Penela is a beautiful small town in district Coimbra in central Portugal. The settlement received the town status in 1137 and now has population of about 3,500. The main attraction of the town is a medieval castle Castelo de Penela. The castle rests upon a limy hill dominating the town. The castle was built in 11th century in the times of Reconquista to guard the way to Coimbra. (Click pictures for larger version)
View of Penela
Venice is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The city is famous for its canals, rich history, beautiful architecture, and of course for the renowned Carnival of Venice. (Click pictures for an HQ 1024×768 version).
The church of the Holy Family (the full name is Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família) is a large Roman Catholic basilica located to the north of Barcelona’s Old City in the area called Eixample (Catalan for “extension”). The foundation for the basilica was laid in 1882, but the construction is not yet completed.
Mont Saint Michel is a rocky island in the mouth of Coeusnon river in about one mile off the Normandy coast. The island is famous for its Benedictine Abbey (build in 11th-16th centuries) dominating the top of the island. This fortified closter is a fine sample of French medieval architecture. The abbey remains active today with about 50 monks still living there. Mont Saint Michel is a major tourist attraction visited by about 3.5 million people a year.
The legends of King Arthur and his knights have many references to Mont Saint Michel. It is said that the Holy Grail is hidden somewhere in the thick walls of the abbey.
Now that’s a nature wonder: the Giant’s Causeway in Antrim county, N. Ireland. Not the best picture of the spot, the real is much more thrilling.
More info about this location: Official Guide to Giant’s Causeway
There is a hotel you can stay at while visiting Giant’s Causeway. See Comfort Hotel Antrim, it is quite inexpensive and besides there is not many other options in the area.
