Heart of Switzerland

Lucerne & the Alps

Lucerne ('The City of Lights') - a lovely town in the heart of Switzerland, and a capital of the Canton of Lucerne has many breathtaking area views. 

It's charming medieval centre and fabulous position attracts visitors no matter what the season is. 

This picturesque town has one of Europe's oldest covered, wooden bridge-Chapel Bridge. Build in 14th century as a protection for the city.

It is amusing walking over and presents about 100 pictures of 12th century city life and Swiss history. And, made it's fortune as an essential stop on the trade route over the Alps. 

The architecture, Baroque Churches and it's unique atmosphere gives an opportunity to spend an enjoyable day enjoying the weather, tasty food and steamship cruises around the bends of Lake Lucerne.

With no hesitation, I would love to visit that place again.

The Blue Balls Festival (20-28, July 2012)

The international Lucerne Blue Balls Festival presents a cornucopia of music styles on the shores of Lake Lucerne. 135 shows, music, art, photography, video, film, talks and much more...

Over 9 days, more than 100,000 people will attend this one-of-a-kind festival in the heart of Switzerland.

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Getting around
Introducing Lucerne
Blue Balls Festival

Essence of Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia

There are many interesting things to see in a beautiful heart of Catalonia-Barcelona. 

This one is an absolute must see and got recognised as UNESCO World Heritage!

Sagrada Familia is the triumph of the Catholic Church, that amazes and leaves a long lasting impression. 

I have been to many different cathedrals, but none yet breath took me for so long as this one did. 

Antoni Gaudi-creator of this unfinished masterpiece commenced his work on the construction in 1883, the  completion is estimated in 2028. Being a child he suffered from a poor health and time he spend outdoors in own garden given an opportunity to study nature and influenced his architectural style forever.

Gaudi studied every detail of his creation, integrating into his architecture a series of crafts in which he was skilled: ceramics, stained glass, wrought ironwork forging and carpentry. He introduced new techniques in the treatment of materials, such as trencadis, made of waste ceramic pieces.

Basilica of the Sagrada Familia

The style is variously likened to Spanish Late Gothic, Catalan Modernism and to Art Nouveau or Catalan Noucentisme.

In my personal impression, the balance has been achieved perfectly in combining so many different colours,  materials, architectural styles together-making it so unique. And, giving an outstanding impression, while watching wonderful battle of lights. I highly recommend visiting and judging for yourself though!

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Sagrada Familia Architecture