At Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera

 "... I to Monte Carlo went, just to raise my winter's rent...

And I've now such lots of money, I'm a gent...
You can hear the girls declare
'He must be a Millionaire.'"
You can see them wink the other eye
At the man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo."
-- lines from a song that Bing Crosby included on his album 101 Gang Songs (in 1961).
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(on the French Riviera) Monaco is found along the Mediterranean Sea in the midst of the resort area of the French Riviera. The city of Nice, France, lies 9 miles (15 km) to the west, the Italian border 5 miles (8 km) to the east. Monaco’s territory occupies a set of densely clustered hills and a headland that looks southward over the Mediterranean. Many features have made Monaco among the most luxurious tourist resorts in the world and have given it a fame that far exceeds its size.

+ Visitors to Monaco alternate their hours between its beaches and boating facilities, its international sports-car races, and its world-famous Place du Casino, the gambling center in the Monte-Carlo section.

+ Evidences of Stone Age settlements in Monaco are preserved in the principality’s Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. In ancient times the headland was known to the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans. In 1191 the Genoese took possession of it, and in 1297 the reign of the Grimaldi family began. The Grimaldis allied themselves with France (except for the period when they were under the protection of Spain.) In 1793 they were dispossessed by the French Revolutionary regime, and Monaco was annexed to France. With the fall of Napoleon I, however, the Grimaldis returned; the Congress of Vienna (in 1815) put Monaco under the protection of Sardinia. The principality lost the neighboring towns of Menton and Roquebrune in 1848 and ceded them to France under the terms of the Franco-Monegasque treaty of 1861. The treaty did restore Monaco’s independence, however, and in 1865 a customs union was established between the two countries. Another treaty that was made with France, in 1918, contained a clause providing that, in the event that the Grimaldi dynasty should become extinct, Monaco would become an autonomous state under French protection. In 1997 the Grimaldi family commemorated 700 years of rule, and in 1999 Prince Rainier III marked 50 years on the throne. Upon his death, he was succeeded by his son, Albert, who assumed the throne in July 2005. Monaco joined the UN in 1993. It phased out the French franc for the European euro by 2002.

+ Today. Monaco’s main industry is tourism, and its facilities make it one of Europe’s most luxurious resorts. Once a winter attraction, it now draws summer visitors as well to its beaches and expanded mooring facilities. The social life of Monte-Carlo revolves around the Place du Casino. The casino was built in 1861, and in 1967 its operations were taken over by the principality. Banking and finance and real estate are other important components of the diverse services sector.

At the Palace of Versailles, in the city of Versailles, northern France

 Louis XIV transformed his father’s hunting lodge into the monumental Château de Versailles in the mid-17th century, and it remains France’s most famous and grandest palace.

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(in the city of Versailles, in the Île-de-France région of northern France) Situated in the leafy, bourgeois suburb of Versailles, some 22 kilometers (~14 miles) southwest of central Paris, the baroque château was the kingdom’s political capital and the seat of the royal court from 1682 until the fateful events of 1789 when revolutionaries massacred the palace guard. (Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were soon dragged back to Paris, where they were ingloriously guillotined).

+ The Palace of Versailles never actually served the protective role of a medieval stronghold. Beginning in the Renaissance period, the term "chateau" was used to refer to the rural location of a luxurious residence, as opposed to an urban palace. It was thus common to speak of the Louvre "Palais” in the heart of Paris, and the "Château” of Versailles out in the country. (Versailles was only a village at the time.) Currently the centerpiece of Versailles' urban planning, the Palace now seems a far cry from the countryside residence it once was. Nevertheless, the garden end on the west side of the Estate of Versailles is still adjoined by woods and agriculture.

+ Under the guidance of Louis XIV, the residence was transformed (from 1661–1710) into an immense and extravagant complex surrounded by stylized French and English gardens. Every detail of its construction was intended to glorify the king. Landscape artist André Le Nôtre created symmetrical French gardens that included ornate fountains with “magically” still water, expressing the power of humanity (and, specifically, the king) over nature.

+ In the center of the Place d’Armes, facing the Avenue de Paris, is a bronze equestrian statue of Louis XIV. To the west is the Gate of Honor, a gilded iron gate and stone balustrade that marks the main entrance to the palace complex. Beyond that lies the broad expanse of the Court of Honor, bounded on the north and south by the Ministers’ Wings, outbuildings constructed in the 1680s to house the king’s secretaries of state.

+ Since 1979, the Palace of Versailles has been listed as a World Heritage site and is one of the greatest achievements in French 17th century art. Louis XIII's old hunting pavilion was transformed and extended by his son, Louis XIV, when he installed the Court and government there in 1682. A succession of kings continued to embellish the Palace up until the French Revolution. (Today the Palace contains 2,300 rooms.)

+ After the French Revolution, the Palace would never again be a royal residence and a new role was assigned to it in the 19th century, when it became the Museum of the History of France in 1837. The Palace was then devoted to housing new collections of paintings and sculptures representing great figures and important events that had marked the History of France.

At the Neuschwanstein Castle, in the Swabia region of the German federal state of Bavaria

 "I am convinced that there are universal currents of Divine Thought vibrating the ether everywhere, and that any who can feel these vibrations is inspired."

-- Richard Wagner
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(in the Swabia region of the German federal state of Bavaria) The old town of Füssen is a great base from which to explore nearby Neuschwanstein Castle. King Ludwig II of Bavaria built this fantasy fortress atop a rock ledge over the Pöllat Gorge.

+ Louis II spent much of his childhood at Hohenschwangau Castle, a neo-Gothic, medieval-inspired castle elaborately decorated with scenes from legend and poetry.

+ Despite the main residence of the Bavarian monarchs at the time being one of the most extensive palace complexes in the world, King Ludwig II of Bavaria felt the need to build a new palace on the remote northern edges of the Alps as a retreat, but also in honor of composer Richard Wagner, whom he greatly admired.

+ After his accession to the throne in 1864, Louis set out to build a “New Hohenschwangau Castle” (as Neuschwanstein was called until after his death) which he intended to be an even better reproduction of a medieval-style castle in line with his fairy-tale vision of monarchy.

+ The foundation stone for Neuschwanstein was laid in September 1869. Although Louis expected the entire project to be completed within three years, only the gateway building was inhabitable by 1873. The technical fittings were completed some four and a half years later, and the castle remained incomplete in 1886, when Louis died (by drowning). He had lived there, off and on, only some six months in total. Weeks after his passing, the unfinished castle was opened to the public as a museum.

+ Neuschwanstein is known as a castle of paradox. It was built in a time when castles were no longer necessary as strongholds, and, despite its medieval design, Louis also required it to have all the newest technological comforts. The structure is complete with a walled courtyard, an indoor garden, spires, towers, and an artificial cave. The castle is equipped with running water throughout, including flush toilets and hot water in the kitchen and baths, and has a forced-air central heating system. The dining room is serviced by an elevator from the kitchen three stories below. Louis even made sure the castle was connected to telephone lines, although at the time of its construction very few people had telephones.

+ Louis was a patron of Richard Wagner (best known for creating several complex operas), and wall paintings throughout the castle depict the legends that inspired the composer: the life of Parsifal in the fourth-floor Singers’ Hall; the Tannhäuser saga in the study; and Lohengrin in the great parlor.

+ Despite remaining unfinished, Neuschwanstein Castle became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe, receiving about 1.3 million visitors each year, with as many as 6,000 per day in the summer. (It also served as inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.)

In the city of Tampere (Swedish: Tammerfors), southwestern part of Finland

 "Who has happiness should hide it." (In Finnish: Kell’ onni on se onnen kätkeköön')

-- Finnish happiness has been in the news recently as Finland has topped the UN’s World Happiness Report repeatedly. Even the Finns were somewhat surprised by this -- and this Finnish saying may well explain why.
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(in the southwestern part of Finland) Tampere the most populous inland city in the Nordic countries, a city in the Pirkanmaa region, is the second-largest urban area and third most-populous individual municipality in Finland (after the cities of Helsinki and Espoo), and the most populous Finnish city outside the Greater Helsinki area. Today, Tampere is one of the major urban, cultural, and economic hubs in the whole inland region. Set between the vast lakes, Näsi and Pyhä (northwest of Helsinki), scenic Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality and pronounced cultural focus that make it a favorite for many visitors. The Tammerkoski rapids churn through the city's center, flanked by grassy banks that stand in contrast with the red brick of the imposing fabric mills that once drove the city's economy. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas. and cafes.

+ The city of Tampere (Swedish: Tammerfors), is located on an isthmus traversed by the Tammer Rapids between Lakes. Tampere is both an educational and an industrial center. It is also a lake port and major rail junction. Founded in 1779, it remained undeveloped until 1821, when Tsar Alexander I of Russia encouraged its growth by granting tax-free importation of raw materials and equipment. This privilege, which remained in place until 1905, resulted in the industrial expansion of the city. In 1918 right-wing government forces (known as the Whites) scored an important victory over the left-wing rebel army (the Reds) here in the Finnish Civil War. The Häme Museum of History (founded in 1804) is in Tampere, as are the Vapriikki Museum Center and the Central Museum of Labor. The city is notable for many fine examples of modern Finnish architecture by Carl Ludwig Engel, Lars Sonck, Viljo Revell, and Reima and Raili Pietilä. The Romantic-style Tampere Cathedral was completed in 1907. The library building, known locally as Metso, was completed in 1986. The symbol of the city is the 551-ft (168-meter) Näsineula Observation Tower.* Tampere has two universities: the University of Tampere and Tampere University of Technology.
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*Näsinneula ("the Needle of Näsi") is an observation tower in Tampere, overlooking Lake Näsijärvi. It was built in 1970–1971 and is the tallest free-standing structure in Finland and at present the tallest observation tower in the Nordic countries at a height of 168 meters (551 feet). The design of Näsinneula was inspired by the Space Needle in Seattle. The idea of its revolving restaurant was taken from the Puijo Tower, which is located in Kuopio, the city of North Savonia.

In the city of Derry, officially Londonderry, Northern Ireland

 Northern Ireland’s charms draw more and more visitors each year. First timers head straight for the Giant’s Causeway, a worthy destination but only one star in a constellation that twinkles along with many others.

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(in Northern Ireland) Derry, officially Londonderry, is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth-largest on the island of Ireland. The old walled city lies on the west bank of the River Foyle, which is spanned by two road bridges and one footbridge. The city now covers both banks (Cityside on the west and Waterside on the east).

+ The district administered by Derry City and the Strabane District Council contains both Londonderry Port and City of Derry Airport. Derry is close to the border with County Donegal, with which it has had a close link for many centuries. The person traditionally seen as the founder of the original Derry is Saint Colmcille, a holy man from Tír Chonaill, the old name for almost all of modern County Donegal, of which the west bank of the Foyle was a part before 1610.

+ Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland, and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. The walls constitute the largest monument in State care in Northern Ireland and, as part of the last walled city to be built in Europe, stand as the most pectacular. The Walls were built from 1613–1619 by The Honourable The Irish Society (as defences for early 17th-century settlers from England and Scotland). The Walls, which are approximately one mile (1.5 km) in circumference ae completely intact, and form a walkway around the inner city. They provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town, which still preserves its Renaissance-style street plan. The four original gates to the Walled City are Bishop's Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Butcher Gate, and Shipquay Gate. Three further gates were added later, Magazine Gate, Castle Gate, and New Gate, making seven gates in total. The architect was Peter Benson, a London-born builder, who was rewarded with several grants of land. It is one of the few cities in Europe that never saw its fortifications breached, withstanding several sieges, including the famous Siege of Derry in 1689 which lasted 105 days; hence the city's nickname, "The Maiden City"

+ The island’s fourth largest city, Derry~Londonderry is the perfect hub and a great overnight base from which to explore Ireland’s northwest. The city is the gateway to Ireland’s North West with beaches, rugged coastlines, and countryside to discover. The Giant’s Causeway, Strabane & The Sperrin Mountains Malin Head, Glenveagh National Park, and Titanic Belfast are just some.

+ As an artistic and cultural hub, Derry's city center was given a makeover in 2013, with the construction of the Peace Bridge, Ebrington Sqare, and the redevelopment of the waterfront and Guildhall area, thus enhancing the city's splendid riverside setting. (The city also has the oldest distillery in the world.)

In the capital city of Ljubljana, central Slovenia

 “Puff, the Magic Dragon, lived by the sea, and frolicked in the Autumn Mist in a land called Honah Lee; little Jacky Paper loved that rascal Puff, and gave him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff.”

― Peter Yarrow, Puff the Magic Dragon lyrics
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(in central Slovenia) Ljubljana, this country's capital and largest city, is one of Europe's greenest and most liveable capitals. In summer, cafes set up terrace seating along the river, making it feel a bit like a nightly street party. Now also the economic, political, and cultural center of Slovenia, Ljubljana was once a walled Roman encampment, built here in the mid-1st century BCE by Roman legionnaires; it then developed into the settlement of Emona (Iulia Aemona), though the area had been settled earlier by the Veneti, the Illyrians, and the Celts, beginning about 1000 BCE. Sitting on the route to Pannonia and commanding the Ljubljana Gap, the strategically located city was destroyed by Attila (the Hun) in the mid-5th century. The Slovene Slavic tribes, migrating westward, rebuilt it in the 12th century, when its name was first recorded as Laibach (in 1144) and then as Luvigana (1146). It gained city rights in 1220.

+ In the late 13th century, rule passed to the Habsburgs, and in 1335 Ljubljana became the capital of the Habsburg-Austrian province of Carniola. From 1461 Ljubljana was the seat of a bishop. Taken by the French in 1809, it became the government seat of the Illyrian Provinces.

+ Foreign rule ended in 1918, when Ljubljana and Slovenia became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). In 1991, when Slovenia gained its independence, Ljubljana became its national capital.

+ Ljubljana is dominated by a medieval fortress, which dates from the 12th century. The old quarter of the city lies between the fortress and the river. Only a few old buildings of the Austrian Baroque style survived a violent earthquake in 1895. The subsequent rebuilding of the city, particularly those buildings designed by the Art Nouveau architect Josef Plečnik, gave Ljubljana a modern appearance. The city also received a grid pattern. Fine stone bridges, such as the Tromostovje (Triple Bridge), were constructed across the river.

+ A popular local attraction is the Tivoli Park, which was built in the 19th century. The city’s leading educational institution is the University of Ljubljana. the National and University Library, the Joef Stefan Institute (a public research institute), and the Slovene Academy of Sciences and Arts are also located in the city. A philharmonic, among the first outside Italy, was established in 1701, The city’s finer museums and galleries include the National Museum of Slovenia, the Slovenian Museum of Natural History, the National Gallery, and the Gallery of Modern Arts. Other attractions include a botanical garden and a zoo.

+ Four large dragons guard Ljubljana's Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most), symbol of Ljubljana), with two at each end:

In the capital city of Riga, Lativa

 The House of the Blackheads is a building in the Old Town of Riga, Latvia. The original building was erected during the first third of the 14th century for the Brotherhood of Blackheads, a guild for unmarried merchants, shipowners, and foreigners in Riga.

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(in Latvia, on the Daugava River, above its mouth on the Gulf of Riga.) The Gothic spires that dominate Rīga's cityscape might suggest austerity, but it is the flamboyant art nouveau that forms the flesh and the spirit of this city, the largest of all three Baltic capitals.

+ An ancient settlement of the Livs and Kurs, Riga, the capital city of Latvia, emerged as a trading post in the late 12th century. Seagoing ships found a natural harbor where the Ridzene River once flowed into the Daugava, a trade route to points east and south from the Viking Age onward. Albert of Buxhoevden arrived in 1199 with 23 ships of Crusaders and established the military Order of the Brothers of the Sword (reorganized in 1237 as the Livonian Order, a branch of the Teutonic Order). The city of Riga joined the Hanseatic League in 1282 and became the dominant center of trade on the Baltic Sea’s eastern shore.

+ Riga was briefly an independent city-state but passed to Poland in 1581. It was captured by Sweden in 1621 and then taken in 1709–10 by Peter the Great, with Sweden formally ceding the city to Russia by the Peace of Nystad in 1721. Riga’s German-speaking nobles and merchants retained local privileges under all of the above monarchies.

+ On the eve of World War I, Riga was the Russian Empire’s third largest city, From 1915 to 1917, however, one of the war’s front lines lay along the Daugava, resulting in heavy damage on both shores. Latvia’s independence was declared in Riga in November, 1918 -- and the city became the new republic’s capital.

+ Latvia was occupied and annexed by the Soviets in 1940, and Riga lost thousands of people in 1940–41. Nazi Germany occupied the city from 1941 to 1944 during World War II, making it the administrative capital of Ostland, a territory encompassing Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus. Thousands of the city’s Jews were imprisoned in the Riga ghetto, shot in the Rumbula forest, and buried in mass graves near the end of 1941. The Soviets returned in October 1944, and for the next four decades Riga was the Soviet Baltic Military District’s command post. Latvia declared renewed independence in 1990.

+ The historic center of Riga was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Many medieval buildings survive, among them the 13th-century Riga cathedral, the Riga Castle, and merchants’ homes and warehouses. The canal around the city’s Old Town was the fortress moat. Among the public buildings that were renovated in the 1990s was the National Opera, first built as the Riga German Theater in 1863.
+ Shown here is the 14th-century House of Blackheads; damaged during World WarII and razed in 1954 (it was rebuilt in 2000).