After a rough few years, it will be a welcome activity for the dedicated monarch.

Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London, UK

On Friday, the Queen will participate in a service of Thanksgiving held at Saint Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London, and has been an important and recognizable part of London for close to 2,000 years.

There will be a display at the Cathedral for the next six months, featuring the jubilees of George III, Victoria, George V, and Elizabeth II.

Windsor Castle, Windsor, UK

Leading up to the Jubilee, several of the Queen’s residences and properties will be open to the public, with displays honoring the queen and her time as queen. Windsor Castle will be one of the most popular destinations. Displays at Windsor will include the coronation robes and attire from the 1953 event.

Just outside London, the castle was built by William the Conqueror, and has been an official residence since the 1200s. Since 2012, Elizabeth has made the palace a primary residence. It holds special sentiment for her, as she and her sister stayed here during the worst of the bombings during World War II.

Balmoral Castle, Scotland

The Queen has enjoyed spending holidays and summers at Balmoral in Scotland. Queen Victoria loved the location as well, and developed the property. Since then, royalty have gathered there for informal retreats, Christmas celebrations, hunting excursions, and more.

The castle will be open for tours during the Jubilee weekend, and will have a special display on “Life at Balmoral” featuring favorite attire and accessories used at the rural castle.

These are just a few of the many important locations featured in the official celebrations. The Queen has invited everyone to participate in street parties, picnics, gatherings, and service projects, especially planting trees. She hopes that people will get to know their neighbors, make a difference, and extend her legacy by leaving the world a better place.

 

 

Anne Boleyn is one of history’s most famous women, with a reputation for capturing the heart of King Henry VIII and influencing a fundamental shift in political and religious power that changed the world.

But before all that, she was just a young noble Englishwoman.

On the 486th anniversary of her untimely end, let’s take a look at the life of Anne Boleyn.

Hever Castle, England

Anne was (probably) born in 1533, and raised at Hever Castle in Kent, near London. She and her two siblings grew up here. Anne left at age 13 to serve in royal households across western Europe. As a teen, she spent much time in France, excelling in music and entertainment, which helped her catch the eye of the King of England after she returned home.

It is reported that, while Henry VIII pursued her romantically, Anne would retreat to her childhood home for a reprieve from the attention and pressure to entertain the king.

Pembroke Castle, Wales

While being courted by the king, Anne was given the title Marquess of Pembroke, making her one of the most powerful women in England. While it’s not likely she ever visited the lands associated with the title, the lands and castle are an important part of England’s history.

The first structures were built in the 1000s, and the castle constructed in the 1200s. But by the late 1500s, the earl had earned the disfavor of the king, who encouraged the literal dismantling of the structure. It was restored about 100 years ago to its former glory.

Westminster Abbey, London, England

On June 1, 1533, Anne was formally crowned queen in a  large ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Anne was pregnant at the time, and Henry was eager to have his baby born with all the royal protection possible.

The cathedral has long been an important site in England, especially for royalty. Now part of the Church of England, the cathedral has long been home to royal weddings, funerals, coronations, and other ceremonies. William and Kate were married here in 2011.

St. James Palace, London, England

While Anne and Henry were still on good terms, the king began construction on a new, smaller palace. Henry even indicated his love for Anne by inscribing their initials on the exterior. It was a popular residence for royalty during the Tudor years, and a primary residence for the Stuarts and Hanovers.

These days, it’s the primary residence for several of Queen Elizabeth’s children and grandchildren.

Windsor Castle, Windsor, England

Founded by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle has been so integral to the royal British family that they officially adopted the name in the 20th century. Henry VIII made significant modifications to the structure. The building complex, once a medieval fortification, became a diplomatic and and entertainment hub.

Today, the castle complex is as important as ever. It was a safe haven during World War II bombings, and was even the location for Henry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018.

Hampton Court Palace, London, England

Originally built for Cardinal Wolsey, the disgraced cardinal gave the property to Henry VIII to try and buy back his good favor. It quickly became one of the king’s favorite properties. It was a perfect weekend retreat for the entertainment-happy Tudors, and the the Stuarts.

In addition to a remarkable chapel, the gardens are world-famous. They even include a grape vine that is over 300 years old and still produces grapes for the annual wine production!

Tower of London, London, England

Anne only spent a few short years in the favor of the king. Shortly after giving birth to the future Queen Elizabeth I, Anne began to lose the attention of Henry. In his zeal to have a male heir, he listened to rumors and believed slander against Anne.

Henry had her arrested in 1536, less than three years after their marriage. During her “trial” she was housed at the Tower of London, on May 2. Only two weeks later, and without a chance to defend herself, Anne was convicted of charges including adultery and treason.

She was sentenced to death, and on Friday, May 19, she was executed by beheading. Before her death, she addressed the crowd and reminded them of her innocence. While it did not preserve her life, it did lay the groundwork for the restoration of her image in history.

Anne Boleyn died at 36 years of age, and yet she is one of the most famous, and influential, women in history. Her marriage to Henry VIII set in motion a series of events that eventually brought about an age of religious tolerance, allowing people to move to America and setting in motion for the creation of an entirely new nation.

Anne Boleyn is certainly a woman who changed the world.

While the Bard was born 457 years ago today, his works are as popular as ever, with plays being performed on stages large and small, from the local high school to Royal Shakespeare productions.

Today, let’s celebrate the world’s most famous playwright by looking at his life, and legacy.

Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK

While April 23 is celebrated as William Shakespeare’s birthday, we don’t know for sure that this is the day he was born. The official record only notes his baptism on April 26. Generally, babies were baptized when they were three days old, so it would make sense he was born on April 23. Saying he was born on this date holds additional appeal, as it’s also the day he died, 52 years later.

His birthplace is now a small museum, where visitors can see where the writer grew up with his many siblings and learn about his father’s business endeavors, which were conducted one one side of the building.

King Edward XI School, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK

Shakespeare probably attended school just down the street at a well-regarded grammar school, where he learned Latin, the English alphabet, and religious studies.

It’s presumed he attended school here because he came from a wealthy family, and it was the only school in the area. Boys of his age and station have attended this school for hundreds of years.

The school, still in use, has embraced its reputation as being “Shakespeare’s School” and celebrates his birthday with a procession from the school to Shakespeare’s grave, where students lay a wreath.

Royal Shakespeare Theater, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK

Shakespeare’s hometown really loves being known as the birthplace of the Bard. Several theaters, performing arts centers, and historical places are dedicated to their most famous son. There are also countless restaurants, stores, and gift shops that capitalize on Shakespeare’s name.

The Royal Shakespeare Theater, managed and run by the Royal Shakespeare Company, officially opened in 2011, with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip overseeing the festivities. The new theater can hold 1,000 people, and hosts about 20 performances per year.

William Shakespeare’s Grave, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK

Shakespeare moved to London when he was in his late 20s, but retired in Stratford-upon-Avon after a successful career. He passed away on his 52nd birthday, perhaps after a heavy drinking session with friends that resulted in a fever.

He was buried in the town church, and his resting place has since become an important place for visitors to see when they come to the town to learn more about and pay respects to the famous wordsmith. The slab covering his body has a sternly-worded warning against moving his body, so his bones were left undisturbed when the chapel was recently renovated.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, London, UK

Shakespeare grew in success in London as a playwright, and eventually had a troop of performers who put on his works. They built a theater, which was named the Globe Theater. The original caught fire during a performance of Henry VIII in 1613. It was rebuilt in 1614, but closed down a few decades later.

A recreation of the theater was built in 1997 near the original theater’s location. Like in Shakespeare’s days, patrons can pay a smaller admission fee to stand and watch the play, rather than sit in a seat.

Juliet Balcony, Verona, Italy

While there’s no evidence that Shakespeare ever visited Italy, several of his most famous plays are staged there, usually in Verona. One of the most famous scenes in all of theater was staged by Shakespeare on a balcony in Verona, between two “star-crossed lovers” in Romeo and Juliet.

Over the years, a balcony on a private entrance has become famous as the “Juliet Balcony”. While it’s a private residence, visitors love to stop by and imagine the passion that was felt those many years ago.

Kronborg Castle, Denmark

While Romeo and Juliet may be the most famous love story, Hamlet is likely the most famous play ever written. Period. Kronborg Castle is largely agreed to be the model for Elsinore, the castle in Hamlet. It’s likely that a troop of actors who had toured the castle described it to the Bard, who then wove those details into the famous tragedy.

Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C., USA

While Shakespeare was an Englishman, the largest repository of his works, as well as contemporary literature, is actually in Washington, D.C. at the privately-owned Folger Shakespeare Library. It holds hundreds of folios, or first edition volumes of works, including poems, plays, and other works.

A theater associated with the library puts on several Shakespeare and Shakespeare-related performances.

The library has become a wonderful place to study, learn more about, and enjoy Shakespeare’s work.

Shakespeare’s work is so readily available, from the famous Leonardo Dicaprio/Claire Danes Romeo and Juliet, to zombie movie Warm Bodies based on the same play, or even the Lion King, based on Hamlet. It’s simply amazing to see how much Shakespeare still influences the arts today. Happy Birthday, William.

The entire world has been watching events unfold in Ukraine these past two and a half weeks. Beautiful landmarks and historic sites are settings for unspeakable tragedy and human suffering.

Let’s take a few minutes to learn about the beauty and history of Ukraine, and find ways to help the people of this beautiful nation.

Kyiv Percheska Lavra

This beautiful Orthodox monastery is more than 1,200 years old, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Monks established an order in the caves, creating catacombs, underground chapels, and other living spaces. Above ground, there is a cathedral, which was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt, a great bell tower, and some smaller churches.

The site is both a working religious monastery and pilgrimage destination, as well as a state museum.

Rodina Mat, Monument to the Motherland

The Motherland Monument was built after World War II when Ukraine was a Soviet republic. Controversial from the start, the 335-foot tall statue pays tribute to those who perished in defense of Kyiv and Ukraine.

It has strong Soviet and Russian overtones, and has become a mixed symbol in recent years as Ukraine has shifted ties toward democratic, western and European ideals. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful structure that stands guard over the capital city night after night of terrible bombing and shelling from Russians attempting to capture the city, and the country.

Kyiv TV Tower

Built in the Soviet era, the TV tower in central Kyiv, was a symbol of strength and was the tallest free-standing metal structure in the world until 2012, when the Tokyo Skyree was completed.

It was built on top of a Jewish cemetery, in problematic disregard for the interred underneath the structure. On March 1, a Russian missile struck the tower, cutting television communication to the residents of the city for hours, and killing five civilians.

Babi Yar Massacre Site

In 1941, Germans occupied Kyiv and rounded up the city’s Jewish population. More than 33,000 thousand Jews were shot between September 29-30 and  buried in a ravine. Over the coming years, the occupying Germans would murder and bury countless others here, including Soviet soldiers, Roma, and other “undesirables”.

This site, sacred ground to many, is close to the TV tower, and was damaged by the bombing by Russian soldiers.

Independence Square

Kyiv’s central square, or maidan, has often been the gathering place for protests and social movements. In 2013, when the government rejected popularly-voted on moves for closer integration with Europe, people began protesting in the square.

Protests grew into an entire revolution emphasizing Ukraine’s desire to be more democratic, more aligned with Europe, and rejecting corruption by oligarchs and government leaders.

More than 100 people died in the revolution, now referred to as Euromaidan, or the Revolution of Dignity.

Monument of the Third Angel at Chernobyl

In 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant experienced a catastrophic meltdown. The town was evacuated and is still nearly entirely abandoned. People can visit the grounds, but are not allowed to step off the guided paths.

Russian soldiers have taken over the power plant and international organizations are concerned about the risk to people at the site, and around Ukraine, if the plant is damaged.

There is a monument at Chernobyl of the Third Angel referred to in the Book of Revelation, which prophesied that a great explosion would rise up and cover the earth. The meaning of that monument is more appropriate now than ever.

Monument to the Founders of Odessa

One of the greatest cities in Ukraine was founded by Catherine the Great in 1794, and the port city has become an integral part of the culture and economy of Ukraine. A statue built in honor of Catherine and the other founders was erected in 1900, but dismantled under the Soviet regime.

It was reconstructed in 2007 in honor of the city’s history, and is now a major tourist destination.

Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater

The Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater is one of the city’s cultural treasures. The original structure was built in 1810, but burned down. It was rebuilt in 1887, and the new structure has a unique design that enhances acoustics. Even a whisper on the stage can be heard in any part of the theater.

These days, the theater is protected by sand bags and blockades as Russian soldiers may bear down on the city at any time. Performers even sang songs as they stacked bags to protect the iconic landmark from a potential invasion.

These are just a few sites in Ukraine that have been loved for years, seen by millions, and treasured by all. If you are interested in helping the people who have had to flee their homeland for safety, and able to donate, here are some links that have longstanding reputations of doing the most good.

UNICEF

Save the Children

Salvation Army

 

Today, 266 years ago, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria. In 35 short years, he wrote more than 600 compositions, revolutionized the concept of the symphony, took music in a new direction, and confirmed his legacy as one of the greatest composers and most talented musicians of all time.

These days, we think “classical” music is old and outdated, but you only have to listen to a few seconds of any of his greatest works to recognize his work. You’ll quickly realize what an influence Mozart still has on music, and culture, even today.

You can listen here to some of his greatest hits while you read about the genius composer.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb0UmrCXxVA 

Birthplace, Salzburg, Austria

Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, the youngest of seven kids. Five of his siblings died as children. His father was a musician, and so music was in the home from birth. By age five, Mozart was playing his own compositions on the piano, and showed an immense talent for understanding, playing, and composing music.

Mozart’s childhood home is now a museum, which people can visit to learn more about the influences that shaped this prodigy. It also has space dedicated to some of his musical endeavors, including the opera The Magic Flute.

Teenage Home, Salzburg, Austria

When he was 17, his family moved to another home, and Mozart received a patronage from a local bishop. Mozart, his father, and sister spent much of his childhood traveling around Europe, entertaining the wealthy, elite, and royal courts in many countries.

Mozart lived in this home off and on until he was 25, as he sought time and again to find suitable patronage to support his musical endeavors without tying him down too much.

Mozart’s second home has also been turned into a museum, and it is another wonderful stop on the way to gain an education of the life and talent of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Residence in Vienna, Austria

Mozart made his way to Vienna, and began performing and composing there. He gained the patronage of the emperor, and became a well-known musician.

The house where he lived for three years in downtown Vienna has been turned into a museum. It is famous because here Mozart wrote his famous opera The Marriage of Figaro. Therefore the house has is nicknamed “The Figaro House”.

Mozart’s Memorial at Central Cemetery, Vienna, Austria

Though he had achieved fame and prestige in his lifetime, Mozart had not acquired the wealth he desired along with his renown. He died after a short illness on December 5, 1791, at age 35. He was buried in a “common” grave in the city cemetery, but over time the meaning of this has become muddled.

Some think now his “common” burial meant he was dumped in an unmarked grave, but his burial was within the tradition of the time in the city for anyone who was “common” or not an aristocrat.

In fact, his death was widely noted and memorial services were held for him throughout Europe. A memorial at Central Cemetery was established for the country’s greatest composer.

Mozart’s Family Grave, Salzburg, Austria

Mozart’s family, including his wife and mother, are buried in a family grave site in Salzburg, his family hometown. The stone marking their burial place is still standing, and can be visited by those wishing to pay tribute and respect to the family that influenced, and encouraged, the great talent to reach as far and wide as he did in his short life.

His wife, Constance, in particular, did great things to enhance his reputation. She worked to promote his music after his death, helping to ensure his legacy as one of the greatest composers the world has ever known.

Vienna Opera House, Vienna, Austria

Mozart left a strong influence on music, especially on classic music. When the Vienna Opera House was built in 1869, it reflected Mozart’s influence, down to the decoration of the interior. Motifs of The Magic Flute, Mozart’s groundbreaking opera, are displayed on the famous Ring of the building. The opera is also performed each year for youth, to promote a love of classical music for the next generation.

In honor of the great musician’s birth, and life, we should take a moment and appreciate his great talent. Share his music with those around you, and listen to some music as you go about your day.