Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland. The city is located in the south of the country on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Helsinki covers an area of 1,140 sq. Km and includes 315 islands; more than a third of the city is occupied by parks and open areas. Of major importance for the whole of Finland is the country’s largest Helsinki port, through which cargo passes and from where regular passenger flights operate throughout the Baltic.
Helsinki was founded by order of the Swedish king Gustav Vasa in 1550. By his decree, several hundred residents of the city of Porvoo settled in the territory of the current urban area of Arabia. June 12, the day of signing the decree, is considered the birthday of the city. Until the middle of the 18th century, Helsinki remained a small town. But in 1748, on the islands near Helsinki, the Swedes began the construction of the Sveaborg fortress (Suomenlinna), designed to protect the city from the sea. As a result, Helsinki began to grow and grow rich. Continue reading
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, located in the center of the country. Being the highest capital of Europe, Madrid is very hot in summer and quite cool in winter, and mild weather reigns in spring and autumn. Spring is the best time for a visit and walks in the squares and alleys of this densely populated city.
The city grew around the fortress Majirít, the first mention of which dates back to 932. During the Reconquista, in 1083 Madrid was subjugated by King Alfonso IV. The development of the city until 1561 (when King Philip II made it the capital of the kingdom) was largely dependent on the relationship between the Arabs and Spaniards, who fought, then lived in peace. The outlines similar to the modern city acquired in the period from the 1570s to the 1670s, the years of the most intensive development. Continue reading
Costa Dorada
Costa Daurada (“Gold Coast”) – the coast of the province of Tarragona got its name by chance: the fine sand of endless beaches glistens in the waves of the Mediterranean Sea, like placers of gold. From the winds and cyclones from the north and west, the Mediterranean coast is well protected first by the Pyrenees, and then by the Catalan mountains. They not only decorate the landscape, but also create a wonderful sustainable climate – just look at the local palm trees, pines and cypresses. Thanks to the mountains in Costa Daurada, the weather is fine from March to October, which is why tourists come here almost all year. Continue reading
Costa Blanca
Costa Blanca (“White Beach”) – part of the Mediterranean coast of Murcia and the Valencian province of Alicante, stretching from the city of Denia to La Manga. The main city of the coast is Alicante, next to which there is an airport.
High mountain ranges surround the Costa Blanca from the land, blocking the path of cold air masses coming from the north, and protecting the coast from sudden temperature changes. There are more than 300 sunny days a year. The warm, favorable Mediterranean climate has determined for these coastal cities a worthy place among the most popular resorts on the globe, visited by tourists at all times of the year. Continue reading
Naples
Naples is a major city in southern Italy, the capital of the Campania region. The city is located in close proximity to Vesuvius – the largest active volcano in Europe, which destroyed and preserved to this day the ancient cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum.
The strategic location of Naples was the cause of numerous attacks, since the founding of the city in the VIII century BC. Initially, the Greek settlement was captured by the Romans in 327 BC, and became the favorite residence of emperors and literary figures, including Virgil and Nero. In the 7th century, Naples was ruled by Byzantium, and later by Norman Sicily. The city reached its highest point of medieval prosperity under Charles of Anjou, when in 1266 he made Naples the capital of the Kingdom of Naples. Karl expanded the city and decorated it with palaces and churches. Further, the Spanish Habsburgs were followed by the Bourbons, Bonaparte and the dynasty of the rulers of Savoy, when the Campaign became part of a united Italy in 1860. Continue reading
