Saint Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is a city in the northwest of the Russian Federation, and is the administrative center of the Northwestern Federal District. With its 5 000 000 citizens, it was second largest city in Russia. It is also the second most important cultural, economic and scientific center of the country. The city lies on the delta of the Neva River and the many islands of the delta.

St. Petreburg is one of the most significant cities in Russian history. It was founded in 1703 by Russian Tsar Peter the Great, after whom it was named. It was built on the model of Venice, with it Peter wanted to show the richness of his empire. St. Petersburg was the capital of Russia for over 200 years, and today it is a modern city with many tourist attractions that attract visitors from all over the world.

 Bridges in St. Petersburg reminds us of Venice. They can be found on every few hundred meters. In the city center there are over six hundred, and they are masterpieces of architecture.

Orthodox churches in St. Petersburg are among the most beautiful in the whole of Russia. Built with the aim to show the the splendor to of the Russian Empire, and their constructors were the best architects of their time. Some of the churches are the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Cathedral of Prince Vladimir, Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and many others.

Hermitage Museum is one of the most beautiful, largest and oldest art galleries in human history. Large art collection housed in six buildings, the main building is the former Winter Palace, the residence of the Russian tsars. The museum houses a collection of over three million exhibits, some of which are among the masterpieces of world importance.

Peter and Paul Fortress was built back in 1703, and in it were buried all Russian emperors, starting from Peter I to Nicholas II.

State Russian Museum was built in 1895, and this is the largest museum in the world where are collections of Russian sculpture, graphics, decorative and folk art. Here is over 390 000 exhibits.

 Bronze Horseman is one of the symbols of St. Petersburg. This is a monument depicting Emperor Peter I. It was built at the request of the Empress Ekatarine II.

 Summer Garden is one of the most beautiful places in St. Petersburg. Its construction began in the early eighteenth century. Here was located the summer castle, in which Peter I showed the splendor to many statesmen who came to him for a visit.

 Cruiser Aurora is one of the most famous ships in Russian naval history. It was used from the Russian - Japanese War in 1905, until 1956, when it was finally converted into a museum. Until today Aurora was visited by around 30 000 000 tourists.

In St. Petersburg are other major tourist attractions. It can be said that the whole city was built with the aim to be an attraction for all visitors. Its goal is to encourage everyone to admire, and the trend of this city remains from Peter the Great until today.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is the capital and largest city of the Republic Ireland , as well as the entire island. It is situated on the east of the country, leaning against the shore. Dublin has an area of ​​114, 99 square kilometers, and a population of about 525 000 citizens. The capital of Ireland is economic, cultural and political center of the country, and one of the most developed cities in Europe.

Area where Dublin is located was inhabited in ancient times. Called Dubh - linn, or black pond, is mentioned in 291 in. The city was founded in the mid-ninth century by the Danes, and they were replaced by in British in 1171. On several occasions, the Irish have been unsuccessfully trying to drive out the English, and Dublin remained in their hands until 1921. Then, after the famous Irish revolution, Dublin finally became the center of the newly formed Ireland. Today, Dublin is one of the top 30 cities in the world, and a great tourist destination.

 Dublin Castle was built in 1204 by order of King John. Record Tower is one of the best-preserved parts of the complex, originating from the thirteenth century. There is also a Chapel Royal from the nineteenth century. Most of the present castle was built in the eighteenth century.

Writers Museum owns first editions of books, letters of many writers such as Swift, Sheridan, Shaw, Yeats and others. The museum is housed in a beautiful Gregorian mansion.

Christ Church Cathedral was founded in 1172 by Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke. The most interesting parts of the church are "slanted wall Dublin" in the northern part, which is from 1562, after the roof collapsed, tilted 46 cm, and a mummified cat and mouse that are found in the pipe of organ, and also the heart of St. Lawrence, the patron saint of Dublin.

National Gallery of Ireland has an impressive collection of around 2 500 paintings, watercolors, drawings, prints and sculptures. Since 2002, as part of the museum there is a new Millennium Wing.

National Museum of Ireland is a proud guardian of a rich collection of Irish antiquities, dating from 7000 BC until today. Here are the Ardagh Hoard and Tara Brooch from the eighth century, and the Cross of Cong from the twelfth century.

Trinity College is one of the most popular educational centers in the world. It was founded in 1592, and his students were Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker (author of the vampire Dracula), Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and others. The main attraction of the university is Book of Kells from the year 800.

The General Post Office is a place where happened the famous Easter Rising in 1916, when the Irish unsuccessfully tried to get rid of British rule.

 In Dublin is produced one of the most popular beers in the world, Guinness, repeatedly proclaimed the best in the world. Squares of the city are filled with street entertainers, and many shops for souvenirs. Visitors can go in one of the many Irish pubs, where the atmosphere is widely known. There are also restaurants where you can taste some of the local dishes. Dublin is a city of culture, history, entertainment and enjoyment. Therefore, this charming city a great destination for a great time. 

Olinda, Brazil

Olinda is a city in the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco. City covers an area of 43, 55 square kilometers, and has a population of about 400 000 citizens.

This is a city with a colonial spirit, which is why it`s on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982. Olinda has a long history. It was founded back in 1535 by the Portuguese, while the French were first occupied this area. Long did last the struggle of this city for the joining Brazil. Part of Brazil Olinda, as well as the state of Pernambuco, became in 1891. Today Olinda is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Brazil, with a variety of options for the perfect holiday.

Convento de São Francisco is a monastery complex with several religious buildings, which together form a remarkable series of cultural legacy from ancient times. They have a form that can be seen in Portugal, Italy and Spain, and represent exceptional value of this city.

Mosteiro de São Bento (Monastery of São Bento) is from the late sixteenth century, and over time has suffered a number of changes. In the monastery is located sculpted altar, a masterpiece of Brazilian Baroque.

Igreja da Sé (the Church of São Salvador do Mundo) was the first church built in Brazil. It was built in 1540, and during the seventeenth century it was owned by the Lutheran Church.

 

Rua do Amparo is where it is happening cultural and nightlife of Olinda. There are numerous restaurants, bars, art galleries. There is a house at number 91, whose former owner, Sr. Cardoso, invented pau de indio, a drink that is a symbol of the famous carnival in Olinda.

Carnival - after Rio, in Olinda is held the second most famous carnival in Brazil. Characterized by different music, especially popular influence of African rhythms and dances. Entrance to the carnival in Olinda is free, unlike Rio and Salvador, where it must be paid.

In the near of Olinda are popular beaches Pau Amarelo and Maria Farinha. Here is organized water skiing, surfing, and numerous water sports. Besides these two, there are also beaches Carmo, Bairro Novo, Rio Doce, and a few others.

The entire city of Olinda has numerous cultural - historical monuments that are located all over. Therefore, this is an ideal place to visit and enjoy. Here you can create great memories in a unique environment, in a rare world-historical phenomenon.

Carthage, Tunisia

Carthage is one of the most famous ancient cities and one of the many treasures of the ancient civilization on the ground of North Africa. It is located near the Tunisian capital Tunis, and in 1979 is included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

"The Jewel of the Mediterranean" was built by the Phoenician merchants from Tyre, 814 BC. Carthage is quickly became the ruler of the Mediterranean. Its traders were coming to the farthest parts of the ancient world. All this has made the city one of the richest and most developed in the basin of the Mediterranean Sea. Carthage successes have led to conflict with the Greeks, and with the Romans. The wars of Carthage and Rome were held in three stages. In the history , these conflicts remained known as the Punic Wars, according to the name Punicus , which the Romans gave to the Carthaginians.

 

Carthage in the Second Punic War gave one of the greatest generals in the history of warfare, Hannibal, who until the end of his life never stopped making plans to demolish Rome. The Third Punic War was decisive for the fate of the city. Roman troops landed on the coast of North Africa 149 BC. After that, the Romans approached the siege of Carthage, which lasted two years. 146 BC defense has fallen, but the fighting went on for another six days. Brave defenders fought literally for every street and every house. When they finally took Carthage, the Romans burnt it down. According to tradition, Carthage is on the fire for seventeen days and nights, during which disappeared all traces of this great civilization. After that, the Romans plowed the area where the city is located, sprinkle it with salt and put a curse, so there would never again be raised a new city. Despite the curse, the city was again founded by the Romans themselves. In the same place where there was the first, Julius Caesar built a new Carthage. Over time, Carthage became second most important city of the western part of the Roman Empire. New Carthage was called "the granary of the Empire." After the fall of the Roman Empire Carthage is on several occasions conquered. Cartagena encourage some of the most important early Christian theologians and scholars. The ruins of Carthage were discovered in the second half of the twentieth century, during construction work at the palace of President Habib Bourguiba.

Carthage had two artificial harbors, one was used for merchant ships. In the second port, known as Cotton, were situated warships. Cotton was circular in shape, and its contours are still visible today. In this port was not allowed to enter any stranger. She was surrounded by massive walls, and was considered as one of the Wonders of the ancient world. The city was surrounded by walls 37 kilometers long, and most of the walls was on the coast. The city was composed of numerous buildings, particularly is significant large library, which was burned down during the Roman conquest. In the center of Carthage was a citadel known as Birsa, and its remains are visible today. Carthage before the fall had about 500 000 inhabitants. From Carthage are preserved only ruins and foundations that follow her contours.

  

This, once one of the most developed cities in the world, today is a very important attraction on the tourist map of Tunisia. This city is besieged visitors from all over the world, to be able to admire this ancient metropolis. Carthage did not survive the destruction, but the spirit of this city forever remained in the foundations of human civilization. Carthage keeps its uniqueness, and it would be a shame not to visit during the arrival in Tunisia.