Latest news with #LudwigII


Jordan News
2 days ago
- Jordan News
Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday - Jordan News
اضافة اعلان Do you want a different vacation, a journey that goes beyond shopping and relaxation, and takes you to the depths of history, during which you can live moments of true magic? UNESCO recently unveiled the addition of a new collection of unique cultural sites to its World Heritage List, priceless places that store stories of glory, legends, and civilizations that continue to fascinate the world. From the banks of the Seine River in France to the mysterious forests of Jamaica, from the industrial landmarks of Germany to the legendary temples of Cambodia, here are five magical sites that are worth your next trip, because they are unforgettable human experiences, beyond being ordinary tourist destinations. The palaces of King Ludwig II in Bavaria. Germany: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday If you think German architecture is dry and rigid, the palaces of King Ludwig II will completely change your outlook. The most famous of these is the Neuschwanstein Palace, which resembles fairy tale palaces. Built in the 19th century, the palace reflects the king's lavish taste and love of mythology and opera. The three palaces built by the king: Neuschwanstein, Linderhof and Hernkemsee, are now World Heritage sites. These palaces are a mixture of history, art, and royal drama, all set amidst stunning Bavarian landscapes, adding to the charm of the experience, and these magnificent buildings attract millions of people, so if you are an architecture lover interested in history and romantics, you are sure to spend a wonderful holiday in Bavaria in these three fictional palaces. The sites of the Minoan civilization in Crete. Greece: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Who would have imagined that the myth of the labyrinth and the monster "Minotaur" had real roots? At the Palace of Knossos near Heraklion, traces of the oldest advanced civilization in Europe (Minoan or Minoan) can be seen. Five other archaeological sites, such as Zagros and Malia, received global recognition from UNESCO this year. The maze is worth a visit because it tells the story of a thriving civilization thousands of years ago, master's in architecture and art, and had commercial contact with the cultures of the Mediterranean basin. Minoan art and culture are characterized by a clear love of nature, movement, and bright colors, which is clearly evident in the murals, pottery, and sculptures they are left behind. If you are a fan of murals that tell scenes from everyday life, religious rituals, and landscapes, and you are a fan of a sophisticated artistic sense, you will have an enjoyable journey with the heritage of the Minoan civilization. The huge stones of Karnak. France: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Carnac stones in Brittany are among the largest stone formations in Europe. More than 3,000 carved rocks, meticulously placed in place some 5,000 years ago. So why is it worth a visit? It offers a glimpse into a mysterious and well-organized civilization, showing how ancient humans understood nature, stars and terrestrial energy, amidst stunning French rural landscapes. Execution fields. Cambodia: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Not every human heritage is beautiful, some document painful chapters of human history. UNESCO has listed sites linked to the Khmer Rouge genocide, such as Tul Sleng Prison and the Choyeong-eek execution site, as a World Heritage Site as a testament to crimes committed against the Cambodian people during the seventies. Why is this visit worth it? Because remembering tragedies is a human and moral imperative. Visiting these sites reminds us of the importance of peace and the need to preserve human dignity. «Port Royal» Jamaica. A city swallowed by the sea: Palaces, legends, and tragedies. These sites are worth your visit on the earliest holiday Port Royal was one of the most corrupt and decaying cities in the world during the 17th century, until an earthquake in 1692 submerged large parts of it under water. Today, what remains of the city, above and below sea level, is part of the UNESCO list. Why is it worth visiting? It gives you a vivid glimpse into early colonial life, piracy, and maritime trade in the Caribbean, all set in a breathtaking tropical setting. Zahrat Al Khaleej - Jordan

The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
‘The wickedest city on Earth' and other new must-visit World Heritage sites
The new list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites generally arrives in July, as the UN's cultural arm gives its official rubber-stamp to locations 'around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity'. As of this year, this amounts to 1248 significant places in 170 countries – ranging from palaces in France to coral harbours in Micronesia. The newest announcement, made last week, has added a further 26 'inscribed properties' to this gleaming portfolio – some of them in relatively remote corners of the planet such as Tajikistan and Malawi, others closer to hand in Italy, Greece and Germany. The following fresh inductees are all worth a visit (which can't be said for some of the others): The Palaces of Ludwig II, Germany The preposterous idea that German architecture is dour and lifeless is rebutted with the firmest flourish by the castles that were strewn across the hillsides and high places of Bavaria by its monarch, Ludwig II, between 1864 and 1886. A man of flamboyant tastes, Ludwig commissioned three separate country properties – Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Herrenchiemsee – during his 22-year reign, envisaging each of them as a refuge from the apparent mundanity of court life in Munich. All three of them (plus a villa on Schachen hill, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen) are part of the new UNESCO listing – although it is Neuschwanstein, with its dreaming spires, which has become the region's postcard icon. UNESCO says: Drawing inspiration from Versailles, German fairy tales and Wagner's operas, the palaces showcase historicist styles and advanced 19th century techniques. Carefully integrated into stunning landscapes, they embody Ludwig's artistic vision.

Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
The five fascinating new World Heritage sites you should visit
The new list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites generally arrives in July, as the UN's cultural arm gives its official rubber-stamp to locations 'around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity'. As of this year, this amounts to 1248 significant places in 170 countries – ranging from palaces in France to coral harbours in Micronesia. The newest announcement, made last week, has added a further 26 'inscribed properties' to this gleaming portfolio – some of them in relatively remote corners of the planet such as Tajikistan and Malawi, others closer to hand in Italy, Greece and Germany. The following fresh inductees are all worth a visit (which can't be said for some of the others): The Palaces of Ludwig II, Germany The preposterous idea that German architecture is dour and lifeless is rebutted with the firmest flourish by the castles that were strewn across the hillsides and high places of Bavaria by its monarch, Ludwig II, between 1864 and 1886. A man of flamboyant tastes, Ludwig commissioned three separate country properties – Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Herrenchiemsee – during his 22-year reign, envisaging each of them as a refuge from the apparent mundanity of court life in Munich. All three of them (plus a villa on Schachen hill, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen) are part of the new UNESCO listing – although it is Neuschwanstein, with its dreaming spires, which has become the region's postcard icon. UNESCO says: Drawing inspiration from Versailles, German fairy tales and Wagner's operas, the palaces showcase historicist styles and advanced 19th century techniques. Carefully integrated into stunning landscapes, they embody Ludwig's artistic vision.

The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
The five fascinating new World Heritage sites you should visit
The new list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites generally arrives in July, as the UN's cultural arm gives its official rubber-stamp to locations 'around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity'. As of this year, this amounts to 1248 significant places in 170 countries – ranging from palaces in France to coral harbours in Micronesia. The newest announcement, made last week, has added a further 26 'inscribed properties' to this gleaming portfolio – some of them in relatively remote corners of the planet such as Tajikistan and Malawi, others closer to hand in Italy, Greece and Germany. The following fresh inductees are all worth a visit (which can't be said for some of the others): The Palaces of Ludwig II, Germany The preposterous idea that German architecture is dour and lifeless is rebutted with the firmest flourish by the castles that were strewn across the hillsides and high places of Bavaria by its monarch, Ludwig II, between 1864 and 1886. A man of flamboyant tastes, Ludwig commissioned three separate country properties – Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, Herrenchiemsee – during his 22-year reign, envisaging each of them as a refuge from the apparent mundanity of court life in Munich. All three of them (plus a villa on Schachen hill, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen) are part of the new UNESCO listing – although it is Neuschwanstein, with its dreaming spires, which has become the region's postcard icon. UNESCO says: Drawing inspiration from Versailles, German fairy tales and Wagner's operas, the palaces showcase historicist styles and advanced 19th century techniques. Carefully integrated into stunning landscapes, they embody Ludwig's artistic vision.


Tourism Breaking News
22-07-2025
- Tourism Breaking News
Germany invites GCC travellers to discover its lakes and natural wonders this summer
Post Views: 13 This summer, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) invites travellers from the GCC to discover thrilling new experiences across Germany's great outdoors—where adventure, culture, and nature come together in unforgettable ways. Through its renewed 'Embrace German Nature' campaign, GNTO spotlights Germany's serene and lesser-known lakes, offering a refreshing escape where clear waters, alpine landscapes, and sustainable travel come together in perfect harmony. Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing & Sales Office – GNTO GCC, said, 'Germany's hidden lakes offer the perfect answer to the summer heat, with refreshing natural beauty, cultural depth, and sustainable experiences that resonate deeply with GCC travellers. Our 'Embrace German Nature' campaign celebrates slowness, authenticity, and well-being. Whether you are exploring a forest-lined lake by paddleboard, relaxing in a spa town, or soaking up the calm from a houseboat, these are the journeys that stay with you.' From Lake Constance to Königssee and the vast Mecklenburg Lake District, Germany's lakeside destinations provide ideal settings for family holidays, nature retreats, and wellness escapes. Whether paddling across calm waters, cycling through forested paths, or staying on a houseboat under starlit skies, these experiences offer a revitalising break from the heat while promoting a connection with nature and climate-friendly travel. With Germany ranking second as a nature travel destination among Europeans, holding a 14 per cent share of the nature-oriented holiday market, and with nature-based trips making up over 21 per cent of all European holiday travel to Germany in 2023, totalling 6.7 million trips, these destinations promise both broad appeal and accessibility to GCC visitors seeking an alternative to traditional summer travel. Travellers looking for breath taking mountain scenery will find inspiration in the journey along the Lake Constance to Lake Königssee Cycle Path. Starting from Lindau on the shores of Lake Constance, this scenic route winds through the rolling hills of the Allgäu, past glistening lakes such as Tegernsee and Schliersee, and through storybook villages framed by alpine vistas. Along the way, visitors encounter cultural gems like Hohenschwangau and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, a fairytale palace built by King Ludwig II that continues to enchant travellers worldwide. The path culminates at Lake Königssee, nestled within the Berchtesgaden Alps. Known for its emerald-green water and dramatic cliffside setting, Königssee invites visitors to board silent electric boats that glide across the lake, revealing hidden coves and the iconic onion-domed St. Bartholomä Church. Surrounded by towering peaks and mirrored reflections, the lake is a tranquil haven for picnics, walking trails, and quiet contemplation. The Mecklenburg Lake District, one of Europe's most extensive and unspoiled lake regions, is just a short journey north of Berlin. Known as the 'Land of a Thousand Lakes,' this area is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and slow travellers alike. Müritz, the largest inland lake in Germany, forms the heart of the region and is surrounded by dense forests, gentle hills, and winding waterways. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the peaceful water routes that pass through reed beds, wooded shorelines, and quiet villages. One of the most popular experiences is captaining a houseboat, which allows travellers to sleep on the water and journey at their own pace, mooring in hidden bays or near charming lakeside towns. No special license is required, making it an accessible adventure for families and first-time visitors. On land, travellers can hike through Müritz National Park or cycle the Müritz Circular Route while enjoying the region's rich biodiversity, including sightings of rare birds such as cranes and eagles. With minimal light pollution, nature parks like Nossentiner and Schwinzer Heide offer some of Germany's best stargazing opportunities. Beyond the lakes, the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania region stretches to the Baltic Sea, where 1,900 kilometres of coastline host elegant spa resorts, historic port cities, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can enjoy the maritime charm of Wismar and Stralsund, where red-brick Gothic architecture and mediaeval streets tell the story of the Hanseatic League's golden era. Seaside resorts like Heiligendamm and the island of Usedom continue Germany's proud spa tradition, offering wellness facilities, sandy beaches, and graceful buildings from the Belle Époque. Schwerin Castle, rising from its island on a reflective lake, serves as a stunning historical site and a venue for vibrant summer festivals and cultural performances. This coastal and inland region is seamlessly connected to Germany's major cities. With direct train links and frequent InterCity and ICE services, places like Waren (Müritz) and Neustrelitz can comfortably reach from Berlin and Hamburg. Many local towns offer guest cards that allow free travel on regional buses, encouraging visitors to explore sustainably and car-free. Through its renewed 'Embrace German Nature' campaign, GNTO highlights not just the beauty of Germany's lakes, but the country's deep commitment to sustainability and conservation. With 33% of the mainland under environmental protection, Germany offers one of Europe's richest natural playgrounds—ideal for low-impact, restorative travel. The landscape is home to three UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites, 18 biosphere reserves, 16 national parks, and 104 nature parks, all preserving unique ecosystems and offering immersive experiences. Travellers can explore this diversity across 300,000 kilometers of hiking trails and 76,000 kilometers of cycling routes, which pass through tranquil forests, glittering lakes, river valleys, and alpine vistas. One-third of Germany is forested, providing clean air, natural wellness, and the calming backdrop for adventures or quiet moments in nature. With rising interest in nature-based holidays and growing awareness of climate-conscious travel, Germany continues to offer experiences that are not only memorable but meaningful. The country's hidden lakes await discovery from its alpine south to its coastal north, offering a literal and emotional cool-down for the summer.