15 THINGS TO DO IN SAN MARINO

Best Things to Do in San Marino

Even if it is a small country, there are many things to do in San Marino. You don’t need a car. You don’t need to climb too high or go down too low. Every tourist attraction in this 9-commune republic is right there and easy to reach. You don’t need a San Marino travel guide. All you need is a liter of iced water, a good pair of walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a baby towel to wipe your sweat while you trek the 61 sq. km. hilly republic.

1. Guaita

Another peak of the San Marino republic is the Guaita which has the oldest tower in the country. The tower was constructed in the 11th century and as towers were back in the day, it also served as a fortress and prison. Today, Guaita is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and welcomes visitors from around the world.

The Guaita together with the Montale were fortresses that defended the nation against the invasion of the Malatesta Family. You can read historical information about what happened then if you personally visit the towers.

2. De La Fratta

De La Fratta is one of the mountains in San Marino, as already mentioned. Unlike the Montale, it is open for tourists and visitors. It is also called Cesta by the residents. You can climb this peak leisurely since it is one of the things to do in San Marino.

The mountain top is overlooking the capital city of the country. It also has a tower which was positioned in the highest top of Monte Titano or Mount Titan. Inside the tower is a museum which was created as a tribute to Saint Marinus. It is a museum of more or less 1,550 weapons from different centuries with artifacts as early as the Middle Ages. Present day weapons are featured there as well.

3. Basilica di San Marino

The Basilica di San Marino is the main cathedral of San Marino City. It is in Piazza Domus Plebis where the Church of St. Peter can also be found. The basilica was created in honor of the country’s founder, Saint Marinus.

The church stood there from the 7th century until the now. But there were major repairs done to keep it from getting ruined. It was well –preserved and one of the main attractions in the country. Known objects used by Saint Marinus were displayed inside the cathedral.

4. Montale

Montale is a mountain in San Marino – one of three mountains in the country. The other two mountains are the De La Fratta and Guaita which will be featured after this. Anyway, Montale has a tower on top but for now, it is not open for public visits. It was built in the 1300’s which served as a prison back then. There is only one entry point to the tower and that is an opening which is 7 meters above ground. It also served as a fortress at one time.

5. Domagnano

Domagnano is one of the municipalities in San Marino with 3,319 residents as of 2013. It used to be known as Montelupo or the Wolves Mountain. In the town’s Coat of Arms, a wolf is part of the design and also the town’s castello. From a high view, the Adriatic Sea can be seen too but its history is largely caused upon the reveal of the Domagnano treasure which was discovered in the town’s castello in the late 19th century.

6. Serravalle

Serravalle is like a mini-kingdom with a castle and a small community. All in all, there are around 10,600 people living in the area as of 2013. It is the most populated commune in the republic. It also serves as a border between San Marino and Italy.

You may want to visit the parish built by Luigi Fonti in 1824 called the Chiesa di Sant Andrea or the Saint Andrea’s Church. This is one of the things to do in San Marino. Also, the San Marino Stadium is the national stadium of the country which showcases football matches.

7. Borgo Maggiore

Borgo Maggiore is another community in San Marino by the foot of Mount Titan or Monte Titano. It is a market town and was termed in the earlier days as Mercatale. The community has a heliport, the only one in the country and it has a Piazza Grande which is the town square. The place is also a shopping destination.

You may also like to visit the parishes or churches in the town located in Cà Melone, Cà Rigo, Cailungo, San Giovanni sotto le Penne, Valdragone, Ventoso.

8. Montegiardino

Montegiardino is a castelli, in Italian, or a community in castled region. It is one of the nine communities in San Marino and is the smallest castle with only 3.31 sq. m. in area. Montegiardino has a population of 915 as of 2014. The small town is home to the only university in the country called University of the Republic of San Marino, which you can also visit.

It has one parish named located in a village called Cerbaiola and the town’s known celebrity is Anita Simoncini, a singer who represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015.

9. Maranello Rosso Ferrari Museum

And who wouldn’t want to see a Ferrari and an Abarth!? These are iconic cars that are so rare, they are displayed in museums. If they are seen on the road, then, they are owned by multi-millionaires in the world because these cars are super expensive.

The Maranello Rosso Ferrari Museum is shared by two of the world’s greatest car brands – Enzo Ferrari and Carlo Abarth. There are twenty five Ferrari and 40 Abarth car models exhibited in the museum. The history and other important details about the cars were also documented.

10. Palazzo Manzoni Borghese

The Palazzo Manzoni Borghese is the home to Museo Armi Moderne or the Museum of Modern Weapons. It is a private collection of more than 2,000 guns that were accumulated during World War I and World War II. The museum is within walking distance from another tourist attraction in San Marino which is the Basilica.

Most of the guns on display are military issued and were partly a subject of Hoplology – the study of human behavior while in combat. This could be one of the things to do in San Marino if you are up for it.

11. Piazza della Liberta and Palazzo Pubblico

Palazzo Pubblico means the town hall or the government building of San Marino. They call it the Public Palace and it stands on Piazza della Liberta or what the people call “Pianello”. Everything political happens in this historical building.

The materials used to construct the building came from the caves of Mount Titano. It is a stone building which is a common material back in the day. In 1996, the palace was refurbished to adapt to modern facilities and safety standards.

12. Palazzo Pergami Belluzzi

The Palazzo Pergami Belluzzi is a street in San Marino and that is where the State Museum of the Museo di Stato is located. The museum was established through the resourcefulness and action of Count Luigi Cibrario as he endorsed donations for the museum from various sources worldwide.

It used to be located in the Palazzo Valloni back in 1899 but was transferred to Palazzo Pergami Belluzzi and welcomed tourists and guests in 2001. The museum has four levels which featured archaeological relics of San Marino, San Marino art; paintings donated to the republic and donated archaeological finds from different nations.

13. Wax Museum

They also call it the Museo delle Cere – the San Marino Wax Museum contains 100 wax characters displayed in 40 scenes. They have a figure of Leonardo Da Vinci and Albert Einstein. The recreation of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination is also displayed there. You will see Adolf Hitler there, as well.

This is one of the things to do in San Marino and marvel at the wax figures. But there are instruments of torture in this museum too. In the Middle Ages, instruments of torture was a way to make people accused of crimes and witchcraft talk and confess.

14. Museum of Curiosities

Are you ready to find some curious objects and wonder – why was this ever invented? Well, the Museum of Curiosities in San Marino will surely wrinkle your forehead and raise your eyebrow. For one, they have in their collection the world’s longest fingernails. They also have a German mouse trap from the 18th century and a silver contraption made to protect long nails of Chinese people back in the day.

The museum has about 100 items that are really weird. It should have been named the Museum of Weird.

15. Coin and Stamp Museum

San Marino has a very wide collection of coins and stamps. They also call this museum the Museo Filatelico e Numismatico and it has scudi coins from the 18th century. Scudi or scudo in singular form is the mode of trade or exchange in Italy since 1551. The museum has kept it and preserved for viewing purposes.

The stamps of San Marino show a bit of their history. The earliest collection of stamps was from the 1700’s and it was kept safe and untouched for centuries.

15 THINGS TO DO IN PORTUGAL

Best Things to Do in Portugal

One of the things to do in Portugal is to travel the country and see the tourist spots which displays Portuguese ancestry as well their land and water riches. It is a country abundant in religious buildings constructed centuries ago that still exists to this day. You will surely enjoy the beauty of palaces, castles, monasteries and Roman Catholic cathedrals in Portugal. Here is a list of places that you must go visit in Portugal:

1. Quinta da Regaleira – Sintra

Termed as the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra”, Quinta da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place has a lovely palace, a small chapel, and a beautiful park with some grottos, fountains and sculptures created many decades ago. This is a place to go to and one of the things to do in Portugal is to witness this grand palace.

This is a major scenic attraction in Portugal since it used to be the home of António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro back in the early 1900’s. His family was extremely wealthy and thus, they had the money to build the palace. You may want to hire a Portugal travel guide if you like a tour.

2. Ponte de Dom Luís I – Porto

The Ponte de Dom Luis I is a bridge which is also a tourist spot in Portugal. It connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It opened in 1886 and has been preserved and maintained up until now. It means that this bridge has been serving Portugal for 130 years.

The bridge is a double decked and has a metal arch for support. It was 1982 when the bridge was termed “Property of Public Interest” by the Institute for the Management of Architectural and Archaeological Heritage. To this day, both decks are in use for public and private transport.

3. Lisbon Oceanarium – Lisbon

Lisbon Oceanarium is the biggest enclosed Oceanarium not only in Portugal but the whole of Europe. It has four tanks all in all and is home to some rare marine fishes. It has the Ocean Sunfish which is the boniest fish in the world – it can weigh as heavy as 1,000 kilograms.

The Oceanarium is also a host to the Yellow Pufferfish – this type of fish puffs up and literally drinks water to enlarge itself making it a threat to predators. Afterwards, it goes back to its normal size.

4. Caldeira das Sete Cidades – Ponta Delgada

Here is another crater attraction but people actually live in it! A population of 858 people inhabits this small island which has a lot of natural beauty to offer tourists.

Each year there is a Green Trippin Camp being held in Sete Cidades. It is a musical festival which features trance-like rhythms. The Church of Sao Nicolau is the island’s place of prayer. It has a neo-gothic appeal.

One of the things to do in Portugal is to visit the two crater lakes in Sete Cidades – one of which has blue waters and the other one is green. The story behind it was a young love that needed to part and when their tears fell to the ground, it created the lakes – one green and one blue to represent the lover’s’ eyes.

5. Ponta da Piedade – Lagos

You can ask anyone who has been to Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, Portugal and they will tell you that the sight is indeed crafted by God. Some tourists even said that they were teary-eyed just looking at the aqua-blue sea and the rock cliffs by the shore.

And speaking of the beach, you can ride a boat or a small yacht and explore the area. You don’t need a mask to look under the sea. From above, you can clearly see fishes swimming around because the water is so clear.

6. Jeronimos Monastery – Lisbon

The Jeronimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is fondly called by residents as the Monastery of the Hieronymites. The monastery is for the Order of Saint Jerome.

The structure was a status symbol back in the Age of Discovery. It displayed the prosperity and supremacy of the country. The architectural design adapted the Manueline style and the details included sea animals maybe because during that era, every able country ventured to the seas and captured lands.

7. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Founder’s Collection

The building structure is simple and not that grand. But the art collection inside it deserves attention so don’t judge a book by its cover. It has hidden treasures inside the museum like the statue of Bacchus created by Michael Rysbrack. It also has the Pallas Athen of Rembrandt circa 1655 and an Egyptian Funerary mask which was believed to have originated from the 30th Dynasty.

You will see at least 6,000 art collections of different natures and genres in this museum – some are Greco-Roman and some are from European inspirations.

8. Alfama – Lisbon

Alfama is an ancient district in Lisbon and its name came from an Arabic derivative Al-hamma which meant hot fountains. But there are no hot fountains in Alfama. What you will witness in this dainty old town is a maze of constricted streets. You also have to try their Remodelado trams – it is not like the regular trams anywhere in the world because the roads in Alfama are so narrow that only specialized trams are used.

The town used to be a poor man’s home but the stigma is now gone. Now, it is a historical site full of trendy possibilities.

9. Pico do Arieiro – Funchal

Everyone wants to touch the sky! And by that means being able to touch the clouds. It is not physically possible to do so but there is almost an alternative to that. Go to Pico do Arieiro and you will be able to see and “feel” the clouds below you – this is one of the things to do in Portugal.

Pico do Arieiro is a mountain and is the third highest summit in Portugal. It is now a well-managed tourist attraction and a Portugal travel guide is present to make the experience more convenient for you. There is a road leading to the top where you can see Porto Santo, the nearest island to it.

10. Convento da Ordem de Cristo – Tomar

This is a convent and castle rolled into one and the construction began in 1118 as supervised by the Templar Knights or the Order of Poor Knights of the Temple. At one point, the convent was a citadel and it defended Portugal from the attempt of Abu Yusuf al-Mansur to capture the place in 1190. But the Manueline-style structure was a strong fortress.

Today, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its history and artistic value. The details and sculptures built in this convent/castle is simply gorgeous – you will probably say that the sculptors from centuries ago, using their hands and simple carving materials, performed some magic.

11. Park and National Palace of Pena – Sintra

It is also called Pena Palace and it is the labor of love by King Ferdinand II. He had this palace built on top of the Sintra hills which was heavily influenced by Manueline and Moorish structure. King Ferdinand II was hands-on in the construction of this majestic Palace and from the park’s point of view, the royal home can be seen at all angles. The park enveloping the Palace consists of 500 varying species of trees from all over the world.

12. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – Lisbon

When you want to propose to the love of your life, this is the place that you should go to when in Portugal and about to pop the WILL YOU MARRY ME question. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in Lisbon was a secret to the public until it was noticed by tour guides for its “miraculous” story.

The chapel in the area had a stone chair which was built for pregnant mothers and if you sit down there, your child-bearing experience will not be difficult. That’s the story. Also, this is a romantic place because it is on top of everything in Lisbon and one can easily overlook the place in its panoramic scenery.

13. Lagoa do Fogo – Sao Miguel

Lagoa do Fogo means Lagoon of Fire. It was named as such because this lake is actually a crater lake. It means that the lake is on the volcano. Now, it is by Sao Miguel decree and law that Lagoa do Fogo is a nature reserve.

The volcano has long been dormant. The last documented eruption was in 1563. It was proven that beneath the lake was a part of a bigger volcano until 5 million years ago when the top portion fell off and created the crater to which the lake is on right now. Some bird species dock on the crater and it is such a beautiful sight to see.

14. Cabo da Roca – Sintra

There is something about lighthouses that make people nostalgic and sentimental. So if you are one of those individuals, then, the Cabo da Roca will interest you. It is one of the six lighthouses constructed in the 1778 and near the Atlantic Ocean.

It is not an ordinary lighthouse, though, because the base of the tower is composed of nine other buildings. The people who manage the lighthouse take turns in doing so and they practically live on the base of the tower. It is also positioned at the cape’s end so, the scenery is literally breathtaking – most definitely one of the things to do in Portugal.

15. Zoomarine Algarve – Albufeira

Zoomarine is a theme park in Portugal which is also a Conservation and Science center for marine animal life. It has become a rehabilitation center for marine species in the country and it is the first one being established as such. They are working together with the Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity to save aquatic animals, especially those at risk of being in the endangered species list.

Aside from that, Zoomarine is a park with its famous attraction – the dolphins.

15 THINGS TO DO IN CAMBODIA

Things to Do in Cambodia

What is in Cambodia? A lot of people are visiting the place because of its vast culture and heritage. It also has the most ancient Buddhist temples and the oldest cities in the world which are still present and existing – some of which are UNESCO recognized. They say that the best time to visit the country is before the rainy season which is during the months of April, May and June. Nevertheless, just to keep you on your toes – Wanderlust15 has come up with a Cambodia travel guide for you.

1. Angkor Wat

UNESCO has given their seal of approval to Angkor Wat and listed it as a World Heritage Site. The top one most famous tourist attraction in all of Cambodia is located at Siem Reap and it is the biggest area of worship in the entire world with 162.6 hectares of land. The temple was a gift of Hindu god Vishnu by the Khmer dynasty which later one became a public temple for the people in the 12th century. Don’t forget to go to Angkor Wat – it is one of the things to do in Cambodia.

2. Bayon

Bayon is one big temple with a lot of doorways and exits. The thing that distinguishes the temple of Bayon from other temples in Cambodia is its unique design – the walls are engraved with faces that are smiling back at you. King Jayavarman VII, a forward-thinking King of Cambodia, is the one responsible for the construction of Bayon in the 13th century. This is the second-most visited landmark in the country and is also well-preserved, at the moment.

3. Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

Your holiday to Cambodia will not be complete if you don’t pass by the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh. It is one of the most visited attractions in the city because of its architectural design and its significance. It was erected in 1866 and inspired architecturally in Khmer. It is a compound of structures and one of those building within is the home of the King. Since its foundation, it has been the official residence of Cambodia’s Royal Highness.

4. Angkor Thom

Angkor Thom was a capital city back in the Khmer dynasty and for it to still linger after 800 years is truly miraculous. The whole city is 9 square kilometers and if you walk the guided paths, you will see eight centuries worth of temples, structures, monuments and architecture. It is a blessing to be in places like Angkor Thom because it has stood the test of time and have endured forces of nature and men, alike. The ancient city is simply overwhelming and to visit Angkor Thom is one of the things to do in Cambodia.

5. Banteay Srei

There are a lot of temples in Cambodia and Banteay Srei is one of those famous temples that tourists frequent in the country. For one, it is very ancient. It was built in the 10th century and it was a place of worship which was dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva.

The meaning of Banteay Srei is Citadel of Women or Beauty and the meaning of it is not far from the truth. The temple is really beautiful for its age and a true epitome of Angkorian architectural art.

6. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

A very dark incident happened in Phnom Penh, Cambodia decades ago. During the Khmer Rouge command, it was documented that at least 20,000 prisoners were murdered that time and the Tuol Sleng was one of the “execution” centers of those killed. The area of the museum used to be a school called the Chao Ponhea Yat High School and it was transferred into a security prison. Today, it is a museum to remember those who were brutally slain. Chilling!

7. Preah Vihear Temple

Preah Vihear Temple is a historical building in Cambodia and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is believed that the temple was erected back in the 11th century but there was a hermitage found in the area and it was a 9th century design. A hermitage, in this context, is used to mean as a residence of people practicing a religious lifestyle. The temple is located at an isolated area and that adds to the value of the structure since it is still well-preserved even at this time.

8. Preah Khan

In the olden days, kings and royal family members, made monuments and buildings to honor their loved ones. The Preah Khan is one of those “honored” monuments for it was established to commemorate the father of King Jayavarman VII during the 12th century. The temple is within Angkor Archaeological Park – along with other important landmarks of the country and it can be found at the northern part of the park. One of the great things to do in Cambodia is to check out Preah Khan.

9. Banteay Kdei

They also call Banteay Kdei as the Citadel of Monks’ Cells. This Buddhist temple has been around since the 13th century and clearly, the whole temple is in ruins. But the Cambodian government is doing their fair share of restoring this historical landmark. At the moment, it is being renovated brick by brick so that people can see how beautiful this citadel was back in the day. You can still visit the area and if you appreciate archaeological monuments, this will make your day.

10. Bakong

Bakong is a man-made structure which was dated as early as 802 AD. People back then wanted to please their god called Shiva. They created an artificial mountain and on top of the mountain was a small temple. Century after century, the believers Shiva made improvements on Bakong and added towers made in sandstone and bricks. It has four levels, some causeways and doors leading to different parts of the area. It will be fun and exciting to explore Bakong.

11. National Museum of Cambodia

The best way to learn more about the country you are visiting and the people you will be socializing with while on your vacation is by going to their museum. With this, one of the things to do in Cambodia is to explore their National Museum. The history of Cambodia and its people are displayed right there – up until their independence from the French. It is also an archaeological and cultural museum. Ancient relics of the Khmer empire are protected there.

12. Beng Mealea

One of the most unforgettable sights in Cambodia is the Beng Mealea. The person responsible for the building of this once grand temple in the 12th century is Suryavarman II. It was not preserved or conserved but there is a hint of mystery in this place – some tourists say they get goose bumps while touring the ostentatious monument. Some people clean it out of goodwill because the jungle plants and roots of massive trees have consumed the whole area but even with that, it still it is a sight to worthy to see.

13. Independence Monument

The Independence Monument is a tourist landmark in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The monument is located at the city central and locals pass by it every single day – admiring the structure. It has an Angkorian design and it was established to commemorate the Sybilles Cambodian Independence Day in 1958.

It is 20 meters high and was the work of renowned Cambodian architect, Vann Molyvann. You can take pictures of the monument but tourists cannot go inside it.

14. Wat Phnom

Another historical site to view is the Wat Phnom. There is a story behind Wat Phnom which involves the most famous woman in the history of Cambodia – Penh. Penh lived in the 14th century and was fond of collecting Buddhist artifacts. The collections she made were preserved in this temple called Wat Phnom.

The interior of the wat glows in the dark – there are murals inside which covers the legends of Buddha and Cambodia. Up until now, the ceiling is still as is in its original state and was not touched for repair or preservation.

15. Wat Ounalom

Wat, in Khmer or the Cambodian language means Buddhist temple; and in Cambodia, temples are perhaps their most important and most popular tourist landmarks. Among the list of most visited attractions in Cambodia is Wat Ounalom. It is located at Phnom Penh and it is very near the Royal Palace, which is another tourist spot in the country. One of the things to do in Cambodia is to visit this historic wat which was established in 1422 by King Ponhea Yat. This is the residence of Cambodia’s Chief Monk.