Old Town

Kutná Hora in Czech Republic (St Barbara's Church)

Kutná Hora | Czech Republic

Kutná Hora in the Czech Republic is located only 51 kilometers from Prague. For centuries it even competed for supremacy with the capital of modern

Ponte Vecchio by night in Florence, Italy

Ponte Vecchio in Florence | Italy

Florence’s Ponte Vecchio or “Old Bridge” was probably one of the first bridges spanning the Arno River. Its history is therefore not straightforward. It was

Al Thakhira Mosque near Al Khor; Qatar

Al Thakhira Mosque | Qatar

The mosque located in the town of Al Thakhira is one of the oldest historical monuments in Qatar. The town itself is located just outside

Al Zubarah Fort in Qatar with Qatari man

Al Zubarah Fort | Qatar

Al Zubarah Fort is located in the ancient city of Al Zubara, whose history is closely linked to pearl fishing in this area of Qatar.

Souq Waqif traditional market - Doha; Qatar

Souq Waqif – Doha | Qatar

If you visit Doha, there’s no chance you won’t see the new West Bay city center. Keep in mind, however, that the “real Qatar” is

Picture of Kotor Northern Gate, taken just before sunrise.

Kotor Northern Gate before sunrise | Kotor, Montenegro

Built in the 16th century as a memory of Kotor’s victory over the well-known Turkish admiral Hajrudin Barbarosa, it’s impressive that the Northern Gate is still in excellent condition. As typical for medieval times construction, next to the Kotor Northern Gate there is a moat with turquoise water. I chose this spot in the valley under Saint John’s Hill for my photo session because it offers a clear view to Kotor Fortress.

Picture of the Kotor Fortress in Montenegro.

Kotor Fortress From St. John’s Hill | Kotor, Montenegro

The entire complex of towers, gates, ramparts, etc., together with the Castle of San Giovanni and Kotor Old Town is part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1979. Unfortunately, Kotor Fortress has been damaged by several severe earthquakes but also because of erosion. If you plan to climb up St. John’s Hill in order to reach the Fortress, be very careful and watch your steps.

Picture of the Kotor Cathedral, taken just before sunrise.

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon | Kotor, Montenegro

We visited this Adriatic Sea port right after New Year Eve, which explains the festive lights on the buildings. Consecrated in 1166, the Kotor Cathedral was built in honor of Saint Tryphon, who is considered by the locals as the patron and protector of the city. Before that, in the 10th century, an older church existed there. It has been keeping Saint Tryphon’s remains.

View on the Bamberg Old Town Hall (Bamberger Rathaus) in Franconia at Night

The view on the Old Town of Bamberg | Bamberg, Germany

The Old Town of the university town Bamberg is the largest preserved historical city centre in Germany and is source of many myths and legends. Beside the impressive Bamberg Cathedral, the very famous „little Venice“ and all the small and crooked alleys, one of my favourite buildings is the Old Town Hall. But it is not just an ordinary Town Hall, as you find it in any other city, Bamberg’s Old Town Hall was built in the middle of the river Regnitz.

Prague Royal Way with Old Town and Castle

Royal Way | Prague, Czech Republic

The path from the Republic Square up to the St. Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle is known as the royal way of Prague. For centuries this was the way that had to be taken by the Bohemian kings to be crowned in St. Vitus Cathedral. Since in 1836 the last king was crowned in Bohemia, nowadays the Royal Way is just a tourist attraction – but one well worth seeing!

Dresden Golden Alley in the Old Town

Through the Golden Alleys | Dresden, Germany

On the way back from the Frauenkirche to the opera I had already everything what I wanted captured on memory card and could slow down – until I turned around. Then I saw the dome of the Frauenkirche shine over the golden alleys of Dresden. So just one last photo before running back to the train station…

Bamberg Old Town Hall with deep blue sky

Old Town Hall | Bamberg, Germany

The Old Town Hall is for me the most remarkable building in Bamberg. It was built in the 15th century in the middle of the Regnitz River and for a long time marked the border between the clerical, bishop-led Bamberg and the civil town center. Not affected by the war it was solely the river that damaged the town hall several times.