Latest news with #Baroque
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
'Most beautiful' European region is an underrated gem with a 'fairytale' bridge
Germany has so much to offer visitors all year round. During the summer months, popular cities like Berlin come alive with riverside swimming spots and canal-side clubbing, while autumn sees Munich's Oktoberfest in full swing, and winter ushers in Christmas markets galore in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and beyond. But step away from the cities and you'll find a whole other side to the country – with one area in particular, Saxony, being hailed as 'the most beautiful place' in Germany. The state, in Eastern Germany and bordering Czechia, looks like something out of a fairytale – with some palaces and castle dating back to the Middle Ages. It's brimming with history, too – it was the epicentre of events during some of the most decisive points in European history, including the Reformation and Napoleonic Wars. It might only be the 10th biggest of Germany's 16 states, but there's plenty for visitors to explore… Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. With Conde Nast Traveller previously hailing numerous places in Saxony as some of the 'most beautiful in Germany', you're spoiled for choice on where to go. Perhaps the region is best-known for its stunning Baroque capital city, Dresden, where many historic buildings were rebuilt after WWII. Top attractions in the city include Frauenkirche Dresden, a reconstructed Lutheran church, as well as Zwinger – a complex of gardens around a Baroque palace building that now houses museums including the Old Masters Picture Gallery and Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (a collection of clocks and scientific objects). Not far away is Meissen, a small town famous for its porcelain, which it has produced since 1710. The city of Leipzig is also a magnet for culture lovers, with a rich musical history (it's the birthplace of composer Richard Wagner), vibrant galleries, and magnificent landmarks such as St Nicholas Church. The quaint town of Görlitz, on the Polish border, should absolutely be on your list, having won the 'European Location Award' in 2017. It was one of the rare well-preserved towns to have survived WWII in Eastern Germany, as a result you'll wander past picturesque buildings and through charming streets. Rakotzbrücke, hidden in Kromlau's Rhododendron Park in the north of the state, is also a must-visit. Also known as Devil's Bridge, the 19th-century structure creates the perfect stone circle when reflected in the water below. Another must-visit place in Saxony is Bastei, a rock formation that towers 194 metres above the Elbe River, offering epic panoramas of various local landmarks. A bridge, built in 1851, also crosses through the rock formation, acting as a lookout point over the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It's located in Saxon Switzerland National Park, a hiking haven known for its rugged terrain and huge valleys – which is also home to the 400-year-old Königstein Fortress. One Tripadvisor reviewer said Bastei was 'truly one of the most amazing places I've ever been in my life'. 'I'd seen pictures in advance, which is why we went, but it exceeded all my expectations.' Another Tripadvisor commenter added: 'It was spectacular! Must visit this place when you go to Saxon Switzerland National Park.' While there are no direct flights from the UK to Dresden or Leipzig, you can reach either with a stopover – with the quickest flight from the latter being around three hours, 30 minutes long. However, you can reach both cities from Berlin – with direct return flights from London airports starting from £48. From there, you can reach either Dresden or Leipzig by car (one hour, 50 minutes and two hours, 30 minutes respectively) – but a quicker option is by train. Journeys take around one hour, 15 minutes with one-way tickets costing as little as €5 (£4.19). Onwards to Bastei, the journey from Dresden takes around 50 minutes by car or one hour via public transport. While you might expect the peak summer months to be the best time to visit the region, this isn't necessarily the case. Lots of people visit Saxony during the winter months – with January being a popular month for winter-sport enthusiasts. This comes down to the fact that Saxony's Ore Mountains boasts 70 ski runs, over 60 drag lifts, around 621 miles (1,000 kilometres) of cross-country skiing trails, plus toboggan runs and ice-skating rinks. Being in Europe, it's hardly a surprise that January is the coldest month too – with an average maximum daytime temperature of 4°C. More Trending For those who don't like winter sports, the Christmas Garden Dresden transforms Pillnitz Palace and Park into a magical winter wonderland between November and January every year. However, anyone visiting during the summer can enjoy the greenery of the region in full force. The weather is incredibly pleasant during the peak summer months, with temperatures ranging from 20°C and 25°C – and July being the sunniest. This article was originally published on January 23, 2024. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: UK airport gets new TUI flights to quirky European capital dubbed the 'city of baths' MORE: European city begs for 'respect' as tourists keep stealing bizarre souvenir MORE: 'It's magic': Your favourite French holiday spots that aren't Paris, Cannes or Nice
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Your questions: What's the best way to travel around Sicily?
From here, an optional inclusion is Hangzhou, an 11-hour train ride. Hangzhou is one of China's most beautiful cities, sprawling across the banks of the Qiangtang River. A highlight is West Lake, where willow-lined banks, temples, pavilions and arched bridges backed by misty hills has fuelled the imaginations of painters and poets over generations. Hangzhou is also the gateway to the Longjing Tea Plantations, source of dragon well tea, celebrated across China for its fragrance, flavour and elegance. Hangzhou has been a centre for the silk trade for thousands of years and the city maintains its historic connection with it via its lively silk market and the China National Silk Museum. The fastest trains from Hangzhou to Beijing take four and a half hours. My husband and I finish a European river cruise in Budapest in the early European summer. We would like to see a little more of Hungary and then tour Romania. We are happy to join a small-group tour. Are there any companies you can recommend and must-see destinations? J. Mulders, Menai, NSW Apart from Budapest, the main sites to include in a tour of Hungary are Pecs for its early Christian Necropolis, its cathedral and its vibrant arts scene; the Tokaj Wine Region; Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe; Szentendre which is famous for its Baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow, cobbled streets, and Eger, which has a handsome medieval castle, thermal baths, Baroque buildings and the most northerly Ottoman minaret. Most tour operators tend to lump Hungary together with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland or all three. One of the few operators that offers tours of Hungary is JayWay Travel, which has a 12-day independent tour, with accommodation, transport and guides provided. In Romania the main drawcard is the Transylvania region, home to Saxon towns with fortified churches, Peles Palace, a neo-Renaissance castle built on the late 1800s by King Carol I and Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's novel. Here you can also see bears in the wild, and Romania has Europe's largest population of brown bears. A longer journey would take you north into the rolling hills of Maramures, a rich rural tapestry of villages dominated by timber church spires and high pastures where enormous dogs guard flocks of sheep from wolves. To the east are the painted monasteries of the Bukovina region. To organise a tour of Romania, contact Diana Condrea of Uncover Romania. I have been on an African safari and would love to take my adult children, their partners and one grandchild to Kenya and Tanzania for about two weeks. That's five adults plus one child. We are happy to stay in tented camps and a lodge or two. Is it possible to do it for about $40,000 excluding airfares? J. Stewart, Turner, ACT That sounds like a reasonable budget for your group. Sydney-based Bench Africa are the experts, they've been taking Australian travellers on African wildlife safaris for decades, and they can tailor a tour to fit your needs. Tent-based camping safaris are an excellent concept for family groups, offering immersion in the 'real' Africa, as well as a high level of comfort at a reasonable cost.
The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
Your questions: What's the best way to travel around Sicily?
From here, an optional inclusion is Hangzhou, an 11-hour train ride. Hangzhou is one of China's most beautiful cities, sprawling across the banks of the Qiangtang River. A highlight is West Lake, where willow-lined banks, temples, pavilions and arched bridges backed by misty hills has fuelled the imaginations of painters and poets over generations. Hangzhou is also the gateway to the Longjing Tea Plantations, source of dragon well tea, celebrated across China for its fragrance, flavour and elegance. Hangzhou has been a centre for the silk trade for thousands of years and the city maintains its historic connection with it via its lively silk market and the China National Silk Museum. The fastest trains from Hangzhou to Beijing take four and a half hours. My husband and I finish a European river cruise in Budapest in the early European summer. We would like to see a little more of Hungary and then tour Romania. We are happy to join a small-group tour. Are there any companies you can recommend and must-see destinations? J. Mulders, Menai, NSW Apart from Budapest, the main sites to include in a tour of Hungary are Pecs for its early Christian Necropolis, its cathedral and its vibrant arts scene; the Tokaj Wine Region; Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe; Szentendre which is famous for its Baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow, cobbled streets, and Eger, which has a handsome medieval castle, thermal baths, Baroque buildings and the most northerly Ottoman minaret. Most tour operators tend to lump Hungary together with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland or all three. One of the few operators that offers tours of Hungary is JayWay Travel, which has a 12-day independent tour, with accommodation, transport and guides provided. In Romania the main drawcard is the Transylvania region, home to Saxon towns with fortified churches, Peles Palace, a neo-Renaissance castle built on the late 1800s by King Carol I and Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's novel. Here you can also see bears in the wild, and Romania has Europe's largest population of brown bears. A longer journey would take you north into the rolling hills of Maramures, a rich rural tapestry of villages dominated by timber church spires and high pastures where enormous dogs guard flocks of sheep from wolves. To the east are the painted monasteries of the Bukovina region. To organise a tour of Romania, contact Diana Condrea of Uncover Romania. I have been on an African safari and would love to take my adult children, their partners and one grandchild to Kenya and Tanzania for about two weeks. That's five adults plus one child. We are happy to stay in tented camps and a lodge or two. Is it possible to do it for about $40,000 excluding airfares? J. Stewart, Turner, ACT That sounds like a reasonable budget for your group. Sydney-based Bench Africa are the experts, they've been taking Australian travellers on African wildlife safaris for decades, and they can tailor a tour to fit your needs. Tent-based camping safaris are an excellent concept for family groups, offering immersion in the 'real' Africa, as well as a high level of comfort at a reasonable cost.
India.com
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India.com
Crossbody Chic: 4 Designer Bags from Zalora Every Stylish Woman Needs Now
Looking for the perfect mix of style and convenience? Crossbody bags are the go-to fashion companions every woman needs. You can keep your things near and eliminate bulk between your arms comfortably and fashionably. Zalora features fashionable and useful branded crossbody bags in a wide range of styles. In this post, we look at some of the best selections available from Love Moschino, Michael Kors, Versace Jeans Couture, and Steve Madden. Your next designer statement bag might just be a scroll away. 1. Love Moschino – Smart Daily Quilted Chain Crossbody Bag Image Source- Order Now This quilted chain crossbody bag by Love Moschino is perfect for fashionistas who love blending comfort with glamour. Its compact design and golden chain strap give it a chic, luxurious feel. The soft, quilted finish adds texture, making it ideal for both day and night wear. Key Features: Elegant texture with premium faux leather The iconic Love Moschino logo on the flap Gold-tone chain strap adds a luxe touch Magnetic snap closure for quick access Lightweight and compact for daily carry Not suitable for carrying bulkier items like a makeup pouch or tablet. 2. MICHAEL KORS – Mirella Small Logo Crossbody (Brown) Image Source- Order Now If you are drawn to classic styles, the Mirella Small Crossbody by Michael Kors should be your dream bag. Its brown monogram and gold touches make this addition polished enough to fit any ordinary day. Key Features: Classic MK monogram for designer appeal Adjustable crossbody strap for all-day comfort Secure top zip closure to protect belongings Interior slip pocket for small items Lightweight and compact—ideal for on-the-go women smaller size may not accommodate wider phones or wallets. 3. VERSACE JEANS COUTURE – Couture 01 Baroque Buckle Crossbody Bag Image Source- Order Now Do you prefer statements with your accessories? Made by Versace Jeans Couture, the Baroque Buckle Crossbody looks wonderfully chic. Even just the buckle and baroque embroidery on the cuff can add a special touch to your clothes. If you're a fashion-loving woman who likes to be noticed, this piece makes parties, dates, or any special occasion truly shine. Key Features: Statement baroque print that commands attention Oversized gold-tone buckle for dramatic effect Faux leather with a structured shape Flap top with secure magnetic snap Adjustable strap for crossbody or shoulder wear Too bold for minimal or ultra-casual styles. 4. STEVE MADDEN – BTAIGA Camel Crossbody Image Source- Order Now Simple, sleek, and stylish—the BTAIGA Crossbody in camel from Steve Madden offers a minimalist design that still feels luxurious. If you prefer neutral colors and something practical, this is a great bag for you. Its soft and contemporary design makes it perfect for breakfast or lunch on both weekends and weekdays. Key Features: Soft camel color that pairs with most outfits Zip-top closure keeps contents secure Spacious inner compartment for essentials Sleek, structured silhouette Long adjustable strap for comfortable carry Lacks internal compartments for better organization. These designer crossbody bags bring the best of fashion and function in one neat package. Whether you're into the quilted glam of Love Moschino, the signature class of Michael Kors, the standout prints from Versace Jeans Couture, or the neutral chic from Steve Madden, Zalora has you covered. Each bag caters to a unique style—be it statement-making or subtly elegant. With high-quality construction and eye-catching designs, they're sure to turn heads and make daily life a bit more fabulous. Explore these options on Zalora today and find the perfect crossbody to match your vibe. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Italian master Caravaggio's faith shines in new Rome exhibition
The Roman basilica of the Augustinians - Pope Leo XIV's religious order - preserves an iconic painting of the Virgin Mary by Caravaggio, the blockbuster artist who revolutionised the use of light and darkness in Western art. A new exhibit of works by the Baroque painter is now on view in Rome until July 6, allowing for an updated look at his connection with spirituality. From the Pilgrims' Madonna at the Basilica of St Augustine to the Martyrdom of St Ursula that closes the Caravaggio 2025 exhibit, art historians and clergy are highlighting the connections between religious belief and Caravaggio's "chiaroscuro." "It's the light that directs us toward what for him are the key points of the story,' exhibit curator Francesca Cappelletti said about the artist's spotlight on the main characters that emerge from encroaching darkness. "Our life experience makes sense only if invested by a spiritual light.' In the Augustinian Madonna, dating from the early 1600s, what hits the viewer at eye level are the dirty soles of a ragged pilgrim couple's feet as they kneel by the apparition of the Virgin Mary. She leans casually against a door frame as she holds a toddler-size Jesus. It's a far cry from the usual otherworldly, genteel depictions of most Madonnas. That makes it even more poignant within Augustinian spirituality, because it illustrates the encounter between man's nature and God's mercy, said the Rev Pasquale Cormio, the basilica's rector. "We see God's wish to show himself to humankind as someone who walks alongside the poor,' Cormio said. "It's certain that this Virgin Mary is close to a perhaps tired, perhaps wounded, certainly dirty humanity that is burdened by daily life.' A general view of the Basilica of St Augustine in Rome where Caravaggio's 'Pilgrims' Madonna' is located. Photo: AP The name of the Pilgrims' Madonna references not only the two figures before Mary, but also the fact that on this spot, the Augustinians have welcomed pilgrims en route to the nearby Vatican since the end of the 13th century. It was to commemorate a pilgrimage to Loreto - a shrine in central Italy where tradition says Mary's house was miraculously airlifted - that the painting's well-connected patrons commissioned it, said Alessandro Zuccari. A member of Italy's prestigious Accademia dei Lincei, he wrote the chapter on spirituality in the Caravaggio exhibit catalogue. In fact, despite his adventurous life and bluntly realistic art, Caravaggio worked for prestigious, pious patrons, including a cardinal, and is documented to have participated in Catholic rites including Eucharistic adoration, Zuccari added. That hardly fits the reputation for a transgressive "accursed artist' that Caravaggio - whose full name was Michelangelo Merisi - accrued over the centuries. "We don't know what Caravaggio thought, because he left no writings,' Zuccari said. "I'm convinced, as are other experts, that Caravaggio has his own spirituality.' Out of about 70 paintings by Caravaggio, more than 50 represent saints or Biblical scenes - even those destined for private collections, not churches, he added. Some of the best-known are among the two dozen paintings on view at Palazzo Barberini, covering the time from Caravaggio's arrival in Rome around 1595 to his death in 1610. They include works on loan from Dublin to Kansas City. A view of Caravaggio's 'Portrait of Francesco Barberini' at the Vatican's 'Codex' exhibit of art and manuscripts. Photo: AP There's Caravaggio's first religious painting, St Francis of Assisi, who's depicted in an angel's arms while one of his early companions, Brother Leo, is barely visible in the surrounding darkness. It's an early example of those "oscuri gagliardi' - a bold darkness, as a 17th century art critic quoted in an exhibit panel put it. "Gagliardo' is a slang word Romans still use today to mean everything from panini to people with a special flair and power. Two other religious paintings with the same innovative use of light and darkness take a gruesome turn. In J udith Beheading Holofernes, the Jewish hero frowns in seeming disgust at the blood spurting from his neck. In David with the Head of Goliath , the dripping severed head is a self-portrait. In what's probably the artist's last painting before dying at age 39, and the last exhibited in the new show, Caravaggio also portrayed himself. He's the man peeking, stunned and openmouthed, from the darkness at the soldier who's just shot an arrow into St Ursula's chest. More of Caravaggio's religious paintings are in chapels downtown Rome. The Conversion of Saul, an early version of which is in the exhibit, and the Crucifixion of Peter are in Santa Maria del Popolo, also an Augustinian community. Three paintings about St Matthew are in San Luigi dei Francesi church. Two blocks away, back at St Augustine's, pilgrims and tourists continue to flock to see Caravaggio and other artwork. For Cormio, welcoming them is a chance to encourage Augustinian spirituality. "Augustine also left us this teaching - that through the beauty of creation and the beauty of human works, too, we can capture something of the beauty of God,' he said. - AP
