The Amazing Temple Complex of Karnak in Egypt

One of the most interesting places to see and visit in Egypt is the Temple of Karnak. It is a place of history, culture, and remarkable architecture. It is commonly known only as Karnak and is a group of ruined temples, pylons, buildings and other monuments that showcases some of the finest Egyptian designs and architecture. The Karnak Temple is the biggest temple complex in the world with an area of about 100 hectares and was known during ancient Egyptian times as Ipet-isut or The Most Selected of Places and is dedicated to Pharoah Amon-Re. Some of the interesting sights to see while in this amazing Egyptian temple complex are, The Precinct of Temple of Amon Re, it is open to the public and is entered through the Avenue of the Sphinxes; The Great Hypostyle Hall which is a 134 huge and tall columns in 16 rows and is one of the most visited monuments in Egypt; The Obelisk of Thutmose I, which is a 71 feet/21.7 meters in height and sits on a 6 feet/1.8 meters square base and weighs about 143 tons and has three vertical inscriptions on its sides; and like most temples in Egypt Karnak also has a lake, The Sacred Lake of Karnak where religious rituals and festivals were performed and where priests go daily to purify themselves. Pharaohs and their offerings were also known to purify in this sacred lake. The Karnak Temple Complex in Egypt is truly one of the most marvelous travel destinations in the world.

The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) on the Coast of Capri

The island of Capri is famous for the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea surrounding it. A visit in Capri also means an exploration and tour of its wonderful waters and some of the enchanting attractions of the island. One of the most desired places to see by tourists in Capri is the Blue Grotto or the Grotta Azzurra. One can get to the Blue Grotto by a motorboat from Marina Grande, by bus or by a taxi. However, a rowing boat is to be taken to enter the grotto and the passengers need to lie at the bottom of the rowing boat when entering its low opening. But once inside the grotto, one will be treated with the natural wonders of this place, seeing the reflection of the sunlight passing through the underwater cavity and shines through the azure seawater is really such a stunning sight.

The Blue Grotto is a 60-meter long and 25 meter wide cavity that has been known since the Roman Times as evidenced by the statues of pagan gods found on the bottom of the cave which dates back to the Roman Times. There are many legendary tales surrounding this cave and was even believed to be inhabited by witches and monsters a long time ago. But the existence of the grotto was rediscovered only in 1826 by German writer August Kopisch who described the grotto’s extraordinary beauty and charm. Since then, the Blue Grotto or Grotta Azzurra became the symbol of the island of Capri.

photos: Capri.net

The Herrenhausen Gardens of Hanover

The city of Hanover is home to world famous Herrenhausen Gardens. The Herrenhausen Gardens are made up of the Great Garden, Bergarten, Georgengarten, and the Welfengarten. The gardens are among the main tourist attractions of Hanover and rightfully so, because anyone who visits these wonderful gardens are amazed and in awe at the grandeur and beauty of these gardens. The Herrenhausen Gardens are beautiful throughout the whole year but especially spectacular during spring when colorful vibrant blooms make it a sight to behold. The gardens are a heritage of the Kings of Hanover. The baroque Great Garden whose development, beauty and preservation is attributed to Sophie, Princess-elect of Hanover, is among the most distinguished botanical gardens in Europe. It is a huge garden of about 50 hectares of lawns, hedges, fountains, walkways, statues and sculptures placed in geometrical patterns. The Bergarten or The Rock Garden was first a vegetable garden is now a botanical garden at the north of the Great Garden. The Georgengarten and Welfengarten are English –style gardens and are popular recreation areas of the residents of Hanover. The Georgengarten is a landscape garden and is home to the Wilhelm Busch Museum while the Welfengarten is now the stunning grounds of the University of Hanover. The Great Garden plays host to many festivals during summers like ‘The Festival of Small Arts’, ‘Small Festival in the Great Garden’ and ‘Festival Week Herrenhausen’, and its theater is also a great venue of musical and theatrical performances.

Photos locr, flickr

Piccolo Eremo in the Isle of Capri

The Isle of Capri is a popular destination in Italy for both Italians and foreigners from all over the world. It is situated off the Sorrentine Peninsula on the south side of the Gulf of Naples. Capri has been a famous resort since the time of the Roman Republic. During summers Capri is packed with tourists, so if you do not want crowds, be sure not to go there during summers. The island of Capri is an ideal place for relaxation with many natural and manmade landmarks and attractions. The island has lots of hills, cliffs, vineyards, gardens, and a spectacular backdrop of the azure waters of the Mediterranean.

One of the most beautiful and accessible villas in the island of Capri is Piccolo Eremo. The villa is accessible on foot and by car which is not that common for villas in Capri. By crossing the famous little piazza with its colorful lovely flowers and lush plants you can just take a walk to this beautifully designed villa. The luxurious villa looks onto the Faraglioni, two enormous vertical rocks protruding from the sea, symbol of Capri and is often seen in the postcards of Capri. The stunning terrace-garden on the other side of the villa has an elegant lounge area, an open-air kitchen, a gazebo with a dining table to eat ‘al fresco’, and an unusually shaped swimming pool. This villa has two separate units and can be rented out separately or together. All rooms in this wonderful villa has a view of the azure sea.

Photos: ElSolVillas