Category Archives: General

Flower-Carpet- At Brussel’s Grand Place

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Flower- CarpetBrussel’s Grand Place and its Flower-Carpet

The Grand-Place known as Grote Market in Dutch is the central square of the City of Brussels. This is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe with its architecture dating back to different eras. The Grand Place is famous throughout the world for its decorative and aesthetic treasures. It is surrounded by the guild houses, the City Hall and the Maison du Roi. The Grand-Place of Brussels was registered on the World Heritage List of the UNESCO in 1998 due to its diverse and wide-ranging architecture and style.

Originally, Grand Place was built as a merchants market in the 13th century where traders and residents sold and bought food. That is why all the streets around the square have been named after foods. Over time, the market shelters have been replaced by grand buildings. The Grand Place serves as the city center where you can best enjoy the Belgian hospitality.

Experience the Beautiful Brussel’s Grand Place

The Grand Place holds several events and concerts throughout the year, but the Flower- carpet is the most celebrated and mesmerizing event among them. The event is organized every two years in the month of August. Thousands of visitors throng to the city of Brussels to have a glimpse of the stunning Flower- carpet, consisting of a million begonias laid out across Grand place.

The origin of Flower -carpet dates back to 1971. That is when the first Flower-Carpet of Brussels was created by landscape architect E. Stautemans. He was inspired by other Flower Carpets created in various Flemish cities. What makes the Brussels Flower-carpet special, is its placement on Grand Place.

Enjoy the Incredible Flower-Carpet While on A Belgium Cruise

The astonishing Flower-carpet takes two years for preparation and is realized in several stages. The Flower-carpet is installed just for one weekend when Grand Place becomes suddenly packed with visitors from all over the world.

The Grand Place and its famed Flower-carpet are something you cannot afford to miss. Get aboard one of our Belgium cruises. Visit the beautiful city of Brussels. Get lost in the architectural marvels of the Grand Place as well as the breathtaking beauty of its Flower-carpet!

The Old Town of Salzburg

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The Old Town of Salzburg is a Sight to See

Salzburg, Austria’s fourth largest city, is famous for being the birthplace of Mozart and the film – Sound of Music as well as the annual Salzburg Festival.

the old town of salzburgFrom the river you have a view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress across the skyline behind the old town. Another spectacular site is the gardens and fountains at Schloss Hellbrunn, once the summer palace of the Archbishops. A visit to the Schloss Mirabell offers a chance to view one of the world’s most beautiful wedding halls – The Marble Hall as well as beautiful gardens.

If you want to explore on your own, there is a great bus system in Salzburg and a 24 hour ticket will run about 5 euro. If you want a little more active touring, then bicycles are available to rent around the city

There is Something for Everyone to do in Salzburg

Salzburg’s “Old Town” (Altstadt) has internationally renowned baroque architecture and one of the best-preserved city centers north of the Alps. In 1997 this old town was added to the list of UNESCO World heritage sites. There is great little shops and small cafes that have a special Austrian flavor. There are many boutiques with really stylish clothing and gifts. You can also enjoy another taste of Sacher Torte at the Sacher Cafe.

The old town is full of cobbled streets and tunnels connecting one street to another. Stores are closed on Sundays.

Christmas Market

At Christmastime there is a big Christmas Market offering a magical feeling. There are lots of stalls, offering local crafted items as well as Christmas decor and such tempting cookies, cakes and mulled wines and apple juice.

Several Danube River cruises offer a full day excursion to Salzburg from Vienna or Linz or Passau. The Danube river is a beauty in itself, cruising towards the next destination is a treat on its own.

For more information contact: Europeanbarging, 888-869-7907, jan@europeanbarging.com

German River Town Vilsfofen

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German river townThe Delightful Town of Vilsfofen on the Danube River

The beautiful town of Vilsfofen is located in the German district of Passau. It is a small town which picturesquely stands at the confluence of rivers, Vils, Wolfach and the Danube. In Vilsfofen, river Vils and Wolfach flow into the Danube, giving it the names “The Three River City” and “German River Town”. When viewed from the opposing river bank, the town gives the impression of an island floating on the river.

There are several attractions in the small town of Vilsfofen. In fact, this German river town is an interesting combination of history and modernism. One can see the historical structures such as the historic town square with its landmark, the town tower, as well as the church of Saint John, as witnesses of bygone era. The small, carefully renovated lanes that link the old town center with the Danube and the various monuments, such as the Mary Help of Christian’s church also remind one of the times long passed.

Enjoy the Modern Side of The German River Town Vilsfofen

On the other hand, the town of Vilsfofen is very much modern, open minded and cultured.  Various events are organized in Vilsfofen throughout the year which makes the town quite famous. The most famed and celebrated events organized in this town are “The Danube in Flames”, the “floating” Christmas market, the traditional “Volksfest”, and cultural events such as the “Days of the Cabaret” organized in the autumn.

The German river town Has Great Attractions For All Visitors

There are some landmark places in the town of Vilsfofen which give it a very modern flavor. The African Museum in the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg, the art gallery situated in the town tower with its changing exhibitions, the newly created town hall gallery, and the works of art in the different sculpture parks are enough to prove that Vilsfofen is a modern city.

Several cruise lines either start or end their Danube River cruises in Vilsfofen. So if you have decided to book your holiday on a Danube River cruise, you will get an exciting opportunity to visit this delightful town of Vilsfofen!

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Paris

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Afternoon TeaAfternoon Tea in Paris

Paris is one of the finest cities in the world for shopping and afternoon tea. So when visitors are in Paris, it is inevitable that shopping comes to mind as soon as they step into the city. Although there are many shopping stores in Paris, visitors would particularly love Le Bon Marche. This is the biggest Left Bank department store as well as the oldest in the city which was planned by Gustav Eiffel and opened its doors in 1852.

Le Bon Marche, specializes in luxury fashion for men, women and kids; it has an exquisite collection of furniture, high class gifts and household items. It is one of the three most visited and best known department stores in Paris. So travelers have a great shopping experience here.

Rose Bakery Tea Room for Afternoon Tea

After travelers get tired with all that shopping at Le Bon Marche, they can relax at the store’s Rose Bakery Tea Room. The French is world famous for their politeness, and formality; and French dining dwells on a lot of etiquette and mannerisms. Afternoon tea is very much an essential part of French dining and life. Rose Bakery tea room, located on the second floor of Le Bon Marche, visitors can choose from a wide range of French pastries and have a relaxing cup of afternoon tea.

Get a Taste of Well Known French Pastries with Afternoon Tea

Many know about French pastries throughout the world and that knowledge alone makes the country a great attraction for pastry lovers. There is a large variety of French pastries, which look like something ethereal, and taste like ecstasy. The ambience of the Rose Bakery is as enthralling as the variety of food offered here. The crisp white walls and classic dark floors are a combination of vintage and design pieces. Also, visitors will find many delectable muffins, and cakes, on beautiful pastry stands. The luxurious Tea Room lets travelers best enjoy your Parisian dream. Although Rose Bakery offers a variety of food items, it is particularly famous for its scones, carrot cake, fresh juices, and jams—all made from local, organic products.

While, in Paris, Le Bon Marche will give travelers a wonderful experience. Travelers can satisfy their shopping desire here, and then relax on a cup of afternoon tea along with some nice French pastries at Rose Bakery Tea Room of the shop. That would be enough to make your day!

Maulbroon Abbey Complex- The Best Preserved Medieval Cistercian

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Maulbroon Abbey Complex located in Central Germany

Maulbroon Abbey ComplexMaulbroon Abbey Complex, situated on the outskirts of Maulbroon, Germany is the best- preserved medieval Cistercian monastery complex in Europe. This complex has been separated from the town by fortifications and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1993. Apart from being the best-preserved and most complete monastic complex, the Maulbroon Abbey also stands as a specifically representative example of medieval architecture.

This Maulbroon monastery was founded in 1147 though the central church came into existence in 1178 which was then dedicated to the Virgin Mary. One peculiar quality of the main church is that it was built in a style transitional from Romanesque to Gothic, which had a substantial influence on the spread of Gothic architecture over many of the northern and central Europe.

Several other buildings of the complex such as cellar, auditorium, refectory and etc. were built in the 13th century, whereas most fortifications and the fountain house were constructed in 14th century

Explore Gothic Architecture at the Maulbroon Abbey Complex

The church consists of a two-story Romanesque nave and a low chevet leading to a transept with three rectangular chapels opening off each arm. A stone screen was created to separate the monks from the lay brethren. The Gothic vaulting of 1424 that replaced the original wooden beams mutated the rigid spatial divisions practiced during the lifetime of St Bernard of Clairvaux, integrating the Romanesque traditions of the Hirsau region into the Cistercian requirements of austerity and renunciation.

The fortifications consist of two walls, an outer wall, and an inner wall. There are many post-monastic buildings within the designated area, mainly in plastered stone such as the former hunting lodge of Ludwig, Duke of Württemberg, and the ducal stables etc. inspired by Renaissance elements.

Visit the Maulbroon Abbey Complex for History and Innovation

The Cistercian Order was renowned for its innovations in the field of hydraulic engineering and Maulbroon monastery complex is a great example of that. There are several reservoirs, irrigation canals, and drains, which were aimed at providing water for the use of community, and for agriculture; though after the secularization of the monastery’s land in 19th century, things have quite changed.

The Maulbroon Abbey Complex, with so much to offer, is a place you must visit. This German UNESCO site will enthrall you with its history, architecture, style and innovation.