Japan, being a small island nation, has great economic potential and rich cultural heritage. It's amazing how generous nature has endowed this region, and the geographical location allows you to observe the change of the four seasons. Historical monuments and modern technological advances coexist in a wonderful country.
Sightseeing Japan are diverse and extremely interesting, and every year you can watch an endless stream of tourists and travelers who wish to visit this country.
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Historic Monuments of Japan
Attractions Japan is so varied and numerous that for a visual interpretation of the review will produce a better conditional division. For lovers of antiques and elegant style is recommended to visit the Himeji Castle, located at the foot of scenic Mount Hime in Hyogo Prefecture. This building is an echo of the era of the samurai, which was entered in the UNESCO list in 1993 as a World Heritage property. It was built in the 14th century and for two centuries survived numerous battles.
When the building was taken over by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, in addition to the walls, almost nothing left. In the period of 1601-1609 years. passed locking reconstruction, whereby there elegant tower consisting of seven tiers, and in addition, a whole bunch of towers auxiliary values. It may be noted that the building was designed to protect against a possible attack: with high-rise buildings can be carried out surveillance and adjacent garden is divided into the complex labyrinth paths with dead ends.
Another similar monument, located in Nagano Prefecture, is called Matsumotodze (Matsumoto Castle). The building was built in the era of Sengoku, it has a main tower in five tiers and stretched like wings, tall side elements. It is noteworthy that the entire building is colored in black color and shape of the building gives the impression of a soaring bird, so that even this rare object is called the "Crow Castle". In this part of the building is called "Moon quarters," as there was taken to observe the movement of the heavenly bodies.
And, of course, it should be noted as a monument to history and culture of Japan, Tokyo Imperial Palace. This structure was created for several centuries, it underwent changes with the change of government and political trends in the country. The residence of the Emperor has an area of about 7000 m, with a portion of the building is based on the traditions of the people, and the other - according to the canons of European architecture. The surrounding area is framed by beautiful gardens, in addition, there are collections of the Museum of the Emperor and the treasury with the attributes of power.
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Religious Sites in Japan
Among the monuments of religious significance of particular interest is located in the city of Nagasaki, the mausoleum of Confucius
. This temple was built by the architects of the Great China, and the land on which the building stands, and to this day belongs to this country. The mausoleum was built for the purpose of training, which taught the basics of Confucianism.
In the background, now houses the Museum of Chinese history, there is also exhibited various models of inventions of China and maps, depicting the trajectory of the Great Silk Road. The outer walls are decorated with statues representing the followers of Confucius.
In Japan, they exist and operate in today temples of different faiths. For example, Zenkō-ji Temple, which grew at the base of the famous city of Nagano, refers to the Buddhist school Dzedosyu and Tendai. It worships the Great Buddha sculpture, this relic show even to the servants of the monastery once every 7 years. The structure itself consists of several buildings, which are located on the sides of the light guide. Ceremonial Gate and the hall for prayers included in the list of Japan's national treasures values.
Temple Kinkakuji - "Golden Pavilion" - is a facility owned by the Rinzai school of Zen direction. This building used as a repository of holy relics of the Buddha. The temple is beautifully decorated "golden interior", and from the islands of the pavilion can be seen in the adjacent lake.
Among the monuments of Shinto values can be noted Meiji Jingu Shrine. It is the largest building of this area located in the metropolitan prefecture. This sanctuary was built in honor of Emperor Meiji and his wife in a unique style of architecture Nagaredzukuri where the use of cypress trees. The building is surrounded by a magnificent garden, created by ordinary people of the state as the memory beloved leader. There were planted more than 100 000 species of plants (shrubs and trees), and in the temple there is a treasure-house, built in the style Adzekuradzukuri.
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Natural attractions
Mount Fuji is a particularly popular destination among the Japanese. The local population have a saying which literally reads as follows: "Never climb to the top - it is silly, and doubled up - silly." This expression can be explained as follows: the one who was not able to climb Mount Fuji, or who are afraid to do, a lot to lose. A person who has had the luck to go on top, constantly pulls back again and again, and this is attributed to stupidity.
The height of this natural masterpiece created by the eruption of volcanic rocks, is approximately 4 000 km. Season raising the mountain is in July and August, when there is the smallest accumulation of fog and the weather generally favors the ascent. At the top of the thin air, but clean, and the temperature rises over 10 ° C, so if you picked up the hill better stock up on warm clothing.
In Japan, there are many large parks such as Ueno, Koraku-en, en Kenroku and kairaku-en, while the last three are the most famous gardens, which are created on the principles of an ideal landscape. Love the local population in such places due to their traditions, which are based laid a tribute to the living environment. The Japanese have such beautiful customs surveillance Cherry Blossom - Hanami Momiji and autumn festival, when people gather in parks to see the multicolored carpet of leaves.
Also known botanical park in Hiroshima, where the natural conditions are presented in numerous exotic plants. A garden of olive trees Usimado is one of the largest nature reserves, where there are more than 2,000 samples.
Sightseeing Japan are so numerous and interesting, it is not surprising that the flow of tourists and travelers in this area is not reduced. As shown by statistics, every person who has visited at least once in the Land of the Rising Sun, come here again at least once in their lives.
Contents:
The capital of Portugal and its attractions
Symbol of Portugal - Belem Tower
The second main city of Portugal
The famous island of Madeira
Romantic town of Sintra
All the fun of the city of Évora
Portugal is located on the edge of Europe. The country is fairly small, but she kept on their land rich historical heritage and a large number of castles, palaces and cathedrals. In addition, Portugal is known for its mild climate and beautiful beaches, hospitable people, and modern resorts.
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The capital of Portugal and its attractions
Lisbon - the capital of Portugal. The city is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is located on the slopes of the deep river Tagus, exactly where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
Downtown Rossio Square is paved with mosaics. On the square is a building of famous theater Dona Maria II and the majestic statue of King Pedro IV. Right on the promenade of the river Tagus is a monument to Jose Maria II, which is located on the square Praça do Comércio. Of course, the city's attractions do not end there.
Western District of Lisbon - Belém. It is there that is the most impressive structure of the central cities of the country - the monastery "Jeronimos", which is made in the style of "Manueline". This monastery is an architectural masterpiece: the decoration of the building in its stores the arms of Portugal, marine elements and the armillary sphere. In addition, this monastery was once buried Fernando Pessoa - the famous Portuguese writer.
Portugal in its capital and has good museums: the National Museum azulezhu, which holds the ancient tiles; National Museum of Ancient Art Antiga, which exhibits the work of many Portuguese artists, and a large Gulbenkian Museum, which is considered the best museum in the country, as it exhibited sculptures, paintings, ceramics and coins, which are collected from all corners of the globe. These attractions are very popular with travelers and tourists.
Districts Alfama Bahira and preserve the charm of antiquity: the streets, alleys and squares, sprinkled with pebbles, artisan shops, castles and colorful buildings are reminiscent of bygone days.
Among the attractions of the city can distinguish the old quarter of Bairro Alto, outside San Bento, and Amoreiras Ratu area, Du-Chiado Museum and the Palace of the National Assembly. It is popular and the Botanical Garden of the University of Lisbon. It is noteworthy that in this garden was opened the very first butterfly nursery, located in Europe.
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Symbol of Portugal - Belem Tower
Belem Tower (Tower of Bethlehem) is one of the main symbols of Portugal. This tower is located in the port area Reshtelu, ancient suburb of Lisbon. The history of this small area is closely linked with the history of the country.
It is from the port Reshtelu went to sea all ships discoverers.
Belém Tower was built in the late gothic (Manueline) style at the beginning of the sixteenth century. The construction height of 35 meters. The tower offers a unique view of the Portuguese capital and the ocean.
Eight-pointed cross on the fortress are reminded that it was built by the Order of the Knights Templar, famous for their power. Limestone walls are decorated with images of shells, algae, rope, exotic animals and fruits - all that occurred in the Mariners distant overseas countries.
Decorate the house and a beautiful balcony, made in Venetian style, and observation towers. Stone carving made the tower look like a luxurious palace, and not for the construction for the defense.
All the attractions of Portugal can not match the beauty of this majestic tower. Today, Belem Tower is the most visited tourist attraction of the country.
Belem Tower - one of the few buildings that survived the devastating earthquake that happened in the XVIII century.
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The second main city of Portugal
The second largest city by - Porto. This city gave the name of Portugal itself, and that he had been the capital of the country. Gourmets and aesthetes must visit Vila Nova de Gaia - a city located on the opposite side from the port. There are a huge number of wine warehouses with a Portuguese wine. The historic center of Porto declared a World Heritage Site, protected by UNESCO.
Porto - lively and historic city. There are a large number of beautiful buildings. In this city you can visit the castle, the birthplace of Don Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. All houses and palaces always take visitors hospitably. Ribeira - the area along the coast, is known to all who come to this city. There are a lot of narrow, winding streets lined with colorful facades and buildings that are imbued with the spirit of antiquity.
Noteworthy, and attractions such as the Tower Klerigosh, Cedofeita church, the Church of San Francisco. The city has a beautiful bridge Dona Maria Pia, which was built in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel. In Porto there are several small museums, theaters, concert halls and libraries. The best museum is considered the Museum Soares dos Reis, who was named after Portuguese sculpture, made in the XIX century. This museum has a collection of Portuguese art of the past and the contemporary. The Museum of Ethnography and History describes the customs and life of this historic city from the early days, and attractions available in the country.
In the province of this town is Villamoura - "town of love", which is famous for its disco "Cadoc." In addition, this small village is a large yacht club, casino, three water parks and a huge zoo.
The main city center is considered to be Portugal's Coimbra.
In this city is the country's oldest university, which was founded in 1290. Because of this, Portugal has long been known for their high level of education.
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The famous island of Madeira
In the Atlantic Ocean in the southwest of the island of Madeira Portugal stretches. Madeira - it's not only the name of the island, but also the name of an autonomous archipelago. This archipelago is known for its mild climate and outstanding natural beauty. The rocky ridges and steep cliffs of the island right at the end in sheer waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which is so deep that large whales can be seen just off the coast. Due to this island, Portugal annually receives a large number of tourists who want to see these huge animals.
Madeira is made up of volcanic soil, so plants and flowers embellished it in the colors of fire. On the island grow many different colors: it bougainvillea, Jacaranda, orchids, poinsettia, geranium, wisteria, Cannes. Across the island grow shrub apples, mangoes, avocados and bananas. The forest, which covers completely the whole island is very diverse, while there is growing about 145 species of trees, which can not be found on any continent. These trees are included in the World Heritage List, which is protected by UNESCO.
Madeira is a "window" of Europe in the world of the tropics. The surroundings of the island is unique in that it is possible to enjoy year-round spring climate and go among this wilderness. The island has a wonderful atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
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Romantic town of Sintra
Sintra - a small town in Portugal, which is located near the capital of the country. The romantic nature of the city has been described by Lord Byron's poem "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage." The city has been listed as a heritage site.
The symbol of the city - the National Palace, which is the XV century was the summer residence of the kings. Tapered white towers chimneys towering over the castle, visible from a great distance. This castle is one of the designs of the royal architecture of the country. The whole building of the palace is decorated with wooden carvings and wall ceramic tiles, which were brought to the country by the Arabs.
Samples of individual architecture of the city is the Palace da Pena, which was built in the XIX century. This castle was made in different architectural styles. It is worth mentioning that this castle admired the King House Fernando II, the husband of Mary II, Queen of Portugal. On the grounds of the castle ruins are visible Castelo dos Mouros, a fort, which was built in VIII century. This fort was built by the Arabs, it was intended for the defense of the territories of the Christian troops. In Sintra there are other attractions. The city is also famous for its wine making, marble, cooking and souvenirs. Besides all of the above, in Sintra has everything for a pleasant stay: the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the golden sand and the majestic coastline, where you can enjoy water sports and just go fishing. Portugal would not be so popular without this lovely island.
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All the fun of the city of Évora
Évora is situated in the south of Portugal. Thanks to a huge part of the city, where to this day preserved ancient walls and monuments erected in different historical periods, Évora has been declared a world heritage site, which is protected by UNESCO.
A huge number of monuments, the previously created great creators characterize the cultural, historical and artistic past Evora. This is more than the monuments - this is the life of the city and the whole country. The variety of architectural styles ("Manueline," Baroque, Gothic, Rococo, Romanesque), palaces and even the narrow streets and squares - all part of the heritage. Cathedral of Evora was built in the Roman-Gothic style. Inside the cathedral is the altar of Our Lady, which was made of gilded wood. In addition, the cathedral has a museum of religious art.
To the right of the cathedral is the area with the church in the Romanesque style. It is a temple of Diana, which is the symbol of the city of Évora. Close to the cathedral is the City Museum. This museum houses a large collection of European and Portuguese art XV-XVII centuries, medieval jewelery art and ceramics. At the sights do not end there. So, it is of architectural interest and the palace of King Manuel, which was erected in 1490. This building was the residence of the royal house of Avis, when Portugal was under their rule.
