Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around
ShowingFilter 81-100 of 5104 listings.
Alive Museum Insadong
Be sure to pack a fully charged camera when visiting the Alive Museum in Seoul, since the collection of “trick art” will have you snapping away for hours at the creative optical illusions. Watch as a waterfall spills off the wall and Spiderman dangles from the ceiling, or stroll the red carpet with your favorite celebrities before playing tennis against Marilyn Monroe. Laugh as a giraffe tickles your hand with its tongue, or you gallop away on a horse, but not before climbing into a huge mug of beer and swimming inside the foam. This is definitely a place for fun-loving travelers, and the level of creativity inside this museum is as fascinating as the pieces themselves. This type of art, called object art, creates a 4D experience that lets you place yourself in the middle of the pictures, and is a fun excursion for travelers of all ages—particularly families and couples.
Insider Tip: Try to visit early in the morning before the museum is too crowded, so you don’t have to deal with as many people when trying to frame your photos.
Practical Info
The Alive Museum is located on the basement level of the Ssamziegil shopping complex in Insa-dong. It’s best accessed by riding the metro, and expect to spend between 1-2 hours.
Address: 12 Insadong, Jongno, Seoul, South Korea
Hours: 9am-10:30pm daily. Last admission is 9:30pm.
Admission: About $10 for adults and $8 for children
From $ 8
Alexandrinsky Theatre
Also known as Russian State Pushkin Academy Drama Theater, the Alexandrinsky Theater opened in 1832 and is the home of the oldest theater company in Russia. It is one of the most famous theaters in St. Petersburg, second only to the historic Mariinsky Theater. The theater building is also considered to be one of the finest works of architect Carlo Rossi. However, inside the theater, only carvings on the Tsar’s Box and a few other boxes remain from Rossi’s original design.
Named after Empress consort Alexandra Feodorovna, the theater was one of the largest in Europe when it opened, with space for an audience of nearly 1400. It has been the site of the premieres of many of the top Russian dramas, including the works of Alexander Griboedov, Alexander Ostrovsky and Anton Chekhov.
Practical Info
The Alexandrinsky Theater is located on Nevsky Prospekt between the National Library of Russia and Anichkov Palace. The nearest Metro station is at Gostiny Dvor. To reach to theater from the Metro, turn right from the main exit along Nevsky Prospekt and cross Sadovaya Ulitsa using the pedestrian underpass. Turn right on Ostrovsky Square and the theater is at the end of the square.
Address: 2 Ostrovsky Square, St. Petersburg, Russia
Hours: Most evening performances begin at 7 or 7:30 p.m. Matinees may begin at 11:30, 1:30 or 3:00.
Admission: tickets as low as 200-300 rubles
From $ 32
Aldwych Theatre
Since opening its doors in 1905 in the heart of London’s West End theater district, the historic Aldwych Theatre has hosted some of the city’s most compelling plays and musicals, including recent hits such as Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind, Fame, and Dirty Dancing.
Built in 1905 to the design of architect W.G.R. Sprague, the grand Baroque theatre is now a Grade II listed building, with a 1,200-seat auditorium spread over three levels. The theatre made its mark on London’s West End in the 1960s and 70s, when it became the temporary home of the Royal Shakespeare Company and staged various RSC productions including The Wars of the Roses, The Greeks, and Nicholas Nickleby. Most recently, it’s been the London home of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
Practical Info
Aldwych Theatre is located on Aldwych Street in London’s West End theater district, just a short stroll from Covent Garden.
Did You Know? The first London production of Tennessee William’s classic ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ was directed at the Aldwych Theatre by Laurence Oliver in 1949, starring Vivien Leigh as Blanche DuBois.
Address: 49 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF, England
Hours: Daily depending on show times
Admission: Show ticket prices vary
From $ 117
All England Lawn Tennis Club
Ranking among England’s most renowned and extravagant sporting venues, the All England Lawn Tennis Club is best known for hosting the prestigious Wimbledon Tennis Championships, the world’s oldest tennis tournament. The star event draws up to 500,000 spectators to the venue each summer and is famously attended by the Queen and the royal family, but even if you don’t snag tickets for the championships, you can still explore the impressive 42-acre grounds and visit the onsite Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, which are open all year round.
The All England Lawn Tennis Club is open to the public by guided tour, offering the chance to see the iconic Centre Court and No.1 Court, peek into the Press Interview Room and Millennium Building, and admire the views from the Picnic Terraces and Water Gardens, before discovering the history of the sport at the interactive museum.
Practical Info
The All England Lawn Tennis Club is located in Wimbledon, southwest London. The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm and adult admission is £12.
Address: Church Rd, Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom SW19 5AE, England
Admission: £12
From $ 32
Alexandria
Egypt's second-largest city, Alexandria, occupies 20 miles of the coast along the Mediterranean Sea. It's an understandably enormous and thriving port, but it's more than just a working city–there are tourist attractions aplenty here, too.
Although very few of the oldest parts of Alexandria are visible today, there are many ancient sights to see. You'll find ancient Roman ruins, including an amphitheater and baths, as well as catacombs beneath the city. There are also remains of a third-century B.C.E. temple that's believed to be Cleopatra's burial spot. The city was once home to what was believed to be the world's largest library, and a modern one is now meant to represent that ancient monument.
You can trace Alexandria's history right through to the present day through structures built during nearly every architectural age, and archaeologists continue to rediscover ancient pieces of the city's past. Alexandria is also a major tourist haven during the summer months, when visitors flock to its many beaches.
Practical Info
Alexandria is Egypt's largest port, roughly 136 miles from Cairo, with a population of more than 4 million people.
Address: Alexandria, Egypt
From $ 29
Allianz Parque
Hailed by many as the best stadium in São Paulo, Allianz Parque is a multipurpose arena in the West Zone of the city. Inaugurated in November 2014, the stadium holds up to 48,000 spectators and has been recognized with awards from some of Latin America's most prestigious architectural reviews. The modern, sleek design, paired with impeccable upkeep, make it a São Paulo landmark and many locals' preferred venue for concerts, soccer and other sports competitions.
The home stadium of São Paulo's Palmeiras Football Club, the world-class venue welcomes visitors who can usually catch a Palmeiras match on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons. To experience Brazil's legendary soccer fans at their most animated, try to get tickets behind the goal, or, to observe from a calmer perspective, opt for somewhere in the center. Allianz Parque also holds large concerts, having hosted the likes of Paul McCartney, Coldplay and Katy Perry.
Practical Info
Allianz Parque Stadium is located at Avenida Francisco Matarazzo, 1705 in the Agua Branca neighborhood, near Palmeiras/Barra Funda metro station.
Address: Avenida Francisco Matarazzo, 1705 – Agua Branca, São Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Varies by game or event
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Alcoy
Some 66,000 people call the rocky hillsides of the municipality known as Alcoy home. Its deep historic roots which date back more than 60,000 years draw travelers in search of connecting to an earlier time. Ancient rock paintings near la Sarga and Iberian settlement ruins are part of what makes Alcoy a unique destination.
In addition to shadowy caves and plains dotted with Greco-Roman pottery fragments, the city is home to a number of significant architectural structures. The Barchell Castle, hermitage of St. Anthony the Abbot, the Archeological Museum and the convent of Sant Agusti are all popular stops on a tour of the past in scenic Alcoy.
Practical Info
While there’s plenty to see in Alcoy any time of year, the Moros y Cristianos festival in April proves the most interesting and unique time to visit. Festivities include an impressive parade, Medieval costumes and several days’ worth of events.
Address: Alcoy, Spain
From $ 197
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
One of the most well-known landmarks in Sofia, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built to commemorate the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish War, fighting for Bulgaria’s independence. Completed in 1924, it was named after a medieval Russian ruler, Prince Alexander Nevsky of Novgorod, and modeled after Russian neo-Byzantine churches.
The exterior of the cathedral is made of pale Bulgarian limestone, and it is topped with gold-plated domes. Inside, you will find hundreds of flickering candles illuminating a decadent interior. Look for the Mosaic of Christ, Tsar Ferdinand’s throne, the iconostasis made of marble, onyx and alabaster and the many frescoes covering the church’s dome.
Head down to the crypt to visit the cathedral’s Icon gallery, which features icons from 12th through 19th centuries and boasts the most impressive collection of religious art in Bulgaria.
Practical Info
Alexander Nevksy Cathedral is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. between November and February and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. between March and October. Admission is free. The crypt is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, and admission is 6 lev for adults. The cathedral is within easy walking distance from the center of Sofia and near the Sveti Kliment Ohridski Metro station. It can also be reached by bus numbers 9, 280 or 306 and by trolleys 1, 2, 4, 9 and 11.
Address: Aleksander Nevski Square, Sofia, Bulgaria
Hours: Vary
From $ 21
Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz remains the largest urban square in all of Germany and is a central meeting place in Berlin, located in the Mitte District. At its center is the large railway station (Alexanderplatz) with connections to many subway (U-Bahn), tramway (Strassenbahn), city trains (S-Bahn) and buses.
Named after the Russian Czar Alexander I, who visited the capital of Prussia in 1805, "Alex" became a traffic hub when a train station was established there in 1882.
Alexanderplatz took on its present form in the 1960’s after being ravaged in World War II. After the war it became the center of East-Berlin and used as a showcase of socialist architecture. This resulted in some unattractive buildings like the former Centrum department store and the Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower). In 1969 two more monuments were added to the square, the Weltzeituhr (World Time Clock) by Erich John and the Fountain of International Friendship.
The Fountain of International Friendship is a circular fountain; at its center is a modern structure that consists of a series of basins along which water flows down.
The square was known to be one of the least attractive from an architectural point of view, so the city of Berlin commissioned an architectural competition which was won by Hans Kohlhoff (one of the architects who designed Potsdamer Platz). The plan resulted in a complete redevelopment of the square, as well as the renovation and reconstruction of surrounding buildings.
If you look up, socialist art adorns a number of the buildings surrounding the square, created by artist Walter Womacka.
Named after the Russian Czar Alexander I, who visited the capital of Prussia in 1805, "Alex" became a traffic hub when a train station was established there in 1882.
Alexanderplatz took on its present form in the 1960’s after being ravaged in World War II. After the war it became the center of East-Berlin and used as a showcase of socialist architecture. This resulted in some unattractive buildings like the former Centrum department store and the Berliner Fernsehturm (TV Tower). In 1969 two more monuments were added to the square, the Weltzeituhr (World Time Clock) by Erich John and the Fountain of International Friendship.
The Fountain of International Friendship is a circular fountain; at its center is a modern structure that consists of a series of basins along which water flows down.
The square was known to be one of the least attractive from an architectural point of view, so the city of Berlin commissioned an architectural competition which was won by Hans Kohlhoff (one of the architects who designed Potsdamer Platz). The plan resulted in a complete redevelopment of the square, as well as the renovation and reconstruction of surrounding buildings.
If you look up, socialist art adorns a number of the buildings surrounding the square, created by artist Walter Womacka.
Address: Alexanderplatz, Berlin 10178, Germany
From $ 13
Alfama
Sprawling down the southern slopes of Lisbon, Alfama is the capital’s oldest and most picturesque district with steep cobblestone lanes and a sea of terracotta roofs. Head there in the day to take in the sights, browse the flea market, and ride the historic tram, then come back after dark to soak up the atmosphere at the many fado bars.
The Basics
The colorful Alfama neighborhood is a highlight of any Lisbon sightseeing tour, and the maze-like quarter is best explored on a walking tour. For an even more unforgettable experience, ride the famous Tram 28 up the hill, zip around on a Segway tour, take in the views from afar on a Tagus River cruise, or attend an evening fado show with dinner.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear comfortable shoes, as steep sidewalks and cobblestone lanes are the norm in the Alfama district.
- Getting around Alfama can be tricky for wheelchair users, so it’s best to book a taxi or join a tour.
How to Get There
The Alfama district is located around 2 miles (3 kilometers) south of downtown Lisbon, on the Tagus riverside. The easiest way to get there is to catch the No. 28 tram from Martim Moniz Square.
When to Get There
Alfama is a lively place to visit at any time of the day or night, but the most atmospheric time to explore is around sunset, when the district’s many bars, cafés, and fado restaurants spring to life. It can be busy during the summer months, so get an early start to avoid the crowds.
A Walking Tour of Alfama
Start your tour by riding Tram 28 up to the Miradouro da Graca, then walk down, stopping to admire the views from the Portas do Sol viewpoint, the Sao Jorge castle, and the National Pantheon. After browsing the stalls at the Feira da Ladra flea market, learn more about Portugal’s renowned folk music at the Fado Museum, and pay a visit to the Lisbon Cathedral, St. Anthony’s Church, and Sao Vicente de Fora church.
Address: Largo do Chao da Feira, Lisbon 1100-129, Portugal
Admission: Free
From $ 6
Alicante Town Hall
Visitors will likely hear the iconic bells of Alicante Town Hall chime every 15 minutes while wandering throughout the town. This famous baroque-style building holds court in the center of one of the city’s many squares is a destination all its own, thanks to ornate architecture and displays of ancient ruins.
A replica of a well-known Dali sculpture greets travelers as they enter the first floor of Town Hall and several rooms on the second floor showcase historical exhibits about the building and city history. Dozens of cafes are within easy walking distance of the square and make for a perfect place to grab coffee, a drink or a scoop of ice cream and settle into the local scene to watch as people wander by.
Practical Info
Alicante Town Hall is located in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Entrance is free.
Address: Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Alicante, Spain
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
From $ 29
Alive Museum
Sprawled over a huge area on the third floor of Suntec City's Towers 3 and 4, the Alive Museum is billed as Singapore's largest 3D visual attraction. Less of a museum and more of a series of interactive optical illusions, the Alive Museum is filled with over 80 trick art, digital art, experimental art, and object art installations.
With a focus on creating a fun and interactive 3D experience, the concept of the Alive Museum originated in Korea, with each piece of art being conceptualised and hand-painted in Korea or Singapore. Visitors are invited to get involved and become a part of each installation across the different areas of the museum, where 3D painting techniques combine with mechanical and digital technologies to create illusionary images.
The Alive Museum is a huge attraction for visitors to Singapore, who go not only for the visual experience in itself, but for the opportunity to get their cameras and smartphones out to take the ultimate selfies.
Practical Info
The Alive Museum is open daily from 10am until 10pm, with last admissions being at 9pm. Adult tickets cost $25 SGD and child tickets (aged 3-12 years) are $20 SGD. A deal for two adults and one child is available for $60 SGD. The museum is located at the Suntec City Mall, which can be easily reached by alighting at both Esplanade and Promenade MRT stations.
Address: 3 Temasek Blvd (Suntec City Mall), Singapore
Hours: Daily 10am until 10pm
Admission: Adults: $25 SGD; Child (3-12 years) $20 SGD.
From $ 30
Alishan National Scenic Area
Watching the sunrise over the Alishan National Scenic Area feels like being in a dream—thick white clouds cover the valley below and towering mountaintops look like tiny islands in an endless ocean. It’s worth visiting during the day too, with treetop boardwalks, forests, and temples making for incredible photos.
The Basics
A visit to the Alishan National Scenic Area is one of the main attractions of central Taiwan and a popular day trip destination from Chiayi or Taichung. Multi-day tours from Taipei often combine a tour of Alishan with regional sights, such as Sun Moon Lake and Puli.
To make the most of your visit, start early and ride the historic Alishan Forest Railway to Chushan to watch the sunrise. Additional highlights include a hike through the forests to the Sister Ponds and the Sacred Tree, the Giant Tree Plank Trail boardwalk, and the Shoujhen Temple, the area’s largest temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an admission fee to enter the Alishan National Scenic Area.
- Pack comfortable shoes, warm clothing (it can be chilly up in the mountains even in summer), mosquito repellent, and a raincoat.
- Tickets for the Alishan Forest Train must be booked in advance and can sell out weeks in advance during peak season (July–August).
- Many viewing areas are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Alishan National Scenic Area is in Chiayi County in central Taiwan. Take a high-speed rail train from Taipei to Chiayi. Then, take a bus, taxi, or the famous Alishan Forest Railway (one departure daily) to Fenqihu, where direct buses run to Alishan. From Alishan Train Station, various routes of the Alishan Forest Railway run into the park, including the sunrise train to Chushan (book your tickets the day before (times are announced daily).
When to Get There
It’s possible to visit the Alishan National Scenic Area year-round. Summer (July–August) is the busiest season, when it’s worth booking train tickets, tours, and accommodation well in advance. Autumn (September–November) is a particularly enchanting time to visit, when the multihued trees fill the landscapes with color.
Alishan Tea
Alishan’s misty high-altitude mountains provide the perfect terrain for growing Oolong tea, and the region is home to numerous tea plantations. The tea, which is irrigated using pure mountain spring water and harvested by hand, is renowned for its sweet, floral flavor and being rich in antioxidants. Alishan Tea is sold worldwide, and many teahouses and restaurants in the Alishan area can offer you a freshly brewed cup to sample.
Address: Taiwan
From $ 423
Alicante Port
As one of Spain’s most popular Mediterranean resorts and the gateway to the famous Costa Blanca, Alicante has long been an important cruise destination, with an average 88,000 cruise passengers passing through its port each year.
Built around a natural harbor, Alicante Port is ideally situated for visitors, linked to the city by the scenic Esplanada de Espana and just minutes’ walk from top attractions like the Castillo de Santa Barbara, the Santa Maria Basilica and El Postiguet Beach.
Practical Info
Alicante Port is located 2km south of downtown Alicante.
Address: Alicante, Spain
From $ 29
Al-Hakim Mosque
Often lost in Cairo's electrifying presence, Al-Hakim, one of Egypt's lesser-known mosques, was built under a ruler who could have changed the world. Completed in 1012 A.D., the second-largest Fatimid mosque in Cairo with the city's two oldest surviving minarets came into existence after Al-Hakim Be'amr Allah took the throne at age 11. Al-Hakim quickly became an arrogant and savage ruler, who, at age 15, had his tutor assassinated. He later ordered the burning of several buildings after his people rejected some of his more audacious laws, including the requirement that people use his name instead of Allah's in prayer and forbidding the manufacture of women’s shoes so that women could subsequently not leave their homes.
There were some merits to Al-Hakim's rule, however; the most profound being his attempt to make reality out of a dream that came to him one night, a dream of uniting the faiths of Islam and Christianity. Unfortunately, once Al-Hakim began spreading his message of tolerance and harmony through Egypt, his people rebelled, and he was soon murdered by a group of slaves. His body was never found, but his mosque lives on as a symbol of a violent character who tried to spread peace.
Practical Info
Al-Hakim Mosque is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., although it does close for prayers. It is located in the Al-Azhar area, also known as El Hussein Square, in Cairo's Islamic district near the famous Khan el-Khalili souk. Visitors can take a taxi directly to the mosque or the metro to the nearby Al Attaba stop before asking someone to point out the mosque. Men, women and children must dress modestly inside the mosque and on the grounds; women must cover their heads, and everyone must take off their shoes before entering.
Address: Al Moez Ldin Allah Al Fatmi, Qism El-Gamaleya, Cairo, Egypt
Hours: Daily 8am-4pm (closed for prayers)
From $ 16
Alexander Garden
Just west of the Kremlin, the Alexander Garden was laid out between 1819 and 1823 in an effort by Tsar Alexander I to rebuild Moscow after the end of the Napoleonic Wars. One of the first urban public parks in Moscow, it was built on the site of the riverbed of the Neglinnaya River, which was channeled underground.
The garden actually includes three separate gardens, which stretch all along the western wall of the Kremlin, but the Upper Garden is of most interest to visitors. It includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which contains the remains of a soldier killed in World War II. A faux ruined grotto was built underneath the Middle Arsenal Tower in 1841, and a large granite obelisk was erected in 1914 to celebrate the tercentenary of the Romanov dynasty. While it was originally engraved with the names of the Romanov tsars, the Bolsheviks re-carved it with names of socialist and communist philosophers and political leaders.
In the Middle Garden stands the Kutafiya Tower, the most prominent feature of the garden. This is also where you will find ticket booths for the Kremlin. The Lower Garden was the last to be laid out and stretches to the road to the Borovitskaya Tower, one of two entrances to the Kremlin.
Practical Info
The Alexander Garden is walkable from hotels in the center of Moscow or is accessible from the Alexandrovksy Sad or Biblioteka imeni Lenina Metro stations. The garden is open year-round and is free of charge.
Address: Alexander's Garden, Moscow, Russia
From $ 36
Alexandria National Museum
With three floors of exhibitions and some 1,800 artifacts on display, the Alexandria National Museum offers a fascinating introduction to the city's rich history. Housed in the impressively restored Al-Saad Bassili Pasha Palace, the exhibitions present a chronological journey through time, with artifacts from Egypt's four ages: Ancient, Greco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic.
Highlights include a sphinx found at Aboukir, a large collection of antique coins, a dazzling array of royal jewels, and portraits of pharaohs Menkaure, Akhenaten, and Hatshepsut. In addition, another section is devoted to artifacts found underwater along Alexandria's coast, including statues of Venus and a Roman replica of the head of Alexander the Great.
Practical Info
The Alexandria National Museum is located on El Horreya Rd in central Alexandria and is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm. Adult admission costs E£40.
Address: 110 El Horreya Rd, Alexandria, Egypt
Hours: Daily 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adult: E£40; Student: E£25
From $ 115
Aling-Aling Waterfall
One of north Bali’s most striking waterfalls, Aling-Aling tumbles around 98 feet (30 meters) down a cliff in a twin stream. Aling-Aling is sacred, so it’s forbidden to swimming in the pool, but around it several smaller waterfalls offer adventurers cliff jumps and natural slides. These include Kembar, Kroya, and Pucuk.
The Basics
There is a token charge to see Aling-Aling waterfall and a fee to hire a (compulsory) guide to trek to the other waterfalls around Sambangan and brave the cliff jumps and slides. Most Aling-Aling waterfall tours are cliff-jumping tours and include a guide to help you navigate the leaps and slides safely. At heights of up to 49 feet (15 meters), these are not for the faint-hearted.
A few north Bali tours stop at the main Aling-Aling falls only, without the cliff-jumping element. These include waterfall tours sometimes also feature cascades such as Git-Git and Sekumpul.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Adrenaline junkies appreciate the back-to-nature thrills of cliff-jumping around Aling-Aling.
- Don’t forget waterproof sunscreen; even on an overcast day, the Balinese sun is hot.
- As the falls can push you below the water, lifejackets are recommended even for strong swimmers.
- Cliff-jumping is not recommended for children or those with health problems as you have to leap quite some distance to clear the higher falls.
- You can trek through the network of falls without cliff-jumping, but a guide is still recommended.
How to Get There
The Aling-Aling network of waterfalls sits near the village of Sambangan around five miles (eight kilometers) south of north Bali’s biggest town, Singaraja. Public transport is limited, and the main road is not a beginner’s drive, so most travelers opt to either charter a private car and driver or join an organized cliff-jumping tour or private tour.
When to Get There
The main Aling-Aling waterfall, like all Balinese waterfalls, is at its most picturesque during the wet season (roughly October to April), when it’s full of water. However, cliff-jumping is safer during the dry season (roughly May to September), when the flow is less intense. Heavy rains may mean cutting short a tour.
North Bali’s Waterfalls
Waterfalls are one of north Bali’s signature attractions, from the falls around Munduk in the highlands to tumbling cascades such as Git-Git, Sekumpul, and Aling-Aling towards the coast. Many north Bali waterfall tours involve a degree of physical activity, be that trekking, swimming, sliding, cliff-jumping, or canyoning, but many falls are sacred and should be treated with respect.
Address: Desa Sambangan, Buleleng, Singaraja, Bali, Indonesia, Indonesia
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
Alcobaça
Alcobaça is a pleasant town with a jumble of medieval and modern architecture and a largely pedestrianized center, but its main attraction is undoubtedly Portugal’s first monastery, founded here by the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques, in 1153. Today the magical Cistercian monastery of Santa Maria is UNESCO World Heritage-listed thanks to its peerless Gothic architecture – it was the first public building in Portugal to adopt the Gothic style.
Just to the left of the church doorway, the Hall of Kings is elaborately decorated with azulejo tiles depicting the history of the monastery up until the 18th century plus a cluster of royal statues in various states of repair. The massive Gothic church at the heart of the complex is an ocher-stone fantasia of flying buttresses, ornate roundels, lacy stone carving and statuary topped with two intricate bell towers.
The long wings that flank the church are much simpler in design, as is its barn-like interior, with unadorned pillars, a plain vaulted roof and bare walls. Simple it may be, but the nave is Portugal’s longest, at 330 feet (100 m). The pair of ornate tombs in the transept belong to King Pedro I and his murdered mistress Ines de Castro; other Portuguese monarchs buried here include kings Alfonso II and III, who are laid to rest in the Chapel of St Bernard, dedicated to the patron saint of the Cistercian order.
Access to the monastery from the church is through the vast three-tiered Cloister of Silence, which is planted with orange trees and contains an ancient fountain that once saw duty as washroom to the monks. It is one of three cloisters surrounded by the monks’ sparse refectory, dormitories and kitchens, which are decorated with traditional blue-and-white tiles.
Just to the left of the church doorway, the Hall of Kings is elaborately decorated with azulejo tiles depicting the history of the monastery up until the 18th century plus a cluster of royal statues in various states of repair. The massive Gothic church at the heart of the complex is an ocher-stone fantasia of flying buttresses, ornate roundels, lacy stone carving and statuary topped with two intricate bell towers.
The long wings that flank the church are much simpler in design, as is its barn-like interior, with unadorned pillars, a plain vaulted roof and bare walls. Simple it may be, but the nave is Portugal’s longest, at 330 feet (100 m). The pair of ornate tombs in the transept belong to King Pedro I and his murdered mistress Ines de Castro; other Portuguese monarchs buried here include kings Alfonso II and III, who are laid to rest in the Chapel of St Bernard, dedicated to the patron saint of the Cistercian order.
Access to the monastery from the church is through the vast three-tiered Cloister of Silence, which is planted with orange trees and contains an ancient fountain that once saw duty as washroom to the monks. It is one of three cloisters surrounded by the monks’ sparse refectory, dormitories and kitchens, which are decorated with traditional blue-and-white tiles.
Practical Information
Alcobaça is 80 minutes north of Lisbon up the A8
and N8-5. There is a large car park a 10-minute walk away from the
monastery on the edge of town. A visit can easily be combined with lunch
in one of the delightful fish restaurants at Nazaré, 20 minutes away on
the Atlantic coast.
Address: Alcobaça, Portugal
From $ 54
Alexander Nevsky Lavra Monastery
Founded by Peter the Great in 1710 to commemorate the Russian military leader who stopped the advance of the Germans and Swedes in the 13th century, the Alexander Nevsky Monastery (Александро-Невская лавра) is not just a tribute and final resting place to one of Russia’s great leaders, but home to many of Russia’s historical icons.
Upon entrance through the main gate you will notice the Lazarev and Tikhvin Cemeteries on either side, known together as the Necropolis of Masters of Art (Некрополь мастеров искусств) where the ornate tombs of Leonhard Euler, Mikhail Lomonosov, Nikolay Karamzin, Modest Mussorgsky, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Fyodor Dostoevsky reside.
The monastery also includes 2 baroque churches, the Saint Nicholas Church (Никольская церковь), and the majestic Holy Trinity Cathedral (Троицкий собор), one of the very few churches given permission to carry out sermons during Soviet rule. Even though much of the monastery’s structures have undergone sporadic reconstruction, the baroque style that dominates much of the complex is still intact.
With the revival of the monastery and the liturgical life of the abbey, upon visiting the monastery, you can also see an active revival of handicrafts and art, which always been a trait amongst Orthodox Christians. Once there be sure to look out for Russian paintings, cabinets, jewelry, and even Christian pewter miniatures.
The Alexander Nevsky Monastery is accessible by taking the metro to Ploshchad Alexandra Nevskovo (Площадь Александра Невского).
Address: 1 Pl. Alexandra Nevskovo, St. Petersburg 191167, Russia
Hours: Closed Thursdays
Admission: Free
From $ 30