Dar al Horra Palace - Islamic things you must visit in Granada

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Text via www.granadatur.com 

It was built in the 15th century on the remains of the destroyed palace of the Ziri kings. It very interesting as it is the only one, out of several which were in the Albayzin, which has been preserved. The name “Dar-al-horra” (House of the Honest Lady) seems to honour one of its inhabitants: Aisha, the mother of King Boabdil, the last of the Muslim monarchs in Spain.

After the conquer of Granada in 1492 by the Catholic Monarchs, the Muslims ceded the Palace an the surrounding houses to the Kings’ secretary, Hernando de Zafra. Afterwards, Queen Isabella decided to found ther the Santa Isabel la Real Convent. The building was owned by the religious order until the beginnings of the 20th century when it was purchased by the government. Today it has been catallogued as Heritage of Cultural Interest.

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Its structure and decoration is the characteristic of the Nasrid art. It has two floors in two of its sides and a tower in its North side. We can admire a central courtyard or patio, two “porticos” in the lower sides and a little pool with fountain by the South portico.

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The North side is the most interesting in the building; it has two floors and a tower. On the ground floor, the portico is formed by three horseshoe’s archs on columns and it is covered by a magnificent Arab-style ceiling made of simple wood and decorated with geometrical shapes. 

In the centre a door with horseshoe arch gives access to a rectangular hall with side rooms and a watchpoint in the centre from where one can see part of the district. The different rooms are divided with archs and covered by Arab-style ceilings. In some walls there still are some Arabic inscriptions.

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The Aljafería Palace, قصر الجعفرية‎ Qasr al-Jaʿfariya in Zaragoza, Spain

The Aljafería Palace (Spanish: Palacio de la Aljafería; Arabic: قصر الجعفرية‎, tr. Qasr al-Jaʿfariya) is a fortified medieval Islamic palace built during the second half of the 11th century in the Moorish taifa of Zaragoza of Al-Andalus, present day Zaragoza, Spain.

It was the residence of the Banu Hud dynasty during the era of Abu Jaffar Al-Muqtadir after abolishing Banu Tujibi of Kindah dynasty. The palace reflects the splendor attained by the kingdom of the taifa of Zaragoza at the height of its grandeur. The palace currently contains the Cortes (regional parliament) of the autonomous community of Aragon.

The structure holds unique importance in that it is the only conserved testimony of a large building of Spanish Islamic architecture of the era of the Taifas (independent kingdoms).

History

 After the capture of Zaragoza in 1118 by Alfonso I of Aragon, the Aljafería became the residence of the Christian kings of the Kingdom of Aragon and as such was converted into the focal point for spread of the Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon. It was the birthplace of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal in the year 1271.

It was used as the royal residence by Peter IV of Aragon and subsequently, on the principal building site, a renovation was carried out that converted these chambers into the palace of the Catholic Monarchs in 1492. In 1593, the structure experienced another renovation that converted it into a military base, first according to Renaissance designs (which today can be observed in its moat and gardens) and later as military quarters.

The building suffered continuous alterations and considerable imperfections, above all with the Siege of Zaragoza during the Peninsular War until it was finally restored in the second half of the 20th century and currently it houses the Cortes or autonomous community legislative assembly of Aragon.

In the original construction, extra ramparts were made in the open field surrounding the Aljafería. With urban expansion over the years, the building has remained inside of the city. Yet the city of Zaragoza has not been able to honour the landscaped surroundings of the Aljafería. A freeway passes only a few meters away

 Troubadour Tower

The oldest construction of the Aljafería is called Troubadour Tower. The tower received this name from Antonio Garcia Gutierrez’s 1836 romantic drama The Troubadour. The drama was converted into a libretto for Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Il trovatore in 1853.

The tower is a defensive structure, with a quadrangular base and five levels which date back to the end of the 9th century AD, in the period governed by the first Banu Tujibi, Muhammad Alanqur, who was named after Muhammad I of Córdoba, independent Emir of Cordoba. According to Cabañero Subiza (1998) the Tower was built in the second half of the 10th century.[1] In its lower part, the tower contains vestiges of the beginning of the heavy walls of alabaster ashlar bond masonry, and continues upwards with plank lining of simple plaster and lime concrete, which is a thinner substance for reaching greater heights. The exterior does not reflect the division of the five internal floors and appears as an enormous prism, broken by narrow embrasures. Access to the interior was gained through a small door at such height that it was only possible to enter by means of a portable ladder. Its initial function was, by all indications, military.

The first level conserves the building structure of the 9th century and shelters two separated naves and six sections, which are separated by means of two cruciform pillars and divided by lowered horseshoe arcs. In spite of its simplicity, they form a balanced space and could be used as baths.

The second floor repeats the same spatial scheme as the previous floor, and the remains of Muslim brick-work from the 11th century can be seen in the brick façades, which indicates that the second floor was possibly reconstructed at the same time as the palace during the epoch of Al-Muqtadir.

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11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in طنجةTangier, Morocco

Always of huge strategic importance at the entrance to the Mediterranean, Tangier is the enthralling gateway to Africa, a tantalising introduction to a culture vastly different from that across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Tangier is divided into an old walled city, or medina, a nest of medieval alleyways, and a new, modern city, the ville nouvelle. The medina contains a kasbah, the walled fortress of the sultan, which forms its western corner; the Petit Socco (also known as Socco Chico and Souq Dakhel), an historic plaza in the centre; and of course, the souqs, or markets. The much more impressive Grand Socco, a pleasant square with a central fountain, is the hinge between the two sides of town, and the postcard entrance to the medina.

Shared from www.planetware.com

1 Medina

Medina Yutaka Fujii

Tangier's Medina (Old City) tumbles down the cliff towards the ocean in a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. The central vortex of Medina life is the square known as the Petit Socco, where old men sit for hours drinking tea and playing backgammon. During its fast-paced past, the Medina was a playground for author Paul Bowles and America's legendary Beatnik literary figures such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs. Wandering around this area is a must for Tangier visitors.

Just west of the Petit Socco on Rue Siaghine is The Church of the Immaculate Conception, built by the Spanish in 1880. East of the square is the Grand Mosque. In the southeast corner of the Old City is the Old American Legation, once the US consulate building and the oldest American diplomatic post. The museum inside traces the history of the relationship between the US and Morocco: as Morocco was one of the first countries to recognise American independence, the US established its legation in Tangier in 1821. The interesting exhibits inside include George Washington's famous letter to Mouilay Abdullah.

2 Kasbah

Kasbah Double Feature

The Kasbah, where the sultan once lived, dominates the Medina's northern section. The gate opens onto a large courtyard, which leads to the Dar el-Makhzem Palace and the modern-day Kasbah Museum. The palace was built in the 17th century and enlarged by each reigning sultan. The carved wooden ceilings and marble courtyard showcase the intricacies of Moroccan craft-work. Also in the Kasbah is the infamous Cafe Detroit, which became a haunt for the visiting and expat writers, artists and hangers-on in the 1960s.

3 Kasbah Museum

Kasbah Museum g-squared

The Kasbah Museum brings together an amazing number of exhibits tracing Morocco's history. The Antiquities Collection brings together finds from Roman sites such as Lixus and Volubilis and includes a life-size model of a Carthaginian tomb. There are also displays explaining Tangier's history and a large section devoted to Moroccan arts. The Fes Room is particularly interesting, containing silks and illustrated manuscripts as well as centuries-old ceramics decorated from golden yellow to the famous Fes-blue.

4 Ville Nouvelle

Ville Nouvelle Peter Collins

Tangier's Ville Nouvelle (New City) is a must for fans of late 19th and early 20th century architecture as it features many fine buildings from this time period. Here you'll find the Terrasse des Paresseux (Terrace of the Idle) where you can look out at the spectacular ocean view that has captivated so many European artists. With the harbour before you, look across the water for the hazy silhouettes of Gibraltar and southern Spain in the distance.

The Grand Socco (the main square) marks the end of the New City and entry to the Medina. This is where Tangier locals come to stroll, play and sit in the surrounding cafes for hours. Just to the square's north is the Mendoubia Gardens, a shady spot full of fig and dragon trees.

5 Contemporary Art Museum

This art gallery is devoted to modern Moroccan art, with works by the country's big-name artists on show. The gallery's grand old building dates to the 17th century. Peaceful gardens surround the museum, making the attraction a relaxing respite to the bustle outside.

6 Beach

Beach

Tangier's beach side district is intrinsically linked to the city's heady 1960s, when the beautiful and louche literary residents made this one of the world's most famous strips of sand. Its hey-day is now long gone, but the beach area is still a good place for a stroll with plenty of locals promenading and playing football along its length.

7 Cap Spartel

Cap Spartel

Cap Spartel marks Africa's northwest tip. The promontory projects into the water marking the boundary of Mediterranean Sea with Atlantic Ocean. The best time to come here is at sunset, when you can see dusk settle over the Atlantic. The lighthouse here, at the tip of the promontory, is especially photogenic.

Location: 11 km west of Tangier

8 Asilah

Asilah

The little town of Asilah, on the northwest tip of Morocco's Atlantic coast, has a history that stretches back to the Roman era. More recently, it has been under the control of both Spain and Portugal. But the town's imposing ramparts, with surviving bastions and towers, now offer a setting for delightful seaside walks. The Portuguese fortifications enclose an old town of pretty white-and-blue-washed houses with a distinctive Mediterranean feel. The town is also famous for fried seafood dishes. Restaurants line the shore, making for a great place to put your feet up while you sample some fish.

Location: 40 km from Tangier

9 Larache

Larache

The seaside town of Larache is the closest settlement to the Lixus archaeological site, where Greek legend tells that Hercules gathered the golden apples. The site includes a temple, theatre, acropolis and baths. Back in town itself, Larache's Archaeological Museum is housed in the Chateau de la Cigogne. The museum contains a collection of finds unearthed from Lixus, including an interesting display of perfume bottles and jewellery.

10 Ceuta

Ceuta

Spain's little piece of Morocco, this oddity of a town is a major transport hub with ferries across the sea to Algeciras. The old fortifications (built by the Portuguese) around the San Filipe Moat are the town's main sight, but the Ceuta Museum is also worth a look for its well-displayed collection of Punic and Roman finds.

Those with an interest in religious art and architecture should also visit Ceuta's main square - home to the interesting Cathedral Museum and the 15th century Church of Our Lady of Africa.

11 Melilla

Melilla

Melilla's fortified Medina is the centre of most of the town's sightseeing. The museum here is worth a look for its interesting archaeological section. There is a 17th century cathedral here as well. At nearby Three Fork's Cape, gaze out over the perfectly turquoise waters. From the lighthouse you can see the many small beaches and great blocks of anthracite rise out of the waters.

History

According to Greek mythology Tangier, or Tingi, was founded by the giant Anteus. Tingi is mentioned by Carthagian travellers as early as 500 BC, and Phoenician sailors visited even earlier. After the destruction of Carthage, Tingi was affiliated with the Berber kingdom of Mauretania. It then became an autonomous state under Roman protection, eventually becoming a Roman colony in the 3rd century AD during the reign of Diocletian, and ending as the capital of Mauretania Tingitana. In the fifth century Vandals conquered and occupied Tingi and from here swept across North Africa.

A century later Tingi became part of the Byzantine Empire and gradually fell into obscurity until the city's capture by Moussa bin Nasser during the first years of the eighth century. The city's inhabitants were converted to Islam but many Berber tribes joined the schismatic Kharijite rebellion and seized the port city in AD 739. When Moulay Idris I established his kingdom at Volubilis in AD 788, Tangier became a focal point in the struggle between the Idrissid dynasty and the Umayyads. This struggle continued until the Fatimid dynasty from Tunisia assumed power in AD 958.

Tangier came under the successive sway of the Almoravides and Almohades, after which the city fell under the influence of the Tunisian Hafsid dynasty before passing into the hands of the Merinids. By the 14th century Tangier became a major Mediterranean port frequented by European trading vessels bringing cloth, spices, metals and hunting birds in exchange for leather, wool, carpets, cereals and sugar. After an unsuccessful attempt to seize Tangier in 1437, the Portuguese finally conquered and occupied the city in 1471, converting the great mosque into a cathedral. For nearly three centuries the town was passed back and forth between the Spanish, Portuguese and finally the English, when it was given to Charles II as part of the dowry from Catherine of Braganza.

The English granted Tangier a charter, which made the city equal to English towns. In 1679 Moulay Ismail made an unsuccessful attempt to seize the town but maintained a crippling blockade, which ultimately led to a British retreat. Under Moulay Ismail the city was reconstructed to some extent but the city gradually declined until, by 1810, the population was no more than 5,000. Tangier began to revive from the mid-19th century when European colonial governments fought for influence over Morocco.

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The blue city of Morocco, Chefchaouen

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Visitors to Morocco can find a cool, relaxing reprieve from the bustle of travel in the friendly mountain town of Chefchaouen (often abbreviated as “Chaouen”).

Located just a few hours by bus from Tangier and far enough off the beaten track to dissuade many tourists, Chefchaouen is quiet enough for those visitors overwhelmed by the busy medinas of Fez and Marrakech, and has just enough of what is quintessentially Moroccan to be of interest to other travelers looking for something a bit more authentic.

Whether you spend a couple of days wandering the clean medina streets, enjoying a hike through the Rif Mountains, or just want to relax with a book and a fresh mint tea, like most visitors to Chefchaouen, you will walk away having experienced something magical.

Map of Chefchaouen Medina

Here is a map of the Chefchaouen. You can download this map of the Chefchaouen medina for your own use. We include a similar map in each itinerary packet that travelers receive before their tour takes place with us at Journey Beyond Travel.



Chefchaouen is located in the Rif Mountains of Morocco on the Mediterranean Coast. Morocco is an eclectic city with beauty all over.  When in Morocco, a visitor has an array of activities at the fingertips. In the High Atlas Mountains, trekking takes many visitors to Mt. Toubkal and back.

Much of the country is unpopulated, largely uncharted, and vibrantly green, especially in the valleys and the north. Whether coming for some sun and fun or hiking and biking, Morocco tours get you a slitouce of whatever it is you’re looking for.



For adventurers who want the offerings of comfort and a city adventure there is the famous Chefchaouen in Morocco. This city is situated between two peaks of the Rif Mountains.  It is considered the most beautiful town in all of Morocco by many who visit.

It is an artsy place with white washed mountain homes making you feel as if you are in your own world. There is a balance of the type of popular tourism found in Morocco and the historical culture found here. The hues of blues will mesmerize the stoutest traveler.

The number one thing to do on our list in Chefchaouen is the Medina.  The Medina is the old town of the city.  There is a heavy Andalucian influence in the architecture of the Medina with red tiled roofs littering the valley and bright blue buildings winking at you with every turn.  The lanes are narrow making walking the best way to get around the streets.  Since the Medina is one of the smaller ones in Morocco you will never feel lost.

In the heart of the Medina is Plaza Uta El- Hammam.  This square is lined with cafes and restaurants.  You can watch the world go by as you sit eating traditional dishes of Morocco. Many visitors spend the evening in the square watching others walk by relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

The plaza is dominated by the Kasbah and Grande Mosque. The Mosque is well known for its octagonal shaped tower.  History of the Mosque dates it to the 15th century.  It was built by the son of the town’s founder, Ali Ben Rachid.  Unfortunately tourists cannot tour inside the Mosque as it is not open to non- Muslims.  All the same it is worthy of visiting the area to see the structure from the outside.

The architecture is something you will not forget.  While in the square you will have a chance to see the walled fortress of the Kasbah which hosts one of the most beautiful gardens in Chefchaouen and Morocco.  Near the garden is a small Ethnographic Museum.  To learn about the culture of the Rif Mountains you will find no place better than the museum.  An art gallery is also located on the premises.  To see magnificent views of Old Chefchaouen you will have to visit this location.  Many of the paintings have been done by long ago residents as well as local artists of today.

Relaxing is part of a vacation.  To treat yourself right on this vacation consider taking advantage of one of the spas in Chefchaouen. The Center Viva Form is a most sophisticated spa.  It is located at the Atlas Riad Chaouen Hotel.  They have a full service amount of offerings from pedicures to full body massages.  A second spa is the Douches Barakat.  It is a more local place to relax and enjoy the full services offered.

The best place to go trekking in Chefchaouen when you are looking for something off the streets is going to be Talassemtane national Park.  It begins just outside of town.  The small villages of Kalaa and Akchour are well known for the trekking experiences one can have there.  The Bridge of God which is a natural structure constantly draws the attention of tourists.  The formation is a stone arch which can lead towards the cascades in the area.  The magnificent waterfalls are something to behold, and your tour operator will be more than happy to take you to the area.

Eating in Chefchaouen is a pleasure. Restaurants like La Lampe Magique provide a wonderful atmosphere while serving a top notch Moroccan cuisine.  There is a lounge at the restaurant or a roof top terrace for a better view of the city.  Auberage Dardara Restaurant offers tajine and couscous as specialities.  The restaurant is well known for having the freshest herbs and vegetables for their meals.

Chefchaouen is unlike other cities in Morocco to visit. Casablanca is a city for a quick stop, while Rabbat is an economic center. Chefchaouen is the relaxation capitol, a place to chillax and unwind.

by Sam Mitchell

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rabat

Rabat was founded as an Arab army outpost in the 12th century and given the generic name for military encampment, Ribat, which is still in use today. For centuries Rabat and Salé were rival principalities, but eventually Rabat began to dominate the area. Salé's power was ultimately eclipsed altogether by its larger neighbour.

In the early 17th century, Rabat became a centre of anti-European piracy centred at the stronghold of the Kasbah des Oudaias. Rabat was first made a modern capital in 1912 by Morocco's French overlords, and remained the nation's capital after independence in 1956. The city is the residence of the royal family.

Nowdays, as Morocco's capital, Rabat is home to the country's most important museum, the Royal Palace, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, as well as to several historical attractions. Situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, with the Bou Regreg River running to the west separating it from its sister-city of Salé, Rabat is a pretty place.

It has a much calmer atmosphere than nearby Casablanca. And for many tourists, a visit to Rabat can be a pleasant surprise and a welcome break from the hustle of other Moroccan cities. History-fiends are sure to enjoy wandering the Chellah excavation area and exploring the lovely Oudaias Kasbah.

1 Oudaias Kasbah

Rabat's Kasbah district is one of the city's top sightseeing draws. Inside the 11th century fortress walls, a tranquil and tiny neighbourhood of twisting white-and-blue lanes were built in Andalusian-style. It is a joy to visit and photograph. Also inside, on Rue el Jamma, is the Kasbah Mosque, built in 1150 and the oldest mosque in Rabat. The district has fine views over to Salé and the Atlantic Ocean.

2 Hassan Tower

Built by the Almohads, the unfinished Hassan Tower was the work of ruler Yacoub al-Mansour and would have been the minaret for his grand vision of a mosque on this site. Upon his death in 1150, construction was abandoned and this 45 m tower is all that remains of his original plan. Beautiful and intricate motifs and designs cover the tower's facade, pointing to the sumptuousness of what al-Mansour had in mind. The Hassan Tower is next door to the Mausoleum of Mohamed V.

Location: Avenue Hassan II, Rabat

3 Mausoleum of Mohamed V

The glittering Mausoleum of King Mohamed V lies in state on the very place where, upon his return from exile in Madagascar, he gathered thousands of Moroccans together to thank God for giving independence to their country. The opulent tomb chamber is a showcase of Moroccan traditional design, and has a grand marble tomb and walls covered in zellige tiles. Only Muslims can visit the adjoining mosque.

4 Chellah Necropolis

The remnants of the 14th century Merinid citadel-town of Chellah are an atmospheric place. The walled ruins are positioned on an older Roman town called Sala, which archaeologists uncovered evidence of in the 1930s. Today, parts of both these settlements can be seen. Chellah thrived as a Merinid citadel in the early 14th century. The crumbled ruins of mosques and mausoleums they built here are now covered with rambling brambles, providing nesting sites for storks. The excavated Roman part of the site includes a forum, bath and temple. For a good overview of the entire Chellah ruins, an overlooking terrace provides excellent views across the site.

5 Oudaias Museum and the Andalusian Gardens

Within the Oudaias Kasbah are the lovely Andalusian Gardens, which were laid out in the early 20th century. The Oudaias Museum, set within the gardens, is housed in the opulent 17th century lodge built by Moulay Ismail as his first Rabat residence. At the far end of the lodge, a room displays an ancient Moroccan interior. Cushions in brocade, silk and gold cover the divans around the room. A little further on, there is an exhibit of ancient illuminated Qur'ans, jewellery, pottery and musical instruments.

6 Rabat Archaeology Museum

Built in 1932 and enlarged a few years later to display excavated finds, this museum is home to Morocco's best archaeological collection. The prehistoric section brings together human remains from the middle Palaeolithic period to the Neolithic, illustrating the continuity and size of the population at this time. Pre-Roman civilisations are well represented.

The Roman and Hellenistic exhibits are renowned, and the collection of bronzes is incredibly impressive. Even if you're not a museum-person, this is the one museum on your Morocco travels that you shouldn't miss.

7 Medina

Rabat's rambling Medina area has a distinctly Andalusian style to its buildings as most of the architecture here dates from the 17th century when Muslims from Spain's Andalusia region arrived. This makes it very different to the Medina's of Fes and Marrakesh. The two best shopping streets are Souk es Sebbat and Rue Souka, and there are a number of interesting buildings within the district that make a wander here worthwhile. In particular look out for the Koubba Mosque on Rue Bou Kroun, and the Merinid Fountain and Grand Mosque both on Rue Souka. The Mellah (Jewish Quarter) is located in the southeast corner of the Medina and has an interesting flea market.

8 Royal Palace

Construction of Rabat's Royal Palace began in 1864, and a wall surrounds the sprawling building. The Fes el-Bali complex is not open to the public as the current king still uses the palace as his residence. You can get good photographs of the palace exterior from nearby the Sunna Mosque.

9 New City

Rabat's Ville Nouvelle (New City) is home to the Archaeological Museum and also the surprisingly interesting Postal Museum (on Avenue Mohamed V), which brings together a superb collection of Moroccan stamps, telephones and telegraph machines. The streets of the Ville Nouvelle host a wealth of French colonial architecture and are a pleasant place for a stroll. Right on the district's edge, Avenue Hassan II follows the 17th century Undulations Wall separating the modern city from the Medina.

10 Abul Hassan Medersa

Directly across the Bou Regreg River, facing Rabat, the town of Salé is home to several interesting medersas (madrassa - Islamic school of learning) and mausoleums. In particular, the Abul Hassan Medersa is worth a visit. It dates from the Merinid era in the 14th century and has an interior covered with beautifully restored examples of traditional religious decoration, including zellige tile-work and carved wood panels. If you climb up to the roof you can get excellent views across the water to Rabat.

11 Salé Medina

The Medina area in Salé is a quaint and picturesque place to spend a few hours in the afternoon. As well as the Abul Hassan Medersa, the district is also home to Salés' Grand Mosque, the Mausoleum of Sidi Ben Ashir with its photogenic whitewashed tomb, and the Fondouk (khan) al-Askour.

12 Kenitra

Established as a military fort by Morocco's first French Resident General in 1912, Kenitra is a modern town on the road to Tangier. Although the town doesn't have much to offer visitors, it's a great base for trips to nearby Mahdia with its long beach, a haven for windsurfers. Other nearby sightseeing attractions include the interesting Kasbah neighbourhood, and the Roman garrison site of Thamusida. The ruins of Thamusida include a temple, bath, housing and a large garrison camp area.

Location: 46 km north of Rabat

13 Temara

Temara is a favourite weekend and holiday beach for Rabat locals. The beach has natural bathing pools making it a great option for families with young children worried about the waves.

Location: 13 km from Rabat

14 Mamora Forest

The Mamora Forest is located southeast of Kenitra. The forest's 134,000 trees include 50% of the cork trees in Morocco, but there are also eucalyptus, pine, acacia and Mamora wild pear. There are excellent bird-watching opportunities within the forest - look for white storks and turtle doves.

15 Natural Science Museum

Rabat's Natural Science Museum has an impressive 150 million year old skeleton of a Sauropod dinosaur on display. It was discovered in 1979, in the High Atlas Azilal region. There are also exhibits on the earth's geological origins.

Location: Agdal District, Rabat

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Engelberg Tourist Attractions in Swizerland

Engelberg

The little town of Engelberg with its abbey, in a sunny basin under the north face of Titlis, is a popular winter and summer resort lying well away from the main traffic routes. Since 1815 it has been an enclave of the half-canton of Obwalden. It is a region of varied scenery; good walking country with hills and lakes, and with a number of cableways providing easy access to the mountains.The Benedictine abbey was founded in 1120, and its abbot held independent sway over the territory. In 1798 the town was released from ecclesiastical authority and became part of the canton of Obwalden.

Benedictine Abbey

At the upper end of Engelberg is the Benedictine abbey, founded about 1120, which ruled the whole valley until 1798. The handsome church, designed by Kaspar Moosburger, and the square complex of conventual buildings were rebuilt in 1730-37 after a fire. 

Rich library (men only admitted), with valuable manuscripts, incunabula and miniatures.Also of interest in Engelberg are the adjoining charnel-house and below the village the chapels St Jakob in Espen (17th C.) and Maria im Horbis (17th C.) at the so-called "end of the world". To the south, on the left bank of the Aawasser, are beautiful gardens surrounded by forest.

Recreation and Sport

Recreation and sports opportunities in Engelberg include: swimming (indoor and open-air pools), walking (walkers' railcards for mountain railroads and cableways), riding, tennis, summer skiing (ski-lift at upper station of Titlisbahn, 3,020 m/9,909ft). Skating rinks, curling rink, toboggan run from the Gershnialp (3.5km/2mi), hobby courses.

Ski

In the center of the country, Engelberg can get crowded on weekends but during the week it's a great place for a group of skiers of varying ability. 

Beginners find the slopes of the Gershnialp and Untertruebsee a gentle challenge while 10,000-foot Mount Titlis, with its spectacular views, is for the advanced skier. 

The town itself is small and historic with its onion-domed Benedictine Abbey and baroque church giving the resort a quiet charm.

Mountain Railroads (Cableways)

Terminus of narrow-gauge railroad from Lucerne via Stans (one hour); cableways Engelberg-Gerschnialp (length 528 m/1,733ft, height difference 264 m/868ft, time four minutes); Engelberg-Trübsee (length 2,195 m/7,204ft, height difference 531 m/1,742ft, time six minutes); Trübsee-Stand-Kleintitlis (length 3,465 m/11,369ft, height difference 1,220 m/4,003ft, time 14 minutes); Trübsee-Joch pass (length 1,459 m/4,787ft, height difference 439 m/1,440ft, time 13minutes); Engstlensee-Joch pass (length 1,631 m/5,351ft, height difference 273 m/896ft, time 10 minutes); Rindertitlis-Laubersgrat (length 1,183 m/3,883ft, height difference 385 m/1,264ft, time eight minutes); Engelberg-Brunni (length 1,193 m/3,914ft, height difference 582 m/1,910ft, time six minutes).

Climbs

Climbs from Engelberg include: Titlis (3,239 m/10,627ft), usually starting either from the Trübsee Hotel or from Kleintitlis; Hutstock (2,680 m/8,793ft: six hours; wild goats); Schlossberg (3,155 m/10,351ft: eight hours); Engelberger Rotstock (2,820 m/9,252ft: six hours, with guide);

Urirotstock

Urirotstock is one of the best climbs from Engelberg, (2932 m/9620ft: eight-nine hours, with guide).

Benedictine Way

The first stage of the Benedictine Way is from Engelberg village center via Brunni/Ristis (1,600 m/5,251ft), Alp Stafel (1,694 m/5,560ft) and Walenalp to Wolfenschiessen (guest houses). It continues by cableway to Haldiwald (1,400 m/4,595ft) or by cabin cableway to Schmidsboden (1,215 m/3,988ft) climbing down the Underrist-Hütti to Dallenwil (inn).

Surroundings

View from Titlis

Titlis

Titlis (3,239 m/10,627ft), covered by eternal snow and ice, is the highest viewpoint in central Switzerland, offering a unique panorama of the Alps (ice cave, glacier trail). Restaurants on Titlis and in Stand (2,450 m/8,038ft). Cableway Engelberg-Titlis (45 minutes).

Address: Poststrasse 3, CH-6390 Engelberg, Switzerland

Stand - Solar Power Station

The highest experimental solar power station at Stand came into operation in 1988 with energy being produced by a bank of solar panels. With a nominal output at present of 2.3 kW, an annual output of between 3,000 and 3,500 kWh is expected.

Trübsee

From Engelberg there is a funicular to the Gerschnialp (1,266 m/4,154ft), and from there a cableway by way of the steep Pfaffenwand to the Trübsee Hotel (1,792 m/5,880ft); descent in two hours via the Trübseealp.

Engstlenalp

From Trübsee by chair lift (or on foot in 1.25 hours) to the Joch pass (2,215 m/7,267ft: ski hut), and from there a bridle-path (one hour) to the Engslensee (1,852 m/6,076ft), in a magnificent mountain setting, and on to the Engstlenalp (1,839 m/6,034ft), one of the finest areas of Alpine pasture in the country (rich flora, superb views) and the Melchsee.

Area Walks

Rewarding walks in the surrounding area of Engelberg can be taken to the Bergli (1,341 m/4,400ft); to the Surenenalp and Tätschbach Falls (1,090 m/3,576ft: restaurant); and by the Herrenrüti grazings to the Nieder-Surenenalp (1,260 m/4,134ft: restaurant) and the Arnialp.

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Day Trips from Amsterdam, Holland, Netherlands

Amsterdam is considered the Venice of Northern Europe thanks to its beautiful network of canals. The capital of The Netherlands is also a world-class cultural center with an openness and tolerance for alternative lifestyles and coffee shops sans espresso.
Amsterdam Centraal Station (CS) is at the heart of the city and can easily be reached from Schiphol airport within 15 minutes. Miss the train? Not to worry – they run every ten minutes. The Centraal Station’s impressive Neo-Renaissance building has a unique location. Situated on three man-made islands, themselves resting on over 8,000 wooden piles that have been driven deep into the sandy soil. Several canals that have recently been added to the UNESCO Heritage list surround the train station.

Amsterdam Highlights: Consider Amsterdam a life-sized dollhouse. The charming 17^th century historical atmosphere makes the whole city seem intimate. Small-scale buildings, little gathering squares and narrow streets add to the Lilliputian allure.

Yet the city has the highest museum density in the world. Van Gogh is likely Holland’s most famous artistic son, and his eponymous museum here has many famed works from the tortured, earless artiste. The Rijksmuseum ranks as one of the worlds finest, and includes masterpieces from Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Holland Pass provides free entry into the Rijksmuseum.

There are a few ways to get around this city of tulips: Take a canal bus, which uses a hop-on/hop-off system similar to a tour bus. With 14 stops near top tourist attractions. If you want to travel more like a local, rent a bicycle and get lost in the city’s maze of culturally diverse neighborhoods.

Top Day Trips from Amsterdam

Delft 

The East Gate of Delft. Photo © NBTC

A city of blue, of orange, of light. All artistically represented in this charming and historic town. Delft has two train stations, one in the city center and Delft Zuid, about a 20-minute walk from downtown.

A home port of the Dutch East India Company, the town quickly developed in the Dutch Golden Age. This period spanned the 17^th century, when the Dutch became the most acclaimed society in the world thanks to their prowess in trade, science and art.

You can still see this prowess on parade at the Delft Blue Porcelain Factory. This is the last remaining Delftware factory from the 17^th century where the distinctive blue and white earthenware is still produced by skilled craftspeople. The building houses a museum, a factory, a garden and café where you can enjoy high tea served in original Delft cups and saucers. You can view the traditional production process plus paint your own Delft tile under the guidance of a master painter.

While wandering the streets and canals of Delft, you may be struck by the soft light and the interplay of color. Local artist Johannes Vermeer certainly was, and his city provided plenty of inspiration for the few canvases he created during his lifetime.  The Vermeer Centre offers a visual voyage of discovery through the artist’s life, work and city.

The Hague

The Peace Palace in The Hague. Photo © NBTC

Compared to Amsterdam, which is known for its liberalism, The Hague is conservative and somewhat sedate. You’ll find lots of green space, great architecture, shopping and a unique location on the water. The old part of the city centers on governmental buildings such as the Binnenhof.

Next door you’ll find The Mauritshuis Museum, located in a 17th-century palace. One of the best art houses in The Netherlands, the building holds the city’s former Royal Picture Gallery, including a collection of paintings by the Dutch Old Masters.  Het Paleis, a former royal townhouse, was recently converted into a museum dedicated to the famous Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher.

Children and adults alike adore the miniature city of Madurodam. Featuring all the highlights of The Netherlands but on a 1:25 scale, the city is composed of typical Dutch buildings and landmarks around the country.

What can’t be duplicated is The Hague’s prime location on the North Sea. Travelers from all over Holland come to Scheveningen Beach to relax and play. The Pier, the largest in the Netherlands, has a 200-foot lookout tower, bungee jumping, a casino and restaurant.

Lisse:

The Keukenhof (garden of Europe) in Lisse, The Netherlands. Best place to see tulips in Holland. Photo © NBTC

If you’re looking for tulips in Holland, this is where you’ll find them. The most popular attraction in Lisse is Keukenhof – the garden of Europe, open only during spring, when more than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, are in bloom.

 The flower parade Bloemencorso Bollenstreek  is held through the streets of town and is a fragrant fiesta. In August, the fantasy festival Castlefest is held in the gardens of Castle Keukenhof. For a historical overview of the Dutch’s bulb boom, be sure to visit the Museum De Zwarte Tulp (Black Tulip Museum).


Haarlem

The polders of Holland. Haarlem, The Netherlands. Photo © NBTC

Haarlem is Holland’s most Flemish city, and is easily seen by foot. As the town slowly expanded, so did the tulip fields. Today, rail travelers between Amsterdam and Haarlem will see blooming bulb fields in Spring. Since the 1630s, Haarlem has been a major trading center for tulips in Holland, and it was at the epicenter during “tulip mania.”

The Dutch Golden Age also made Haarlem into a center for the arts. You can see the city’s finest works on display at the Frans Hals Museum. With more than a dozen works by Hals himself, the museum also has art from the 15^th century to the present.

Another of Holland’s lesser known museum gems, the Corrie ten Boom Museum is similar in theme to the Anne Frank house, but still furnished, making it easy to see what life was like for those that lived there during the war. Stand in the “hiding place” where Jews were hidden from the Nazis, and see the “all-clear” sign used to indicated when it was safe to come and go. Truly an eye-opening destination.

Rotterdam:

Rotterdam’s unique Cubic Houses. Photo © NBTC

Rotterdam, until recently, was the world’s largest port. This seaside location helped to grow the city into largest economic center in The Netherlands at the turn of the twentieth century.

The thrust toward modernity is on display in the architecture around the city. The Kijk-Kubis – or Museum House, is a fully furnished showcase house among an unusual collection of cube-shaped homes. The Kunsthal Rotterdam is designed by famed avant-garde architect (and native son) Rem Koolhaas. The museum stages some 25 exhibitions a year in a wide range of disciplines: new art, design, photography, and frequently experiments with themes never seen before. Like lingerie.

For aural art, the annual North Sea Jazz Festival is held every second week of July. Founded by a wealthy businessman and jazz lover, the fest began in 1976 and has grown to 15 stages, 1,200 artists and nearly 25,000 visitors a day, and is known for the many musical styles it presents.

Just east of Rotterdam, the windmills of Kinderdijk are one of the most beloved and best-known Dutch attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accessible by boat, you’ll learn more about their fascinating history while on board.

Utrecht

Canal tour in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Photo © NBTC

Built around the Dom Tower, which you can see from nearly any vantage point in the city, it’s hard to get lost in this attractive, car-free city center. Wharf cellars house cafes and terraces by the beautiful canals, and magnificent monuments frame the scene in this centuries-old university town.
In between the city’s superb shopping that line the canals, you can visit myriad cultural attractions including the Dick Bruna Huis, the beloved creator of Miffy, the sweet little bunny cartoon.  

An unusual museum is the Speelklok, which presents and restores an internationally renowned array of self-playing mechanical musical instruments. Park Lepelenburg is a calming respite in town with its botanic gardens, as is the Wilhelminapark.

Maastricht

Shopping in Maastricht. Photo © NBTC

A university city at its heart, you can hobnob with the erudite elite as well as fellow travelers at Vrijthof, the city’s main square. Maastricht is an easily walkable city – so put down that guidebook and just wander through the neighborhoods.

Or head below ground to the Casemates, an underground network of tunnels built as shelter for guns and cannons. For centuries, the famous Caves of St. Pieter were used to quarry marl, creating an underground labyrinth with over 20,000 passageways. These turned out to be very handy hiding places for residents during WWII sieges.

Back above ground, shop, eat and wander at the Inner City – Maastricht’s main shopping district. Winner of numerous design awards, the Entre Deux is a recenly-rebuilt center that includes a bookstore located inside a former 13^th century church. The British newspaper The Guardian deemed it the world’s most beautiful bookshop.

Hoorn 

Hoorn, The Netherlands photo courtesy of © Elisa Atene. http://www.flickr.com/photos/elisa_atene/8504623816/

Framed by a picturesque port, the town of Hoorn has an historic center paved with cobblestone streets and surrounded by charming antique houses. Hungry? Head to Hoofdtoren, a cozy restaurant in a 500-year-old defense tower. Popular with the locals and tourists alike, you can sample specialties like mussels, plus herring either raw or pickled.

Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen, The Netherlands photo courtesy of © die.tine. http://www.flickr.com/photos/die_tine/4961055204/

For a slice of authentic 19^th century sailor life, head to this town’s Zuiderzee Museum. Covering 15 acres, you’ll find authentic dwellings including a fish-curing shed, a mill, a cheese warehouse, a church and much more. Staff and volunteers demonstrate historical crafts from everyday life at the beginning of the previous century.

With a Eurail Benelux Pass, you can visit not just Amsterdam, but take numerous day trips and visit the top cities in The Netherlands. Think traditional towns filled with tulips and windmills, modern architectural wonders and historical monuments. This pass also covers Belgium and Luxembourg, both filled with bountiful charms. Three countries. One pass. Get on your wooden shoes and walk around the wonder.


 Article shared from: http://www.raileurope.com/blog/11004-top-cities-in-the-netherlands

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