Wetzlar

Travelling along the romantic Lahn River we stopped at the small town of Wetzlar. In the heart of the old town, at the top of the hill, is the cathedral of Wetzlar.

This beautiful stone building contrasts to the timid atmosphere of the square in front and conserves its magic charm.
 

The adjacent old town is also impressive with the small shops, cafes and old buildings. This is a nice place to sit here in summer for a coffee or snack and enjoy the wonderful scenery around.

We continue our leisure stroll along the cobble streets and admire the impressive and beautiful houses with their wooden architecture and colors.

 

One of the most well-known landmarks is the Lotte House. In this house lived the youthful acquaintance of Goethe Charlotte Buff who inspired Goethe to write the novel The Sorrows of Young Werther.

 

Following the maze of streets we reach the House of Jerusalem. His tragic suicide is also a scene in the novel of Goethe.

The beautiful park along the Lahn River with its impressive bridge - Alte Lahnbruecke- one of the oldest bridges on Lahn River.

Although less known by most tourists Wetzlar our time spent here is unforgettable. 

The historical city of Marburg and its spectacular hilltop castle

Travelling along the Valley of Lahn River in Hesse and enjoying the small and picturesque villages, we cannot miss to visit the charming, historical town Marburg.

Located just about an hour by train from Frankfurt Main station, the town fascinates with its historical and religious heritage and as a seat of the oldest Protestant-founded University in the world.

Marburg is a quiet university city, revealing tourists its marvelous historical corners, untouched during centuries.

The long and steep street leads us uphill to the main square,surrounded by many half-timbered houses and cobblestone narrow paths.

Here right next to the old market, is located the elegant building of the city hall.

The unique Rathaus with its characteristic elements.

This is one of the most picturesque buildings in the medieval town of Marburg.

The square is surrounded by small restaurants which create a unique atmosphere in this Medieval city... and sunshine makes it a perfect spot!

We stop in this lovely market square for a break half way up to the castle and enjoy a delicious lunch with a brilliant view towards the square.

From the square start many narrow, steep, cobblestone streets, leading to the magnificent Landgrave castle. 



Particularly impressive is the quietness here which contrasts with the busy city center.

The castle is located on the highest point of the city.

The view from the top is worth the walk up to the castle.

The castle itself is a museum and a great example of unique medieval architecture.

Going back to the city center we could not miss visiting St. Elisabeth Church, built to honor St. Elisabeth of Hungary. Elizabeth of Hungary dedicated her life to the sick and became after her early death one of the most prominent female saints.

This is the first Gothic church in Germany and one of the oldest in the country. The architecture of this marvelous church has been used as a model for the construction of the Cathedral in Cologne.

The church is amazing with its interior and is a well-known pilgrim destination. Definitely worth visiting!

The city of Marburg and its castle are unforgettable and a highlight of a day excursion in Hesse.

The hidden charm of Weilburg

Lahn river is hidden between the mountains Westerwald and Taunus and flows through the old cities of Marburg, Wetzlar, Weilburg and Limburg, which impress with their medieval architecture and rich history.

The calm waters of the river and picturesque landscapes make every hidden corner easily accessible place by canoe. The region is a good choice for a holiday camping in the summer or for a quiet weekend in nature.

Weilburg is an idyllic small town offering impressive combination of stunning nature and rich history. The city can be easily reached by train and is well connected with the other small villages along the Lanh valley.

The road from the station to the old town runs along the river, where on the rocky hill is located the city center and the beautiful and fascinating palace.

The palace, has been used for centuries as the residence of the Nassau Dynasty, includes a church and several buildings, some of them are today a luxury hotel.

The palace complex, with its pompous architecture, ranks among the most important Renaissance buildings in the region of Hesse.

  

The palace is the main landmark of the city. It is closely located to the idyllic and good preserved city center.

 

The marvelous garden terraces overlooking into the picturesque Lahn river. The sculptures and the flowers create a unique atmosphere in this garden paradise.

 

The tranquil place with hundred years old gardens offers many shady places to enjoy beautiful views.

   

Picturesque views in this peaceful place.

 

 

 Splendid and very romantic views.
  

Extremely impressive are the spacious gardens, terraces are hanging over Lahn.

The breathtaking gardens offer harmonious combinations of exotic plants and numerous sculptures.
 

The gardens attract tourists with its tranquility and are preferred picture motifs.

Weilburg is truly impressive, quiet and unforgettable, a wonderful small town which must be visited during vacation in Hesse.

Idyllic day in Rastatt

The small idyllic city of Rastatt is located in the province of Baden-Württemberg and is very famous tourist destination thanks to its variety of historical buildings and the romantic baroque-residence. 

The city is very easy to be reached by trains from Baden-Baden or the airport. 

During our trip in southern Germany and Black Forest we visited the residence of the margraves of Baden-Baden which is nowadays considered as one of the most elegant and impressive palace in whole Germany.

 

The brilliant palace is located very close to the city center but far away from the main station.

The vast green areas offer quietness and magnificent views.
 

The unique charm of Kavala

Located at the northern part of Greece, Kavala offers a unique combination of nature and history at the same time. 

The city is amphitheatrical built and faces the Bay of Kavala.One of its most amazing and well known landmarks is the citadel, standing on the top of the hill and facing the sea. 

The citadel can be reached by the main port but the streets are very steep and narrow. They pass through the old town of Kavala- Panagia. We were very impressed by the old houses with their particular architecture and the small shops. The entire old city is very worth visiting and creates a unique atmosphere, the best choice for spending a great day in Kavala.

The fortress is fascinating with its dimensions and well-preserved walls. Nowadays the fortress offers a small stage where theaters or concerts are regularly performed, especially during summer.

Stunning view towards the city and the aqueduct.

Not to be missed is the circular tower which reveals excellent panoramic views.
 

Great panoramic views towards the harbor and the promenade.
 

Going back to the city we visited the aqueduct, the emblematic feature of Kavala, very impressive with the small houses built between its arches. It is close to the sea, well-preserved and easy to reach.

 

Particularly impressive is the old square with the House of Mehmet Ali Pasha built in Macedonian architecture style. In the middle of the square is the statue of Mehmet Ali Pasha, the last Sultan of Egypt.

At the end of this emotional day, we could not miss visiting Philippi. The ancient city was established by the Macedonia king Phillip and is located just 15 km away from Kavala. 

 

The importance of the town is demonstrated by its beautiful theater.

During the Roman times imposing Forum, Agora and Baths were built. Later in early Christian times, St. Paul arrived in the city and baptized several people, among them St. Lydia- the first European Christian.

This historical fact is commemorated in Kavala.

Kavala is an important cultural and historical city, its beautiful Mediterranean beaches additionally make this magnificent city a prefered destination during vacation in Greece.

Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

El Escorial is a small town located 45 km away from Madrid in the slopes of Sierra de Guadarrama. The town can be reached by buss or trains Cercanias from Atocha.

The grand monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is undoubtedly one of the most majestic and significant buildings in the history of Spain. This religious and widely ambitious project of the monarch king Phillip II is designed and built in Herreran style, also known as Castilian Baroque.

The monastery complex is a harmonious ensemble designed by Juan Bautista de Toledo and Juan de Herrera.

And overlooks the mountains around Madrid.

The construction of the complex took two decades (1563-1574) and was considered by Phillip as an mausoleum and in the tomb, Panteon de los Reyes, located right below the main altar, are the tombs of all (except of two) Spanish monarchs. 

The monument also commemorates the victory in the battle of Saint Quentin, the feast day of St. Lorenzo.

Following some of the hidden underground passages we access the tomb of the infants. The complex is also impressive by its library, one of the best in Europe, offering over 50 000 precious books.

 

The main building of the complex is the Basilica, which has 45 altars and is one of the most impressive we have ever seen.

The main galleries are located around the apartment of Phillip and the room with the small bed where he died. A small window from here is overlooking the altar of the Basilica. In such a way the king could attend all messes without living his room.

Phillip II apartment.

The huge halls and corridors are decorated with paintings from Bosch, Velazquez, Ribera, Tiziano.

 

El Greco Masterpiece Adoration of the name of Jesus.
The Princes House with its charming garden.

The impressive park surrounds the monastery.

We visited El Escorial around Christmas and were impressed by the figures in the city center representing a typical town during the time Jesus was born.

 
What a magnificent and breathtaking monastery, what a quiet and peaceful town, just a gorgeous place to spend an absolutely spectacular day.
 

Beyond the Center of Madrid

Madrid offers many attractions beyond the city center and also provides green escapes serving as a refuge for people seeking quietness and real contact with nature.

Close to the Royal Palace is Parque del Oeste and at its outskirts is located the marvelous Egyptian monument Templo de Debod which is over 2200 years old and brought to Madrid as a gift from Egypt. 

It is very amazing to visit it and hear its interesting stories.

The temple is located on the hill and its location towards the sun is the same as its initial location in Egypt.

View towards one of Madrid’s most prominent skylines.

This is a wonderful place to wander around.

The views from the hill Principe Pio towards the Cathedral and the Royal Palace.

Behind Templo de Debod is Plaza de Espana. This large square is a popular tourist destination dominated by the monument of Cervantes and the bronze sculptures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.

A short walk from here is the quietly flowing River Manzanares. This part of Madrid is also very picturesque. This is a perfect place for walking and enjoying marvelous views towards the city.

Parque del Oeste provides the fastest way to reach Casa de Campo.

Once a royal hunting estate, the vast parkland Casa de Campo is today a home to Attraction Park and a Zoo. There are also many cafes, a number of outdoor activities.

One of the best ways to reach the park is via the cable car Teleferico.

This extraordinary trip starts from Parque del Oeste and offers fascinating views over Palacio Real, Rio Manzanares, city skyline.

Most of the park wild but there are many viewpoints and picnic spots.

Breathtaking views.

Lovely lake offering many attractions.

Panoramic views towards the city.