Naples in Italy has a history like no other. This is one of the main reasons why so many people are entranced by it from the moment they first set foot inside the city itself.

When you realise that the city was founded back in the eighth century BC, it is understandable why there should be so much in the way of history here. It is an old city – few cities in the world can claim to be older than this one.

Mount Vesuvius is not far to the east of Naples, and the city has been affected to some extent by various eruptions over the centuries. Indeed you can see the immense volcano from certain high points in the city – and an impressive sight it is as well.

The centre of the city is so full of historic importance that it has been granted the status of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to see such eye catching structures as the Piazza del Plebiscito, which is a huge square in the city and has the Royal Palace right by it. The Royal Palace itself takes up one side of the square.

Be sure you also pay a visit to the Naples National Archaeological Museum, because it contains many different slices of history associated with the city. There are many delights here which date back to Roman and ancient Greek times, so you will need much of the day to find all that is available.

Of particular note are the various exhibits which relate to the lost cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These were lost when Mount Vesuvius erupted with disastrous results back in AD 79, losing thousands of lives in the process.

But there is also another side to Naples, and this takes you back through history in a very different way indeed. You can actually descend beneath the city to see the many tunnels and hidden secrets it possesses. If you head to the Trieste e Trento square you can meet up with guides on certain days of the week to go and see these tunnels for yourself. These are signs of a forgotten Roman city, and they also provided much needed shelter when Naples was repeatedly hit by bombing during the Second World War.

Spaccanapoli is also well worth seeing if you head back up to the surface and search for the straightest street in the city. To call it a single street is actually slightly misleading, because it actually consists of a few of them linked together, but it is quite stunning and has many different stalls and delights to search out.

Since flights to Naples are so easy to book, you could soon be heading out to this amazing part of the world where modern life meets ancient times – and gets along just fine.

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
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Tucked away in the north eastern corner of Argentina, and nestled against the border of Brazil, lies Iguazu; a veritable treasure trove of hidden natural wonders, complete with awe-inspiring landscapes and breathtaking attractions. Encircled by the intense Misiones rainforest, and boasting an enviable tropical climate, this city, and the surrounding area, is a haven of lush foliage, vast rivers and imposing trees.

Providing visitors with remarkable views of Brazil and Paraguay, Iguazu is built on a natural platform, making it ideal for viewing the stunning scenery in all its panoramic glory. To obtain the best views across the impressive landscape, it is well worth heading to the Argentine Landmark lookout point.

The main reason why most people travel to this enchanting city, however, is to make the journey to the magnificent Iguazu Falls. Located just 18 km away, the waterfall is one of the most remarkable of its kind on the planet and is both taller and wider than Niagara Falls. Not only that, but the entire waterfall system is comprised of a massive 275 falls, which are spread across 2.7 km of the Iguazu River.

Cited as the most extraordinary part of the waterfall, Devil’s Throat is a colossal u-shaped torrent, reaching 82 metres in height, 150 metres in width and 700 metres in length. Marking the Argentina/Brazil border, visitors to this area cannot fail to be impressed by the awesome sight as they head out onto the walkway, engulfed by the sound of pounding water and drenching mist.

Another superb location to marvel at Iguazu Falls is the National Park of Argentina; a UNESCO World Heritage Site based in Iguazu. Here it is possible to soak up the amazing sights and observe the river as it plummets to a spectacular depth of 100 metres. According to sources, the river is believed to carry 6.5 million litres of water per second at peak flow.

The National Park is also a great place to spend the day wandering around and is home to an unparalleled array of tropical plant species, birds and rare wildlife, including giant anteaters, Happy Eagles, howler monkeys and jaguars. You can additionally ride the Rainforest Ecological Train, which winds its way through seven km of forest, before hitting the waterfalls.

To observe more the area’s wildlife, the Guira Oga Centre for the Recuperation of Birds is another fascinating place to visit. Home to a variety of rescued birds, the sanctuary provides visitors with a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with a range of different species, like vultures, toucans and parrots.

Iguazu is a simply astonishing place to visit and one that is guaranteed to leave you with a host of unforgettable memories. From the waterfalls and national park to the many remarkable sites to take in the scenery, this place is a true tropical haven. Flights to Iguazu are rapidly becoming more readily available, meaning the holiday of a lifetime is now – more than ever – accessible.

Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/experience-the-magic-of-iguazu-falls-1782656.html

Animals form part of many cultures and pagan rituals involve many animals both fictional and non-fictional. Although Spain is a Catholic country, Barcelona in particular is not a particularly religious Christian community, and has a proud heritage. Many of the city’s festivals and traditional processions involve animals – or rather models of giant animals, such as dragons, Eagles, horses, and unrecognisable beasts, too.

Of course, perhaps the most famous beast in Catalonia’s history is the dragon. Saint George is the Patron saint of Catalonia, and is paid homage in many different ways throughout the city – not least the UNESCO world Heritage site of Antonin Gaudi’s Casa Battlò, in downtown Passeig de Gracia Street. This building has a curved tiled back, representing the scales of the dragon’s back. This image is repeated in Gaudi’s Park Güell, with the ornate entrance to the park housing a magnificent dragon fountain which is reproduced all over the city on postcards, shop fronts, and even bakers’ windows.

Another medieval animal to figure predominantly in processions and Barcelona folklore is the bat. Yes, the nocturnal winged creatures have a long history in Barcelona traditions as a sign of strength. This can be seen in a few select areas – for example the magnificent Palau Güell in Barcelona’s old town (also another UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by Gaudi), the rooftop has a collection of chimneys which usually grab the most attention, but the weather vane atop the building is that of a bat. And of course one of the most famous bats is that of the Rum Bacardi – whose founders were born in nearby Sitges, and moved to Cuba in the 1830s.

A selection of these Barcelona animals can be seen in the Institute of Culture Building on Las Ramblas – Barcelona’s famous boulevard, dissecting the old town. Inside, the models are on permanent display, and only taken out for special celebrations such as Corpus Christi, and the patron of Barcelona, Our Lady of Mercy’s celebration in late September, La Merçe. In here the Eagle model plays a predominant role, seated at the front of the display, and as the official information explains; “The Barcelona Eagle is mentioned in documents as far back as 1399 and was part of the municipal cortège, it was subject to strict protocol and was indispensable at all solemn city celebrations and on the aldermen’s journeys.

The Eagle lived its golden age in the 17th century when it was the subject of a number of dances and tunes. It disappeared in the first third of the last century and was recovered in 1989. The Eagle is part of the historic bestiary of Barcelona, together with the Lion, the Big Mule, the Bull, the Viper, the Dragon, the Monster and the little horses”. There are plenty of real animals and beasts to see in the city zoo or aquarium, but those with history and culture get my vote!

David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for 10 years and writes about Apartments for rent in Barcelona and regularly contributes to this Great Barcelona Guide.

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