Monastery of Poblet

Monastery of Poblet is a unique example of the middle ages architecture. The complex was in the one moment the abbey, the fortress and the royal palace. Later the Monastery of Poblet was converted to the pantheon of the royal dynasty of the Aragon kingdom.

Located the Monastery of Poblet in the Spain, not far from the city of Tarragona. (the distance is about 20 kilometers). A monastery situated in the wonderful place in the surrounding of the vineyards.  Also near the monastery start few mountain routes so if you like walking you can enjoy this activity during your visit of Poblet.

Monastery of Poblet recently was restored (it was demolished in the middle of the 19 century)  and now Poblet has very good conditions. I personally was impressed by the inner courtyard of the monastery with small garden and beautiful fountain. The main church of the monastery is breathtaking too with its 14’s century altar and the lines of royal tombs.

I can mention only one lack of the monastery. You can pass inside the monastery only with excursion. It’s not the problem but the problem that the excursions only in Spanish or catalan languages.

The King’s Gate of Poblet

The main entrance to Poblet is the King’s Gate. It’s a significant example of fortifications of 16 century. Over the main arch you can see the Catalonian kings’ coat of arms which is supported by angels and lions. Near the king’s insignia you can read the king’s motto which claims that this building was built during the king Pedro of Aragon reign.

The flawless stonework, façade, loopholes turn this gate into the magnificent example of military architecture.

The Courtyard of Poblet

The nice gate in the Romanic style leads to the Courtyard of Poblet. The kluatr of Poblet is the yard with portico and with the beautiful garden in the center. The oldest galleria was built in the 12 century. Others were built a century after. Also in the middle of the yard you can see the magnificent fountain which as a gallerias belongs to the Romanic style.

The main church of Poblet

The main church of Poblet was built keeping up the canonical traditions. It has three naves which separated one from another by columns. Two from three naves belong to the Romanic style and one to the Gothic style. The main altar of the church is a stone slab which was placed here from the monastery beginning.

The main church of Poblet is the royal shrine of Catalonian kings. Here, for example, there is the sarcophagus of famous Pedro Conqueror who enlarged the Catalonia to the maximum borders.

Grand Master Palace

Grand Master Palace on the Rhodes originates from the 14 century. It was the times when the knights of Order of Hospitallers withdrew from the Cyprus and made the Rhodes their main residence.

Initially at the place of the Grand Master Palace was located ancient temple and after Byzantine fortress has been built. Since it was strategic point which allows control the entrance to the Rhodes port Hospitallers decided to fortify the fortress and converted it into the residence of their leader.

It’s worth mentioning that we can treat the Order of Hospitallers as independent state. Of course, Order did not have any borders but Order conducted their own policy, declared a war and peace, traded with another states. So, how we can call it? Of course it’s an independent state.

In the times of Hospitallers Grand Master Palace was enlarged. In additional to the palace were built a lot of different buildings, for example, hospital and churches. Knights stayed at Rhodes about 200 years up to the 1523. They successfully gone through the vigorous attacks from the Turkey but at last they surrender to the Suleiman the Great and left Rhodes.

Turks also used the Palace but in 1856 it was partly destroys as result of the gunpowder explosion.

At the beginning of 20 century Turks were ousted from island by the Italians. The Palace has been refurbished and used as a Royal Summer Residence. They saved the exterior of the Palace but interiors were made in more pompous style. It was done because the Palace was used as the meeting place with foreign ministers and envoys.

Rhodes was joined to the Greece at 1948 and then Grand Master Palace was converted into the museums. In additional to the many medieval artifacts you can see a lot of ancient things. For example, great roman mosaics which were transformed to Rhodes from the neighbor islands.

Preveli beach

One of the most beautiful places on Crete, Preveli Beach, is located on the south coast of the island, not far away from the city of Rethymnon. This place is famous for its natural palm forest which unfortunately suffered in 2010 during the fire.

Luckily the wind then was not strong and forest was destroyed partly, so I hope the forest will recover quickly.

When I visited the place, it had fantastic view. I had perception that I was transferred from the Europe to some distant place in Africa or South America. Just imagine the palms and lush bushes beneath of them.

Add to this picture the canyon with river and mountains which surround this all. And you will feel a smell of the little adventure. You can start explore the Preveli forest on your feet by walking upstream or you can rent catamaran and try your force against current. It’s all up to you. Enjoy your time at Preveli Beach.

The beach became very popular in 1970-years among the hippy who established here every summer their camps. After them this place was investigated by tourists who ousted the hippy and occupied the Preveli Beach. And this “occupation” is lasting yet.

Since the beach is opened from the south it suffers from the strong winds. I remember that the day when I visited Preveli it was very windy on the south coast of the Crete and calm weather on the north.

When wind blows it could be a little cold on the beach. So, the Preveli it’s not so good for tanning and swimming. For these activities is better to choose the beach on the north shore of Crete.

But in any case you will not be disappointed by the Preveli. It’s the place of the wild nature. Even sunbeds were moved away for the reason to preserve the view of the beach.

There is no direct road to the beach. One way to reach it – it’s to leave your car near the Preveli monastery and then down to the beach. I recommend using this way because of the magnificent views of the shore.

And also be prepared for the visit. Bring your own water and don’t forget to take the sun umbrella.

Piazza Bra Verona

Piazza Bra in Verona is historical center of the city. It’s very lovely place which is surrounded by middle age’s buildings with the beautifully facades. In the center of Piazza Bra you can find column with Venetian lion. This column was set here in times when Verona was under the Venetians rules.  
There are a lot of cafes and restaurants here. Many of them propose tables on the open space which can be appreciated by visitors in the summer time.
In the Middle Ages the Piazza Bra was the center of public life of the city. People came here to hear last news, to make business deals, to conduct negotiations, and just to expose herself. Also the Piazza Bra in Verona was the place of public executions.
Some citizens of Verona claim that Piazza Bra is the biggest square in Italy. But you can hear the same thing almost in every big Italian city. For example, citizens of Tries claim that the biggest square in Italy located in their city.
You can find few interesting monuments neat the Piazza Bra. Among them don’t miss the Verona amphitheatre – the symbol of the city. 

Arta Mallorca

Arta is the small town which is located on the north of Mallorca. Arta is not the coastal city. But may be it’s not so bad because while you are visiting the Arta you will see real Mallorca’s town. Not tourist spot with typical hotels but authentic Mallorca's architecture. 
Main attraction of Arta is the fortified church which dominates the city. On the top of the church you can enjoy by nice sight of city’s vicinities.  When I visited Arta the church was closed so I can’t describe the interior of the church. But may be you will be more lucky in that subject. 

Almudaina palace

Royal Palace La Almudaina (this is the official name of the palace) located not far away from embankment of the Pallma de Mallorca in front of city’s Cathedral. It’s still serves as a official royal residence but palace is open for visitors.

Almudaina has a long history. The palace originates from the time when island was under the Phoenicians rule. In the 123 BC Mallorca was conquered by Romans who appreciated castle’s location and started build the city around it.

In the middle of the 10 century, Saracens, who possessed Mallorca, built their own castle over the Roman ruins. (Btw, Almudaina – is a Arabian meaning of the word “citadel” )

When Mallorca was conquered by the Aragon’s dynasty Almudaina has been rebuilt again in the Gothic manner. Some Per Salve was assigned by the king Jaime to lead construction.

This reconstruction lasted more than 50 years and was finished in 1343. Arabic style of the Almudaina was transformed into Gothic. Jagged walls were added to the palace as well as the four towers and portico before the entrance.

Of course, since Almudaina became a Royal residence throne room has been added to the complex. And in 1310 Royal Chapel has been built inside the castle.

Today Almudaina looks like in the middle of the 14 century. Palace (or more precise word Castle) is encircled by the tall walls with few towers. One of them has the name – “The towers of heads” since in the Middle Ages there were exhibited the chopped heads of the crimes. Gloomy place – isn't it?? Almudaina consists from the few buildings – royal palace, queen’s palace and the throne room.

Interiors of the Palace

Visitors of the palace could see the old pictures, furniture, carpets and military items. Some of the rooms are embellished by the old frescoes of the 14 century. I think that for sightseers the most interesting rooms - are throne room and Chapel of the St. Anna which is decorated in roman and gothic styles. Near with the throne room you can visit the royal garden and ruins of Arab baths.

Formentor beach

One of the most famous views of Mallorca - is the a view of cape Formentor. It’s really fascinating view. But today I want to show you picture of Formentor beach which is also very popular among the tourists.

Formentor beach is good place for staying after cape visiting. It can boost by its clear water and charming views on surroundings.  Also beach is located near pine forest and you can enjoy by nice walk after the beach

It can be hard to find parking place near the beach. So it would be better to leave your car at some distance from beach.  Formentor beach is the free place but if you want to use plank bed it would cost about 12 euro from you in high season.

Playa de muro beach

If you plan visit Mallorca don’t miss Playa de Muro Beach which located on the northern shore of the island. As for me, this beach is one of the greatest in the Europe.

The beach is named after the small city of Muro but to reach the beach it would be better to follow the way to the Alcudia. Muro is to small town and I’m not sure that you can find it on your map.

Once you reach the Alcudia you need to turn to the Kapdepera city and from your left hand you will find the beach. Thereafter enjoy your time at the Playa de Muro Beach!!!