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VPG-DVD-216 - VALLETTA Valletta is the capital city of the Mediterranean island of Malta and is also known as The City of Palaces. It was once inhabited in turn by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Turks and in 1530 the Order of the Knights of Malta moved its main residence to this section of the island. Malta's pre-historic epoch is demonstrated by its primeval stone temples and graves. They belong to the Menhir period that extended to the British Isles. The St. John's Co-Cathedral was built in1577 by Gerolama Cassar as a monastic church of the Order of the Knights of Malta. At the command of Pope Pius the 7th, in 1816 it was designated as a cathedral and was given the same privileges as the bishop's seat in Medina, thus its somewhat strange title of 'Co-Cathedral'. Situated on the northernmost point of the peninsula is the famous Saint Elmo Fort, a dominant feature of the coast. Throughout the centuries it has been witness to many bloody battles and much courageous resistance. It reached its zenith during the time of the Knights of Saint John who expanded the fortress and made it almost totally impregnable. Its walls successfully fended off the Turks and later the French blocked off the harbour entrance to the British fleet. During the Second World War anti- aircraft artillery were positioned on the fort's upper levels to defend against both German and Italian bombers. The Orient and the Occident have both left their traces in Valletta a picturesque location carved from stone. The former City Of Knights in which the future joins with the past.
Vista Point VALLETTA Malta
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VPG-DVD-148 - VILLE DE QUÉBEC On behalf of the French crown, in 1608 Samuel De Champlain established a fur trading post from which originated Québec, a city that today looms over the Saint Laurence River like a majestic fortress. It is the birthplace of French culture in North America. With its small towers and green glimmering roofs the Chateau Frontenac majestically watches over the city. The castle like hotel was built and lavishly furnished in 1894 by the Canadian Pacific Railway and in 1943 was the rendezvous for the allies who met to prepare for the Normandy Landings. Québec's upper city is encircled by a four kilometre long fortified wall that was alternately built upon by the French and the English. In former times, various gates barred entry to the fortress but today they are wide open and welcome visitors into the well preserved old town. Designed by master builder Baillairgè in 1844, La Cathedrale Notre Dame De Québec was Canada's first Catholic cathedral. The Baroque dome of the basilica demonstrates the splendour of Catholic Church design while the altar captivates with its rich detail and paintings of the Holy Mother. The Funiculaire connects the upper city with the lower, the Quartier Petit Champlaine that was the country's first settlement. The train station looks like a mediaeval castle and its large hall seems to be the grand entrance chamber of a palace. The station's anterooms contain huge windows while its ceilings display colourful glass images. Canada's oldest city has successfully retained its deep and historic roots and has sensitively linked them to the needs of the modern world. Québec is truly a sparkling gem of French culture in North America.
Vista Point Town Of...
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Added: 201 days ago
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VPG-DVD-105 - St. Petersburg In 1703, Tsar Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg in the swampy delta mouth of the Newa. It became Russia's capital city and remained so until 1918 when Lenin and his revolutionary Bolshevik government moved to Moscow. Today it is a living monument to the lives and times of Russia's Imperial Tsars The Winter Palace contains Russia's largest museum, the Eremitage, which houses more than two and a half million exhibits. Since Peter the Great, Russian rulers purchased many major works of art, but it was Catherine The Great who acquired complete collections from the auction houses of Europe. The Admiralty, with its needle-shaped, gold-plated tower, is one of the city's most famous landmarks, its grand architecture depicting the emergence of Russia as a naval power and the marvellous Isaaks Cathedral has the third largest dome in the world. Twenty four thousand tree stumps were used for its foundations and it can accommodate a congregation of 14,000. The Peter And Paul Cathedral was the burial place of the Tsars and it contains the marble coffin of Peter the Great. The most colourful church in Russia is the Resurrection Of Christ Cathedral which was built on the orders of Tsar Alexander the Third on land where, in 1881, his father, Alexander the Second, had been killed by a bomb planted by a revolutionary group. Russian Baroque and Russian Classicism were established in St. Petersburg -- city of monumental events, outstanding architecture and an Imperial metropolis on the grand scale.
Vista Point ST....
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Added: 201 days ago
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VPG-DVD-191 - SICILY Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and the most diverse region in Italy, a land of gods and natural forces and a place of ancient cultures. Catania in the north east of the island is Sicily's second largest city that has been strongly influenced by earthquakes and also the volcanic activity of Mount Etna. It is believed that Greek settlers from Chalkidi founded it and some centuries later it was conquered by the Romans, and later the Arabs brought the city a new wave of prosperity. Noto is a charming town with around twenty thousand inhabitants and it is one of the most beautiful enclosed Baroque towns in Sicily. However, many of Noto's historic buildings have been neglected for many years and are thus in somewhat less than perfect condition. The Catedrale Di San Nicolò also fell into disrepair as a result of continued neglect and this caused both its dome and part of its roof to collapse in 1996. A proud and mighty volcano rises above eastern Sicily. Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, is the undisputed ruler of this fascinating Mediterranean island. The snow on the summit region of Etna obscures the fact that deep within the volcano is an unimaginable natural furnace with a temperature of around a thousand degrees Celsius. Marsala was given its name by the Arabs who called it 'Marsal-Allah', 'God's Harbour'. The monumental city gate is a reminder of the landing of Giuseppe Garibaldis on the 8th of March, 1860. In the mountain area close to Palermo, another wonderful city featured on our journey, is the picturesque town of Monreale, a townscape that for more than eight hundred years has been dominated by a single building. Monreale Cathedral was built due to a struggle for power between the Bishop Of Palermo and the Norman King, William. Sicily is exquisite. An ancient island of both discovery and pleasure.
Vista Point SICILY Italy
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Added: 201 days ago
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VPG-DVD-177 - SEVILLA Seville is a gem of a city and Andalusia's most fascinating metropolis. In the centre of the old town is the Real Alcazar that was originally home to numerous Moorish monarchs and later the domicile of Spanish kings. It's said to be the oldest and most fascinating palace complex in the whole of Europe. Christopher Columbus was welcomed in the palace when he returned from his second voyage to America after having established a trading route with the New World. Its unique mixture of numerous cultures and époques augments the atmosphere of exquisite luxury. With its labyrinth of white alleys, Santa Cruz is the city's old Jewish district and is located close to both the Real Alcazar and the Catedral. Grated windows, flowerpots on the walls and old wooden gates are typical of this area of the city that exemplifies the traditional Andalusian way of life. The Plaza De Toros and the seasonal hustle and bustle of its bullfights, dominates the El Arenal, the city's former harbour district. Designed in the 18th century by Vicente San Martin, the bullfight arena was fully restored in the middle of the 19th century. The Giralda and the Patio De Los Naranjos are the only remains of Sevilla´s Almohadian Mosque. The rest of the temple was destroyed by the Christians. Construction began in 1401 and it became the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. After the Petersdom in Rome and St. Paul's in London it is the third largest Christian building in the world. With its rich cultural inheritance bequeathed by both the Moors and the Christians, Seville is a truly incredible city with a flamboyant way of life and fiery Latin temperament!
Vista Point SEVILLA Spain...
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VPG-DVD-196 - SALZBURG The Austrian city of Salzburg is a city of bishops as well as being the birthplace of world famous classical composer, Amadeus Mozart. The cathedral is located in the heart of the city, a Baroque building situated on the same site as the city's first church and now surrounded by several squares. Even today the cultural picture of the city on the Salzach is dominated by more than a hundred churches, castles and palaces. Hohensalzburg is the largest fully-preserved medieval fortress in Middle Europe. It is located one hundred and nineteen metres above the city and covers over thirty thousand square metres. It is like a small medieval town within itself with several buildings, courtyards and squares. Bastions with mighty towers were built at strategic points and together with powerful gates they make the fortress near impregnable. It is believed that during a siege the famous Salzburg Bull tricked the city's attackers into believing that the population had a good stock of food! Medieval Salzburg became a 'German Rome', an Italian looking city of Early Baroque design. The Getreide-Gasse is the main street in the centre of the city and in former times was called, Trabe-Gasse, a name that demonstrates the fact that the people there were always in a hurry! The city is a work of art within itself, an historic treasure chest of timeless beauty, full of southern flair and joie de vivre. Salzburg is most definitely a Baroque gem located in the very heart of Europe.
Vista Point SALZBURG Austria
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Added: 201 days ago
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VPG-DVD-227 - SALT LAKE CITY What Mecca is to the Moslems and Rome is to the Catholics is what Salt Lake City is to the Mormons and it is the capital of the U.S. federal state of Utah. Four mighty walls surround the four hectare area in the middle of the old town, the centre of the Mormon Church, Temple Square. It is decorated with flowers and contains the most important sacred buildings of the Mormon community such as the Salt Lake Temple, The Tabernacle and Conference Centre. Joseph Smith was fifteen years old when he had his first vision. The angel MORINI appeared to him and gave him a number of sacred texts that led to the foundation of the Mormon church. A sacred land was established and a settlement created within the desert. The largest sanctuary and centre of the Mormon faith is the Salt Lake Temple. Constructed of stone its use is restricted to the Mormon religion. It was built between 1853 and 1893 in grey granite New Gothic style with six towers, its main one being sixty eight metres high. Construction of the Cathedral Of The Madeleine began in 1900 and was completed in 1909, a Christian building whose exterior is of Romantic design and with a Gothic interior. Once both faith and diligence established this remarkable place. Since then Salt Lake City has become the centre of a hugely successful religious empire.
Vista Point SALT LAKE...
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VPG-DVD-175 - PRAHA Prague is a golden city of a hundred towers, a gem on the Moldau and a young city with a long history. The most famous of all bridges across the Moldau is the Charles Bridge that connects the old town of Stare Mesto with the city district of Mala Strane below Castle Mountain. Old Town Square is the name of a picturesque square in the centre of the old town surrounded by houses and churches whose facades form a colourful blend of numerous architectural styles. Prague Castle originated from a Slavic settlement in the 9th century A.D. and it is the largest castle complex in the world. The front of the main building measures more than half a kilometre. The Royal Palace is the present living quarters of the country's president. Nearly one third of its inner courtyard belongs to St. Veits Dom a wonderful Gothic cathedral whose construction took several centuries. A boat trip on the Moldau is an absolute must on any visit to Prague. Most of the excursion boats leave from Charles Bridge close to the Kampa Peninsula. The journey travels beneath a few of the city's sixteen bridges and the view from the boat adds a totally different perspective to the sights experienced on the city's streets. Everyone who visits this city falls in love with it and cannot help but be totally fascinated by its special ambience. Prague is a thing of beauty in the very heart of Europe!
Vista Point PRAHA Czech...
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VPG-DVD-132 - PARIS Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. First established by the Celts, next used strategically by the Romans, then it served the extravagant lifestyle of the Sun King, Louis the Fourteenth until it became a hotbed of Revolution. Les Champs Elysees is surely one of the most beautiful avenues in the world. With wide boulevards, shady corners, ambient street cafes and classic Parisian buildings that are decorated with flowers. Since 1873, the Palais De L`Elysee has been the residence of the French President. At the beginning of the 17th century, Madame De Pompadour lived there and during the Revolution the liberated people cavorted in its luxurious rooms. Through a small triumphal arch decorated with scenes of Napoleon's victorious army, there is the garden created by Leotre, the Jardin Des Tuileries. A bridge and a fountain are the focal points of this popular park created in typical French style. A modern glass pyramid and a fountain decorate the courtyard of the former Louvre Palace, which since the time of the Revolution has been transformed into a museum that contains the famous Louvre art gallery. Its collection of remarkable historic treasures and superb art collection make it one of the world's most famous museums. with Leonardo Da Vinci´s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, taking pride of place. Situated on a small island on the River Seine is the Cathedral Of Notre Dame, the 'Mother Church Of The Nation'. Built on the foundations of a Roman temple and commissioned by the bishops Maurice and Eudes De Sully, it took almost 200 years to build this Gothic masterpiece. Built at the end of the 19th century as a symbol of national revival, Montmartre's Sacre Coeur has the appearance of a white, fairy-tale palace with 237 steps that lead up to the main entrance of this extraordinary structure. Its Byzantine architecture and five cupolas are reminiscent of the Marcus Dome in Venice. Of course, there are the dizzy heights of the Eiffel Tower and a great deal more. Paris is a wonderful festival of the senses!
Vista Point PARIS France
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VPG-DVD-194 - PALERMO Once known as the stronghold of the Mafia, Palermo, the capital of Sicily, has gradually improved its image and the joie de vivre of its inhabitants has turned it into one of the most lively cities in Italy. The monumental Palermo Cathedral is located on the edge of the Piazza Cathedrale, throughout the centuries a place for rendezvous, celebrations and justice. Following the city's conquest by the Saracens an ancient cathedral on this site was transformed into a Friday mosque and was later used for Christian ceremonies. When in 1072 the Normans conquered the island they were so captivated by this 'paradise on earth' that they were careful to preserve it. They admired its oriental splendour and Arabian-Norman architecture but when the kings of Aragon attained power the golden age of Palermo came to an end. The Castello Della Zisa is the largest building of Arabian design in Palermo and in former times it was a residence situated within a regal park that was used for the royal sport of hawking. In a mountain area close to Palermo is the picturesque town of Monreale, a townscape that for more than eight hundred years has been dominated by a single building: Monreale Cathedral was built due to a struggle for power between the Bishop Of Palermo and the Norman King, William The Second. The Sicilian metropolis of Palermo has been both feared and loved but it most assuredly remains 'a flower within a golden shell'.
Vista Point PALERMO Italy
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VPG-DVD-138 - MONACO Located between Italy and France on the Côte D`Azur, the Principality of Monaco is renowned for its high society, Grand Prix and scandal and the cost of a square metre of land is the most expensive in the world. After the Vatican, it is the smallest yet most unique sovereign state in the world. Monte Carlo's Casino is undoubtedly the principality's most famous landmark. Designed by the architect of the Paris Opera House, Charles Garnier, this superb casino was built in 1878. With the opening of the casino, this previously relatively poor mini State, developed into the famous principality it is today. La Condamine is the harbour district, with its typical French atmosphere and overlooking apartments it connects Monaco Ville with Monte Carlo. Luxury yachts anchor in the harbour throughout the year and travel from all over the world to visit this much sought after tax haven and exclusive casino paradise. On the large rock plateau of Le Roche, Monaco Ville is crowned by its royal palace that was built in 1215 on a former mighty Genoese fortress. The Neo Roman Monaco Cathedral was built in around 1897. The large interior is dominated by the main altar that was designed by Louis Brea. This is also the location of the grave of ex-Hollywood actress, Princess Grace Of Monaco who died tragically in a car accident. Monaco is certainly a place of wealth and prosperity. But the sunshine and its wonderful location on the Côte D`Azur makes it a fascinating place to visit.
Vista Point MONACO
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Added: 201 days ago
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VPG-DVD-162 - MEXICO CITY Mexico City is a vivid metropolis and cosmopolitan city situated on a plateau in the central highlands at an altitude of 2, 286 metres - where the food is spicy and the Tequila flows freely! The city's fascinating history is reflected in both its art and architecture with age old charm, Indian roots and elegant buildings. Until the Spanish conquest the Templo Mayor was the setting of coronations and human sacrifice. The remains of the walls within which thousands of priests once lived are only a few steps from the buildings of the country's former Spanish conquerors. Construction of the country's largest cathedral, the Catedral Metropolitana, took two hundred and fifty years. The lower section is quite plain but the upper section is of Baroque and Neo-Classical design. Spanish administrative buildings and private houses in the heart of the city have replaced the temples of ancient Mexico and has resulted in a synthesis of both old and new architectural styles. An elevator ascends the Torre Latino America, an earthquake-proof tower that was built in 1958. A viewing platform provides a wonderful panoramic view that includes the Palacio De Bellas Artes and the Juarez Monument. Located fifty kilometres from Mexico City are the ancient remains of Teotihuacan that was once a centre of trade, art and ritual ceremonies. At its zenith in 500 A.D. it was as large as Rome and its Sun Pyramid is one of the greatest building achievements of ancient times. In 1988 Unesco attributed this complex as being 'one of the most important cultural centres of Mankind'. The author Pablo Neruda once said: 'No other land on Earth possesses such remarkable human profoundness than Mexico and its inhabitants'. For surprises, sights and history galore, Mexico has to be at the top of the list!
Vista Point MEXICO CITY...
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