Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza translates to something like "at the mouth of the well of the Itza people". It entered popular imagination, in 1843, with the book "Incidents of Travel in Yucatan", by explorers John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood. The Temple of Kukulcan, also known as "El Castillo", is the most recognisable structure.The site opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Bring cash, as payment with credit card costs extra 10%.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dam Square, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Image
A dam was built on the site in the 13th century, forming the first connection between the settlements on each side of the Amstel river (hence the name Amsterdam). The dam was built up, eventually becoming large enough for a town square. The area became the centre of commercial activity and government. The Damrak, the former mouth of the Amstel river was partially filled in in the 19th century and Dam square became surrounded by land on all sides. On May 7th, 1945, two days after German capitulation, a group of German soldiers started shooting into the crowds waiting for Canadian troops to arrive, killing over 30 people and injuring over 100. After WWII the National Monument was erected, in remembrance of those who died during the war.
Read more

Saint Minas Cathedral, Heraklion, Greece

Image
The cathedral of Saint Minas started being built in 1862. Built during difficult times- construction was even interrupted in 1866 due to the Cretan Revolution- it was greatly due to the enthusiastic support of the Heraklion people that the building was concluded in 1895. Despite Crete still being under Turkish rule, celebrations lasted for three days.  Saint Minas is the patron saint of Heraklion and the original church built in his honour still stands right beside the cathedral. Opening hours: Open daily. Entrance free Heraklion
Read more

Rua Augusta Arch, Lisbon, Portugal

Image
The Rua Augusta Arch offers visitors a unique panoramic view of the city. Inside the arch visitors can learn about its history. It was built between 1759 and 1873, to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the Great Earthquake of 1755. At the top of the arch, there's a statue of Glory crowning Valor and Genius. Right below, on top of the columns, are the statues of four Portuguese historical figures: Nuno Álvares Pereira, Constable of Portugal in the 14th century, Viriatus, chief of the Lusitanian people in the 2nd century BC, Vasco da Gama, navigator that discovered the sea route to India and the Marquis of Pombal, Prime Minister of Portugal at the time of the Great Earthquake. The two remaining figures are rivers Tagus and Douro. Opening hours : 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entrance fee : €2.50 Back to Lisbon
Read more

Martim Moniz Square, Lisbon, Portugal

Image
According to legend, Martim Moniz was a knight in D. Afonso Henrique's army during the city's reconquest in 1147 (D. Afonso Henriques was the first king of Portugal). Seeing one of the gates open he threw himself into the breach, allowing for the invading army to enter at the cost of his own life. Martim Moniz square results from the demolition of Lower Mouraria in the mid 20th century, including the street after which the square is named. Only the chapel of Our Lady of Good Health survived the demolition. In the 90s the city council decided to make the toponym official and maintain the homage to the hero of questionable existence. During many years the square looked very degraded, until 2012, when the city council decided to renovate, adding new kiosks and esplanades. This square is also known as Lisbon's Chinatown, due to the existence of many Chinese and Indian shopkeepers. The fountain is a reference to the old wall, of which only an unrecognizable tower rem...
Read more