Pura Tanah Lot -- Top 10 Facts Versus Myths -- Bali's No #1 Attraction

 Pura Tanah Lot Temple

Find out about the top-ranking facts and myths that have been circulating about Pura Tanah Lot Temple for ages.

1. 8 Holy Temples Surround Tanah Lot Area

Now that you know this fact, around this area consists of Pura Luhur Tanah Lot, and eight temples operate as shrines. These eight temples are in fact Tri Antaka Monument, Penataran Temple, Jero Kandang Temple, Pura Penyawang, Batu Mejan Temple, Enjung Galuh Temple, Batu Bolong Temple, and Pura Pakendungan.

2. Dang Hyang Nirartha Built Them

A popular legend on Tanah Lot goes something like this: Once, an eminent Brahmin coming from Java wanted to spread Hindi religion in Bali. This esteemed Brahmin called Bhagawan Dang Hyang Nirartha. 

The building of Tanah Lot started with instructions shown from the sacred sun rays shining from the South Sea direction.

3. The Holy Snake Guards It

Anyone visiting Tanah Lot, would have seen a sacred inside the sea temple. The Tanah Lot's holy snake resides in the Cave of the Holy Snake. The holy snake's existence is a major reason which attracts several visitors. The Tanah Lot's sacred snake is supposed to be the incarnation of the scarf belonging to Dang Hyang Nirartha.

This sacred snake, though black and white, is extremely poisonous. But locals have the belief that if tourists have good intentions while visiting this temple, the sacred snake does not harm them. 

4. Ceremony Performed Once Every 210 Days

Another tidbit about Tanah Lot is there exist ceremonies known as either Piodalan or Pujawali that are carried out every 210 days. This ceremony happening at Tanah Lot takes place four days following Kuningan Day. The local community and Hindus come to perform the holy ceremony in Tanah Lot.

In this particular ceremony, all Hindus pray for the safety and welfare of life. Prior to the ceremony, these Hindus must first wash their faces in the Tanah Lot Cave with holy water to be allowed to pray.

5. There is a Sacred Spring

The temple existing where there's fresh water while the sea surrounds it might for sure shock several strangers. But that’s how things are there, for you'll notice a sacred spring situated in the area where Tanah Lot Temple sits. This same sacred spring can be seen also in the holy water cave. According to legend, Tanah Lot's holy spring can heal different illnesses.

6. Renovation has Improved Tanah Lot 

Were you aware that one of Bali's most popular attractions has been renovated? The area in which Tanah Lot Temple stands is vulnerable to abrasion because of ocean waves. 

Thus, this renowned temple located in Bali has gone through a phase of renovation. The first one occurred in 198. Additional efforts for renovating and protecting Tanah Lot continued until February 2003.

7. Touring Tanah Lot as a Couple Could Cause a Breakup?

Besides the striking variety of information of Tanah Lot, one other popular myth exists that locals tell visitors. The myth claims that if you ask a boyfriend or girlfriend to come as a couple to Tanah Lot, you're endangering your relationship. Despite this, several couples defiantly choose to conduct pre-wedding photos here.

8. Near to Melasti Beach Waterfall Tourist Attraction

This temple happens to lie close to the Melasti Beach Waterfall. Melasti Beach Waterfall's water falls from a cliff before plunging straight into the beach. In addition to the waterfall's beauty, you could admire the amazing vista of Melasti Beach, not far from Tanah Lot.

9. A Charming Site to Behold Sunset

For those who love catching the stunning sights of sunset, come to the Tanah Lot Temple during the evening with your camera.

Tanah Lot is the ideal place to watch the breathtaking sunset. If you wish to observe for yourself the most incredible sunset at Tanah Lot, stop by one hour prior to sunset. You won't regret it!

10. Its Silhouette Ranks Highly as Bali's Popular Icon 

Its silhouette is unusually unique that is has grown Bali's most popular iconic attraction. Come and you too will see and agree.

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Wieliczka Salt Mine -- Top 11 Fascinating Facts -- on Salt Mine Attraction

 Wieliczka Salt Mine

1. Krakow's salt mine is more than 700 years old

In the 13th century, the first ever mine shafts were unearthed in Wieliczka, a town, around 8 miles from Krakow. Commercial mining went on until 1996. At one point, the Germans turned the mine into a base.

2. The mine has a depth comparable to the Eiffel Tower's

The mine's deepest end goes as far as 1073 feet under the ground, beating the Eiffel Tower's height by 10 feet. The mine tunnels' total length is a mind-blowing 178 miles! To enter the mine, you would have to go below 380 stairs only to arrive at the first out of nine levels. Though the entire tour has more than 800 stairs, visitors may have the option to ride the lift to return to the surface. 

3. The mine became a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Wieliczka Salt Mine was not only listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also was one of the first twelve enrolled in 1978, alongside Krakow’s historic center. In addition, the site includes Bochnia Salt Mine and Wieliczka Saltworks Castle.

4. Majority of the mine is built from salt

Although it's a salt mine, wooden beams exist in several of the tunnels; otherwise, the ceilings, floors, and walls are carved straight out of salt, including many reliefs and sculptures around the mine.

Probably the most extraordinary are all the crystals which hang from several of the mine's chandeliers; though appearing like glass, they’re really huge salt crystals originating from rock salt that were once being dissolved and reconstructed.

5. Salt helped preserve mine's tools 

It's true that not everything in the mine was made of salt like buckets, winches, mining tools, and a few sculptures, which were built of wood, proving that salt is a superb preservative, for several of the apparatus and tools are still in great condition today.

6. A salt formation is called cauliflower

Although the majority of the mine's rock salt is dull grey in appearance, some batches assume a white fluffy look. The miners christened this cauliflower, probably not its official name.

7. Bungee jumping & hot air ballooning took place in the mine

Actually, a hot air balloon in 2014 rose 65 feet above the floor but for only 4 minutes. However, the tour guide admitted that this in fact was a new world record; but there is no proof of that happening online, excluding their own website. Only a Croatian mine has a record for having the first and lowest below surface hot air balloon trip.

Besides bungee jump, sports that have occurred in the mine range from soccer games to windsurfing upon the subterranean lake; they didn't happen during the times the mine was still operating. Today, anyone can rent certain areas for weddings, formal dinners, and concerts.

8. Four chapels exist in the mine

As you may already realize, conditions inside the mine itself were not always ideal.  Despite that, the miners built four chapels for praying. Since Princess Kinga from the 13th century happens to be the mine's saint and patron, the magnificent St. Kinga’s Chapel was made in dedication to her, honoring her with a big salt statue. Also, here you could admire many chandeliers hanging with strings of rock salt crystals.

9. Horses brought into the mine to help never left

This next fact may prove difficult to digest. Horses were commonly used for turning the “horse treadmills," which are pulley contraptions that horses turn winches for raising and lowering baskets. To bring the horses there, a harness was strapped to lower them, no doubt a frightening experience for any horse. But the harshest fact is that this was a one-way trip, for nobody wanted to go through all the trouble of lifting the horse out of there. But thanks to the salt's preserving power, now treadmills could still be operated.

10. Majority of table salt in fact is rock salt coming from mines

While sea salt is generally called just that, table salt is actually rock salt and nearly always originates from mines. For example, Himalayan salt is only rock salt, not from the Himalayas but from Pakistan. Because the salt is natural, there’s no potential harm if you lick the walls.

11. Home to a private rehabilitation and wellness complex underground 

You'll discover in the mine's lower levels a wellness center. For only $40 a night, visitors could spend time underground enjoying the world's cleanest air. 

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Schonbrunn Palace -- Top 10 Intriguing Facts the Public Doesn't Know

 Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna

Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Schonbrunn Palace

1. It was in the beginning only a Hunting Lodge

Emperor Leopold l commissioned Schönbrunn Palace 1696. However, the real history of this palace goes back to the fourteen century. At that time period, the palace had a different name, Katterburg, and was regularly used as no more than a hunting lodge.

Throughout the Turkish sieges the "hunting lodge" was almost destroyed, consequently a new structure, the one standing now, was erected in 1696. But, the gardens and prevailing stunning quality was attributed to Empress Maria Theresa, one responsible for markedly expanding it from 1743 to 1780. 

2. Public Park from 1779

The luxurious formal gardens together with parkland were opened to everyone in 1779, becoming an instant popular site for both locals and tourists alike. 

3. Marie Antoinette's Birthplace

She was born as Austria's archduchess and spent her summers in this palace. 

4. 1441 Rooms

Do you wonder how large Schönbrunn actually is, it’s huge, with 1,441 rooms, of which just 45 can be accessed by the public. In comparison, the notable Versailles has far more: 2300 rooms.

5. Schönbrunn Translates to “beautiful well”

Schönbrunn means literally “beautiful well”. It was given this name after the well from where the court was getting their water.

6. A UNESCO Site

Schonbrunn palace and gardens demonstrate the style common with Habsburg monarchs, and the majority of it still remains as if time froze in the 17th century. That's why both the palace and gardens have been listed to the UNESCO World Heritage enrollment in 1996. 

7. The Most Renowned Resident was Murdered

Schönbrunn Palace sports a lengthy line of residents. But Empress Elisabeth, or Sisi, happens to its most favorite resident. Though the Austrian citizens loved Sisi, she was one of history's most miserable royals. Why? She hated the arrogant, formal Habsburg court proceedings, and chose to spend a lot of her time far from Vienna as well as her husband, Emperor Franz Joseph. She met her demise tragically via the hands of a Geneva's anarchist.

8. World's Longest Baroque Orangery

The orangery is at least 189 meters in length, making it the longest Baroque orangery today in the world, even longer than Versailles,' which is an easy runner up.

9. Furnishings are Genuine

Usually while you tour any historic location, the furnishings are only reproductions. But not here, at Schönbrunn Palace. The Habsburgs customized the majority of the Schonbrunn palace interior and it remains as it was since its  abandonment in 1918. 

10. Rococo Style

The palace's entire design scheme is Rococo, or known as Late Baroque

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Additional Information

Like several of its previous masters, the baroque-style garden at Schönbrunn Palace was created as a show of ambition and power to shame Versailles.' Maria Teresa who became in 1740 the Holy Roman Empire's newest ruler at the tender age of 23, was obviously yet too young and too pretty for all the responsibilities placed upon her shoulders. Already bearing a number of notable titles like Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Hungary, she began unfortunately on a wrong and unfair foot, ruling a faltering Empire along with her husband. 

Both Bchönbrunn's palace and garden got constructed throughout and following a number of failed wars with the victorious Frederick of Prussia. In 1744, actual work was initiated on the palace and later, in 1753, on the park. Its color is called "Vienna Yellow." The management of the empire as well as mothering sixteen children, left Maria thicker, stubborn, and defiant.      

Parterres and other related additions were done during the 1750s. Her French husband, who was credited for establishing both the botanical and zoological gardens at Schönbrunn, passed away in 1765. The zoo, or Tiergarten, is often characterized as the world's first, despite not being the first. It has an overall baroque outline and a nice atmosphere. The hilltop Gloriette that lends the gorgeous garden its Baroque-style focus, was finished in 1775. 

In 1778, an excellent Roman Ruin was built as a sort of monument to remember the recovery after disaster; it represents Carthage after having been defeated by Rome. The parkland was opened first to the general public in 1779. Schönbrunn's scale is breathtaking. Several of the illustrations, exhibiting the grand garden from the angle of the Gloriette, demonstrate an absence of charm, despite the garden appearing somewhat better from the palace's balcony. 

The gradual spread of fashion barely justifies the arrival of a late Baroque garden in the chronology: Maria who was strict in keeping order utilized this style as a show to prove her natural ability to maintain order firmly. Later, Schönbrunn Palace was chosen for Napoleon's headquarters. By the year 1918, the last surviving Habsburg Emperor stepped down at Schönbrunn. Just taking a reflective walk around the garden, anyone could realize why the Empire ended up in ruins. Was it excessive pride? Winston Churchill himself compared Vienna with no empire to a wild elephant wandering in a backyard indeed has a unique resonance at Schonbrunn, and can be seen as the backyard. Joseph ll opened the grounds to the public in the late 18th-century.

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Goreme Open-Air Museum -- Cappadocia's Amazing Tourist Attraction

 Goreme Open-Air Museum, Goreme, Turkey

Goreme open-air museum, situated in the picture-perfect postcard of Goreme Valley, is probably the easiest way to get here and to explore the spectacular ancient rock-carved churches in the region.

What is Goreme Open Air Museum?

The Goreme Open Air Museum which lies in Cappadocia, Turkey is a stunning collection of about 30 ancient churches that exceed in feeling most remotely from a conventional museum in today's world. You get the feeling that you just stepped back in time like a couple of hundreds of years.

History of Goreme Open Air Museum 

Since the Goreme Valley is very accessible to everyone, this area ended up being the first significant historical site to be found in Cappadocia. These rock-chiseled churches are unusual and awe-inspiring; in fact, anyone coming here might think it puzzling, on first glance, to figure out why they were carved at all. It’s a striking, nearly haunting, piece of land. The inner parts, especially those of the Buckle Church and the Dark Church, are home to the most lovely and superbly preserved frescoes in this region.

As the second century AD ended, the whole Goreme valley became a major place of Christian activity, including converts arriving here to take advantage of the valley’s natural defenses while running from persecution. But throughout the third century, Christianity, no longer in its infancy, started to assume a more uniformed character in the area as active priests were taking firmer steps to improve the region. Then, by the fourth century Cappadocia saw a momentum shift as it was called "Land of the Three Saint," which included St. George of Nazianzus, St. Basil, and St. Gregory of Nyssa. It was St. Basil who began formal worship in the community, specifically, in Goreme. 

Goreme Open Air Museum Now

Probably described most ideally as a series of monastic complexes, every monastery here hosts its very own church, plus you'll find significant features in churches like the Snake Church, Apple Church, and the Dark Church. One church boasts an atrium, which itself used to be a church, known for the frescoes' conspicuous blue paint which depict varying religious-type of scenes such as from events that Jesus Christ went through.

Lastly, the Dark Church houses one of the valley's most beautiful frescoes. Just restored, the frescoes have gotten a remarkable effect from the fine mix of navy blue, red, and ochre. They vividly tell the life of Jesus Christ, including the four evangelists. 

Be sure to visit Goreme National Park, Goreme Turquie, Goreme cave rooms, and to take in Goreme panorama.

How to Get to Goreme Open Air Museum

Since Goreme Open-Air Museum sits quite near to Goreme's heart, which is a wildly popular town located in Cappadocia, visitors could just take a comfortable, easy walk here, beginning from the center of town; it's only fifteen minutes with some uphill. 

Or several taxis could take you there, charging only a couple of dollars, for the drive is brief. Not far off you'll notice both entrances to the Meskendir Hiking Trail and Zemi Valley Hike.

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Library of Celsus -- One of Ephesus' Most Famous Monuments

The Library of Celsus

 

The Library of Celsus is one of Ephesus' most beautiful buildings. Its interior is approximately 180 square meters. Library of Celsus was constructed in 117 A.D., serving as a massive tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, acting governor of Asia's province. But he never saw the building; his son, Gaius Julius Aquila erected it after his father's demise in 110. Celsus' grave lies under the ground floor, along the entrance, plus a statue of Athena stands over it, since Athena was the goddess of wisdom.

The scrolls of ancient manuscripts were stored in cupboards in hidden niches across the walls. There were two walls standing in the rear of the bookcases for preventing potential damage from the excessiveness of humidity and temperature. The library had the capacity to hold over 12,000 scrolls. It was at the time the third wealthiest library after Alexandra and then Pergamum.

The library's facade has two floors, with distinctive Corinthian style columns standing on the ancient ground floor as well as three entries to the structure. The upper floor has three window openings. They cleverly utilized a visual trick that made the columns along the facade's sides appear shorter as compared to those at the middle, providing the neat illusion of the ancient structure being larger in size.

However, all the statues found in the columns' niches now are only replicas of the originals. Each statue symbolizes something, for example, one symbolizes wisdom, second knowledge, a third intelligence, and a fourth valor, all representing Celsus' virtues. The Austrian Archaeological Institute helped restore the library, and the statues' originals were transported to Vienna's Ephesus Museum in 1910.

Moreover, an auditorium, serving for either presentations or lectures between the Ephesus Marble Road and the library, was constructed throughout Emperor Hadrian's reign.

The Library of Celsus reconstruction occurred between 1970 and 1978, with a campaign led by the German archaeologist Volker Michael Strocka.

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Riquewihr -- Most Enchanting Village -- Attraction in France

Riquewihr, France

Riquewihr, located between the Plain of Alsace and soaring peaks of the Vosges mountains, it is a fine medieval town in the center of the lovely Alsatian vineyards, categorized among France's most beautiful villages.

This exquisite town has for centuries succeeded in mixing the superb quality of its fine architecture with the quality of its globally renowned wines, from which it takes its nickname, "The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards."

Riquewihr, which should not be overlooked while visiting Alsace, stands out as an open-air museum. Moreover, it has done a wonderful job at preserving its genuine character within its city walls, today besieged just by the vines.

Riquewihr, an ancient town, comprises half-timbered houses that go back from 15th to 18th centuries, constructed rather close together, the Dolder, or a very old defensive gate, all contributing to an extraordinary architectural whole.

The Alsatian house sort takes on in Riquewihr its highest level of expression by providing all the necessary declinations of sculpted oriel windows, half-timbering, and inner courtyards decorated by old fountains and wells.

These museums will allow you to learn about the cultural and historical heritage of the Ribeauvillé as well as Riquewihr Region:

• the Thieves' Tower (previous prison of Riquewihr),
• the Winemaker's House (dating from the sixteen century),
• the Dolder Tower (ancient ex defensive gateway)

Beautifully adorned with flowers from spring to summer, the town assumes Christmas-like colors in the Advent period, and in a special aura that mixes the holiday magic of Christmas along with the enduring Alsatian traditions.

Take a stroll anywhere here and you'll discover historical gems everywhere you go. 

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Harmandir Sahib -- Golden History & One of India's Best Attractions

 Harmandir Sahib, Delhi

Harmandir Sahib's seeds were laid in 1570, when the third Guru Sahib began excavating a sacred tank and constructing a town settlement there. The 5th Guru Sahib of Sikhs conceived a main site of worship, who designed the building and then started the construction in the year 1588. Both the layout and architecture symbolize accessibility to everyone regardless of race, class or belief. During the next couple of decades, the temple underwent attacks and damage, which was finally repaired. The 6th Guru Sahib developed further the temple complex, adding the Akal Takht. Maharaja Ranjit Singh who initially decorated the gurudwara, with his liberal contribution, the gold plating was finished by 1830.

The actual temple complex which lies in the center of the city, is surrounded by a lively market area and narrow lanes. Different from other temples, the golden temple has four entrances on four sides, symbolizing its spirit of welcoming everyone who wants to enter. Along the central gate stands the peripheral structure, which runs throughout the whole complex, and is home to varying dining halls, administration offices, and dormitories.

In the midpoint of the outer structure lies a fake body of water called the Sarovar, which is thought to have holy healing powers; accounts of this sacred water healing people from their sicknesses are inscribed in the walls surrounding the tank. In the heart of the body of water sits the enchanting gurudwara, linked by a causeway functioning as the waiting section for visitors waiting in the line to gain entry to the main temple.

The interior, or inside Harmandir Sahib, the three-floored house of God happens to be excessively ornamented with a big amount of gold and stones. The sacred scriptures of Sikhism are put right here and read during the day together with other suitable hymns and even musical instruments. Though the marble floors have elaborate carvings and inlay work, the ceiling and walls are thoroughly studded with precious stones and metal. The Akal Takht which came into existence later and was utilized to address temporary issues, is now thought of as the pinnacle of earthly authority.

Today, Hamandir Sahib receives more visitors than the famous The Taj Mahal. It's open 6:00 am to 2:00 am daily.

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