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San Zeno Maggiore Church
The striking Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is just as famous for its pink-and-white pastel color scheme as it is for hosting the marriage scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. A lasting example of Romanesque architecture, the building—parts of it, at least—dates back to the 9th century AD.
The Basics
The ice cream–colored Basilica and the Benedictine monastery next door were both constructed to honor St. Zeno, the patron saint of Verona, who died in 380 AD, and there has been a church on the site for more than 1,500 years. Parts of the current building date back to the 9th century, but the structure, like many buildings in Verona, was damaged in an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt and expanded to its present-day size. Its ornate facade is built from cream-colored local tufa stone inlaid with pink marble.
Inside, the massive carved bronze doors are a highlight for many visitors exploring the church as part of a guided tour. The striped walls, vaulted ceilings with intricate decoration, and painted panels depicting biblical scenes will delight fans of Romanesque architecture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entrance to the basilica is via paid ticket unless you’re taking part in mass.
- Pick up a Verona card to save money on the entrance fee to this church and other attractions.
- Join a guided tour to learn more about the marriage scene from Romeo and Juliet, and why Shakespeare chose to set it in the crypt here.
- The nearly 2,000-year-old remains of St. Zeno can be found in the crypt.
How to Get There
The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is located around a 15-minute walk outside the city center. Visitors can travel by public bus or take the hop-on-hop-off tour buses that operate in the city (Line A stops nearby). Alternatively, guided bike tours of Verona also stop here.
When to Get There
The Basilica is open daily, with opening schedules dependent on mass and other events. It’s busiest on weekends, particularly Sunday afternoons, so plan to visit during the week for a quieter experience.
Stroll along the Adige River
The Basilica is located close to the banks of the Adige river, which flows through the center of Verona. It’s the second longest river in Italy, rising in the Alps before flowing out to sea south of Venice. A stroll along its banks through central Verona is a great way to see the city’s buildings and bridges from a new angle; the experience is especially pleasant at sunset when the low sun turns the buildings golden.
Address: Piazza San Zeno, 2, Verona 37123, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
Sant Sadurni d'Anoia
The municipality of Sant Sadurni d'Anoia is the center of production for cava, Spain’s version of Champagne. The area is home to some 100 wineries specializing in the production and export of the sparkling wine, and travelers can visit vineyards, tour production facilities, and taste some of Spain’s best cavas at their source.
The Basics
Sant Sadurni d’Anoia is one of the most popular wine-tasting destinations from Barcelona. Many of the area wineries have tasting rooms in the town center, and others offer tours of their vineyards and production facilities. Guided day trips to the mountaintop monastery of Montserrat include an afternoon of cava tasting. It’s also possible to spend an entire day hopping from one tasting room to the next, sampling wines and olive oils.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Sant Sadurni d’Anoia is a must-visit for wine lovers and foodies.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for time spent walking through town or in the vineyards.
- Wine tasting day trips typically last five to eight hours, or longer if a stop at Montserrat is included.
- Most tours of the area include hotel pickup and drop-off in Barcelona.
How to Get There
The town of Sant Sadurni d’Anoia is located 31 miles (50 kilometers) west of Barcelona and is most easily reached by car via the A-7 highway. If you don’t have a car, take the R4 rail line that connects Barcelona to Manresa.
When to Get There
There isn’t a bad time to visit Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, as the weather tends to be dry throughout the year. Temperatures and humidity can be high in the summer months, however, making spring and autumn more appealing seasons. Each winery maintains its own hours, so check before your visit.
Festivals in Sant Sadurni
This small town packs a big punch when it comes to festivals. For wine lovers, the best time to visit is during the annual Cava Week in mid-October. Gastronomic May showcases the region’s culinary products and cuisine, while each of the town’s eight neighborhoods hosts traditional feasts throughout the summer. The festival celebrating the town’s patron saint takes place at the end of November.
Address: Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, Spain
From $ 68
Sanctuary of Divine Mercy
The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy is a church located on the outskirts of Krakow, Poland. The church was consecrated in 1891 and dedicated to St. Joseph. It was originally built as part of the convent of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. This church is home to the tomb of St. Faustina, a nun who saw a vision of Jesus in 1931. It is said that when he appeared to her, he instructed her to commission an image of him along with the quote, “Jesus, I trust Thee.” This image, painted by Adolf Hyła, has spread in the form of copies and reproductions throughout the world.
St. Faustina rests in a white marble coffin below the original image of the Merciful Jesus along with other relics. It is a popular place for pilgrimages for Catholics from around the country and even from other parts of the world. Attached to the church is a tower that provides spectacular views of the city.
Practical Info
The Sanctuary of Divine Mercy is located at ul. Św. Siostry Faustyny 3 (Łagiewniki).
Address: Siostry Faustyny 3, Krakow, Poland
From $ 49
Sándor Palace
Also known as the Alexander Palace, the Sandor Palace is the official residence of the president of Hungary. Sitting on St. George Square, just north of the Buda Castle complex in Buda, the palace was built in a neo-classical style between 1803 and 1806. Over the years, 19 different Hungarian prime ministers have called the palace home, including the famous Gyula Andrassy.
The palace was mostly destroyed in World War II and then ignored until 1989. After the fall of Communism in Hungary, it was gradually restored based on the original blueprints, which had been found in 1983. In 2002, the interior was completely renovated and furnished with objects that are reproductions of the originals. Today, the opulent Hall of Mirrors is used by the president for formal events, while the Small Empire Room is used for smaller gatherings. The Red Salon is considered one of the most elegant rooms in the palace and features a portrait of Empress Maria Theresa dressed for her coronation. The Round Salon has a replica of the original floor that was designed in 1928, as well as a ceiling covered with murals and niches displaying a variety of sculptures.
Practical Info
Sandor Palace is located next to the upper station of the Buda funicular, on St. George Square. The palace is generally closed to the public, although it occasionally opens on weekends during the summer months.
Address: Szent György tér 1-2, Budapest 1014, Hungary
From $ 37
San Sepolcro Church (Chiesa di San Sepolcro)
The Church of San Sepolcro in Milan was originally founded in the 11th century. It has gone through several changes over the centuries since then, but the main attraction for most visitors is the crypt underneath the church.
Most of the renovations to the church were made in the 17th century. The crypt under San Sepolcro was reopened in 2016 after 50 years of being closed. There are 11th-century frescoes, Medieval graves, and Roman paving stones in the crypt. The 14the-century sarcophagus in the church is said to contain earth brought to Italy from Jerusalem by the crusaders, as well as a lock of Mary Magdalene’s hair.
The church is just behind the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, and was a particular favorite of Leonardo da Vinci - so much so that when he drew his map of Milan, he put the Church of San Sepolcro at its center. Some of those drawings are on display in the Biblioteca Ambrosiana.
Practical Info
An audioguide is included with the price of admission to the crypt, so visitors can take a self-guided tour.
Address: Piazza S. Sepolcro, Milan 20123, Italy
Hours: Daily 12pm-8pm
Admission: Crypt - €10
From $ 12
Santa Claus Village
Lapland has long proclaimed itself the Official Home of Santa Claus, and the Santa Claus Village is the ultimate destination for festive visitors, a unique theme park devoted to the red-suited fellow and located right on the Arctic Circle.
Children are sure to be swept up in the magic as they explore Santa’s workshops, where his elves are hard at work, pet Santa’s friendly reindeer and have their photo taken with the big man himself, but there’s fun for all the family too. Get in the festive spirit exploring a series of Christmas-themed exhibitions, shop for gifts at Santa’s official souvenir shop, take your photo at the border of the Arctic Circle (denoted by a white line running through the village) or take a ride on a husky sled or snowmobile. Don’t forget to send a letter home from Santa’s official post office too, hand-stamped with the special Santa Claus postmark and guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas.
Practical Info
The Santa Claus Village is located five miles (8 km) northeast of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland and is open year-round, typically from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance to the park is free, although charges apply for shows and activities.
Address: Rovaniemi 96930, Finland
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm, hours vary slightly per season
From $ 68
Sanssouci Palace
Glimpse the lavish days of the aristocracy in 18th-century Prussia at Sanssouci Palace. Built for King Frederik the Great, the palace is a fine example of rococo opulence. Gilded ornaments and priceless antiques fill the interiors, while perfectly manicured grounds with fountains and follies, and even a vineyard, are outdoors.
The Basics
Sanssouci is French for “without a care,” and this irreverent spirit can be clearly seen in King Frederik’s summer home and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where he came to relax and get away from the pressures of life at court in Berlin.
Visitors come to tour the lavish rooms filled with statues and ornaments, including the king’s bedroom, the impressive circular library, and the marble hall. The terraced vineyard leading up to the garden facade of the house—where Frederik himself is buried—is a particular highlight for many. People often come to the palace as part of a half-day or full-day tour from Berlin or choose to spend a few days in the town exploring its sights and surrounding countryside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Access to the palace is via paid ticket.
- Reduced price tickets for seniors and students, and family combined tickets are available.
- The palace and grounds are wheelchair accessible.
- There is a small cafe on-site.
How to Get There
Sanssouci Palace is located in Potsdam, some 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of Berlin. It’s possible to drive to the palace or to take the train to Potsdam Sanssouci Park from Berlin. Guided tours visit the palace frequently, with round-trip transport from Berlin provided. From Potsdam town, you can take a local train to the park or catch bus no. 605 to the palace.
When to Get There
Sanssouci Palace has seasonal hours. From April to October, it is open 10am–5:30pm Tuesday–Sunday. From November to March, it is open 10am–4:30pm. The palace is closed on Mondays year-round. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. The palace is usually busiest midmorning through lunchtime.
Explore the Town of Potsdam
Close to Berlin yet in rolling countryside, Potsdam was the destination of choice for the German aristocracy as a summer hideout. Along with the grand Sanssouci Palace, you can visit the baroque Barberini Palace, recently fully restored after being destroyed in WWII; the delightfully decorative Chinese House pavilion; and the Marmorpalais (built for Frederick the Great’s nephew Frederik Wilhelm).
Address: Sanssouci Park, Potsdam 14469, Germany
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
San Zaccaria
Just steps away from the hugely popular and bustling Piazza San Marco resides the 15th-century Chiesa San Zaccaria, one of Venice's most artistically dazzling and lesser known churches. Located on the site of a former, much older church, San Zaccaria looks over the quiet Campo San Zaccaria Square. Its layer-cake-like façade features a mix of styles: late Gothic on the lower levels and early Renaissance on the upper ones.
But it's the interior that is a veritable museum of noteworthy art, including one of Bellini's greatest works, La Sacra Conversazione. This magnificent altarpiece is made even better by a small donation that will illuminate the mural, taking it from impressive to altogether magical. Art by other Italian greats, from Tintoretto to Tiepolo, adorn the church's walls as well, making this relatively crowd-free spot the perfect escape while in the tourist-dense Italian city of Venice.
Practical Info
Note that the church closes for four hours during the middle of the day, between noon and 4 p.m. It is easily reachable by foot from central Venice, as it is located near Piazza San Marco.
Address: Campo San Zaccaria, 4693, Venice 30122, Italy
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon.; Sunday, 4-6 p.m.
Admission: Chapels and the Crypt: €1.50
From $ 21
Santa Catalina Park (Parque de Santa Catalina)
Found in the heart of Las Palmas, the Santa Catalina Park is alive with activity from both locals and visitors. It is lined with cafes and shops, and often holds street markets and pop-up festivals. Large palm trees and colorful flower beds add to the beauty of the public square, which is a great place to simply sit and watch people go by. At night the park is also bustling — it’s a nightlife hub of bars, clubs, and discos during the evening hours.
The park is also home to the Museo de la Ciencia (Science Museum) and the Edificio Miller (Miller Building.) Carnaval and the Dance and Theatre Festival are celebrated here during summer.
There’s also a small playground that’s suitable for small children. The park is a central transportation hub and meeting spot from which many tours depart.
Practical Info
The park is nearby to the port of Las Palmas. There is a tourist information office at the park’s edge, as well as many restaurant options.
Address: 35007 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
Hours: Mon-Fri from 10am–1pm and 5–8pm, Sat-Sun from 10am–1pm
From $ 23
San Siro Stadium (Stadio San Siro)
Milan hosts two top-division soccer (football) teams at San Siro Stadium, the largest in Italy. Also known as Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, the stadium was built in 1925 for the AC Milan team, and in 1947, the rival FC Internazionale team, known as Inter, also moved in. Today, up to 80,000 fans fill the stadium to watch live games.
The Basics
True footie fans can join a Milan football tour that includes a San Siro Stadium tour of the field, the team locker rooms, and the stadium museum dedicated to the history of both the Milan and Inter clubs. Many soccer-centric tours also stop at Casa Milan, the stylish AC Milan headquarters. Otherwise, hop on a city sightseeing bus and combine stops at the stadium and museum with visits to other city highlights such as the Duomo and La Scala. San Siro is also used for concerts and other large events, so there are non-football opportunities to see the stadium as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Watching a soccer game in Italy is an unforgettable experience, surrounded by chanting and cheering fans. Be sure to book tickets well in advance, as they quickly sell out for home games.
- Large bags and backpacks cannot be taken inside the stadium, and there is a security check where bags are searched for banned items.
- Inter players dress in blue and black, and Milan players in red and black.
- An official store sells team scarves and other souvenirs for fans.
How to Get There
San Siro, located on Piazzale Angelo Moratti in the San Siro neighborhood west of downtown Milan, is easy to reach on public transportation: take the metro purple line (M5) or bus/tram 49 and 16.
When to Get There
The soccer season runs from August to May. The stadium museum is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm, though the hours may change on game days.
Italy’s Soccer Clubs
Football is Italy’s national sport, and home matches of Milan’s two Serie A teams are the greatest highlights of the year for fans. Emotions run high at their derbies—especially when the teams are vying for a spot in the Champions League or World Cup. Nearly every Italian city and town has a home football team. Milan and Inter are the two teams based in Milan, while other famous big-city clubs are Roma, Lazio, Juventus, and Napoli.
Address: Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Sanctuary of Loyola
In 1491, on the once much humbler site of this enormous and ornate Mudejár-style shrine that is the Sanctuary of Loyola, a family of minor nobility welcomed its 13th child, who would one day change the world. San Ignatius Lopéz de Loyola, a soldier turned to the priesthood by his strange visions, founded the Brotherhood of Jesus, or Jesuit order, whose radical interpretation of Catholicism left its mark on both the New and Old World.
A place of pilgrimage and wonder for the devout and secular alike, San Ignatius' former home has been transformed with Chirriguerresque flair into a grand compound. In addition to the basilica and shrine, there is an art museum displaying a few of his belongings and writings, as well as religious objects collected over the centuries. Shrines to other Jesuit saints are also arranged around the grounds.
The gardens and surrounding mountains make a fine backdrop to the scene, and you're welcome to stay on at their inexpensive hostel.
Practical Info
The best time to visit is July 31, the feast day of San Ignatius. Buses run between Apeita and Azkoitla, stopping off at the Santuario. To get here by car, take the A-8 between Elgolbar and Zarautz, exiting south to Azpeitia and Azkoitla; the sanctuary is signed.
Address: G1631, Azpeitia 20730, Spain
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 87
Santa Caterina Church (Chiesa di Santa Caterina)
Near the main street in Taormina is the Church of Santa Caterina di Alessandria, a 17th-century church dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.
The church was restored in the 1970s, and it was during that restoration work that some of the layers underneath the modern church were found. Archeologists found a crypt as well as ruins dating back to Greek and Roman times - including the remains of a Roman theater. The church was officially reopened in 1977 after about 40 years of being closed.
The spartan exterior of the church gives way to a white Baroque interior. Statues of St. Catherine abound, including one that dates from the 15th century and was originally in an older church dedicated to the saint in another part of the city.
Some walking tours of central Taormina will include the Santa Caterina Church, but not all will include a visit inside.
Practical Info
Some of the ruins of the Roman theater can still be seen behind the church.
Address: Piazza Santa Caterina, Taormina, Italy
Hours: 9am-12pm & 4pm-7pm daily
From $ 64
Santa Chiara
One of the most important churches in the center of Naples, Santa Chiara is part of a larger religious complex housing a monastery and archaeological museum. Its most remarkable feature is the beautiful cloister, with elaborately painted Rococò majolica decorations covering the columns, benches, and garden walls.
The Basics
Santa Chiara was built in 1310 in the Gothic style by King Robert of Anjou for his second wife, Sancha of Majorca, and included two adjacent convents, one for nuns and one for monks. In the mid-1700s, the church was remodeled in a Baroque style; however, most of Santa Chiara was destroyed in 1943 during World War II bombings. When it was rebuilt 10 years later, it was returned to its original Gothic design. The spectacular 18th-century cloister survived intact, and today it’s the highlight of a visit to what is officially known as the Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara. The complex also includes the Museo dell’Opera Francescana, a traditional Neapolitan Nativity scene, and the archaeological area with Roman remains discovered in the aftermath of the war.
A visit to Santa Chiara is a highlight of any tour of Naples’ historic center, as it sits right along the famous Spaccanapoli thoroughfare just across from the Church of Gesù Nuovo. Join a walking or Segway tour of this vibrant city that also includes stops at Via San Gregorio Armeno, Sant’Angelo a Nilo, and the Castel Nuovo fortress. Foodies can opt for a Naples food and sightseeing tour to sample some of the city’s famous street food, and history buffs can combine a visit to Naples with a tour of the Roman ruins at Pompeii, just outside the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Modest attire is required to enter the church, so be sure to cover shoulders and knees.
- The complex is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Walking tours of the historic center of Naples cover a fair bit of ground; choose comfortable footwear.
- The complex houses a café, restrooms, and a bookshop.
How to Get There
Santa Chiara is located in the square of Gesù Nuovo along the pedestrian Spaccanapoli thoroughfare. Much of the historic center of Naples consists of narrow alleys and tight corners, so walking is the easiest mode of transport from the city’s port and main train station. Naples is a major transportation and cruise ship hub, with direct trains from major Italian cities and ferries from Salerno and Sorrento.
When to Get There
Naples can be uncomfortably hot in summer, so try to visit in spring or fall months or schedule your tour to begin in the early morning before the temperatures soar. The complex is open daily, although it’s closed on Sunday afternoons.
Highlights of the Historic Center of Naples
Santa Chiara is located in Naples’ historic center of Naples, which consists of more than 10 distinct neighborhoods along the Spaccanapoli. Highlights include the 13th-century Castel Nuovo, the Teatro di San Carlo (the oldest opera house in Italy), and Piazza Plebiscito. Roman and Greek ruins lie below the center, and the National Archaeological Museum houses artifacts unearthed at Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Address: Via S. Chiara, 49, Naples 80134, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Santa Catarina Fortress
Standing watch over Portimão at the mouth of the Arade River, the once-mighty Santa Catarina Fortress now lies in ruins, but retains much of its former grandeur, with its stone-brick curtain walls still largely intact.
Portimão’s maritime fortress was built by Alexandre Massai in the 17th-century to protect the port from pirates and invaders, but today it serves as the photogenic backdrop to the sandy Praia da Rocha beach. Explore the chapel inside, dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria, or head there at sunset for a dazzling view along the coast.
Practical Info
The Santa Catarina Fortress overlooks the Praia da Rocha, around 3km south of Portimão in the Algarve.
Address: Portimão, Portugal
From $ 116
San Vitale Basilica
In 402 AD, during the latter days of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna was made its capital, so it is fitting that this lovely city has some of the most important religious sights dating from the early days of Christianity. Now UNESCO-listed with all the other glorious mosaic showstoppers in the city, San Vitale Basilica dates from the mid sixth century; work started on it in 526 at the behest of Ecclesius, Bishop of Ravenna, and it was consecrated in 547. However, the Byzantines conquered Rome in 540 and took over the construction of the octagonal marble basilica. The resulting internal decoration is believed to be the finest example of Byzantine art in the world, executed by unknown master craftsmen over many years and liberally coating the interior with bejeweled mosaics. Detailed Biblical scenes contrast with depictions of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, ornamented with stylized patterns in green, red and gold, while the cupola is adorned with Baroque frescoes added in 1780 by artists from across northern Italy.
Practical Info
Via San Vitale 17, Ravenna. Open daily Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm; Apr–Oct 9am–7pm. Admission adults €9.50; all concessions €8.50; children under 10 go free. Ticket price includes entry to the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Neonian Baptistery and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
plus the Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel. Take Bus Line 1 to Piazza Baracca.
Address: Via San Vitale 17, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna 48110, Italy
Hours: Daily Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm; Apr–Oct 9am–7pm
Admission: Adults: €9.50; all concessions: €8.50; Children under 10: free
From $ 70
Sant Pau Recinte Modernista
Don’t let your inevitable new fascination with Barcelona’s Modernism architecture stop at La Sagrada Familia: Just a short walk away and you can explore another architectural masterpiece, Sant Pau Recinte Modernista. The complex of buildings served as a hospital until 2009, and is now home to a knowledge center consisting of various institutions, and loads of curious corners for outside visitors to discover.
The open-to-the-public space is an underrated wonderland of art nouveau architecture, which features colorful mosaic detailing, fanciful facades, and stroll-worthy gardens. Explore the property and its relatively crowd-free pavilions on a self-guided tour, or opt for one of the guided visits, which take place at least once a day in various languages. Meanwhile, if you like what you see, you won’t want to miss out on other Modernism buildings around town such as La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, and Casa Amatller - among many more.
Practical Info
Guided visits occur at least once a day in a variety of languages. English tours take place at noon and 1 p.m.; consult the website for the times of other languages. If you’re keen to explore more of the city’s architectural history, consider joining a Barcelona Modernism guided tour.
Address: C. Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, Barcelona 08025, Spain
Hours: Hours vary
Admission: Self-guided visit: €10; guided visit: €16
From $ 16
Santa Caterina Market
Santa Caterina was the first covered market in the city of Barcelona. Since being completely renovated in 2005 with a modern design and colorful, curved rooftop, it has become a celebrated sight in Barcelona. Yet, it stays true to its traditional Catalan market roots. Over 325,000 ceramic pieces were used by architects Benedetta Tagliabue and Enric Miralles to create the kaleidoscope roof, with more than fifty different shades of colors representing the fruits and vegetables sold within. The mosaics recall the Modernista style of architecture Gaudi made famous across the city.
The market sells every type of quality produce and meat imaginable, including fresh pastries and breads. It’s a great place to pick up or simply view the colorful fruit, vegetable and flower stands, along with local meats and fish. Once you’re done browsing the stalls, check out the remains of the 15th century Espai Santa Caterina, the Gothic church the market was built on top of.
Practical Info
The Santa Caterina Market can be found in Barcelona’s La Ribera district, not far from the Picasso Museum. It is open daily from 7:30 am to 2 pm, with extended evening hours on Thursday and Friday. The closest metro stop is Jaume I.
Address: Av. de Francesc Cambó, 16, Barcelona 08003, Spain
From $ 17
Sant Joan Funicular Railway
Not to be confused with the Cremallera train service that transports people up the slopes of Montserrat to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria, Barcelona’s Sant Joan Funicular Railway runs from the monastery itself up to the very peak of the mountain. It was built back in 1918 for monks wishing to pray at the Hermitage of Sant Joan, and today it still trundles up the 65% gradient to 1,000 meters(3,280 feet) above sea level for stupendous views across the wild, arid landscapes of Cataluyna. From this vantage point, signposted walking trails lead into one of Catalunya’s most spectacular natural parks; the peaks of Montserrat have been protected since 1987 for their dense forests, in which more than 1,250 species of plants flourish. Animals to be spotted on the mountain slopes include wild goats, foxes and occasional wild boars as well as lizards of all sizes and colors; for wildlife fans there is a small natural history museum at the foot of the Sant Joan Funicular, which shares its opening times with the railway. Four historic villages – El Bruc, Monistrol, Marganell and Collbato – also lie in the Montserrat Natural Park, packed with monasteries, churches, hotels and restaurants.
Practical Info
The funicular is close to Montserrat Monastery. It runs roughly every 20 minutes between 10am–4.50pm in winter, 10am–7.10pm in summer. Single tickets: adult €6.50; seniors €5.85; children under 18 €3.60. Return tickets: adult €10; seniors €9; children under 18 €5.50. Journey time is seven minutes.
Address: Montserrat Monastery, Brcelona, Spain
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: Adult: €10; Children (under 18): €5.50
From $ 76
Sanctuary of Monte Senario
Perched high on a hilltop overlooking the lush Mugello valley, the magnificent Sanctuary of Monte Senario is among Tuscany’s most important religious complexes and offers a tranquil retreat from nearby Florence, surrounded by the Monte Senario Nature Reserve. Founded in 1233 by a group of noble Florentines known as the Seven Holy Founders, the monastery became an important place of pilgrimage during the 15th century and is still inhabited by a number of monks today.
The Baroque-style Church of our Lady of Sorrows is among the main attractions, with its 15th-century nave richly decorated and including a striking fresco by Antonio Domenico Gabbiani, an 18th-century wooden crucifix and the tomb of Sigismondo Della Stufa. Additional highlights of the monastery include the monumental cross, the great hospice, a distillery and a number of caves.
Practical Info
The Sanctuary of Monte Senario is located in Vaglia, about 12 miles (20 km) from Florence, and is open daily from 7:30am to 12:30pm and from 3:30 to 6pm.
Address: Vaglia, Tuscany, Italy, Italy
Hours: 7:30am–12:30pm, 3:30–6pm
From $ 145
Sanctuary of Arantzazu
This Franciscan sanctuary set against the Aizkorri mountain range carries both spiritual and historical significance for many pilgrims to the site. Tradition states that Virgin appeared in a hawthorn bush, prompting witnesses to ask "Arantzan zu?" (Is it you in the hawthorn?), giving the place its name and bringing thousands of years of pilgrims and art devoted to it.
The area has suffered multiple fires and seen many restorations since then, most recently in the 1950s with a beautiful monastery that stands picturesquely on the edge of the mountain. It sits at the base of the road leading to the highest mountain in the Basque Country, surrounded by the valley’s trees and ravines, and has since become a symbol for avant-garde architecture. Sculptor Jorge Oteiza created the 14 apostles on the façade, while the iron gates were designed by Eduardo Chillida and paintings by Nestor Basterretxea and Lucio Muñoz.
Practical Info
The Sanctuary is located nine kilometers away from the center of Oñati. It is within the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park, which makes it a convenient base for many of the hiking trails there.
Address: Barrio de Arantzazu, 8, Oñati, Guipúzcoa, Gipuzkoa, Spain 20560, Spain
From $ 75