Things to Do in South Iceland

The seaside town of St. Andrews is known for its magnificent 12th-century cathedral ruins and elite university, which was founded in the 15th century. Both Prince William and Kate Middleton attended the school. St. Andrews is also a pilgrimage site for golfers, who come to try out the famous Old Course, which dates back some 600 years.

 

Though golfers come here in droves, you don’t have to be a fan of the sport to enjoy St. Andrews. Many travelers come to the town on day trips from Edinburgh, exploring its historic university buildings, cobbled streets, and the medieval ruins of the Gothic cathedral, as well as nearby white-sand beaches, such as West Sands.

 

Many day tours from Edinburgh combine St. Andrews with other destinations in Fife, such as the history-rich former capital of Scotland, Dunfermline, and the Renaissance-era Falkland Palace.

 

 

St. Andrews is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northeast of Edinburgh. Regular trains depart from Edinburgh Waverley and go to Leuchars train station, which is about 6 miles (10 kilometers)—or a 15-minute taxi trip—from St. Andrew town center. Most tours from Edinburgh include round-trip transport.

 

St. Andrews receives most tourists in July and August when temperatures are at their warmest. If you plan on golfing in summer, book a spot well in advance as tee times fill up quickly during peak season.

 

Wandering St. Andrews’ medieval streets is one of the great joys of visiting this town. Find the bulk of architectural eye candy around North, Market, and South streets, which run west from the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral. North of the cathedral sit the evocative ruins of St. Andrews Castle, overlooking the coast. When it comes to golf, the go-to destination is the Links, with seven public courses, including the world-renowned Old Course.

One of many highlights along the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine Valley, the small town of St. Goar (Sankt Goar) sits on the banks of the Rhine river. Along with its picturesque medieval buildings, St. Goar is most famous for its 13th-century Rheinfels Castle (Burg Rheinfels) and the landmark Loreley Rock, which stands opposite.

 

The most popular way to discover St. Goar is as part of a Rhine river cruise. KD Rhine Passes are available from Mainz, Cologne, Koblenz, and Bonn, and offer hop-on hop-off boats in both directions, all stopping at St. Goar. It’s also possible to visit the town on a full-day round-trip cruise from Koblenz, including magnificent views of the Loreley Rock and Rheinfels Castle from the water. In St. Goar, pay a visit to the Rheinfels Castle, stroll around the atmospheric old town, and then enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the riverside pubs.

 

 

St. Goar is located in the Middle Rhine Valley between Oberwesel and Kamp-Bornhofen, and the most scenic way to arrive is by boat. From Koblenz, it’s about a 3.5-hour boat ride to reach St. Goar, but regular trains also run from Frankfurt, Mainz, and Koblenz. The closest international airport is in Frankfurt.

 

Summer is peak season in St. Goar and the small town can be overwhelmed by day-trippers throughout July and August. Opting to stay the night is the best way to experience the town without the crowds. For the most spectacular views, visit during the annual Rhine in Flames festival in September, when the town hosts a dazzling fireworks and lights display.

 

While the Rhine Valley runs all the way to Cologne, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Koblenz and Bingen is arguably the most beautiful stretch and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, the historic Abbey of St. Hildegard of Bingen, Loreley Rock, and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz, or you could just sit back admire the views—think vine-covered mountains, hilltop castles, and riverside medieval towns.

The pristine beaches, lush rain forests, and volcanic topography of St. Lucia make it one of the Caribbean’s most popular islands. It’s also a top destination for cruise passengers, welcoming over 300 cruise ships each year. 

St. Lucia’s small size makes it easy to explore on a half- or full-day shore excursion, either by boat or minivan. Popular destinations include Soufrière, Pigeon Island, and Rodney Bay, and many tours include a photo stop at the twin volcanic spires of the Pitons, a visit to a banana plantation, or a mud bath at the Sulphur Springs. 

Adventurous visitors might consider a Segway or ATV tour, ziplining or riding an aerial tram through the rain forest, hiking the Tet Paul Nature Trail, or chartering a private speedboat to explore the island’s beaches.

Most cruise ships dock in Castries on the island’s northwest coast, either at La Place Carenage, right in the center of town, or at Pointe Seraphine, just across the harbor. From Pointe Seraphine, it’s about a 20-minute walk or a short water-taxi ride into town. Taxis and car rentals are also available at both cruise terminals.

The official language of St. Lucia is English, but many locals also speak Patois. In addition to the Eastern Caribbean dollar—the island’s official currency—most businesses accept American dollars and credit cards. 

The largest church in Goa and the seat of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, this huge white Portuguese Gothic structure was constructed from 1562 to 1619 to commemorate a Portuguese military victory over Goa that was won on the feast of Saint Catherine. Inside, images of the saint adorn the cathedral walls.

 

A monument to Portuguese military might, this gargantuan white edifice contains gorgeous interiors full of religious art and relics. Among these is the Cross of Miracles, where some visitors have had visions of Christ on the cross. The cathedral also houses a bell tower with the largest bell in the state. Many travelers come as part of an organized tour to learn as much as possible about the cathedral’s architecture, artworks, and history.

 

 

St. Catherine’s Cathedral is a popular stop on most tours of Goa that focus on churches or Portuguese colonial history. Those traveling independently will need to get to Old Goa, where the cathedral is located; doing so requires a 20-minute drive or taxi ride from Panaji (the state capital), or about 40 minutes’ drive from Calangute.

The cathedral is open every day, from 7:30am to 6pm. Mass is held in the local language, Konkani, at 5:30am Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; at 7:30am Thursday; and at 5pm Tuesday and Friday. Sunday services take place at 7:20am and 10am, and again at 4pm.

 

Considered a Great Martyr by those following the Eastern Orthodox tradition, St. Catherine was a Christian princess and a scholar who was killed around age 18 at the hands of Emperor Maxentius, a pagan (though some believe her story comes from a revised telling of the story of the pagan Neoplatonic philosopher Hypatia). There are many legends surrounding the saint, and Joan of Arc claims that Catherine visited her in a vision.

Though work on St. Anne’s Cathedral (also known as Belfast Cathedral) began in 1899, many changes and extensions were made during the following decades, culminating in the addition of the Spire of Hope in 2007. The neo-Romanesque structure contains a wealth of decorative features and artworks, including a 150,000-piece glass mosaic.

 

Also known simply as Belfast Cathedral, St. Anne’s Cathedral is one of the city’s main religious monuments. The cathedral is often seen on walking tours of Belfast, and on sightseeing tours of Belfast from Dublin that visit other Northern Ireland highlights, such as the Giant’s Causeway.

 

Visitors typically explore the cathedral with the aid of a guide booklet or audio guide, or as part of a guided tour, covering highlights such as the tomb of Sir Edward Carson, a prominent unionist leader who fought against Irish Home Rule, and the baptistery’s ceiling mosaic, which depicts the story of Creation with some 150,000 artfully arranged pieces of glass.

 

 

St. Anne’s Cathedral is located in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, about 15 minutes’ walk from Belfast City Hall. Many local Metro bus routes stop near the cathedral.

 

If you want to explore the cathedral, it’s best to arrive when services are not in progress, so as not to disturb the congregation. If you want to attend a service, try the 30-minute choral evensong, which takes place Monday to Friday at 5:30pm during months when school is in session.

 

Among the most notable features of the cathedral is the 236-foot (72-meter) spire that pokes up into the sky through a glass portion of roof. The lightweight stainless-steel spire, known as the Spire of Hope, was erected in 2007 as an alternative to a traditional church spire, because the so-called “Belfast sleech” (a soft mixture of sand, gravel, and boulder clay) that lies below the cathedral would not support a heavier ornament.

This London church, with its massive decorated dome, is considered a precursor to the city’s famous St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is one of the finest of architect Christopher Wren’s churches with its Corinthian columns and modern white marble altar designed by sculptor Henry Moore. The altar’s design and placement in the middle of the church was at the time controversial. 

It was constructed from 1672-1679, after the medieval church on which it stands was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. It is an Anglican Parish church steeped in history and tradition and is often named as a jewel of English architecture. The 65 foot dome masterfully supported by columns and arches is celebrated, as is its illumination and use of natural light through strategically placed windows. Many consider it to be one of the most important buildings in England.

The decorative brick towers, rose windows and spires of this flamboyant late-Gothic church were finished in 1501, and today it is one of Old Town’s best-loved landmarks. 

The church was constructed on the site of an earlier wooden church first mentioned in 1394. St Anne's was designed by either Polish architect Michael Enkinger, who built a church of the same name in Warsaw, or the Bohemian Benedikt Rejt, who had a hand in building Prague Castle. Its ornate multi-patterned façade bristles with arcades, arches, flying buttresses and gargoyles.

Inside, the church’s single nave is surprisingly austere, with high vaulted ceilings and plain walls with little adornment except carved wooden pews and lecterns. Much of the original stained glass was destroyed by Napoleon’s troops when they were stationed here in 1812, despite the apocryphal tale that he apparently loved the church so much he wanted to "carry it home in the palm of his hand."

The freestanding, clumsy Neo-Gothic bell tower to the right of the main entrance to St Anne’s was an afterthought added in 1873; the church close by is St Francis and St Bernadine; together the three buildings comprise the Bernadine Priory.

The striking Cathedral of Notre-Dame might be Strasbourg’s most famous religious building, but the comparatively modest St Thomas Church still stands out as one of the city’s most unique designs. Combining its 12th-century Romanesque façade with Gothic touches added in the 16th century, the protestant church appears more like a castle than a church and boasts five naves and a single tower. 

Inside the church, notable highlights include a 10-meter-tall fresco of Saint Michael; an 18th-century Silbermann organ, famously played by Mozart; and an impressive collection of 18th and 19th-century tombs, including the elaborate Marshal of Saxony mausoleum, the work of legendary sculptor J.B. Pigalle.

Built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for Henry III, St James' Palace is one of London’s oldest official royal residences, playing host to iconic royals such as Anne Boleyn and Princess Diana over the years. The striking Tudor palace is unmistakable, with its bold, red-brick façade and castle-like gatehouse, and continues to house members of the royal family and host formal functions.

Although the interior is never open to the public, St James’ Palace remains a popular destination for walking tours, just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and looking out over St James Park. It's also notable as the starting point of the famous Changing of the Guards ceremony, with the Queen’s Guard lining up outside before marching down The Mall to Buckingham Palace.

St. John’s Cathedral dates back to the early 1800s and is the oldest Anglican church in Central America. The cathedral, located in Belize City, is not only a place where the congregation still celebrates their faith, but it also has a big historical influence due to its colonial past. When the colonial empires fought over control of what was back then known as British Honduras, the cathedral was built by slave labor over eight years. Painstakingly, with bricks brought on ships all the way from Europe. The façade looks humble, but it just so happens that this little Anglican church is the only place outside of England, where real kings were crowned.

Four kings of the Indian Miskito tribe, which inhabited the Mosquito coast, were coronated with full British ceremonial pomp that rivaled the kingly ceremonies back in London. Of course, the Mosquito Kings were an effort by the British to keep the tribe on their good side and protect power, land and wealth from the rivaling Spanish invaders. The attempt was short-lived, but today you can still delve into some unique royal history and admire the beautiful stained glass windows, the mahogany pews and the antique organ. 

With intricate tracery, pointed spires, stone gargoyles, and a trumpet-playing golden angel on top, this cathedral boasts an extravagant neo-Gothic design. The interior features marble mosaics, stained glass, ornate sculptures, and a cannonball from the 17th-century Siege of Cork.

 

St. Fin Barre’s is one of the most striking buildings in the city of Cork. The cathedral is often seen from the outside on city sightseeing tours. Visitors who arrive on day tours from Dublin usually get to see the cathedral along with other nearby attractions, such as the English Market and Blarney Castle. Inside the cathedral, guides are on hand to assist visitors.

 

 

St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is located southwest of the city center. The easiest way to get there is on foot. Walking from Grand Parade will take around 10 minutes.

 

The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday, from 9:30am to 5:30pm, and Sunday afternoons from 1pm to 2:30pm and 4:30 to 5pm between April and November. Go first thing in the morning to experience the cathedral at its quietest.

 

Visitors will find several other religious buildings of note in Cork. St. Peter and Paul’s Church is one of the main Catholic centers of worship, while the 18th-century St. Anne’s Church, home to the famous bells of Shandon, is one of the most visited. About 30 minutes’ drive from the city center lies Cobh Cathedral, an imposing neo-Gothic structure perched on a hill overlooking the small harbor town of Cobh.

Topped by soaring domes and spires, the Basilica of Saint Anthony is the most important church in Padua and is visited by pilgrims from across the globe. With its mix of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic architecture, and rounded domes reminiscent of St. Mark’s Basilica in nearby Venice, this church is one of Padua’s top attractions.

 

Built during the 13th century, the Basilica of Saint Anthony includes in its design the small pre-existing church where St. Anthony was buried. Inside, notable artworks include 14th-century frescoes by Altichiero da Zevio, an ornate 16th-century candelabrum by Andrea Briosco, and bronze statues by Donatello. Saint Anthony’s body was originally entombed in the Madonna Mora Chapel; today his tongue and jaw bone are displayed in elaborate gold reliquaries, and the rest of his remains are in the Chapel of St. Anthony.

 

The basilica is included in small-group Padua tours or day trips from nearby Venice, along with other main attractions in Padua like the Scrovegni Chapel—with frescoes by Giotto—and elegant Prato della Valle square.

 

 

The Basilica of Saint Anthony is in Padua’s historic center, an easy walk from the city’s train station and main Prato della Valle square.

 

The feast day of Saint Anthony is celebrated each year on June 13 with special Masses and services. Pilgrims from across the world gather at Padua’s basilica to honor the beloved Franciscan friar, making the month of June a crowded but special time to visit the basilica.

 

In addition to the church, you can tour the adjacent Franciscan Friary and its five cloisters: the Paradise Cloister, the Novitiate Cloister, the Magnolia Cloister, the General Cloister, and the Museum (or Blessed Luke Belludi) Cloister. From the Museum Cloister, you can tour the basilica’s Anthonian Museum and the Museum of Popular Devotion; in the General Cloister, you can see a Multimedia Exhibition on the life of St. Anthony.

Named after the patron saint of Normandy and built by the Normans at the turn of the 12th century, St. Audoen’s Church is one of the oldest medieval churches in Dublin. An often overlooked historical gem, the church—part of which lies in ruins and part of which has been restored—offers insight into life in medieval Dublin.

 

Visitors can explore the church independently or join one of the 30-minute guided tours that depart throughout the day from the church’s visitor center. Guides reveal the long and fascinating history of the building and share stories about ghost sightings that have been reported here. The church is also often visited on ghost tours of Dublin.

 

 

You’ll find St. Audoen’s Church in the Liberties, a historic part of the city that is also home to the Guinness Storehouse, Christ Church Cathedral, and Dublinia. The church is about 15 minutes’ walk from Grafton Street. Dublin Bus routes 13, 40, 123, and 747 all stop nearby.

 

The church is open to the public between mid-April and late October. Despite its status as the longest-operating church in Dublin, St. Audoen’s is not well-known among tourists. This means that even during the peak visitor months of July and August, this sight is rarely crowded.

 

From a narrow alley around the side of the church, steps lead down to Cook Street and the sole surviving gate from the original Dublin city walls, which were erected to protect the citizens of medieval Dublin. The church’s porch is also home to a ninth-century gravestone known as the Lucky Stone. During medieval times, worshippers are said to have touched the stone, believing it could bring good fortune.

St. Sophia’s is Kiev’s oldest Orthodox cathedral, commissioned in 1037 by the scholarly Prince Yaroslav the Wise to give thanks for a military victory that lead to peace in Ukraine and a period of great cultural flowering. With 13 domed cupolas, all topped with green and gold, the cathedral was built next to his palace and had an interior of incredible lavishness, covered with Byzantine frescoes, mosaics and gilded ornamentation. As well as being a place of worship, it acted as a political meeting place for diplomatic negotiations and hosted the first school and library of the fledgling Kyivan Rus, a loose political federation of today’s Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. Much added to and altered over the centuries, the complex survived fires and political unrest; the magical turquoise, white and gold bell tower was added in 1752 and the cathedral exterior underwent a Baroque facelift in the mid 19th century. Under Soviet occupation the cathedral was nearly torn down and replaced with a memorial park but miraculously those plans were scrapped. Amazingly the original 11th-century interiors and frescoes have remained largely intact and among the Biblical scenes portrayed on the walls are portraits of Prince Yaroslav’s family as well as secular images of jugglers, musicians and acrobats. 

Now UNESCO World Heritage-listed, St Sophia’s and its grounds are one of Kiev’s most impressive visitor attractions; a small museum of Ukrainian history is found in the 18th-century refectory, where highlights include models of the medieval city and fragments of mosaic from the cathedral.