St. Stephen's Cathedral

St. Stephen's Cathedral (officially *Domkirche St. Stephan*) is Austria's most famous cathedral and the unmistakable symbol of its capital, Vienna. 

This Gothic structure stands in the historic heart of the city on Stephansplatz and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Vienna. 

Its most striking feature is its vast roof, covered in over 230,000 glazed tiles arranged in a colorful zigzag pattern. 

The design also incorporates the imperial eagle, as well as the coats of arms of Vienna and the Austrian Empire. 

The South Tower ("Steffl"): Standing at 136.7 meters, this tower dominates the city's skyline. 

Visitors can ascend the tower via a spiral staircase to enjoy a sweeping view of Vienna. 

The North Tower and the "Pummerin": This tower remained unfinished and reaches a height of only 68 meters. 

It houses the "Pummerin"—a massive bell cast in part from the metal of old cannons. 

Interior & Art: Inside, one can find a richly decorated Baroque high altar, the famous late-Gothic pulpit by master Anton Pilgram, and the medieval Wiener Neustadt Altar. 

The Catacombs: Beneath the church lies an extensive network of burial vaults and catacombs, where thousands of people—as well as various internal organs of the Habsburg monarchs—have been laid to rest. 

Construction History: The foundations date back to the 12th century (the first church was consecrated in 1147), after which the structure was largely rebuilt in the Gothic style during the Middle Ages. 

St. Stephen's Cathedral is deeply rooted in Austrian culture and also appears on the Austrian 10-euro-cent coin.

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Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes (Plitvice Lakes National Park) is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Croatia and Europe. 

The park, established in 1949 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, is located in the Lika region and covers approximately 295 km². 

It consists of 16 crystal-clear lakes (divided into upper and lower lakes) connected by about 90 waterfalls. 

How was it formed? 

A unique natural process of travertine (tuff) deposition from calcium-rich water creates the terraces and dams that form the lakes and cascades. 

The water is often turquoise, and the landscape slowly changes due to this process. 

Highlights: Breathtaking waterfalls and wooden boardwalks. 

Dense forests with bears, wolves, lynxes, and many birds. 

Largest lake: Kozjak (with boat connection). 

It is the oldest and most popular national park in Croatia. 

Preferably visit early or on a weekday to avoid crowds. 

A fairytale-like place that you really must see!

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Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic fortress and palace on the north bank of the Thames in London, founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror. 

Origins: Began as a medieval fortress (the White Tower) after the Norman Conquest of 1066. 

Functions through the ages: Royal palace and residence (until the 17th century) Prison (primarily for high-ranking prisoners, such as Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, and Rudolph Hess) Execution site (within the walls, including Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey) Royal Armouries Royal mint (until 1810) Repository of the Crown Jewels since the 17th century Current status: UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, managed by Historic Royal Palaces. 

A major tourist attraction featuring the Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), and the famous ravens (legend has it that the kingdom falls when the ravens depart). 

Key features: White Tower, Bloody Tower, Traitors' Gate, the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula, and the Crown Jewels exhibition. 

In short: one of the most famous and emotionally charged historic buildings in the world, a symbol of 1,000 years of British history filled with power, treachery, executions, and royal splendor.

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Aqueduct of Segovia, Spain

The Aqueduct of Segovia, located in Segovia, Spain, is an impressive Roman structure from the 1st century AD, likely built during the reign of Emperor Trajan. It is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of granite blocks without mortar, the aqueduct transported water over a 15-kilometer stretch from the Frío River to the city. Its most iconic feature is the above-ground section with 167 arches, which reaches a height of 28 meters. It remained in use until the 20th century and is now a symbol of Segovia's rich history.

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