Travel to China

Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and other 260 islets form Hong Kong region. The first settlement in the area dates back to Paleolithic era. It was controlled by China Empire, Britain and Japan Empire mainly. Now it is a special administrative region of China.

Hong Kong is the area of islands and islets. These are mountainous areas. There are not much plain fields. Fields are made with filling the high points. The highest point of Hong Kong is Victoria Hill. It is 551 meters high. The area is under the effect of monsoon tropical climate. While the weather is hot in summers, it is warm in winters. There are many rainy days during all the year. Especially the months between June and September, the area receives rain. The typhoons affect the area. Population is approximately 6 millions. Chinese people dominate it. In addition to that, Indians, Pakistanis, Europeans, Japanese, Koreans and Canadians live here. People are free to believe anything they want. Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Taoist, Jewish, Hindu, Catholic and Protestant people live all together in Hong Kong.

The economy of Hong Kong region depends on marketing, exportation, fishery, industry and tourism. It is the centre of trade and banking. Air, road and sea transportation options are available. Especially within the area, the transportation web is well designed. There is rapit transit system and public services.

Activities in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is famous for skyscrapers. More than a quarter of the highest buildings in the world are found in Hong Kong. The old buildings were mostly replaced with new ones. They are architecturally masterpieces. If you are interested in architecture, you will find a vacation in Hong Kong very enjoyable.

Hong Kong is an old province. Its historical roots make it culturally and artfully rich. Hong Kong has a unique culture. It is the combination of many other cultures. However, mainly it reflects the Asian view. You will find the traditions, beliefs and customs interesting in Hong Kong. Everything is based on logic and spirit. During your vacation, you can examine these features of the area. You can learn more about Fung shui and other characteristics of Hong Kong.

Music is an important theme for Hong Kong. You have many options to listen different music genres and watch performances. Along with traditional genres, rock and roll, jazz, pop and RB can be listened.

It is the area of sports. In the area, there are many buildings, courts and ways for sport activities. If you like sporting, in Hong Kong you can enjoy yourself. In a different and charming environment, sporting is much more enjoyable.

For learning more about the history, culture and art of the region, museums should be visited. You can visit Hong Kong Museum of Arts, Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the other centers.

For further information visit hkta.org.

A World City: London

London is under the effect of marine climate. The temperature is generally moderate. The city does not experience high or low temperatures. The weather is usually warm. Summers are hot, winters are chilly. Many different ethnic groups live in London. These are British, Irish, Asian, African, European and other groups. It is one of the most densely populated cities of the world. Especially after its rapid development, people began to migrate. Approximately 20 millions of people live in this big city.

It is a city of many different religions and beliefs. In the city, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs and other believers and nonbelievers live all together. London is the center of many features. It is the center of culture, fashion, tourism, business, finance, history and architecture. The economy is based on business and commerce. In addition to these, industry and tourism are also important. Transportation options in London are various. Strong railway web, public transportation and air options are available. In the city, you can reach a place by bike or walking is also popular.

Activities in London
London is rich with World Heritage Sites. You should certainly see these sites if you want the best out of your vacation in London. They are the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Royal Botanic Gardens, the Tower of London and St. Margaret’s Church. Especially the Tower of London attracts lots of visitor everyday. London is very close to Greenwich and the Tower of London is the historical building of Greenwich.

Subway of London is the symbol of the city. It is the oldest subway system of the world. It was built in 1863. After its establishment, many similar subway systems were built in other world cities. When you are in London, your way definitely leads you to the historical subway of the city.

Parks and gardens are distinctive features of London. You should see these natural beauties. The parks and gardens that you can visit include Victoria Park, Bushy Park, Regent’s Park, Royal Parks, Hyde Park and the others.

As it is a historical city, there are many architecturally masterpiece constructions in London. If you are interested in history and architecture, London is waiting for you. Visit towers, bridges, monuments, statues of the city.

The vacation just gets better, because there are great shopping centers and stores offering you different things. First of all, London is the city of fashion. You can shop, buy clothes from here. Additionally, other shopping options are also available in London.

London is culturally a rich city. There are many museums in the area. The most famous of them is Madame Tussaud’s Musuem.

The official web site of London City.

Travel to Brazil

The open arms of Christ the Redeemer are accepted as a symbol of warm characteristics of Brazil people. From the every point of the country, the statue is visible. It is also icon of Christianity.

Construction of Christ the Redeemer Statue and Some Features of Statue
Constructing such a great statue was not a new idea. However, it stayed as an idea for a long time. In 1922 the construction began and it ended in 1931. Christ the Redeemer was opened in the same year, in 1931.

The statue was built with the donations of people. Catholics donated mostly. The design of the statue symbolizes cross, globalization and the entire world. Christ the Redeemer is 38 meters tall and it is approximately 630 tons. The open arms of Christ the Redeemer are 30 meters long.

French sculptor Paul Landowski built the statue. The design of the statue belongs to Heitor da Silva Costa. For construction concrete was used. Additionally, it was covered with a special mixture.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is one of the largest statues of the world. It is so great that in 2007 it was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was chosen with the votes of people and when the election was held there were many campaigns for the statue. The votes carried it to top and now it is listed as one of the wonders of the world.

The statue gave inspire for other constructions. Sculptures and architects built similar statues. Pico Isabel de Torres in Dominic Republic is one of the examples of these constructions.

Visiting Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer is located on the top of Corcovado Mountain. Below the mountain there is Tijuca Forest National Park. The scenery from the mountain and from the park is very beautiful. You can reach to the top of the mountain by railway.

Different organizations are held to attract more people to the area and to the statue. In 1999, Australian bungee jumper Felix Baumgartner jumped from the right hand of the statue. Organizations similar to that are held.

Every year, Christ the Redeemer statue is visited by millions of people. Since its construction, the great statue experienced harsh times. Lastly, in 2008 the statue was struck by a lightning. However, it still keeps its form.

Travel to Spain
Barcelona

Barcelona is the combination of a plateau, coasts and mountains. It is near Mediterranean Sea and it is under the effect of Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry. Winters are mild, warm and rainy. More than 1.5 millions people live in Barcelona. The official language is Catalan language. There are Catholic, Buddhist and Muslim people living in the city.

Economy is based on trade, industry and tourism. Transportation options are various. There are two airports in Barcelona. These are Barcelona International Airport and Sabadell Airport. It is a port city and reaching by sea is possible. There are metro, bus and tram networks. In addition to all these, roads and highways are also used.

Activities in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city of nature, museums, architecture and modernity. If you love nature parks and beaches of Barcelona are for you. The city has more than 130 parks. The total area of all these parks covers nearly %10 of the city. Public, historic, botanical, forest and urban parks can be visited in the city. Another option for Barcelona vacation is visiting beaches. Swimming, sunbathing, diving, all these are waiting for you. Doing these activities near Mediterranean Sea is very nice. The city has seven beaches.

Night life of Barcelona city is very lively. There are many night clubs. In these clubs, you can watch flamenco dances. It is the city of entertainment. In every part of the city, you can find a place for entertainment.

Museum visiting in Barcelona should be a part of your vacation. There are many great and important museums in the city. Some of them are the National Museum of Art of Catalonia, the Archeology Museum of Catalonia, the Barcelona Maritime Museum, Picasso Museum and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art.

If you are interested in architecture and history, you will find many interesting places in Barcelona. The symbol of the city is the Sagrada Familia Church. It is a masterpiece. The construction of this great building has not finished yet. The construction began in 1882. Maybe that is the reason making it so interesting. The other constructions of Barcelona display gothic and modernist features.

Art is very important in the city Barcelona. There are many theatre buildings, concert halls and operas. During the year, festivals and concerts are held. If you are in Barcelona, you should certainly attend to some events.

Local cuisine is very similar to Mediterranean one. It is dominated by olive oil. You can taste different dishes here made with olive oil. Fish is an inseparable part of this sea city. The cuisine is rich with salads and vegetable dishes.

Visit this city guide AboutBarcelona.com.

Travel to France
Paris

Capital city of France, Paris is a historical city. The first inhabitation in the area dates back to 4 BC. The geography of the area is diverse. First of all, Seine River makes it a distinctive city. The city itself is flat; the latitude of it is not much. Hills surround Paris. All these elements make it naturally rich. The city is generally warm. Oceanic weather affects the area. All year, there is not very cold or very hot days.

Economically Paris is very rich. The city has one of the highest income rates of the world. The economy of the city is based on business, trade, industry and tourism. The city is densely populated. Approximately 25 millions people live in the city. The transportation system of Paris is well developed. Within the city, there is subway system, tramway line and public services. Using bike in the city is very widespread. If you go for a vacation going around by bike would be interesting. In the city, there are four airports. These are Orly Airport, Charles de Gaulle International Airport, Beauvais Tillé Airport and Le Bourget.

Paris is a tourism center. The city is visited by millions of visitors every year. The reasons making it so popular are various. Art, fashion, education, trade, economy, architecture, history, nature, statues, monuments, parks, museums and many other things attract people’s attention. The city is identified with “love”. It is called the love city. Many couples prefer a vacation in Paris for honeymoon. The mystic atmosphere of Paris attracts people from all over the world.

Activities in Paris
The activity options in Paris are various. That is what makes it such an attractive city. From history, to night life, you can find whatever you look for.

If you are interested in history and architecture, Paris will be a unique experience for you. Monuments, parks, gardens, avenues and much more can be found in the city. Some of the historical sites you can visit are Place de la Concorde, L’Opéra, Les Halles, Montparnasse, Le Marais, Plaine Saint Denis, Quartier Latin and many other places.

The area is rich with monuments, parks and gardens. Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris. It is the most famous monument of the city. In addition to that, cathedral Notre Dame de Paris, the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe, Statues of Liberty and Sainte Chapelle are just of the famous monuments of Paris. The city is also famous for its beautiful gardens. Tuileries Gardens is the most popular of them. It is located near Seine. Additionally, Montsouris, Parc des Buttes Chaumont, Parc de la Vilette are attractive places.

Museum visiting is a part of Paris vacation. It is a city of art and history. Worldwide famous Louvre Museum is one of the inseparable parts of Paris visitation. If you want to learn more about Louvre Museum read the article Louvre Museum. National Modern Art Museum, Music Museum, Picasso Museum are some of the major museums you can visit.

Art is very important for the city Paris. When you are there, go to opera and theatre. Major literary works are displayed in the theatres. You can watch operas which you can not watch in another city of the world. With many different aspects the great city Paris is waiting for you!

For further information visit Paris.org.

Travel to Italy

The city is called “Venezia” in Italian. Venice is so unique and charming that different names are given to it. It is called “City of Water”, “City of Bridges”, “Queen of Adriatic” and “City of Light”.

The historical records show that Venice was firstly inhabited by fishermen and refugees fleeing from rushes. Venice has a mild climate. While it is hot in summers, it is not very cold in winters. Transportation within the city is via canals. You can use either sea way or road of bridges. Waterway is the main transportation type of Venice. In addition to that, you can reach to the city by air, by public transportation options and by car. However, in the city nor car or bus is used, it is city of water. You can come to the stations and then you can go to the city. Transportation by air is provided with Marco Polo International Airport.

The constructions of the city Venice were built on the water. It has been long long years since the city was built, so it began to sink! There are works to prevent this. The house levels are reaching to the water level more and more. Some parts of the buildings which used earlier are no longer available. Some projects were used to stop sinking and it was reported that the city is no longer sinking. However, there is still search for a permanent solution.

Activities in Venice
Gondola is the symbol of the city of water. Going through channels with gondola is very popular. There are tours for this. You can rent one of them and enjoy yourself in this dream city.

Venice is the city of festivals. During the year, different festivals are held. You can attend them and live the city. Carnivale of Venice is the most famous of these organizations. It is held in February. In the streets, you can see people with charming masks and clothes. These are traditional clothes. Around the city, there are stores from where you can also buy such things.

The city is connected via bridges. These bridges all have unique characteristics. Every one of them is architectural masterpieces. Rialto Bridge is the most famous of them. Accademia Bridge, Scalzi Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs is just some others. You can visit all these different points.

Italy is center of art, history, culture and civilization. Venice represents all these features very well. There are museums you can visit in Venice. Scuola Grande di San Marco, Palazzo Grassi, Museo Del Ghetto, Museo de Orientale are just some of the museums you should see.

Architecturally Venice is very rich. Palaces, churches, piazzas are all found in every part of the city. Doge’s Palace, Basilica di San Marco, Campo San Polo, Fondaco dei Turchi are some attraction places of Venice.
For more information visit Venetia.it.

Travel to Turkey

Built as a cathedral, it was converted into a mosque during Ottoman Empire period. It is now a museum and it is also called Hagia Sophia Museum. The construction of it began in 532 and ended in 537. Construction period was very fast for such a cathedral. It is one of the biggest cathedrals of the world.

Hagia Sophia chronologically experiences three different periods. First of all, it was a church. Nothing remained from the first construction. Then a new one was built. However, the same destiny was waiting for it. It was burned and ruined. Not all the parts of the church were damaged. Some major parts of it came to our age. With the order of Emperor Justinian, a totally new church was built. After the conquest of Istanbul by Turks, the church was changed into a mosque. It was used as a mosque for a long time. In 20th century, Hagia Sophia became a museum combining different religious, cultural and historical elements.

Architectural Features of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is located in Turkey. However, it is a masterpiece of Byzantium architecture. It is such a wonderful building that Hagia Sophia gave inspire for other architectural works.

The construction is 56 meters high and 31 meters high from the inside. There are more than 100 columns carrying the building. The dome is the center of Hagia Sophia. It is separately a masterpiece. Forty windows surround the dome. From these windows, the sunlight enters the inside of the building creating different sceneries.

The museum displays some unique archeological works. Marble works, statues, mosaics, icons are just some of the works you can see here. There are four minarets of Hagia Sophia added after it was converted into a mosque. Four of them are different from each other. As they were added to the construction after a long time, architects built them in different styles and weights in order to balance the building.

Hagia Sophia is famous for its mosaics. Built as a church, it depicts figures of Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, Saints, birth and death. With time, some of these mosaics were taken to different parts of the world by vandal people. After Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, mosaics were removed or covered. Islam is a religion which does not use imagery elements. Becoming a museum, the situation of Hagia Sophia was protected. Now visiting and seeing different mosaics, paintings are possible.

Visiting Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was a candidate for New Seven Wonders of the World. It was not chosen in 2007. However, it is still a tourism attraction center of Istanbul. Everyday, the museum is visited by hundreds of people. If you want further information about Istanbul city, read also Center of Turkey: Istanbul.

Watch videos of Hagia Sophia.

Travel to Turkey
Temple of Artemis

Once upon a time, the temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. However, now there are only some columns remaining. Nearly the entire of the temple was ruined.

History of Temple of Artemis
The temple is dedicated to goddess Artemis. It was built in 6 BC. It is totally marble. The construction took a long time. The site area is older than the temple. It is predicted that Lydian and Lelege societies inhabited the area.

The Temple of Artemis was designed and built by Cretan architect Chersiphron and his son Metagenes. King of Lydia Croesus gave the required financial support for the construction of the temple.

The area that temple was built on a boggy area. It is predicted that such an area was chosen intentionally. It was a precaution for possible earthquakes. When the construction of the Artemis Temple ended, it became a visitation point for traders, kings, tourists, and believers. They brought some goods, jewelry for the honor of Artemis goddess.

This old site and temple faced many attacks and it was restored many times. The biggest event in its history is Herostratus’ ruining the temple. The temple was destroyed in 4 BC by Herostratus. He believed that the temple would be world wide famous after that event. Despite being destroyed, fame was important. The temple was restored only after the death of king. However, this was not the first and the last destroy of the temple. It was destroyed by Goths during their rush. The temple was rebuilt by Roman Emperor Constantine. With time, the temple lost its religious importance. The ruins of the construction were used in different constructions.

Architectural Features of Artemis Temple
The researches show that the temple was built in three periods. In the first period, there was an altar in the area. Then the Temple of Artemis was built. Finally, restoration period began.

The entire of the temple could not reach to our age. We know only what is recorded. The data shows that it was approximately 155 meters high and 55 meters width. The temple was built totally from marble. Columns formed the temple. It was not just a building. In it, there were many art works. It was a displaying center. Statues, sculptures, paintings made by famous artists of the era were displayed in the temple.

Tourism and Temple of Artemis
Ephesus ancient city is a tourism center. Read the article Pearl of Aegean: Izmir – Turkey to get more information about Ephesus. Visiting Temple of Artemis is a part of Ephesus tour. The temple is not in good condition. However, it is still worth to see this historical and mythological site.

Travel to Italy

After construction of cathedral, Leaning Tower of Pisa was built in 1173. Six columns form the tower. It is approximately 56 meters height and stairs lead you to the top, more than 290 stairs. The last level of the Pisa Tower is in the shape of cylinder. Here, bells are found.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built in a vertical style. However, the building began to lean after the construction. The main cause of leaning is the soft base. The tower continued to lean to the southwest for a long time. It is predicted that 100 years means 7 centimeters leaning. It looks like little, but for a huge building, it is a great change.

Famous Pisa Tower was closed between the years 1990-2001. The building was under the risk of collapse. The technical methods applied to the construction were successful. The leaning of the tower was stopped. Now, visitors are accepted to the tower again.

Architectural Features of Pisa Tower
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the masterpieces of Italian architecture. There is not an exact name about who built it. Speculations indicate the architect Bonanno Pisano.

Construction period took a long time. In 1173, construction began and it was finished in 177 years. Especially, wars brought halt to the construction. The tower was built floor by floor. For the first floor, mainly marble was used. The leaning began with the third floor. Building further floors were nonsense because the building had already began to lean. However, construction continued. The main reasons of leaning were soft base and soil. As the tower was leaning, architects tried a different method. They built floors in different sizes. This made the tower lean to the other side, but it was not a solution. The last floor was built in 14th century. Seven bells were replaced to this floor. Each of these bells has distinctive features. Different producers made them. Their tones and weights are also different from each other.

Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the symbol of Italy. Any tourist visiting the country has photo under the tower. The tower is not the only attraction spot in the area. In addition to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, there are some other charming places to visit.

If you go to the city Pisa, certainly visit the Piazza die Miracoli. Anyway, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is located at that square. The square is a common meeting point. It combines architecture, history and nature. Especially at nights, the square is crowded and more beautiful.

The Pisa Tower was built near a cathedral as a bell tower. Visiting this famous cathedral is an option for your vacation. The cathedral was built in Romanesque style. It is the symbol of wealth.

Another place that can be visited along with tower is the Baptistery. It is a huge building with magnificent architecture. In it there is statue of the Baptist, Italo Griselli. The walls were decorated with paintings. The churchyard is an attractive place for visitors. Coming out of the Baptistery, you see the churchyard. It is not only a yard; it is a well designed part of all these buildings.

Visit official website of Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Travel to Turkey

There are legends about the name of the monastery. It is claimed that Christian Greeks were saying “stou mela” when they wanted something from Panagania Icon. The claim is supported with another name. Sumela Monastery was also called as “the virgin of Mela”.

Architecture of Sumela Monastery
The church is predicted to be built in 3AD. There is not much data about what happened before it became a monastery. A famous story about Sumela Monastery is like that: Two monks dream the same thing. They dream that Pagania Icon made by Saint Luke is at Sumela. They come here without knowing each other and meet there. They start to build the first church.

There is a church, rooms, library, kitchen and other rooms at Sumela Monastery. Every part connects you to some other. At the top of a cliff, imagine series of rooms. Stairs lead you to the upper and other parts of the construction.

Walls of church are full of frescoes. The greatest of these frescoes depicts the birth of Virgin Mary, birth of Jesus Christ, their lives. Some paintings from the Bible can be found under them. This great fresco is found on the south wall of monastery. At the south gate of the Sumela the death of Mary and followers are depicted. At the east gate Genesis, Adam and Eve, the first sin, their punishment, and resurrection are found with frescoes. Some frescoes depict angels, Mikhail and the angel of death. These frescoes are the elements making monastery such important and beautiful. However, unfortunately some of them are damaged. Monastery is an old construction. Time, human factor and nature damaged monastery. Many times it was restored, but there are still parts that are not in good conditions.

The balcone of the Sumela Monastery does not look like such old. It is a part added after hundreds of years. It is predicted that balcony was used by monks and quests. From there, you can watch the charming scenery.

Visiting Sumela Monastery
Sumela Monastery is a tourism attraction place. Especially after restoration more and more people began to visit it. It is a tourism center, but government is worried about that. The current situation of monastery requires special care. There are some precautions that visitors should take. In order to keep this unique building, we should be more careful.

Generally Black Sea tours include Sumela Monastery to their schedules. There is accommodation option near Sumela, there are restaurants close to the area. After visiting Sumela, you can stay in the area.

The atmosphere combines culture, history, religion, architecture, archeology, nature and aesthetics. Finding all these at one place is not possible every time. Sumela Monastery is the only example of its type. If you go Trabzon, certainly visit this mysteries place and have great time.