Gdansk in Poland

Gdansk is not only one of the most beautiful Polish cities, but is also a place where history has been written more than once.  It is by this city on the shores of the Baltic Sea that the Westerplatte peninsula lies, on which World War II began, and the Solidarity movement that contributed to the fall of the Communist regime was formed in the Gdansk shipyards. During the war Gdansk was destroyed, but the Poles have sensitively rebuilt it. As a result,  today's tourists can admire the Old Town and its magnificent burgher houses, the churches headed by the Church of St Mary, one of the oldest brick churches in Europe, the bell tower in the tower of Gdansk Town Hall and the Neptune Fountain. The harbour, the Maritime Museum and the World War II Museum are also worth visiting.

Gdansk docks definitely worth a visit

Bergamo in Italy

Tourists often ignore it and prefer nearby Milan. Which is a mistake! Bergamo is one of the most beautiful cities in Lombardy. The town is divided into two parts. The Upper Town (Città alta) was founded in the Middle Ages on the top of a hill and is still protected by the 17th century walls built by the Venetians. The Lower Town (Città bassa) came about only in the early twentieth century. And it is the Upper Town, at the centre of which lies the picturesque Piazza Vecchio, which is simply packed with monuments. The palaces, cathedrals, churches, fortresses and squares will keep you busy the whole day!

The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore

Maastricht in the Netherlands

Maastricht may not be as well known as Amsterdam, but it is definitely just as beautiful. This oldest of Dutch cities on both banks of the Maas and the historic sights in its centre are all within easy walking distance. Be sure to take a look at the oldest surviving city gate, the Helpoort, the Gothic Church of St Janskerk and, of course, at Fort St. Pieter, under which there is the famous system of underground passages. These came about under the fortress during limestone mining, and during the Second World War served as an air raid shelter. Just be careful not to get lost in them - you could end up in Belgium. In Maastricht you will also find great restaurants and galleries (including the Bonnefanten Museum of Art).

The center of Maastricht is much quiter than the center of Amsterdam

Lübeck in Germany

The most beautiful part of this former Hanseatic town on the Baltic is to be found on an island between the Trave and Wakenitz rivers. It is this medieval part of Lübeck that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The centre is dominated by the seven towers of five churches, in addition to which there are a monastery, the town hall, the 13th century district known as the Koberg, the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, the Church of St Jacob and patrician houses from the 15th and 16th centuries. Some of the sights are also to be found outside the island, such as the famous Holstein Gate and salt storehouses. Lübeck is also renowned for making marzipan, which is considered the best in the world!

The Holstein Gate is probably the most photographed monument of Lübeck

Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad)

The Czech Republic is famous for its spas, but if you want to visit just one spa town, you should try Marienbad. When you wander through the local parks and colonnades and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the pavilions and hotels, you will understand why we are inviting you here.Take your special spa waffle and walk through the main spa colonnade, decorated with ceiling frescoes and bronze reliefs.Stop at the singing fountain or take a trip to the Hamelika lookout tower. And if you like miniatures, head to Boheminium Park! There you will find  75 models of Czech monuments, including Karlštejn and the Ještěd transmitter tower.

The spa offers a splendid architecture

Photo: Shutterstock.com

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