Skip to content

A Journey to Albania

Albania is situated in Southeastern Europe, just north of Greece. Due to its long periods of isolation and its status as the poorest country in Europe, it is not well known, and until recently, just a few travelers came to visit. This is changing in the last few years. More and more backpackers come and discover the beauty of this hidden pearl in the Balkans. At the coastline, more and more hotels are being built, and the infrastructure is growing. There are even talks of reactivating the railway, which was put out of use in the last decades. Albania is a multireligious country, you will find beautiful old mosques in the Ottoman style (picture 1), as well as orthodox churches and catholic monasteries (pictures 4, 8). The people of different faiths live together in peace, and no matter which cultural building you enter, you will receive the Albanian way – warmly and with a smile.

test

IMG_6824 IMG_6851 IMG_6125 IMG_6355 IMG_6215 IMG_5648IMG_6705IMG_6354

The City of Thousand Windows: Berati

Berati is situated in southern Albania and is well known for its history and architecture. Founded in the 9th century, it has always been a hotspot for different religions; up until today, Christians and Muslims live peacefully in the town. Though famous, Berati is mainly for its stone buildings, situated close to each other on a hillside facing the river Ishull. Visually striking are the large windows on these houses, so Berati also got the name “The City of Thousand Windows.”

test

IMG_6634IMG_6610 (1)IMG_5887IMG_6511IMG_6624IMG_6540 (1)IMG_6648IMG_6563

Exploring Florence

test

Florence is situated right in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, surrounded by the hills of the Apennines. Over the centuries, its look was shaped by aristocratic families like the Medici, who not only nourished the arts and sciences in the city but also understood the power and beauty of architecture. At sunset, especially, the shades and forms of the city seem to come alive and paint a living picture.

IMG_0181
IMG_9776
IMG_0067
IMG_1080
IMG_0047
IMG_0526
IMG_9852
IMG_0233

Palace of Rundale

The Palace of Rundāle is situated in southern Latvia. Far apart from any larger settlement, it is a beautiful baroque building surrounded by nature. Rundāle was erected in 1768 and planned by the renowned Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, who mainly worked for the Russian Zars before and was also responsible for the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg and the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo. In Soviet times, the palace was used as a school; today, it is refurbished and houses a museum. Part of the historic site is also a beautiful English garden on the rear of the building.

test

IMG_8509

IMG_8518IMG_8462IMG_9370IMG_8468

1 3 4 5 7