Holy Moley Jerusalem is Amazing!

Traveling should be a really great experience, but it can often be a nerve-wracking experience finding the ideal locations to spend our precious time. At Legendary Journeys we make it our specialty to relieve the stress of travel by providing you with an expansive amount of information about great places all around the world! From constructed marvels to amazing natural beauty, we have a lot of experience and knowledge to share. Today we take you to Jerusalem, Israel, whose rich religious history is hard to ignore!

Yad Vashem is the official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust in Israel. The name refers to a verse found in the Book of Isaiah and symbolizes that one of the founding principles was to carry on the names of the victims who had no one to do so for them following their deaths. Opened in 1953, the memorial is a 44 acre complex that contains various tributes to the victims of the Holocaust including a history museum, memorial sites, a museum dedicated to the art and sculptures of the Holocaust, and an educational center called the International Institute for Holocaust Studies. One of the most important goals for the founders was to recognize those helped their Jewish brethren during the ongoing genocide. Those recognized by Israel are honored in a section of Yad Vashem which is referred to as the Garden of the Righteous Among the Nations. 

The Old City is a small walled area that sits within the modern city of Jerusalem, and was the entire city up until 1860 when the Jewish neighborhood Mishkenot Sha'ananim was established. It is home to some of the most vital religious sites in the city, including the Dome of the Rock and the Western Wall. It is split into four uneven quarters: the Muslim Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, the Christian Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter. The city features impressive defensive walls and city gates which were built in the latter half of the 16th century by the Ottoman Empire. Over the years there have been many claims to this part of the city, with Jordan capturing it in 1948 as part of the Arab-Israeli War and it was subsequently re-captured by the Israelis in 1967 during the Six-Day War. It is now considered part of occupied Palestinian territory by the United Nations. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also referred to as the Church of the Resurrection by Orthodox Christians, is one of the most famed churches in the world. It was completed in 335 and can hold a maximum of 8,000 people. The site is venerated as the place where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified, and also is the location where Jesus is said to have been laid to rest and later resurrected. The church has been an important destination for several Christian pilgrimages since the fourth century as it is the traditional site of the resurrection of Christ. The building is done in a mixture of Romanesque and Baroque styles, with a number of domes common for the style. 

Jerusalem is one of the most special places in the entire world. The religious diversity of the city is inspiring, and the city's rich history is evident at every turn. There are few places in the world that are more exciting to see, and we're very happy to be able to take you there on a really fantastic trip that includes a lot of other amazing locations as well! For all of the details, please click here. 

Royalty Gets Real in Madrid!

Pursuit of world exploration has increased with as our technology grows. The world is at our fingertips and this shared experience links all travelers through the expansion of our global community. At Legendary Journeys we wish to take that thread and weave a tapestry of experiences for any traveler to enjoy. From awe-inspiring architecture that defies all expectations to the magnificent beauty of nature that man-made structures cannot compete with, we are dedicated to bringing people to the place their heart desires most. Today we take in one of the most beautiful and scenic of the world's capital cities that seamlessly combines the innovation of architecture and the beauty of nature.  Prepare yourselves, it's time to learn about some great sights in Madrid, Spain! 

The Parque del Buen Retiro (which translates as "Park of the Pleasant Retreat") is one of the biggest and most visited parks in Madrid. The park originally belonged to the Spanish Monarchy but in the late 19th century it was made into a public park. It spans a massive 350 acres and is at the edge of the city center, occupying a space that puts it near the very popular Prado Museum. The park is filled to the brim with monuments, sculpture, galleries, as well as an amazing lake which is a popular rest spot for locals and tourists alike. Although the view is amazing and worthy of a visit by itself, there are also a lot of activities that make the park an amazing place to visit including concerts, book fairs, and various street performers. 

The Palacio Real de Madrid (which translates to English directly as "Royal Palace of Madrid") is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. It was built in 1738 at the behest of the current king of Spain at the time, Philip V of Spain. Architecturally speaking it seamlessly combines the Baroque and Classicism styles to give a very imperialist feel to it. Although it serves as an official residency, these days the Royal Family does not stay there, preferring the tamer Palacio de la Zarzuela, and the building is only used for state ceremonies. The palace is over 1,450,000 square feet and contains a staggering 3,418 rooms! It holds the distinction of being the largest palace in all of Europe in terms of floor area. The inside is decorated with various pieces by renowned artists, Caravaggio and Francisco de Goya being two of the more noteworthy. The palace was designated a Spanish Property of Cultural Interest in 1931 and it is noteworthy as being one of the most popular tourist attractions in the entire city. One of the most popular rooms in the entire palace is the Crown Room, which contains Charles III's throne, crown, and scepter. It is highly recommended that you pay the four dollars for the audio tour, as by all accounts it is an amazing value that adds a lot to the overall experience. 

Madrid is a city that has a lot to offer any traveler. With a great mixture of historic sites that honor the country's prestigious royalty to the amazing park which allows people of all creeds to bathe in the warm sun and to forget all of their worries, there is something for everyone there! Check out more information on this amazing city and book a trip that will bring you there by clicking here. 

Become Devout to Art in Florence!

The world is a big place, and the pursuit of its exploration has been the great thread that links all travelers across the both the history of our world and the expansion of its global community which now spans the globe. At Legendary Journeys we wish to take that thread and make a tapestry of experiences that any adventurer will remember for the rest of their days. From places of worship at the most holy of sites, to the viewing of the most beautiful paintings depicting unimaginable beauty, we are dedicated to bringing people to the place their heart desires most. The city of the day has a lush history that will delight lovers of artistry, religion or magnificent architecture. Florence, Italy has a lot to offer any traveler, and we're going to dive into this fantastic city! 

The Bargello, also known as the Palazzo del Bargello, Museo Nazionale del Bargello, or Palazzo del Popolo (which translates as "Palace of the People in English") is a former prison and barracks which now serves as an art museum. The term Bargello is derived from Latin and means "fortified tower" or "castle" and was a term that was applied to military captains of Italy during the middle ages who were in charge of keeping the peace. Because these captains stayed in fortifications such as this one the name eventually stuck to the building as well. The original two stories of the building were finished in 1256 with the third story being added in 1323. In modern times the museum is home to masterpieces by such renowned artists as Michelangelo, Donatello, and Vincenzo Gemito. 

The Catterale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower in English, is the main church of the city. Construction of this beautiful building started in 1296 in the Gothic style and was completed in 1436 when the dome was finished and it was consecrated that same year. The outside is lined with multicolored marble panels in numerous shades of pink and green that give the building its beautiful sense of majesty. The cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence. The current archbishop if Giuseppe Betori. The inside of the cathedral is home to some stunning artwork, perhaps none more provoking than the Last Judgment, seen above, that is underneath the dome. There are few places in the world which can rival the beauty of this wonderful monument dedicated to faith. 

Giotto's Campanile is a standalone bell tower that is a part of the Florence Cathedral. The tower was first started in 1334 after the original Master of Works of the Cathedral passed away and was completed in 1359 after the title passed through multiple people's hands during that period. It stands adjacent to Santa Maria del Fiore, and the tower is one of the finest examples of Florentine Gothic architecture with its design by Giotto. It features multicolored marble encrustations that give it a fantastic sheen and fabulously rich sculptural decorations! The inside houses multiple works of art, including the famous "Euclid" by Nino Pisano! 

The architecture, art, and amazing religious display of Florence is truly breathtaking. We are so glad that we are able to take you there on a number of truly superb trips! It is one of the cities of the world that everyone should experience at least once, but once won't be enough after you go there! For all of the exciting trips we offer to this great city, go here. 

Constantly in Awe of Constantinople

Pursuit of world exploration has increased with technological advance. The world is at our fingertips and this common thread links all travelers through the expansion of the global community. At Legendary Journeys we wish to take that thread and weave a tapestry of experiences for any traveler to enjoy. From holy places for the devout to worship to sunsets so full of majesty that manmade structures cannot compete, we are dedicated to bringing people to the place their heart desires most. Today we stop in on a city that has had more than one name throughout its history, with complex and intriguing religious as well as cultural history. Many cities count themselves as historically important for being the cornerstone of one great empire, this city has been a part of two! That city is Istanbul, Turkey! 

Hagia Sophia is a former Christian patriarchal basilica and imperial mosque that now serves a museum. It was constructed in 537 AD and until 1453 it was used as a Greek Orthodox cathedral and was the seat to the Patriarch of Constantinople, except for a brief time in the 13th century when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the influence of the Latin Empire. In 1453 it was converted to a mosque when the Ottomans took Constantinople and pillaged the now former church. It remained a mosque until 1935 when the first Turkish President and founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, turned the building into a museum. It now serves as one of the greatest examples of Byzantine architecture that managed to survive its era, with its interior decorated with marble pillars and mosaics.

The Süleymaniye Mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque located on the Third Hill of the city. The mosque is the biggest in the city, and it is one of the most revered spots in the entire city and a big tourist destination every year. It was built by the order of Sultan Süleyman (known as Süleyman the Magnificent) and it was considered a bit of a coup at the time to be able to have the architectural talents of Mimar Sinan to construct the building. The building took eight years to build and was completed in 1558. The building managed to blend both Islamic and Byzantine architectural elements to beautifully craft a religious monument. During its long history it has seen raging fires that have been restorations required and it was also used a weapons depot during World War I.

Dolmabahçe Palace served as the main administrative building of the Ottoman Empire from 1856 to 1922. The palace was ordered by the decree of the Empire's 21st Sultan, Abdülmecid I, and its construction began in 1843. The point of the new building was to have a more modern home for his family that was up to date as far as comfort, style, and luxury was concerned as compared to the residencies of the European monarchs. It is the largest palace in all of Turkey, covering over 11 acres of ground and containing 285 rooms, 6 baths, and 46 halls! The architecture of the building is nonconformist in nature as well, with many elements of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles throughout the design with many touches of traditional Ottoman architecture blended in.

Istanbul's history is staggering in its breadth and complexity. From the Roman beginnings to its height as the jewel of the Ottoman Empire, the city has gone endured much but still stands proud as a testament to the spirit of its people. Want to visit here yourself? We can help you out! For all of the information on an amazing trip to this great city, click here. 

The Flame of Architecture is Lit in Copenhagen!

The world is a big place, and the pursuit of its exploration has been the great thread that links all travelers across the centuries. At Legendary Journeys we wish to take that thread and make a tapestry of experiences that any adventurer will remember for the rest of their days. From the most modern of cities, full of lights and spectacle, to the ruins of the civilizations that helped to define culture as we know it today, we will take you anywhere your heart desires! Today we are going to one of the crown jewels of Europe, which has been a bustling center of activity in the region for centuries. This city has battled plague and fire, emerging all the more beautiful after these destructive effects pass it by. The amazing city I am talking about is Copenhagen, Denmark!

Church of Our Savior, or Vor Freslsers Kirke in Danish, is a church that was constructed in 1695 in the baroque style. Its most famous feature, easily seen in the picture above, is the helix spire that has a winding staircase on its outside that can be climbed all the way to the top. It is famed for its carillon, which is the largest in all of northern Europe, which plays fantastic melodies every hour on the hour from 8 AM until midnight. Urban legend states that the architect of the spire, Laurids de Thurah, jumped off the tower after realizing it was counter-clockwise. Thankfully untrue, the architect is confirmed to have died peacefully in his bed some seven years after its completion with no signs he was displeased with his work, but it is a bit of lore behind this beautiful church. 

Rosenborg Castle is a renaissance castle which was completed in 1624 as a summerhouse and is an example of Christian IV's numerous architectural projects. The castle is designed in the Dutch Renaissance style, which is typical for Danish buildings built during the period, and has been expanded many times over the years. The castle held Danish regents for 90 years until being mostly abandoned for that purpose aside from when the royal palace was burned down in 1794 and when the British attacked Copenhagen in 1801. These days it is open to the public and serves as a museum exhibiting the Royal Collections,  which has many items about royal Danish culture from the 16th to the 19th centuries. 

Christianborg Palace is located on the islet of Slotsholmen, is the seat for the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, as well as the Prime Minister's Office. On top of that many portions of the palace are used by the monarchy, including the Palace Chapel,the Royal Stables, and the Royal Reception Rooms. There have been castles on this site since 1167, with this third rendition of the castle being completed in 1928. Due to two serious fires the palace has signs of three distinctive Danish architectural eras. The main portion of the current palace is done in the Neo-baroque style. The show grounds, build in 1746, are in the baroque style. Finally the chapel of the palace which dates back to 1826 is done in a neoclassical style. 

Copenhagen is a city that has known its fair share of tragedies, but through the flames of its past offers quite the unique architectural and cultural experience for anyone who cares to take the time to appreciate it. We're very happy to be able to take you to this fabulous city on multiple exciting trips! For the details on these trips, please click here. 

Exploring the Ancient Past in Athens!

There is more to do in this vast world of ours than can be accomplished in one lifetime. Luckily for you Legendary Journeys has a special talent when it comes to finding amazing locations all around the world to send you to. From the high tech to the ancient, we run the gamut of amazing experiences which can be found around the world. Our focus today is going to be more on the ancient side of things. Civilizations rise and they fall, but the impression they leave behind is what allows the citizens who breathed life into their culture to live on forever. Perhaps no civilization has left a more impressive resume behind than the Greeks, and today we stop into Athens, Greece to delve into some of that rich history! 

The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel which can be found atop the high, rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and has within it the remains of many ancient buildings of fantastic architectural and historic merit. It is so famous and renowned that it is often referred to just as the Acropolis, which roughly translates to highest or topmost city in English. There is substantial evidence to suggest that it was lived in as far back as seven thousand years ago, but it was Pericles in the fifth century who undertook the construction of many of the most important and well regarded landmarks including the Propylaia, the temple of Athena Nike, and the world famous Parthenon. The Propylaia is a monumental gateway that has inspired many such designs around the world, most famously the Brandenburg Gate of Berlin. The temple of Athena Nike, used for worship of the Goddess of Victory, was used often during the Peloponnesian War against the Spartans as a place or worship in the belief that she would smite their enemies and grant them boons. The Parthenon was a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron goddess of the city of Athens. The building was constructed between the years 447 and 432 BC and is widely regarded as the most important surviving building of Classical Greece architecture, considered the peak of the Doric order. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sees millions of people gather there each year, delighting many who come to see a glimpse of Greek history which is not matched anywhere else!

The Temple of Hephaestus is a very well preserved Greek temple. Unlike many of the buildings described above, it remains largely intact despite the fact that it has been standing for nearly 2500 years. Hephaestus was the patron god of metal working and craftsmanship and many workshops and metal-working stations could be found in the vicinity of the temple, as the workers believed their patron gave their works mythical properties and allowed them to work all the harder. For many years it was believed this temple was for Theseus, an Athenian hero, whose remains were thought to be laid to rest here. That theory was refuted after inscriptions within the temple spoke at length about Hephaestus, however.

There are few cities in the world which can match Athens' prestigious and historic landmarks. Walking through the Acropolis is like stepping into a time machine with all of the splendor that is on display of a civilization passed on by time. Legendary Journeys is immensely proud to offer a wide variety of trips that will take you to this amazing city. For all of the information on these great trips, click here. 

From Prisoners to the Devout, There is a Place for Everyone in Dublin!

Legendary Journeys is immensely proud to offer trips all around the globe that show the world's splendor. There is something to be said about going to exotic locations to see cultures and history that would otherwise elude someone. That is, to us, the heart of traveling: the never ending exploration of what both humanity and nature have constructed around us. From the world's tallest buildings to the most beautiful sunsets, there is so much to enjoy in so many different places! This blog series is about finding the most dazzling experiences you can enjoy and giving you a taste of what you can expect out of some amazing locales all over the world! Today we step into the beautiful and historically rich city of Dublin, Ireland! 

Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison that is now a museum run by the Office of Public Works. The prison was built in 1796 and was often referred to as the "New Gaol" as it was intended to replace the old gaol that was little more than an offensive dungeon. The conditions in the prison were notably horrible. Men, women, and children were not segregated in any way. After years of misery the prison was shut down in 1924, and no thought was put into preserving it as the prison was seen as a sign of suffering and oppression. It took many years before there was any interest in restoring the run down prison, but eventually a groundswell of support gathered. Thirteen years of work later the restoration was completed and the prison reopened to the public in 1971. Since that time more and more people have noted the importance of the prison as it relates to the Irish struggle for independence. These days travelers marvel at how well run the museum is as well as the wealth of knowledge that the guides provide in the tours of the grounds. At 4 Euros the cost is reasonable and along with all of the rich history that can be found here this is a can't miss stop in Dublin! 

Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Ard-Eaglais Naomh Pádraig in Irish, founded in 1191, is the biggest church in Ireland and one of two cathedrals in the city, with the other being Christ Church. It was constructed with the early English Gothic style in mind, and its most prominent feature is the 140 foot spire that is easily seen in the picture above. An exception to the norm, the Cathedral is not a seat of a bishop due to there being a more senior cathedral in the city already. The fact that there are two such buildings within the same city was a matter of much controversy for over a century until a six point agreement was signed which outlined the relationship of the two holy sites. These days it is the location for numerous public national ceremonies, including Ireland's Remembrance Day. Visitors from around the world note that this is one of the most beautiful places of worship in the world, and indicate that it is a must see whenever someone finds their way into the city. 

Dublin is an interesting city with a diverse background. It is telling that two of the most interesting places to visit within the city couldn't be further apart in their legacies. One was a prison where horrors were carried out while the other a celebrated and beloved place of worship. When one attempts to understand Irish culture it is important to reconcile these different aspects of their history and why both are very important. Legendary Journeys offers many trips that take you into this city, and you can view them all simply by clicking here.

Historic Landmarks in Munich, Germany!

Legendary Journeys is immensely proud to offer trips all around the globe that show the world's splendor. There is something to be said about going to exotic locations to see cultures and history that would otherwise elude someone. That is, to us, the heart of traveling: the never ending exploration of what both humanity and nature have constructed around us. From the world's tallest buildings to the most beautiful sunsets, there is so much to enjoy in so many different places! This blog series is about finding the most dazzling experiences you can enjoy and giving you a taste of what you can expect out of some amazing locales all over the world! Today we talk about Munich, Germany!

Marienplatz, or Mary's Square, is a central square in the city center of Munich. Having been the city's central square in terms of activity and popularity since 1158, it has seen a lot of events over the years. During the middle ages, for instance, markets and tournaments were held there. The square gets its name from the Marian column Mariensäule which is one of many monuments of its like built in honor of the Virgin Mary,  The Mariensäule was built in 1638 in celebration of the end of Swedish occupation that went on during the Thirty Years' War. These days the plaza is almost always bustling with activity and travelers from all over the world agree that this is an excellent starting point into Munich! 

Asamkirche, otherwise known as Asam Church, is a church that was constructed from 1733 to 1746 by the brothers Cosmas Damian Asam and Egid Quirin Asam for their own personal use. After push back from the citizens of the city they were eventually persuaded to open the church to the public, although still under protest. The architecture is done in the German Late Baroque style, and the building is considered to be an important example of the style. The inside of the building, shown above, is beautifully ornate with the upper levels of the church seeming to glow at almost all times. The church is one of the most visited buildings in all of Munich, attracting both worshipers as well as those with a keen interest in architecture. 

The Schloss Nymphenburg, otherwise referred to as the Castle of the Nymph, is a Baroque palace of much acclaim. The main use the palace for the palace over the years has been to be the the summer residence for former rulers of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach. Ferdinand Maria and Henriette Adelaide of Savoy had the building commissioned in 1664 to commemorate the birth of their son, Maximilian, and was completed in 1675. These days while it is still in use it is also open to the public and receives a lot of attention year around. Ceiling fresco like the one shown above are just one of the many popular artistic spots within the palace. The garden, which surrounds the palace and is quite expansive, is heavily commented on for its beauty as well. 

There's a lot to appreciate about the city of Munich. It is an important historical center in Germany that has a lot to offer the modern tourist as well. There are many excellent sites to visit in the city, so don't think this will be the last you hear of this great city here! Legendary Journeys is proud of all of the trips we offer that take you through Munich, and for the details on those great excursions you can click here!