Arts and History

A quick train ride from Bari (and a seven minute train ride between each other) are the seaside towns of Monopoli (no relation to the game) and Polignano ad Mare. Monopoli has that port / fishing village feel. Great buildings and narrow streets to wander. Less expected was Monopoli’s cathedral. It was a masterpiece of…

With a bit of searching there are some amazing sights in Rome. This includes Santa Maria Maggiore, a large Basilica not too far from Rome’s Termini train station. While looking serene and peaceful it was a busy place even at 9 am on a weekend. The combination of it being a jubilee year in Rome…

Starting my day in the 13th Arrondissement for its great street art. Then starting at Republique, making my way along the Canal St Martin. What was once an important shipping canal complete with locks. It makes for a long and pleasant stroll. Arriving finally at the City of Science and Industry – an interactive museum….

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Sofia. It’s been a very pleasant surprise. Having been inhabited since 7000 BC, it’s a city with a lot of history. I enjoyed seeing how the different eras mix and come together to form this vibrant city. St Sofia Church – the city’s namesake cathedral with the remnants…

Two different galleries – both for shopping rather than art. Starting with Gallerie Vivienne a covered set of shops dating back to 1826. Next up, Galleries Lafayette, probably the largest department store known outside France. I took a guided tour that allowed access an hour before the store opened to learn all about the history…

An early morning start up on Montmartre which still preserves some of its artistic roots. Saint Chapelle is the former royal chapel and known for its captivating 7200 square feet of stained glass. Next door at the bottom of the Palais de la Justice is the Conciergerie – a former prison which included the former…