GABRIEL Octavian ARDELEAN’s Post

Learn 10 interesting facts about Bosnia and Herzegovina, from its historic Sarajevo and medieval castles to its natural beauty and rich folk traditions. Explore Bosnia and Herzegovina's unique cultural and historical attractions.

CASTLES OF LIGHT OVER THE ALENTEJO Portugal was born in the darkness of war, the Reconquista to be specific. A young prince of a small county saw his chance to carve a nation from the chaos of the 12th century – and using guile and persistence, he pushed hard into the Moorish lands to his south. But war was nothing new to the land now known as the Alentejo. It has seen invaders from Celt nations, Greece, Carthage and North Africans Moors. Certainly, there were long periods of peace and bright prosperity during the Pax Romana, and the Portuguese Renaissance. But, given the plains and sun of the Alentejo, it also made an easy route for Spanish and French invaders - so fortifications, forts and castles were not only common, they were integral in defending the region and its long border. First there were ancient walled towns, then came Roman walled garrison towns, followed by fortified Moorish strongholds, and then centuries of defensive castles, not built as palaces for lords, but for the defense of a young Portugal, and the road to Lisbon. Today these ancient relics are not only fun to explore – they often have wide views, and a unique perspective over the Alentejo. https://lnkd.in/dyd2yp8v

LANGUEDOC CASTLES Château de Montségur The Château de Montségur (English: Castle of Montsegur; Languedocien: Castèl de Montsegur) is a former fortress near Montségur, a commune in the Ariège department in southern France. Its ruins are the site of a razed stronghold of the Cathars. The present fortress on the site, though described as one of the "Cathar castles," is actually of a later period. It has been listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862. The ruins of Montségur are perched at a precarious 1,200 metres altitude in the south of France near the Pyrenees. Located in the heart of France's Languedoc-Occitanie regions, 80km southwest of Carcassonne, Montségur dominates a rock formation known as a pog — a term derived from the Languedocien dialect of Occitan — puòg or puèg, meaning "peak, hill, mountain". The top of the ruin is reached by a path and is 170m above the road. More at Wikipedia

Statia recently joined Saba and St Maarten in hosting the weeklong 4th Dutch Caribbean Heritage Platform. The Statia leg of the programme included tours to heritage sites, including the Dutch Reform Church, the synagogue and Lower Town, as well as workshops and plenary sessions. The SSS islands have a rich heritage that encompasses a blend of Dutch, African, European and Caribbean influences, resulting in a unique cultural tapestry. Heritage plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity of communities. By preserving and celebrating their heritage, the people of these islands can maintain a sense of belonging and connection to their past. The heritage of these islands reflects their historical significance as former colonies and trading outposts. Understanding this heritage is essential for gaining insights into the islands' history, including their interactions with European colonisers and the impact of the transatlantic slave trade. #gisstatia #culturalheritage #islandlife #visiting #GettingInFormation

20 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany

20 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany

#Pinctadaradiata, commonly known as the Atlantic pearl-oyster[2] or the Gulf pearl oyster[1] is a species of pearl oyster distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific and in the Mediterranean.[3][4] Its range extends as far north as Japan and as far south as the Australian state of Victoria

20 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany

20 of the Best Places to Visit in Germany