• Italy
  • Padova (Padua) – The Painted City

    Must-sees: Cappella degli Scrovegni (Scrovegni Chapel, famous for a fresco cycle by Giotto, completed about 1305 and considered to be one of the most important masterpieces of Western art) Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua (one of the biggest churches in the world; one of the most visited places of pilgrimage; one of the 8 international shrines recognized by […]

    Padova (Padua) – The Painted City was last modified: September 1st, 2022 by Dong
  • Italy
  • The Royal Museums of Turin (1/2) – The Royal Palace, Holy Shroud Chapel and Royal Library

    1. Outstanding Universal Value (What does the UNESCO say about the property? Why is it worth your visit?) 2. Practical information 2.1 The complex 2.2 Ticket prices 2.3 Opening hours 2.4 Suggested length of visit and recommended route 2.5 Other important information and tips 3. The Royal Palace 3.1 The Grand Staircase 3.2 Hall of the […]

    The Royal Museums of Turin (1/2) – The Royal Palace, Holy Shroud Chapel and Royal Library was last modified: August 22nd, 2020 by Dong
  • Croatia
  • Historic City of Trogir (2) – the Kamerlengo Fortress & Benedictine Monastery of St. Nikolas

    As the UNESCO comments: Trogir is a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period and it was embellished by successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings […]

    Historic City of Trogir (2) – the Kamerlengo Fortress & Benedictine Monastery of St. Nikolas was last modified: May 4th, 2020 by Dong
  • Croatia
  • Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian (2) – the Basement Halls and City Museum

    As the UNESCO comments: The ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, built between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries A.D., can be found throughout the city. The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. Twelfth- and 13th-century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th-century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance […]

    Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian (2) – the Basement Halls and City Museum was last modified: May 2nd, 2020 by Dong
  • Italy
  • Modena Cathedral Complex (2/3) – Torre Civica & Palazzo Comunale

    In my previous post about Modena Cathedral Complex, I focused on the cathedral itself including its history and decorations both outside and inside. Besides, I mentioned some of the most precious items among the Cathedral Museums‘ collections. For example, the eight metopes, which were originally located on the buttresses of the cathedral’s roof depicting fantastic creatures, […]

    Modena Cathedral Complex (2/3) – Torre Civica & Palazzo Comunale was last modified: April 12th, 2020 by Dong
  • Italy
  • Modena Cathedral Complex (1/3) – Cathedral & Cathedral Museum

    As the UNESCO comments: The magnificent 12th-century cathedral at Modena, the work of two great artists (Lanfranco and Wiligelmus), is a supreme example of early Romanesque art. With its piazza and soaring tower, it testifies to the faith of its builders and the power of the Canossa dynasty who commissioned it.   摩德纳的大教堂、市民塔和大广场: 位于摩德纳的宏伟的12世纪大教堂,是兰弗兰科(Lanfranco)和威利盖尔茨(Wiligelmus)这两位伟大艺术家的杰作,是早期罗马风格艺术的最杰出典范。这所大教堂和与之相配套的宏大广场以及耸入云霄的高塔一起,不但证实了建造者们对皇室的无限忠诚,而且还体现了命令建造这些建筑的卡诺萨王朝的非凡国力。 In order […]

    Modena Cathedral Complex (1/3) – Cathedral & Cathedral Museum was last modified: April 4th, 2020 by Dong
  • Italy
  • Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

    1. Outstanding Universal Value (What does the UNESCO say about the property? Why is it worth your visit?) 2. Practical information For visiting the basilica and cloister For visiting The Last Supper 5x Leonardo ticket 3. The Church and Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie 3.1 Bramante’s tribune 3.2 The choir 3.3 The Chapel of St. Peter […]

    Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci was last modified: November 30th, 2019 by Dong
  • France
  • Strasbourg – boat cruise and audio-guided tour of the historic center

    In this post, I’ll focus on the audio-guided tour of the historic center of Strasbourg and the boat cruise around the Grande-Île. In my opinion, a combination of these two tours provides the best opportunity to learn about the city’s history, and in particular, its cultural heritage. If you have read my previous posts about Strasbourg, please click here […]

    Strasbourg – boat cruise and audio-guided tour of the historic center was last modified: September 18th, 2019 by Dong
  • France
  • Strasbourg – the European capital

    In this post, I’ll focus on Strasbourg’s role as the European capital because it is home to the headquarters of many international organizations such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and so on. Do you know that New York, Geneva and Strasbourg are the only cities in the world that are home to […]

    Strasbourg – the European capital was last modified: September 15th, 2019 by Dong
  • France
  • Strasbourg – Cathedral & Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame

    As the UNESCO comments: The initial property, inscribed in 1988 on the World Heritage List, was formed by the Grande-Île, the historic centre of Strasbourg, structured around the cathedral. The extension concerns the Neustadt, new town, designed and built under the German administration (1871-1918). The Neustadt draws the inspiration for its urban layout partially from […]

    Strasbourg – Cathedral & Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame was last modified: September 8th, 2019 by Dong