Tongeren and Leuven

Tongeren is the oldest city in Belgium and attracts visitors with its antique flea market, offering a great variety of items. Tongeren Flea Markt is an extraordinary place-diverse, big, international and very nice to visit and to find valuable antiques.

I visited Tongeren mainly with the intention to see the big antique Flea market in Europe.I had a long walk here and had a wonderful time.

I was very much surprised by the size of the market and spent several hours around taking pictures and admiring things, displayed around the whole city, even in the underground parking.

Right in the center is the Basilica Notre Dame de Tongeres, the tallest building in Tongeren, constructed in 13^th century in a Gothic style. The interior is also interesting with many sculptures and paintings. Just behind the basilica is the Galo-Roman museum, which is also worth visiting.

Close to the basilica is the Grote Markt, the main square of Tongeren. In the middle is the monument of Ambriorix, the leader of the Gallic warriors who fight against the Romans and defeated the Roman troops.

As a guarantee of a successful trip, I sat in a cafe opposite the church and admired the majestic architecture, impressive façade and enjoyed the warm spring day.  

A great attraction for me was to visit the Begijnhof founded in 1257 and Unesco World Heritage Site. The architecture complex was built to host the beguines, religious women who lived in a community.

The complex included several houses built around a small chapel. The Begijnhof was surrounded by a wall and separated from the rest of the town.

The experience of walking around the town was very interesting, especially fulfilled by the enthusiastic visitors seeking for hidden treasures.

My next stop in Flanders was the lovely, old University city of Leuven. The dynamic and picturesque city has one of the most beautiful city centers in Belgium and has several attractions to offer for every taste.

I like culture and old historical buildings and I was really impressed by the big dimensions of the university library and the bell tower. 

The building looks old but was built in after the First World War because the old building was destroyed.  I did not have time to visit the library and do the guided tour but the building and its design brings a special charm to the entire square.

Not far away is the Great Market (Grote Market) many people come here to see the Town hall. This is the most beautiful building in Leuven and my favorite place, surrounded by stunning buildings.

The façade is richly decorated with statues (236!) and several towers. Really stunning and inspiring architecture.

I personally love so much the Flemish Gothic Architecture and really enjoyed the square and the buildings. The square is surrounded by many pubs and restaurants and of course chocolate shops. I just admired the views around and took a drink and a meal in one of the restaurants.

The small statue Font Sapientiae is very funny and sometimes clothes are put on the boy. The statue of a boy drinking beer and learning is unofficial symbol of the students in Leuven.

Leuven has a rich beer culture and The Old Market is called the longest bar in Europe. The square is very beautiful, surrounded by many old buildings and the atmosphere is just amazing. Here I found more bars, tables and chairs than pedestrians.  This is definitely the best place to taste many different beers and to feel the Flemish brewery tradition.

At the end of the day I also went to the marvelous Grote Begijnhof, really tranquil place with beautiful cobble streets, small houses and serene atmosphere. The well preserved historical quarter is a UNESCO site and is situated on the both parts of the river and has the appearance of a small town. The buildings cannot be visited but the atmosphere is very charming, a nice place to take a stroll and enjoy.

Moated Castles

A stroll through the old cities is an absolute must when you visit Germany. Round trips in North Rhine Westphalia reveal not only panoramic views but also various opportunities to experience the charming small towns and medieval castles. There, in the quietness of nature and serenity, are the fascinating Water Castles of Münsterland region. The castles display their own special magic and flair of the medieval times.

The water castle Vischering in Lüdingshausen is one of the well-preserved and outstanding water castles in Münsterland. It was built by the bishop Gerhard von der Mark in 1271 and was a seat of the lords of Lüdingshausen and consists of defensive courtyard, gateway, bridge, main building and a chapel.

On Saturday morning a full of expectation I visited Lüdingshausen and got fascinated by the well-maintained castle and its defensive character.

The main building is a three story structure and houses a museum.

It is a really pretty little castle.

Here a cake accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee guarantee heavenly enjoyment!

A visit that can be perfectly combined with a visit to Krefeld and Castle Linn, another water castle to visit.

Built in 12th century and hosts a museum showing the history of the castle and the region. The castle is small with old furniture. It is surrounded by extensive park facilities which also belonged to the former fortification.

I spent a couple of hours in the gardens around, a perfect opportunity for a relaxing afternoon.

I also visited the top of the tower and enjoyed the great views.

The setting of the castle with its moat and gardens are great and a perfect place for a picnic. I took a walk around the castle and enjoyed it at different angles.

Every year around Pfingsten around the castle a medieval mark takes place with music and games.

 

I love castles and the region around Münster combines beautiful historical buildings with idyllic countryside. This is a great region to discover imposing estates, mansions and fortified castles. 

Two of the most sacred places in Bulgaria

Located in inaccessible areas and surrounded by impressive mountains, Bulgarian monasteries have played during centuries a significant liturgical, cultural and educational role. Monasteries have been continuously destroyed but managed to keep their secrets and continue the tradition of cultural and educational centers.

Situated 10 km from the city of Troyan on picturesque area and surrounded by forest, Troyan Monastery is one of the most sacred places in Bulgaria and is also a great historical monument of national importance. The monastery is situated on the foot of the mountain and has its own spirit.

The monastery and the beautiful gardens.

The courtyard brings spiritual and magical impressions.

The church built in 19^th century with the amazing paintings inside and outside is a beautiful and spiritual place.

Inside is the holy icon of Mother Mary with three hands, which according to the legend has been brought up from Athon Monastery. This sacred piece of art attracts people from the whole country who make pilgrimage to this monastery.

The monastery is also related to the Bulgarian history and here the Bulgarian revolutionary Vasil Levski was hiding during the Ottoman period and formed a revolutionary committee.

I visited the monastery in a sunny summer day and enjoyed a lot the gorgeous sceneries and the beautiful construction.

The residential area of the monastery with great views and the spectacular landscapes.

After enjoying the spirituality and the breathtaking views I relaxed over a cup of coffee and a tasty slice of cake in one of the restaurants close to the monastery. The sun was already lower in the sky and casted wonderfully soft lights while I continued my trip to the next destination.

Another interesting mountain monastery to visit is Glozhene, located close to the town of Teteven. The monastery is surrounded by mountain ranges and steep cliffs. According to a legend, the monastery was founded by prince George Glozh, who, chased by Tatars, moved to this part of the Balkan mountains.

The road to the monastery is steep and narrow, surrounded by forest and suddenly the monastery appears in all its beauty.

The monastery magnificently rises above the cliff and overlooking a forest.

The monastery consists of a church and residential buildings and is closely related to several memorable moments of the Bulgarian history. The monastery was also visited by Vasil Levski who spent 9 months here.

Peaceful, quiet and well-maintained, Troyan and Glozhene monasteries are highly recommendable places to visit.

The Knight’s Castle Eltz

The beauty of the medieval castle is something which I admire very much. Castle Eltz (Burg Eltz) represents the Middle Ages like no other historical building in Germany.

This is the first castle, I visited in Germany and I got fascinated by its magic and the nature paradise in the middle of the Eltzbach valley.

Hidden in the forest and surrounded by nature of serene beauty, the castle is a unique setting erected on a 70m high rock. Unbelievable!

The castle was erected in 12^th century on a strategically important position, connecting the trade road of Mosel with Eifel and Maifeld. The castle has been used by the three branches of Eltz family who lived together.

The castle is so impressive by its unique architecture, timber framed structures and eight towers.

Like a fairy tale.

The impressive inner courtyard.

The guided tour was very informative and detail explained the history of the castle. The rooms inside are also very well preserved and reveal the life style of past times. It was just an unforgettable experience to be inside of a real castle.

The treasury and armory collections of precious artefacts.

Getting to Burg Eltz is difficult but many signs indicate the way.

I reached the castle at late autumn and the long hiking tour through the colorful forest was memorable. Part of the walk was thorough the town of Moselkern where the nearest train station is.

Burg Eltz is one of the most impressive historical castles in Germany which has preserved its own authenticity and character.

Trier, The Oldest German City

The Mosel wine producing area is world-famous by its top-quality wines. Experiencing the wine and cultural landscapes of the Mosel River can be best felt by the charming cities around the river, by the proud castles, vineyards and idyllic meadows. This is a great place to experience pure joy and vivid atmosphere and to feel the Roman Antiquity, represented by hundreds of archeological sites along Saar and Mosel Rivers, Luxemburg and Belgium.

Near the border with Luxemburg is Trier, the oldest German city and the oldest seat of a bishop north of the Alps.

The best place to start the tour in Trier is from Porta Negra, a Unesco site. The old Roman gateway is a great historical spot and represents the Roman influence in Trier. Porta Negra is the north gate into Trier when it was a Roman city. In the Middle Ages the gate was recycled and the stones spread around but the Greek monk Simeon collected them and after his death the gate was reconstructed again.

This well-preserved piece of architecture was built around 180 A.D. and can be visited and from here visitors can enjoy lovely views towards the market center.

Iconic site of Trier.

The area around the gate is always full with people, this is definitely a nicely place to enjoy which makes you think about the past.

I enjoyed walking around the market square, a great place to shop, eat, meet people, a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the medieval feeling. One of the most significant buildings here is Steipe, used by the city council. An alley leaves into the old Jewish quarter and gives a glimpse of life in past times. There is also an interesting fountain from the 16^th century.

The beautiful market square with its lovely buildings, the obelisk and St. Gangolf Church behind.

The cathedral of Trier is also very beautiful and is overlooking the market, this is the oldest bishop’s church in Germany. The cathedral was built on the place of the former palace of Emperor Constantine the Great. The visit is for free and the gardens and the tombs are also opened for public. The cathedral is absolutely fantastic and full of history.

The oldest Gothic cathedral in Germany.

Nearby is the Basilica, the first protest church, I really liked the Constantine’s throne room, expressing the magnificent of the emperor.

Behind the Basilica is the beautiful building of the Kurfurstliches Palais, surrounded by the gorgeous, colorful park, ponds and fountains. The place is really crowded but I liked wondering around and this fantastic combination of architecture, garden and colors, make it my favorite destination in Trier.

The spectacular ornate building.

Not far away from here are the Imperial Roman baths.

The area of the baths is not big but they are still an architecture wonder and visiting them is a nice experience which gives a glimpse to the life in Roman times.

Going back to the city center, I continued my walk to the Kornmarket Square and former Imperial Post. This is a great place to sit, and enjoy the vivid atmosphere, surrounded by many restaurants and cultural buildings.

St. George’s Fountain in the center of the city looks amazing.

Karl Marx house is another attraction in the city, the exhibition reveals details of Karl Marx’s life, family, work and influence.

I continued my walk to the Mosel River and to the famous old bridge, the oldest in German. The surroundings here are very beautiful. I walked along the river and enjoyed the panoramic views.

The old Mosel cranes are very interesting to see. Through the small windows I got a glimpse of the treadmill in which people have walked to make the crane move.

As a history enthusiast I got overwhelmed by everything I saw in Trier. The city offers am unforgettable and informative journey of thousand years history. Multi-faced and exciting, Trier is truly memorable city which is worth visiting.