The imperial throne and tomb of Charlemagne in a gilded shrine are top attractions to see in the Carolingian Aachener Dom in Germany. Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom) is one of the most famous and most interesting historic buildings in Germany. It was originally the palatine chapel of Charlemagne and for almost six centuries the church where German kings were crowned. Much … [Read more...]
Interior of Aachen Cathedral
Aachen Cathedral blends original Carolingian elements with later mostly Gothic decorations and additions as well as modern Byzantine-style mosaics. Aachen Cathedral is one of the shiniest cathedrals in Germany. The interior shows an unusual amount of gold while the Byzantine-style mosaics add color and bling to what is in part a fairly dark building. The core of the cathedral … [Read more...]
The Building and Exterior of Aachen Cathedral
Aachen Cathedral’s core was built by Charlemagne but later additions enlarged the palatine chapel that became the coronation church of German kings. Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom) in western Germany is one of the oldest continuously in use buildings in Germany. The octagonal core of the church was built by Charlemagne as a Mary chapel attached to his palace in Aix-la-Chapelle … [Read more...]
See the Gothic Choir of Aachen Cathedral
The choir of the Aachener Dom contains the shrine of Charlemagne, further relics, and magnificent Ottonian and Romanesque art. The magnificent choir area of the Aachen Cathedral in western Germany has the remains of Charlemagne (Karl der Grosse / Charles the Great) in a large gilded early 13th-century shrine (Karlsschrein). The Mary shrine (Marienschrein) from the same era is … [Read more...]
See the Aachen Cathedral Treasury in Germany
The Aachener Domschatz is one of the most important treasuries in Europe with art related to Charlemagne, German royal coronations, liturgy, and relics. The Aachen Cathedral Treasury (Aachener Domschattz) is one of the largest and most important treasuries of medieval Christian artworks in Europe. The treasury has over a hundred works that are exhibited in a large museum … [Read more...]
Pompeii: Buying Tickets and Visiting the Excavations on Day-Trip Tours
In 2020, skip-the-line time-slot tickets, guided tours, and combination offers are good ways to avoid the queues and save money when visiting the excavations of Pompeii near Naples in Italy. The Pompeii archeological site near Naples is one of the top sights to see in Italy. The excavations of Pompeii are a popular day-trip destination from Naples, Sorrento, and the Amalfi … [Read more...]
Tips on Visiting the Alhambra Complex and Nasrid Palace in Granada
The Alhambra in Granada, and especially the Nasrid Palace, is one of the top sights to see in Andalusia and Spain. Advance ticket reservations are almost essential for admission to the best parts of the Alhambra. Tickets for the Alhambra in Granada are fairly easy to obtain but it is essential to buy in advance to ensure admission to the Nasrid Palaces (Palacios Nazaries) … [Read more...]
How to Buy the Cheapest Tickets for the Alhambra Palace in Granada
Tickets for the Alhambra, Nasrid Palaces, and the Generalife in Granada are the cheapest on-site but best bought online in advance to ensure actual admission. Tours and combination tickets may give access on busy days. Tickets for the Alhambra in Granada, one of the top sights to see in Spain, often sell out. It is highly advisable to buy skip-the-line tickets online in … [Read more...]
Tips on Buying Tickets and Visiting Herculaneum near Pompeii and Naples
It is best to arrive early at the Herculaneum excavations to buy the cheapest tickets onsite and to enjoy a pleasant quiet visit of the archaeological site near Pompeii and Naples before tour groups and crowds arrive. Note: See 2020 Tips on Buying Tickets to Visit Herculaneum for updated information. Opening hours are currently shorter with special health regulations in … [Read more...]
Visit the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba, Andalusia
The Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba is one of Spain’s finest Islamic buildings — a top sight to visit in Andalucia. The Mezquita is the top attraction to see in Córdoba and one of the most important Moorish monuments in Andalusia. Despite now being a consecrated Roman Catholic cathedral, the highlight remains the thousand-year-old prayer hall of the great mosque of … [Read more...]
Tips for Visiting the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba, Andalusia
Opening hours for the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba are long. Tickets are only sold onsite. Admission is free early mornings. The Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba is one of the top sights to see in Andalucia. It is one of the most-important Islamic buildings in Spain but as a working Roman Catholic Church, opening hours are influenced by religions services. … [Read more...]
Tips on Visiting the Pompeii Excavations near Naples
Planning when to go to Pompeii archaeological site, where to buy tickets, and how to visit make a self-guided day trip to the excavations site easy, cheap, and more enjoyable. The excavations of Pompeii near Naples are justifiably among the most popular sights and day-trip destinations in Italy. The Roman ruins at this vast archaeological site are an absolute must-see, … [Read more...]