Crotone, Calabria, Italy

Crotone is an Italian city, capital of the province of the same name, in Calabria. The city was founded by the Greeks in the eighth Century BC and was one of the most important centers of Ancient Greece. The old town is developed in a maze of narrow streets and squares, from the cathedral in the main square of Pythagoras, the contact point between the old and new town. Crotone is facing the Ionian Sea near the mouth of the river Esaro. The southern area is completely immersed in the marine protected area of Capo Rizzuto. On the promontory of Capo Colonna there is the only column that remains of the temple of Hera Lacinia that closes the city in a large basin which separates the Gulf of Squillace. In the old town there are many places overlooked by important buildings such as the Palazzo Morelli and Palazzo Barracco among others. The ‘pescheria’ is a picturesque district of the historic city center. To see: the cathedral (XI century) where there is a baptismal fountain with a zoomorphic base and the painting of Our Lady of Capocolonna or Black Madonna, an object of devotion; Sanit Claire church (built on a monastery of the fifteenth century) with frescoes of the eighteenth century and a Neapolitan tiled floor; the baroque church of Saint Joseph with its imposing wooden front door with two sculptures dating from the late seventeenth century; the church of Saint Peter, the Tower of Nao, among others.

Tips

The center of nightlife, especially in summer, is located on a portion of the Avenue Cristoforo Colombo, after 20:00 it becomes pedestrian. From here you have easy access to the marina.
Another good place to walk is the part of the coast that is called Promenade Gramsci.
Crotone is a very active city in the summer, ideal for a family holiday to enjoy the beach and sea. There are many shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, etc.

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Tower Bridge, London, England

The Tower Bridge is a historic fortress located on the north bank of the River Thames in London, England. The tower is located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets located east of the city of London in a space known as Tower Hill. Its construction began in 1066. at the time of the Norman Conquest of England. William the conqueror in 1078, had built the White Tower which gave its name to the castle. As early as 1100, it was used as a prison while he served as a royal residence and grand palace. There were several phases of expansion, but it was mainly formed by several buildings surrounded by two concentric defensive walls and a moat. The Tower served as an armory, a menagerie, a treasury, welcomed the Royal Mint, the archives and the British Crown jewels. 112 people were executed there over a period of 400 years at the north of the tower. During the two world wars the tower was used as a prison again and 12 more executions took place. The tower has been repaired after World War II and was reopened to the public, being classified in the world heritage of the UNESCO. The tower, which controlled traffic on the Thames consists of three walls. It is a place of essential interest for millions of tourists who visit the city.

Tips

If you buy the ticket on Internet, you will pay a little less than if you would do on the spot. It will be good for a week from the date of purchase. You will be also asked to make a contribution for repairs of the place and its maintenance as the site receives nothing from the authorities; it is an organization, Historic Royal Palaces Enterprises Ltd, that operates only with what they get with the visit of tourists and their donations. They deal also with other historical sites.
You can also rent audio-guides in different languages.
The site has 5 shops that offer different products and there are also cafes and restaurants to enjoy a full day.
There is a legend that says that the Kingdom will be over if ever the ravens residents leave the Tower of London; you can also admire them during your visit.

Viña del Mar, Valparaiso, Chile

Viña del Mar is a town near Valparaíso, in the region of Valparaiso in Chile. It is located 120 kilometers from Santiago by road 68. It’s a seaside town surrounded by the cities of Valparaiso, Quilpué and Concon,; also known by its International Song Festival that was born in 1962 and takes place in February each year. The most famous beach is Reñaca. The city has hotels for all budgets even as a Casino. To see: the Botanical Garden, the clock of flowers, the natural park Gomez Carreño, the Vergara dock (which is being repaired), the open-air museum, the Fonck Museum (with a genuine Moai brought from the Easter Island), the Presidential Palace, the Wulff Castle, among others.

Tips

Although Viña del Mar is a seaside city, it is worthwhile to visit at any time of the year because it is a very rich cultural city with many museums, theaters, shopping malls and other interesting places.
You can stay in the city or just arrive by subway, bus or rental car if your destination is Valparaiso. If instead you are staying in Vina del Mar, a trip to Valparaiso would worth it.

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