No. 12: Porta Nigra, Trier.
The Porta Nigra is an impressive four-storey Roman gate that was originally part of Trier’s city walls. In the Middle Ages it was incorporated into two churches, but these were pulled down in 1804 on Napoleon’s orders.
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The Porta Nigra is an impressive four-storey Roman gate that was originally part of Trier’s city walls. In the Middle Ages it was incorporated into two churches, but these were pulled down in 1804 on Napoleon’s orders.
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December 27, 2024 at 9:30 AM
No. 12: Porta Nigra, Trier.
The Porta Nigra is an impressive four-storey Roman gate that was originally part of Trier’s city walls. In the Middle Ages it was incorporated into two churches, but these were pulled down in 1804 on Napoleon’s orders.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
The Porta Nigra is an impressive four-storey Roman gate that was originally part of Trier’s city walls. In the Middle Ages it was incorporated into two churches, but these were pulled down in 1804 on Napoleon’s orders.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 48: Augsburg's Ratskeller
When my wife and I visited Augsburg in September, the Rathaus was closed for rennovation, apart from the excellent Ratskeller restaurant, where we dined on two occasions.
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When my wife and I visited Augsburg in September, the Rathaus was closed for rennovation, apart from the excellent Ratskeller restaurant, where we dined on two occasions.
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December 16, 2024 at 4:45 PM
No. 48: Augsburg's Ratskeller
When my wife and I visited Augsburg in September, the Rathaus was closed for rennovation, apart from the excellent Ratskeller restaurant, where we dined on two occasions.
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When my wife and I visited Augsburg in September, the Rathaus was closed for rennovation, apart from the excellent Ratskeller restaurant, where we dined on two occasions.
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No. 41: Bach Museum, Leipzig.
Thirty-nine years after my first attempt, when it was inexplicably closed, I finally got to visit the Bach Museum in Leipzig.
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Thirty-nine years after my first attempt, when it was inexplicably closed, I finally got to visit the Bach Museum in Leipzig.
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December 18, 2024 at 2:15 PM
No. 41: Bach Museum, Leipzig.
Thirty-nine years after my first attempt, when it was inexplicably closed, I finally got to visit the Bach Museum in Leipzig.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
Thirty-nine years after my first attempt, when it was inexplicably closed, I finally got to visit the Bach Museum in Leipzig.
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No. 32: Mount Fløyen, Bergen.
Taking the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen allows you to look down on Bergen, Norway's second city. The summit is wooded and it is easy to escape the crowds and find a very scenic lake.
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Taking the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen allows you to look down on Bergen, Norway's second city. The summit is wooded and it is easy to escape the crowds and find a very scenic lake.
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December 20, 2024 at 4:45 PM
No. 32: Mount Fløyen, Bergen.
Taking the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen allows you to look down on Bergen, Norway's second city. The summit is wooded and it is easy to escape the crowds and find a very scenic lake.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
Taking the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen allows you to look down on Bergen, Norway's second city. The summit is wooded and it is easy to escape the crowds and find a very scenic lake.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 33: Leipzig Hauptbahnhof.
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof is Europe’s largest station by area with 19 terminating platforms lined up opposite the long main facade and two more through platforms located underground.
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Leipzig Hauptbahnhof is Europe’s largest station by area with 19 terminating platforms lined up opposite the long main facade and two more through platforms located underground.
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December 20, 2024 at 2:15 PM
No. 33: Leipzig Hauptbahnhof.
Leipzig Hauptbahnhof is Europe’s largest station by area with 19 terminating platforms lined up opposite the long main facade and two more through platforms located underground.
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Leipzig Hauptbahnhof is Europe’s largest station by area with 19 terminating platforms lined up opposite the long main facade and two more through platforms located underground.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 42: Clervaux.
Clervaux in Luxembourg is a delightful small Ardennes town whose centre is dominated by its castle. During World War II the Battle of the Bulge was fought in this area.
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Clervaux in Luxembourg is a delightful small Ardennes town whose centre is dominated by its castle. During World War II the Battle of the Bulge was fought in this area.
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December 18, 2024 at 11:45 AM
No. 42: Clervaux.
Clervaux in Luxembourg is a delightful small Ardennes town whose centre is dominated by its castle. During World War II the Battle of the Bulge was fought in this area.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
Clervaux in Luxembourg is a delightful small Ardennes town whose centre is dominated by its castle. During World War II the Battle of the Bulge was fought in this area.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 39: Sofia City Museum
The interesting Sofia City Museum is housed in the former Turkish Baths and has taps on the outside of the building dispensing mineral water from the hot springs.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
The interesting Sofia City Museum is housed in the former Turkish Baths and has taps on the outside of the building dispensing mineral water from the hot springs.
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December 19, 2024 at 9:15 AM
No. 39: Sofia City Museum
The interesting Sofia City Museum is housed in the former Turkish Baths and has taps on the outside of the building dispensing mineral water from the hot springs.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
The interesting Sofia City Museum is housed in the former Turkish Baths and has taps on the outside of the building dispensing mineral water from the hot springs.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 36: Brussels Town Hall.
Although I had seen it in the Grand Place many times, until I called in on my way back from Luxembourg, I had never before been inside Brussels Town Hall.
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Although I had seen it in the Grand Place many times, until I called in on my way back from Luxembourg, I had never before been inside Brussels Town Hall.
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December 19, 2024 at 4:45 PM
No. 36: Brussels Town Hall.
Although I had seen it in the Grand Place many times, until I called in on my way back from Luxembourg, I had never before been inside Brussels Town Hall.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
Although I had seen it in the Grand Place many times, until I called in on my way back from Luxembourg, I had never before been inside Brussels Town Hall.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 47: The cloisters of Santa Chiara in Naples.
This place was a haven of tranquillity from the sometimes manic Naples streets. The gardens of the cloisters are decorated with majolica tiles and pillars.
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This place was a haven of tranquillity from the sometimes manic Naples streets. The gardens of the cloisters are decorated with majolica tiles and pillars.
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December 17, 2024 at 9:15 AM
No. 47: The cloisters of Santa Chiara in Naples.
This place was a haven of tranquillity from the sometimes manic Naples streets. The gardens of the cloisters are decorated with majolica tiles and pillars.
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This place was a haven of tranquillity from the sometimes manic Naples streets. The gardens of the cloisters are decorated with majolica tiles and pillars.
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No. 19: Schaezlerpalais Festsaal, Augsburg.
Passing through a door from the mediocre art collection in Augsburg's Schaezlerpalais, one encounters the Festsaal. This amazingly decorated gilded ballroom with a painted ceiling has survived intact since 1770.
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Passing through a door from the mediocre art collection in Augsburg's Schaezlerpalais, one encounters the Festsaal. This amazingly decorated gilded ballroom with a painted ceiling has survived intact since 1770.
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December 24, 2024 at 4:30 PM
No. 19: Schaezlerpalais Festsaal, Augsburg.
Passing through a door from the mediocre art collection in Augsburg's Schaezlerpalais, one encounters the Festsaal. This amazingly decorated gilded ballroom with a painted ceiling has survived intact since 1770.
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Passing through a door from the mediocre art collection in Augsburg's Schaezlerpalais, one encounters the Festsaal. This amazingly decorated gilded ballroom with a painted ceiling has survived intact since 1770.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 26: Danish National Railway Museum, Odense.
This comprehensive museum, adjacent to Odense station, contains a large number of locomotives and carriages, as well other display areas about to a variety of topics (from Interrail to accidents).
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This comprehensive museum, adjacent to Odense station, contains a large number of locomotives and carriages, as well other display areas about to a variety of topics (from Interrail to accidents).
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
December 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM
No. 26: Danish National Railway Museum, Odense.
This comprehensive museum, adjacent to Odense station, contains a large number of locomotives and carriages, as well other display areas about to a variety of topics (from Interrail to accidents).
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
This comprehensive museum, adjacent to Odense station, contains a large number of locomotives and carriages, as well other display areas about to a variety of topics (from Interrail to accidents).
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 44: Naples’ National Archaeological Museum.
This is an enormous museum containing many items from Pompeii and other surrounding sites. In one corner on the top floor of the museum is the Secret Chamber, containing a collection of Roman pornography.
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This is an enormous museum containing many items from Pompeii and other surrounding sites. In one corner on the top floor of the museum is the Secret Chamber, containing a collection of Roman pornography.
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December 17, 2024 at 4:45 PM
No. 44: Naples’ National Archaeological Museum.
This is an enormous museum containing many items from Pompeii and other surrounding sites. In one corner on the top floor of the museum is the Secret Chamber, containing a collection of Roman pornography.
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This is an enormous museum containing many items from Pompeii and other surrounding sites. In one corner on the top floor of the museum is the Secret Chamber, containing a collection of Roman pornography.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 10: Freedom Pass workout.
Earlier this year I became eligible for a Freedom Pass, which gives free local bus journeys within England. To celebrate, I travelled from Manchester to home (in Woodford) for free, taking 16 hours and using eight buses.
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Earlier this year I became eligible for a Freedom Pass, which gives free local bus journeys within England. To celebrate, I travelled from Manchester to home (in Woodford) for free, taking 16 hours and using eight buses.
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December 27, 2024 at 4:30 PM
No. 10: Freedom Pass workout.
Earlier this year I became eligible for a Freedom Pass, which gives free local bus journeys within England. To celebrate, I travelled from Manchester to home (in Woodford) for free, taking 16 hours and using eight buses.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
Earlier this year I became eligible for a Freedom Pass, which gives free local bus journeys within England. To celebrate, I travelled from Manchester to home (in Woodford) for free, taking 16 hours and using eight buses.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 3: Schengen three countries walk.
While in Schengen in April, I tested the EU's free movement by walking from Luxembourg to France via Germany and back. The whole walk took under 15 minutes, although the route back may have been illegal.
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While in Schengen in April, I tested the EU's free movement by walking from Luxembourg to France via Germany and back. The whole walk took under 15 minutes, although the route back may have been illegal.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
December 30, 2024 at 3:30 PM
No. 3: Schengen three countries walk.
While in Schengen in April, I tested the EU's free movement by walking from Luxembourg to France via Germany and back. The whole walk took under 15 minutes, although the route back may have been illegal.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
While in Schengen in April, I tested the EU's free movement by walking from Luxembourg to France via Germany and back. The whole walk took under 15 minutes, although the route back may have been illegal.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 4: Motette in the Thomaskirche, Leipzig.
We attended a service in the Thomaskirche (where J S Bach had been Cantor for 30 years) based around the Bach cantata "Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben", performed by members of the Gewandhaus Orchestra.
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We attended a service in the Thomaskirche (where J S Bach had been Cantor for 30 years) based around the Bach cantata "Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben", performed by members of the Gewandhaus Orchestra.
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December 30, 2024 at 10:31 AM
No. 4: Motette in the Thomaskirche, Leipzig.
We attended a service in the Thomaskirche (where J S Bach had been Cantor for 30 years) based around the Bach cantata "Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben", performed by members of the Gewandhaus Orchestra.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
We attended a service in the Thomaskirche (where J S Bach had been Cantor for 30 years) based around the Bach cantata "Liebster Gott, wenn werd ich sterben", performed by members of the Gewandhaus Orchestra.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 15: Oslo City Hall.
The Nobel Peace prize is awarded in Oslo City Hall every year. The building still functions as the headquarters of local government for the city. The main hall, and many other rooms, are decorated with large murals.
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The Nobel Peace prize is awarded in Oslo City Hall every year. The building still functions as the headquarters of local government for the city. The main hall, and many other rooms, are decorated with large murals.
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December 26, 2024 at 9:30 AM
No. 15: Oslo City Hall.
The Nobel Peace prize is awarded in Oslo City Hall every year. The building still functions as the headquarters of local government for the city. The main hall, and many other rooms, are decorated with large murals.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
The Nobel Peace prize is awarded in Oslo City Hall every year. The building still functions as the headquarters of local government for the city. The main hall, and many other rooms, are decorated with large murals.
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No. 28: Subterranean Naples.
My first stop after arriving in Naples in February was to tour the Roman system of underground aqueducts, which once supplied Naples with water. Some of the caverns were drained in World War II to be used as bomb shelters.
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My first stop after arriving in Naples in February was to tour the Roman system of underground aqueducts, which once supplied Naples with water. Some of the caverns were drained in World War II to be used as bomb shelters.
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December 21, 2024 at 4:45 PM
No. 28: Subterranean Naples.
My first stop after arriving in Naples in February was to tour the Roman system of underground aqueducts, which once supplied Naples with water. Some of the caverns were drained in World War II to be used as bomb shelters.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
My first stop after arriving in Naples in February was to tour the Roman system of underground aqueducts, which once supplied Naples with water. Some of the caverns were drained in World War II to be used as bomb shelters.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 35: Musée de la Vie Wallonne, Liège.
I spent all afternoon in the Museum of Wallonian Life, when I stopped off in Liège in April. The museum covers the history and politics of Wallonian separatism, as well as industry and social customs of the area.
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I spent all afternoon in the Museum of Wallonian Life, when I stopped off in Liège in April. The museum covers the history and politics of Wallonian separatism, as well as industry and social customs of the area.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
December 20, 2024 at 9:15 AM
No. 35: Musée de la Vie Wallonne, Liège.
I spent all afternoon in the Museum of Wallonian Life, when I stopped off in Liège in April. The museum covers the history and politics of Wallonian separatism, as well as industry and social customs of the area.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
I spent all afternoon in the Museum of Wallonian Life, when I stopped off in Liège in April. The museum covers the history and politics of Wallonian separatism, as well as industry and social customs of the area.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 37: Akershus Castle, Oslo.
I revisited Oslo in June and tried to go to places I had not been to previously in 2019. Akershus Castle has served as a defensive military fortress guarding the approach to Oslo from the sea and also as a royal residence.
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I revisited Oslo in June and tried to go to places I had not been to previously in 2019. Akershus Castle has served as a defensive military fortress guarding the approach to Oslo from the sea and also as a royal residence.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
December 19, 2024 at 2:15 PM
No. 37: Akershus Castle, Oslo.
I revisited Oslo in June and tried to go to places I had not been to previously in 2019. Akershus Castle has served as a defensive military fortress guarding the approach to Oslo from the sea and also as a royal residence.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
I revisited Oslo in June and tried to go to places I had not been to previously in 2019. Akershus Castle has served as a defensive military fortress guarding the approach to Oslo from the sea and also as a royal residence.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 46: Hirtshals to Kristiansand ferry.
I took this four hour ferry crossing across the Skagerrak to get from Denmark to Norway in June.
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I took this four hour ferry crossing across the Skagerrak to get from Denmark to Norway in June.
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December 17, 2024 at 11:45 AM
No. 46: Hirtshals to Kristiansand ferry.
I took this four hour ferry crossing across the Skagerrak to get from Denmark to Norway in June.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
I took this four hour ferry crossing across the Skagerrak to get from Denmark to Norway in June.
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No. 29: Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo.
This enormous complex, on Tsarevets Hill in the ancient Bulgarian capital, was the citadel the early Bulgarian Tsars until captured by the Ottomans in 1393.
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This enormous complex, on Tsarevets Hill in the ancient Bulgarian capital, was the citadel the early Bulgarian Tsars until captured by the Ottomans in 1393.
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December 21, 2024 at 2:15 PM
No. 29: Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo.
This enormous complex, on Tsarevets Hill in the ancient Bulgarian capital, was the citadel the early Bulgarian Tsars until captured by the Ottomans in 1393.
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This enormous complex, on Tsarevets Hill in the ancient Bulgarian capital, was the citadel the early Bulgarian Tsars until captured by the Ottomans in 1393.
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No. 49: Crossing the Danube on the Friendship Bridge.
The wide Danube forms the border between Romania and Bulgaria, which I crossed in October on the once a day passenger train service.
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The wide Danube forms the border between Romania and Bulgaria, which I crossed in October on the once a day passenger train service.
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December 16, 2024 at 2:15 PM
No. 49: Crossing the Danube on the Friendship Bridge.
The wide Danube forms the border between Romania and Bulgaria, which I crossed in October on the once a day passenger train service.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
The wide Danube forms the border between Romania and Bulgaria, which I crossed in October on the once a day passenger train service.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 11: Brekkefossen waterfall, Flåm.
When I was staying in Flåm, at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, I went for a walk up the valley to visit the Brekkefossen waterfall, which provided amazing views.
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When I was staying in Flåm, at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, I went for a walk up the valley to visit the Brekkefossen waterfall, which provided amazing views.
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December 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM
No. 11: Brekkefossen waterfall, Flåm.
When I was staying in Flåm, at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, I went for a walk up the valley to visit the Brekkefossen waterfall, which provided amazing views.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
When I was staying in Flåm, at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, I went for a walk up the valley to visit the Brekkefossen waterfall, which provided amazing views.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
No. 43: Liège Guillemins station.
The architecturally splendid Liège Guillemins featured quite a lot in my travels in 2024. I arrived or departed by train from there on no fewer than 10 occasions during the year.
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The architecturally splendid Liège Guillemins featured quite a lot in my travels in 2024. I arrived or departed by train from there on no fewer than 10 occasions during the year.
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December 18, 2024 at 9:15 AM
No. 43: Liège Guillemins station.
The architecturally splendid Liège Guillemins featured quite a lot in my travels in 2024. I arrived or departed by train from there on no fewer than 10 occasions during the year.
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
The architecturally splendid Liège Guillemins featured quite a lot in my travels in 2024. I arrived or departed by train from there on no fewer than 10 occasions during the year.
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No. 25: Primăverii Palace, Bucharest.
The former private residence of the Ceaușescu family, the opulently furnished rooms are as they were at the time Nicolae Ceaușescu was deposed. (Unfortunately, no internal photography was allowed during my visit.)
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The former private residence of the Ceaușescu family, the opulently furnished rooms are as they were at the time Nicolae Ceaușescu was deposed. (Unfortunately, no internal photography was allowed during my visit.)
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December 22, 2024 at 4:30 PM
No. 25: Primăverii Palace, Bucharest.
The former private residence of the Ceaușescu family, the opulently furnished rooms are as they were at the time Nicolae Ceaușescu was deposed. (Unfortunately, no internal photography was allowed during my visit.)
#EuropeExplored2024Top50
The former private residence of the Ceaușescu family, the opulently furnished rooms are as they were at the time Nicolae Ceaușescu was deposed. (Unfortunately, no internal photography was allowed during my visit.)
#EuropeExplored2024Top50