One travel tradition that I have is to visit at least one cemetery in each destination. Not only do these spaces provide me with a peaceful respite, but they offer me a glimpse into the culture and beauty of the area. I discovered the unique San Fernando Cemetery in Seville only a short walk away …
One thing I always enjoy about visiting a country that has had a socialist past, is the architecture. I can understand why some don’t enjoy this style, but the clean lines make sense to me. Tirana emerged from its severe dictatorship almost 30 years ago now, but many reminders remain. The brutalist architecture and Skanderbeg …
Within the beautiful historical district of Salerno is a riot of tiny alleys and streets. This once run down area of the city has been revitalized with art. The incredible street art of the Muri D’autore is quite literally everywhere in this singular neighbourhood. Muri D’autore What began as a tribute to the poet Alfonso …
When you do as much walking as I do, you can cover a lot of area. One thing that has amazed me here, is the amount of interesting public art around Plovdiv. Not just beautifying the tourist areas, but all around the city. Decorating Buildings There are numerous buildings here, all from a specific era, …
On a trip into Old Town in Plovdiv, I decided to explore a house that I had not visited before. Although this home is one of the precious Bulgarian Revival Houses of the 18th & 19th centuries, it is not a museum per say. Instead, it is being used to exhibit an enormous collection of …
In Old Town, there is a concentration of Bulgarian Revival houses and one of these is Stambolyan House. The Bulgarian artist Dimitar Kirov resided in this home in the 1960’s. In the 80’s and 90’s the house was used as a cultural hub of sorts, for artists of the city. Today, Stambolyan is full of …
One of the houses I was determined to explore in Plovdiv was the gorgeous Stambolyan House in Old Town. It doesn’t look like it would be that amazing from the exterior. All one can see from the street is a tall white stone and plaster wall and small building surrounding a wooden doorway. But step …
When I read that there was a cemetery on Brac and saw the pictures, I knew this was one I had to visit. The most famous modern sculptor in Croatia was Ivan Rendic, and he is buried here. The St Nicholas Cemetery on Brac has some unique buildings and beautiful art. Ivan Rendic Ivan was …