The Spanish Steps in Rome
Trip Over to Rome
The Spanish Steps, or as they are known in Italian – Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, are more than just Rome’s meeting point, they were built in 1725 to access the Trinità dei Monti Church that sits majestically perched at the top, as it has done since 1585, desperately in need of stairs to access it for nearly 150 years. Known as Rome’s ‘meeting point’, they often get so crowded with people sitting all over them that you would never find who you are meeting. If someone says, “Meet me at the Spanish Steps”, you will need specifics, the top, the bottom, the middle, the left, the right, the centre, near the fountain, outside the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, outside Babington’s Tea Rooms………
Recently the Bulgari Fashion House has put in the funds required to clean up and restore the Spanish Steps to their former glory, all the chips and cracks on the Travertine marble have been repaired, all the chewing gum, coffee and wine stains removed, and a good clean to get off centuries of grime. I am so proud of the fashion industry for funding the restoration of Italy’s monuments. Fendi – The Trevi Fountain, Tod’s – The Colosseum, Diesel – The Rialto Bridge in Venice, and now Bulgari – The Spanish Steps. Catch a glimpse of the fabulous opening show after the Spanish Steps restoration.
Fortunately, I have recently heard that Rome’s Police are starting to move people on if they sit all over the steps, and so they should. Even though the Spanish Steps are considered to be one of Rome’s monuments, they are a throroughfare for those wanting to get from top to bottom and vice versa to go about their business. Rome seems to attract the worst kind of tourist, people who think it is OK to sit all over monuments and statues eating and drinking, it isn’t. Unless there is a specific seat to sit on – don’t sit on it. Others want to access it, see it, admire it and take photos of it. You’ll have to get up early to get photos without so many people in them, but it is worth it.
The fountain in Piazza di Spagna, Fontana della Barcaccia, is found at the foot of the Spanish Steps, commissioned in 1623 to be built as part of a prior Papal project to erect a fountain in every major piazza in Rome. The fountain was completed between 1627 and 1629 by Pietro Bernini possibly along with the help of his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini, as Pietro died on 29th August 1629.
The sculptural fountain is made into the shape of a half-sunken boat with water overflowing its sides into a small basin. The source of the water comes from an aqueduct from 19BC. Bernini built this fountain to be slightly below street level due to the low water pressure from the aqueduct. Fresh drinking water flows from seven points on the fountain. The ramp at the front of the fountain is there so you can walk out at get fresh drinking water from the spouts in the boat. Water is available like this from all over Rome.
According to legend, when the Tiber River flooded in 1598, water carried a small boat into the Piazza di Spagna. When the water receded, the boat was deposited in the centre of the square, and it was this event that inspired Bernini’s creation. The fountain is decorated with the Papal Coat of Arms of the Barberini family as a reminder of Pope Urban VIII’s ancestry.
On one side of the bottom of the steps is Babington’s Tea Rooms, on the other is the house where romantic poet John Keats lived and died. It is now a memorial museum to both John Keats and Percy Shelley. Keats came to live in Rome on the advice of his doctors as he was suffering from tuberculosis, it was thought maybe the warmer weather in Rome would help. But not so, he needed more than the weather to cure him and he died in 1821 at the age of only 25. This fabulous address was bought in 1906 and restored to how it was in Keats day and opened as a museum to both Keats and Shelley. Very interesting to see how simply Keats lived, and see pictures of Rome from the early 1800s.
Babington’s Tea Rooms were opened in 1893, sadly long after Keats died so he never got the opportunity to take tea there, it may have helped. Two young English ladies, Isabel Cargill and Anna Maria Babington, moved to Rome with £100.00 to open Tea Rooms to cater for the growing English population of Rome. They opened business in what was the stables of an 18th century palazzo, having made a success of their first tea room not far from there. After Anna Maria’s death in 1929, her sister, Annie, invested her life savings into the business. WW1 and the great depression had taken their toll, but with this investment, Anna Maria’s daughter, Dorothy, along with Annie and Isabel were able to bring it back to a successful business.
The business was struck another blow in WW2, but with lots of hard work was again brought back to life and today is operated by Isabel’s great-grandchildren. Babington’s is a lovely place to spend some time before continuing to explore Rome.
The high fashion establishments are all in this area. Looking from the Spanish Steps you have a view straight down Via Condotti, great window shopping in this street. On the left corner of Via Condotti fronting on to Piazza di Spagna is Dior, on the right is Prada, with Missoni next door. Further to the right is Chanel and round to the left in Piazza Magnanelli is Valentino. All the way down Via Condotti, at the intersection of Via del Corso is the Head Quarters on Fendi, where I bought my beautiful silk scarf celebrating 75 years of The Bagette, Fendi’s signature handbag.
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Itinerary for Trip Over to Rome
Flew from Sydney to Rome via Dubai, with Qantas/Emirates.
Stayed in an apartment near Largo di Argentina for a month – rented through Sleep in Italy, now available on Airbnb.
Walked all over Rome, bought a one month transport ticket for buses, the metro and some trains.
We caught the fast train from Rome Termini to Florence, and stayed for 3 nights at the Hotel Savoy.
While in Florence we went on a tour with Viator to Siena and San Gimignano.
Arranged for us to be picked up at the airport on arrival, and taken back at the end of our holiday with a private transfer with Viator.
Hotel Pension Suzanne in Vienna is in the perfect location, walking distance to everything, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops and museums.
✨️Safe, quiet and comfortable, all requirements of the solo traveller
✨️Click the link to my website in the bio for more information on the hotels I stayed in on my recent solo adventure to Budapest, Vienna and Prague.
#hotelpensionsuzanne #solotravel #solotrip #vienna #traveltheworldwithme
Exploring Prague with lots of walking and lots of tram rides! Walking across Charles Bridge, up to the castle, through Lesser Town, into New Town, and historic Old Town.
#prague #praguelife #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #seeeverythingdoeverything
Cesky Krumlov, a quaint medieval town in the south of the Czech Republic, a simple day trip by train from Prague....then lots and lots of walking on cobble stone paths!!
#ceskykrumlov #daytripfromprague #solotrip #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
On a chilly Budapest morning, but the blue sky was a nice touch ✨️. I was planning to visit the Hungarian Parliament Building today... but Saturday crowds got the best of me! The exterior of this building is stunning, can`t wait to explore the inside.
#solotravel #hungarianparliamentbuilding #budapest #budapestarchitecture
🌧️ Well, the rain had clearly decided where I was going next!
I was wandering around the Castle District when the rain started falling again. Luckily, I happened to be very close to Matthias Church, so naturally I took this as a very clear sign that it was time to head inside. 😉
And what a decision! The interior of Matthias Church is absolutely spectacular, with its beautifully patterned walls, colourful decoration, intricate details and magnificent stained-glass windows. It feels completely different from the grand Gothic churches you might expect to find in Europe.
The church has a fascinating history dating back to the 13th century, although much of what you see today was restored in the 19th century under architect Frigyes Schulek. Named after King Matthias Corvinus, who was married here in the 15th century, the church has witnessed coronations, royal weddings, Ottoman occupation and centuries of change.
So, thank you, Budapest rain! ☔️ What started as an attempt to stay dry turned into one of the highlights of my time exploring Buda Castle. Sometimes the weather really does know best! ❤️
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #MatthiasChurch #BudaCastle #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Back to Schonbrunn Palace to see the Imperial Apartments. Gold was definitely the order of the day ✨️ but I reckon I could live there quite comfortably with a few more mod cons!!
#schönbrunnpalace #imperialapartments #traveltheworldwithme #solotrip
Sometimes the best Budapest discoveries happen when you`re on your way somewhere else!✨
I was walking past the magnificent St. Stephen`s Basilica when I noticed a service was about to begin. I spotted an opportunity for a quick look inside… and, well, who was I to just walk past? 😉I quietly slipped inside, took a few photos of the incredible interior and had a quick look around before leaving them to prepare for the service.
And what an interior! The soaring dome, magnificent marble, gilded details, paintings and mosaics make this one of Budapest`s most impressive churches. Named after St. Stephen, Hungary`s first king, the basilica was completed in 1905, after more than half a century of construction and several rather unfortunate setbacks along the way.
I didn`t stay long on this occasion, but sometimes a quick glimpse is enough! When there is no service happening you can pay to visit and stay longer!
Another little Budapest bonus — and this one didn`t cost me a cent! 😂
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #StStephensBasilica #HungaryTravel #BudapestArchitecture #SoloTravel
After catching the tram across the river, I strolled through Letna Park, there are stunning views of Prague`s Vltava river, the bridges and the castle, not to mention all the flowers in the park.
#flowerseverywhere #viewsfordays #praguelife #solotrip #walkinthepark
Aimlessly wandering around the streets of Prague - beautiful💖
#prague #praguelife #solotrip #praguearchitecture
🏰 The climb was worth it!
After tackling the steep stairs and pathways up to Fisherman`s Bastion, I finally reached the top — and was greeted by the magnificent bronze statue of King Stephen I of Hungary on horseback.
Created by sculptor Alajos Stróbl and unveiled in 1906, the statue is packed with incredible detail. From the flowing robes (hard to believe they are all made of bronze!) and armour to the powerful horse and ornate stone pedestal, there`s plenty to admire. King Stephen I holds a very special place in Hungarian history. Crowned around the year 1000, he became Hungary`s first king and played a major role in establishing Hungary as a Christian kingdom.
After all those stairs, I was more than happy to stop and admire him… and, of course, take a few photos while pretending I wasn`t secretly catching my breath! 😉
Sometimes the journey to a landmark is half the adventure — and in Budapest, it often comes with a pretty spectacular reward at the top. ❤️
Have you climbed the steps up to Fisherman`s Bastion? Or were you smarter and caught the bus????😀
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #FishermansBastion #KingStephen #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Had a quick run around Prague after a 4 hour train trip from Vienna. I was last in Prague 9 years ago, all seems familiar except Wenceslas Square....apart from the statue of Good King Wenceslas on his horse, the rest of the square that used to be an elegant collection of historic buildings, hotels, cafes, etc......has now turned into Oxford Street, London...Primark, C&A, Half Price, the list goes on......who thought that was a good idea????
#prague #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme #charlesbridgeprague
The Vivid Sydney light show in Argyle Cut, looking along Argyle St from Cumberland St, The Rocks.
#vividsydney #traveltheworldwithme #sydney #seeeverythingdoeverything #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
The streets of Valletta, Malta. Endless hours of exploring this amazing place. A wonderful place for solo travellers, easy to get around and very safe. Something for everyone, especially for history buffs!!
#solotrip #traveltheworldwithme #seetheworldthroughmyeyes #solotravelinmalta
✨ Standing among the heroes of Hungary…..
No visit to Budapest`s City Park is complete without a stop at Heroes` Square (Hősök tere) — and after exploring Vajdahunyad Castle, it was the perfect next stop on my solo adventure. The enormous square is dominated by the Millennium Monument, built to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the arrival of the Magyars in the Carpathian Basin in 895.
At its centre stands the Archangel Gabriel, high above the 36-metre column, while the colonnades on either side feature statues of important figures from Hungarian history. There is certainly no shortage of impressive-looking people to keep you company!
The monument was begun in 1896 as part of Hungary`s Millennium celebrations, although the whole ensemble wasn`t completed until 1929. With its grand scale, towering statues and beautiful surrounding buildings, Heroes` Square is one of those places where you can`t help but stop for a moment and take it all in.
Budapest certainly knows how to make history feel larger than life. ❤️
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #HeroesSquare #HungaryTravel #HungarianHistory #SoloTravel
Beautiful day to have another amble around the gardens at Schonbrunn Palace after exploring the Imperial Apartments, in another month these gardens will be in full bloom☀️☀️☀️
#schönbrunnpalace #schönbrunnschloss #palacegardens #solotrip
✨ And then I stepped inside…
After exploring the fairytale exterior of Vajdahunyad Castle, I couldn`t resist going inside to see what was hiding behind those impressive doors - it certainly didn`t disappoint! (And it provided shelter from the sudden rain shower.)
The interior is every bit as dramatic as the outside, with a magnificent marble staircase, elegant columns, beautiful stained-glass windows and a wonderfully decorated ceiling. There are intricate details everywhere you look — the sort of place where you keep looking up, around and behind you because you don`t want to miss a thing!
Vajdahunyad Castle may look centuries old, but this beautiful building was created between 1896 and 1908 as part of Hungary`s Millennium celebrations. Its architecture deliberately brings together elements from different periods and regions of Hungarian architectural history.
I think Budapest may have a slight problem… it has simply too many beautiful buildings to look at! 😂
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #HungaryTravel #VisitBudapest #SoloTravel
.....further to my previous post. I walked past Hochstrahlbrunne, a fountain built in 1873 to celebrate the opening of Vienna`s high pressure water system. Then once I arrived at Schloss Belvedere, I found that this was not the place to be at Easter. There was one long queue to buy a ticket to stand in one of 3 other long queues to get in!!! Even one of the staff on crowd control said he had never seen it like this - I`ll go back after the Easter weekend crowds have left.
#vienna #viennaeaster #soloteavel #changeofplans
The Hungarian Parliament Building from across the Danube at night ❄️ It was a freezing cold evening, but a quick trip under the Danube on the Metro to get a few photos is just what needs to he done!
#hungarianparliamentbuilding #budapest #soloteavel #traveltheworldwithme
Everywhere you look in Budapest the buildings are amazing ✨️ so ornate, full of character, luckily the city is very walkable!!
#budapestarchitecture #budapest #solotravel #walkingthestreets
Quattro Canti, or Piazza Vigliena, is a stunning Baroque square at the heart of Palermo`s historic centre. Located where Via Maqueda meets Corso Vittorio Emanuele, each corner symbolises one of the city`s ancient districts, built in 1620. Via Maqueda is now a pedestrian zone, bustling with restaurants, ranging from great spots to tourist traps, and it`s the perfect place to stroll around in the evenings.
#palermo #quattrocantipalermo #viamaquedapalermo #solotravelinsicily
Well… when you see a staircase, you may as well find out where it leads! 😄
Inside Matthias Church, I climbed my way up to one of the higher balcony levels — and I’m very pleased to report that the view was absolutely worth every step! Looking down from above, the church was even more spectacular. The colourful patterns, ornate decorations and beautiful architecture all came together in a completely different way from up here.
Sometimes exploring means looking up, sometimes looking down… and occasionally wondering just how many more stairs there are! 😂
But this view? Definitely worth the climb. ❤️
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #MatthiasChurch #BudaCastle #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
🌶The magnificent Budapest Central Market Hall has been welcoming shoppers since 1897 and is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest.
🌶With its distinctive Zsolnay tiled roof and impressive Neo-Gothic architecture, it`s just as beautiful on the outside as it is bustling on the inside. The building was severely damaged in WW2, and sat in ruins until 1997 when it re-opened to much fan-fare.
🌶Standing outside the market, you`re also treated to lovely views of the iconic Liberty Bridge, one of Budapest`s most recognisable landmarks spanning the Danube.Step inside and you`ll find two floors packed with stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to Hungarian sausages, local wines, handmade souvenirs and, of course, paprika! Available in sweet, hot and smoked varieties, paprika is Hungary`s most famous spice, the essential ingredient in Hungarian Goulash.
🌶Whether you`re shopping, sampling local flavours or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Central Market Hall is well worth adding to your Budapest itinerary.
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#budapest #solotravelwoman #budapestcentralmarkethall #soloadventures
Sydney is having an unbelievably warm winter so far, all blue sky, blue water and sunshine today ☀️!!
Views, views and more views… and yes, I took even more photos of the Parliament! 📸
Standing high up at Buda Castle, I was treated to some of the best views across Budapest.
There was the magnificent Hungarian Parliament Building sitting proudly on the banks of the Danube — and honestly, you can never have too many photos of it! 😂
Looking along the river, I could also see the elegant Chain Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge and the beautiful sweep of the Danube, with Budapest stretching out on either side. It`s one of those views where you keep moving a few steps, thinking this must be the best angle… only to find another one a few metres later!
The weather may not have been perfect during my visit, but Budapest certainly didn`t let a few gloomy skies spoil the view.
Sometimes you just have to stop, take it all in… and take one more photo of the Parliament. ❤️📸
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #BudapestViews #HungarianParliament #Danube #SoloTravel
A day trip from Valletta to Gozo is very easy, taking the fast ferry gives great views all the way up the north coast of Malta. You can then get around on buses, or the hop on, hop off bus, and plenty of walking.....I wish I could have spent more time there, next time I stay for a few days✨️
Click the link to my website to read about my 10 day solo adventure in Malta
#solotravelinmalta #soloadventures #gozo #malta #solitravel
✨ Inside the Royal Palace of Buda Castle…
After wandering through the cobblestone courtyards and passing the watchful lion statues, it was time to step inside the magnificent Royal Palace.
The palace has had quite a history. The original medieval royal residence dates back to the 13th century, although what we see today is the result of centuries of rebuilding, destruction and restoration.
Inside, the grand halls, sweeping staircases, ornate details and beautiful architecture give you a glimpse of the palace`s royal past. It’s hard not to imagine kings, queens and courtiers moving through these very spaces.
Sadly, much of the palace was destroyed during the Siege of Budapest in 1944–45, and the building was later reconstructed. Today, the palace is home to the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
I love places like this where the architecture tells as much of the story as the exhibits do. And after all the walking around Buda Castle, I was more than happy to wander indoors for a while! 😂
Another piece of Budapest history explored. ❤️
Have you visited the Royal Palace at Buda Castle?
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #BudaCastle #RoyalPalace #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Having mastered the very efficient bus system in Malta, after visiting Lower Barraka Gardens and the War Rooms in the tunnels under Valletta, I headed off out to Tarxien to the pre-historic temples, then out to the east coast to the beautiful fishing village of Marsaxlokk to see the traditional fishing boats.
To read about my 10 day solo adventure in Malta, click the link to my website in the bio.
#solotravelinmalta #solotravelwoman #malta #traveltheworldwithme #tripovertomalta
Budapest... you certainly know how to make a first impression!
After checking into Hotel President in the heart of this beautiful city, I couldn`t wait to start exploring my local area before darkness fell.
My afternoon took me past the magnificent St. Stephen`s Basilica, the lively Budapest Eye Ferris Wheel, the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building, past to the iconic Chain Bridge, and to the moving Shoes on the Danube Memorial, a powerful tribute to the thousands of Jews murdered on the riverbank during World War II.
Of course, no walk around Budapest would be complete without rubbing the shiny belly of the jovial bronze "Fat Policeman" statue for a little good luck. Whether it works or not remains to be seen... but I wasn`t taking any chances! 😉
As evening fell, and the jet lag started kicking in, there was only one way to finish my first afternoon in Hungary – with a steaming bowl of traditional Hungarian Goulash. Rich, hearty and full of flavour, it was the perfect welcome to this incredible city.
If Budapest can pack this much into just a few hours, I was looking forward to what this adventure has in store for the rest of the week.
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #SoloTravel #SoloFemaleTraveller #exploringbudapest #Hungary
Hofburg Palace, the Habsburgs` stunning Vienna residence until 1918. Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) indulged in royal luxury here and spent summers at Schonbrunn Palace. What a life!
#hofburgvienna #sisimuseum #soloadventure #vienna
Caught the train from Vienna to Bratislava for a day trip. Walking up the hill to visit the castle is not for the faint hearted!! And the walk back down 🥴 brutal on the dodgy knee!!! But I made it 😃!!!
#bratislava #daytripfromvienna #daytripfromviennatobratislava #traveltheworldwithme #solotravel
🏰 Budapest has another castle… and of course I had to go and find it!
Even though the weather was looking a little gloomy during my time in Budapest, it certainly wasn`t going to keep me indoors. So I headed up to City Park (Városliget) to discover the city`s other castle — the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle.
And what a beautiful surprise!
Built between 1896 and 1908 as part of Hungary`s Millennium celebrations, Vajdahunyad Castle is a wonderfully eclectic mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. Rather than being an ancient castle, it was originally created as a temporary exhibition — but Budapest obviously decided it liked it too much to let it go!
Today, its fairytale towers, turrets and lakeside setting make it one of the most photographed spots in City Park.
The gloomy skies actually added a little atmosphere to the castle… although I wouldn`t have complained if Budapest had turned the sunshine on for me! ☁️😂
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel #VisitBudapest
The house where the Governor General lives in the Royal Botanic Gardens on the edge of Sydney Harbour. I`m thinking of applying for the job!!
You can wander around the gardens and go on free booked tours of inside parts of the house most weekends - I love the way we all look around as if its a property inspection and we`re looking to buy it😂
#governmenthousesydney #sydneyrbg #sydney #sydneyharbourwalks #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
A beautiful building with a heartbreaking history. 🕊️
While exploring Budapest, I came across the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue. I decided to go inside and joined a tour so I could learn more about the history of this remarkable place.
The interior is truly beautiful — with its soaring arches, ornate decoration, colourful stained glass and intricate details. But behind all that beauty is a history that is incredibly difficult to comprehend. Built between 1854 and 1859, the Great Synagogue is the largest synagogue in Europe.
During the Second World War, it became part of the Budapest Ghetto, where Jewish people were imprisoned in horrific conditions. Thousands died from starvation, disease and the brutal treatment they endured. The synagogue grounds also became a cemetery, where thousands of victims were buried. Standing inside such a beautiful building while learning about the horrors that took place here was a sobering experience.
It is a place that reminds us that history isn`t always comfortable — but remembering it is important. I left feeling incredibly moved, and grateful that I had taken the time to stop, go inside and listen to its story.
Some places you visit for their beauty. Others stay with you because of their history. This was both. 🕊️
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #GreatSynagogue #JewishHistory #BudapestHistory #HungaryTravel
Dinner at the Parisi Passage, a historic gem from the 1800s inspired by Parisian arcades, it withstood bombing raids but faced neglect post-war, now revived as a stunning hotel with an incredible restaurant and bar.
#solotravel #parisipassage #parisipassagebudapest #párisipassagecaféandbrasserie
More sculptures in the streets, and I found another one of the minitures that are dotted all over the city. It`s hard to tell what it is, but perched on the wall near the castle, the little guy in the last photo is looking through his telecope at the city below!!
#streetsculptures #budapest #artinthe streets #solotravel
✨ A little medieval magic in Budapest…
While exploring the grounds of Vajdahunyad Castle, I came across this beautiful little gem — Ják Chapel.
With its Romanesque arches, stonework and wonderfully atmospheric entrance, it looks as though it has been lifted straight from a medieval village in Hungary. And there`s a reason for that!
Ják Chapel was inspired by the 13th-century Benedictine church at Ják, one of Hungary`s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. The chapel we see here was designed by Ignác Alpár as part of the Vajdahunyad Castle complex, created for Hungary`s Millennium celebrations in 1896.
And with the rather gloomy Budapest weather, the medieval atmosphere was even more convincing! ☁️🏰
Another beautiful discovery in City Park. ❤️
#Budapest #VajdahunyadCastle #JakChapel #HungaryTravel #SoloTravel
Vienna`s Easter markets are in full swing now, with beautifully decorated eggs and plenty of food and drink. Great to amble around in the sun, even though it was a bit chilly!!
#solotravel #vienna #eastermarkets #traveltheworldwithme
Just a short hop from Palermo, the markets in Monreale were getting ready for the day, filled with traditional Sicilian Moor`s Heads, or Testa di Moro.
#moorsheads #testadimoro #monreale #solotravelinsicily
In Budapest, even the things under your feet are worth photographing!📸
A wander around the Fisherman’s Bastion area brought plenty of beautiful sights — from the impressive statue of King Stephen I, Hungary’s first king, to those wonderfully whimsical, fairytale rooftops and turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion.
But then I looked down…And there they were — the manhole covers, complete with the Hungarian coat of arms! 😂
It`s amazing how easily you can become distracted in a city like Budapest. One minute you`re admiring a king on horseback, the next you`re photographing a manhole cover!
Of course, the spectacular views and architecture of Fisherman’s Bastion steal the show, but I love these little details that make exploring a city so much fun.
My advice for Budapest? Keep looking up… but don`t forget to look down too! ❤️
✨️If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website, tripovertheworld.com, in my bio.
#Budapest #FishermansBastion #HungaryTravel #BudapestHistory #SoloTravel
Step insde this fairly average looking cathedral and be amazed by the intensity of the interior, minimalism was not the brief✨️ Everywhere you look in St John`s Co-Cathedral in Valletta there is gold, art works, and more gold!
Built in the 1500s, the the interior revamp happened 100 years later, then the cathedral sat there happily until it took a hit in WWll. It was then restored from the 1980s until 2017.
🥂 For more ideas on things to see in Malta, click the link to my website in the bio to read about my 10 day solo trip over to Malta.
#stjohnscocathedralmalta #soloadventures #solotraveller❤️ #malta #traveltheworld
A place of remembrance in the heart of Budapest✨️
Behind the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue is a place that feels very different from the grand beauty of the synagogue itself. In the garden stands the Tree of Life, a weeping willow sculpture created by Hungarian artist Imre Varga. Its metal leaves bear the names and tattoo numbers of victims of the Holocaust, turning the tree into a powerful memorial to those who were murdered or disappeared.
The gardens surrounding the synagogue also hold the graves of thousands of Jewish people who died during the terrible conditions of the Budapest Ghetto during the Second World War. It is difficult to stand here and comprehend the scale of the suffering that took place in this very part of Budapest. The peaceful gardens, the sound of the leaves and the beautiful synagogue behind them make the history feel even more poignant.
📍If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #DohanySynagogue #TreeOfLife #HolocaustRemembrance #JewishHistory
On a day trip to Agrigento from Palermo, I had about 2 hours or more to wander around the ancient Greek ruins in the Valley of Temples ✨️Is it just me, or do you love walking around places knowing that others have been walking there for more than 2000 years too?
#agrigento #valleyofthetemples #solotravelinsicily #daytripfrompalermo #sicily
Vienna is magnificent to just wander around aimlessly, the buildings, the parks, everything, just perfect.
#vienna #solotravel #solotrip #traveltheworldwithme
On the south coast of Sicily, near Agrigento, lies Scala dei Turchi, a stunning limestone formation named after Turkish and Arab pirates who took shelter there in the 16th century. We stopped by after exploring the Valley of the Temples on our day trip from Palermo.
#scaladeiturchi #daytripfrompalermo #solotravelinsicily #sicilytravel
The largest synagogue in Europe, built in the 1850s, has been witness to unmentionable horrors during WWII including being bombed. It borders the ghetto where the Jews were left to die. In the garden cemetery there are tens of thousands of nameless bodies and a few that could be identified.
There us a very powerful museum housed here too.
#dohanystreetsynagogue #budapestarchitecture #budapest #soloadventure
Budapest was an amazing place to begin my solo adventure to Central Europe.
✨️ Hotel President was in a great location for exploring, walking distance to most places, or handy to the metro or buses.
✨️For more info on the hotels I stayed in click the link to my website in the bio.
#hotelpresidentbudapest #solotravel #solotrip #soloadventure #budapest
A table for one… and a very good reason to book it! 🍽️✨
After admiring the beautiful Párisi Passage in Budapest, it was time to experience it from the inside — this time with a delicious three-course set menu and a table for one.
And what a setting for dinner! Surrounded by the spectacular architecture, ornate details and warm atmosphere of this magnificent restaurant ✨️ Three courses of beautifully presented food, a lovely atmosphere and plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the experience. ❤️
And yes… I may have taken photos of every course before eating it! 📸😂
Great food, a beautiful setting and a memorable evening in Budapest. The perfect end to a big day exploring Budapest.
If you`re planning your own Budapest adventure, or would like to read about the hotels I stayed in during my solo journey through Budapest, Vienna and Prague, you`ll find the link to my website in my bio.
#Budapest #ParisiPassage #BudapestFood #SoloTravel #SoloDining
At the top of Wenceslas Square stands the National Museum in Prague, an impressive building with breathtaking views from the Cupola.
#praguenationalmuseum #solotravel #seetheworldthroughmyeyes
It`s a museum kind of day in Vienna, 2 to 5 degrees, we`ve had a bit of snow, a bit of sleet, a bit of rain and a lot of cold ❄️❄️❄️
The Furniture Museum is a collection of furnture and other items from the Imperial Palaces, including a display of the toilets from the day.
The museum holds huge stores of furniture that they lend out for movies, plays and other events needing furnishings from that era.
#viennafurnituremuseum #coldday❄️ #solotravel #traveltheworldwithme
