In the Pena Palace, in the municipality of Sintra, on the Portuguese Riviera

 (in São Pedro de Penaferrim, in the municipality of Sintra, on the Portuguese Riviera) The Pena Palace (Portuguese: Palácio da Pena) is a Romanticist castle on the Portuguese Riviera. The castle stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains above the town of Sintra, and on a clear day it can be easily seen from Lisbon and much of its metropolitan area. It is a national monument and constitutes one of the major expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in the world. The palace is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. (It is also used for state occasions by the President of the Portuguese Republic and other government officials).

+ The castle's history started in the Middle Ages when a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena was built on the top of the hill above Sintra. According to tradition, construction occurred after an apparition of the Virgin Mary. In

1493, John II, accompanied by his wife Leonor of Viseu, made a pilgrimage to the site to fulfill a vow. His successor, Manuel I, was also very fond of this sanctuary, and ordered the construction of a monastery on this site which was donated to the Order of Saint Jerome. For centuries Pena was a small, quiet place for meditation, housing a maximum of eighteen monks. In the 18th century the monastery was severely damaged by lightning. However, it was the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, occurring shortly afterwards, that took the heaviest toll on the monastery, reducing it to ruins. Nonetheless, the chapel (and its works of marble and alabaster attributed to Nicolau Chanterene) escaped without significant damage.

+ For many decades the ruins remained untouched, but they still astonished young Prince Ferdinand. In 1838, as King consort Ferdinand II, he decided to acquire the old monastery, all of the surrounding lands, the nearby Castle of the Moors and a few other estates in the area. King Ferdinand then set out to transform the remains of the monastery into a palace that would serve as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. The commission for the Romantic style rebuilding was given to Lieutenant-General and mining engineer Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege. Eschwege, a German amateur architect, was much traveled and had knowledge of several castles along the Rhine river. The construction took place between 1842 and 1854. Ferdinand and Queen Maria II, however, intervened decisively on matters of decoration and symbolism. Among others, the King suggested vaul  arches, Medieval and Islamic elements be included.

+ In 1889 it was purchased by the Portuguese state, and after the Republican Revolution of 1910 it was classified as a national monument and transformed into a museum. The last queen of Portugal, Queen Amélia, spent her last night at the palace before leaving the country in exile.
The palace quickly drew visitors and became one of Portugal's most visited monuments. In 1995, the palace and the rest of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra were classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

In the island of Île de la Cité, in the Seine River in the center of Paris, France

 (in Paris, France) The history of this city often makes people think of opulent royal lifestyles, empirical conquests, or cabaret nightlife. Yet, Paris dates back further than the eras that coincide with such associations. What is now a sprawling city began with the Parisii Celtic tribe around 200 BCE. on an island in the Seine River. Today, it is called Île de la Cité (City Island), and it still features major destinations in Paris that everyone needs to see (while also being important to modern French government).

+ Depicted here, is Île de la Cité, the island in the river Seine in the center of Paris. In the 4th century, it was the site of the fortress of the area governor for the Roman Empire. In 508, Clovis I, the first King of the Franks, established his palace on the island. In the 12th century, it became an important religious center, the home of Notre-Dame cathedral, and the royal chapel of Sainte-Chapelle, as well as the city hospital, the Hôtel-Dieu (which may be the oldest continuously operating hospital in the world). It is also the site of the city's oldest surviving bridge (the Pont Neuf).

+ The tip of the Île de la Cité is fashioned into a triangular gravel-pathed park bordered by flowering bushes, with benches under the ancient trees. It is surrounded by a wide cobbled quay that is especially popular with sunbathers and lovers. Where the steps go onto the bridge from the park, there is a bronze equestrian statue of King Henry IV, who insisted on completion of the Pont Neuf. The statue is an 1818 reproduction of the 1614 original, which was the first statue to stand on a public way in Paris. Opposite is the narrow entrance to the Place Dauphine, named for Henry’s heir (le dauphin), the future Louis XIII. The place was formerly a triangle of uniform red-brick houses pointed in white stone, but the row of houses along its base was ripped out in 1871 to make room for construction of part of the Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice).The palace of the early Roman governor (now the Palace of Justice) was rebuilt on the same site by King Louis IX (St. Louis) in the 13th century and enlarged 100 years later by Philip IV (the Fair), who added the grim gray-turreted Conciergerie, with its impressive Gothic chambers. The Great Hall (Grand Chambre), which, under the kings, was the meeting place of the Parlement (the high court of justice), was known throughout Europe for its Gothic beauty. Fires in 1618 and 1871 destroyed much of the original room, however, and most of the rest of the palace was devastated by flames in 1776. The Great Hall now serves as a waiting room for the various courts of law housed in the Palace of Justice. In the adjoining first Civil Chamber, the Revolutionary Tribunal sat from 1793, condemning some 2,600 persons to the guillotine. After being sentenced, the victims were taken back down the stone stairs to the dungeons of the Conciergerie to await the tumbrels -- the carts that carried them to the place of execution.

In the Balck Forest in Germany

 If you are looking for a fairy-tale destination with evergreen forests, charming villages, and scenic trails, the Black Forest in Germany is the place for you. This region in southwest Germany is famous for its cultural traditions, such as the cuckoo clock, the cherry gateau, and the Grimm Brothers’ stories. You can explore the history and heritage of the Black Forest at the open-air museum of Vogtsbauernhof, where you can see how the farmers lived in the 17th century. You can also enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor activities of the Black Forest, such as hiking, skiing, and spa treatments. (Whether you prefer a relaxing or adventurous holiday, the Black Forest will enchant you with its magic and mystery.)

In the city of Wittenberg, north-central Germany

 "You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say."-- Martin Luther"

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(in north-central Germany) Wittenberg is a place of great historical significance for Christianity, because it was here that Martin Luther challenged the Catholic Church and sparked the Protestant Reformation. You can visit the Castle Church where he nailed his 95 theses, the Luther House where he lived and worked, and the Town Church where he preached and was married. You can also learn more about his colleagues and followers, such as Philipp Melanchthon and Lucas Cranach, at their respective houses and museums. Wittenberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the legacy of the Reformation with in its architecture and culture.

+ Wittenberg lies on the Elbe River, southwest of Berlin. Chartered in 1293, it was the residence of the Ascanian dukes and electors of Saxony from 1212 until it passed, with electoral Saxony, to the house of Wettin in 1423. Wittenberg University, made famous by its teachers, the religious reformers Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon, was founded by the elector Frederick the Wise in 1502 and merged in 1817 with the University of Halle to form the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg. In 1547, when John Frederick the Magnanimous signed the Capitulation of Wittenberg, the electorate passed from the Ernestine to the Albertine line of the Wettins, and the town ceased to be the official residence. The city was occupied in 1806 by the French, who strengthened its fortifications in 1813; the fortress was stormed by the Prussians in 1814, and the city was assigned to them in 1815.

+ The Reformation started in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517, when Luther may have nailed his famous 95 Theses to the wooden doors of the Castle Church. The doors were destroyed in a fire in 1760, and the church, containing the graves of Luther and the Reformers, was damaged then and again in 1813–14. The church has been restored, and the bronze doors of 1858 bear the Latin text of Luther’s Theses. Other notable buildings include the castle , the Town Hall, the residences of Melanchthon and Luther, and the town church, which houses an altarpiece by Lucas Cranach the Elder, court painter to the Saxon electors and a town councillor and burgomaster (mayor) of Wittenberg. Various sites in Wittenberg associated with Luther (along with similar sites in Eisleben) were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.
Wittenberg’s river harbor and position as a railway junction aided its industrialization.

+ Wittenberg is famous for its connection with Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation, for which it received the honorific Lutherstadt and is being called the "cradle of the Reformation" and "cradle of Protestantism." Several of Wittenberg's buildings are associated with the events, including a part of the Augustinian monastery in which Luther lived, first as a monk and later as owner with his wife Katharina von Bora and family.

In the Principality of Liechtenstein, in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria

 Liechtenstein is one of just two double-landlocked countries in the world (i.e.,landlocked by countries that are landlocked themselves; the other is Uzbekistan).

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(in the Alps between Switzerland and Austria) Liechtenstein may be one of the smallest countries in Europe, but it packs a lot of charm and beauty in its territory. Nestled between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein offers stunning mountain scenery, medieval castles, and modern art. You can visit the fairy-tale Schloss Vaduz, the residence of the royal family, and admire the views of the Rhine valley. You can also explore the cultural and natural treasures of the country at the Liechtenstein National Museum, or marvel at the contemporary art at the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein. If you love outdoor activities, you can cycle, hike, or ski in the alpine landscapes, and discover the hidden gems of Liechtenstein.

+ Political identity came to the territory now occupied by the Principality of Liechtenstein in 814, with the formation of the subcountry of Lower Rhætia. Liechtenstein's borders have remained unchanged since 1434, when the Rhine River established the border between the Holy Roman Empire and the Swiss cantons.

+ Liechtenstein, a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the prince of Liechtenstein of the House of Liechtenstein, is Europe's fourth-smallest country, with an area of just over 160 square km (62 square mi.) Divided into 11 municipalities, its capital is Vaduz, and its largest municipality is Schaan. It is a member of the United Nations, the European Free Trade Association, and the Council of Europe. Though not a member state of the European Union, it participates in both the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area. (It has a customs union and a monetary union with Switzerland, and with the Swiss franc.)

+ The area that was to become Liechtenstein was invaded by both Austrian and Swedish troops during the Thirty Years' War of 1618–1648.

+ Liechtenstein did not participate in World War I, claiming neutrality; it was closely tied to Austria-Hungary due to the customs union between the two countries and was sympathetic to the Central Powers.

+ During World War II, Liechtenstein remained neutral, while family treasures were brought to Liechtenstein (and London) for safekeeping. At the same time, Liechtenstein tied itself closely to Switzerland during the war in hopes of retaining the country's neutrality. It achieved the de facto inclusion of Liechtenstein in the Swiss national supply.

+ After World War II, Liechtenstein became important as a financial center. In 1949, Liechtenstein ceded the Ellhorn mountain to Switzerland as a result of Swiss demands and threats to, among other things, end the customs union between the two countries. Switzerland agreed to forgive much of Liechtenstein's debt that it had acquired to the country throughout World War II. In 1978, Liechtenstein became a member of the Council of Europe, and then joined the United Nations in 1990.

In the city of Pula, western Croatia

 “The Colosseum is a testament to the power and ambition of the Roman emperors.” -- Augustus

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(in western Croatia) Pula is found at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula and is the area's largest city. Located beneath seven hills and with views of the Adriatic Sea, Pula's unspoiled natural surroundings are magical. Known for its mild climate and tame, beautiful sea, Pula also has a long tradition of winemaking, fishing, and shipbuilding. It is also home to many ancient Roman buildings, including the well-preserved, magnificent amphitheater.

+ A wealth of Roman architecture lifts otherwise-workaday Pula (ancient Polensium; Pola in Italian) from the humdrum. The star of the show is the remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater (shown here) in the heart of the city, which dominates the streetscape and doubles as a venue for summer concerts and festivals.

+ Pula, a major port and industrial center, lies at the southern tip of Istria at the head of the Bay of Pula and has a large, almost landlocked harbor in which there is a naval base and the Uljanik shipyards.
+ Conquered by Rome in the 2nd century BCE, Pula by the 2nd century CE was the seat of a Christian bishop, and in later centuries it was part of the territories of Byzantium, of the Franks, and of Venice. In 1380 the Genoese exacted revenge raids on Pula. Plagues reduced the population to only hundreds in the 1630s. Austria took the town in 1797; after 1866 it became the main harbor and arsenal of the Austro-Hungarian navy. It passed to Italy in 1920 and after 1947 became part of Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia).

+ Pula At the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula in northwestern Croatia, with a population of 52,220 in 2021. It is known for its multitude of ancient Roma  buildings, the most famous of which is the Pula Arena, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters. The city has a long tradition of wine making, fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism. (It was the administrative center of Istria from ancient Roman times until superseded by Pazin in 1991.

+ After World War II, the Istrian Italians of Pula left Yugoslavia towards Italy (a.k.a. the Istrian-Dalmatian exodus). For two years after 1945, Pula was administered by the Allied Military Government for Occupied Territories AMG). Pola formed an enclave within south Istria that was occupied by Yugoslavia since 1945 with the help of Churchill. The AMG was occupied by a company of the United States 351st Infantry and a British battalion of the 24th Guards Brigade. Istria was partitioned into occupation zones until the region became officially united with the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFR Yugoslavia) on 15 September 1947, under terms of the Paris Peace Treaties. The city became part of the Socialist Republic of Croatia, a federal state within SFR Yugoslavia, upon the ratification of the Paris Peace Treaties on 15 September 1947. Since the collapse of Yugoslavia in 1991, Pula has been part of the Republic of Croatia.

In the city of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden

 "There’s something I love about how stark the contrast is between January and June in Sweden." – Bill Skarsgard

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(in the most populous city of Sweden) Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is located at the junction of Lake Mälar and Salt Bay. Built upon many islands as well as the mainland of Uppland and Södermanland, Stockholm was built by the Swedish ruler Birger Jarl. The city was regarded as the Swedish capital by 1436. After many conflicts between the Danes and Swedes, Stockholm was freed from Danish rule by Gustav I Vasa in 1523.

+ Stockholm developed rapidly in the mid-17th century as Sweden became a great power. In the 18th century, fires destroyed large parts of the city, and stone buildings were constructed to replace the old wooden houses. Stockholm had by then become the cultural center of Sweden; many of its literary societies and scientific academies date from this time. A new period of development began with industrialization in the 19th century. During this time redevelopment took place in the medieval city nucleus, and parks were laid out, and many of the city’s present-day schools, museums, libraries, and hospitals were built, such as Storkyrkan (also called the Cathedral, or Church, of St. Nicolas), the House of Lords, and some other buildings.

+ The city stretches across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea. The islands are connected by old bridges and modern overpasses to city districts occupying the mainland of Uppland to the north and that of Södermanland to the south. East of Gamla Stan (Old Town) the island of Djurgården, a cultural-recreational area that has several museums, including the Vasa, which houses a salvaged Swedish warship dating from 1628.

+ Stockholm is also home to Stockholm University, the Royal Institute of Technology, and the Caroline Medical Institute. The city’s cultural institutions include the Royal Theatre (the opera), the Concert Association (Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra), and the Royal Dramatic Theatre.
More recently, redevelopment is seen in the medieval city nucleus,where buildings were reconstructed, boulevards, avenues, and parks were laid out, and many of the city’s present-day schools, museums, libraries, and hospitals were built.

+ Today, Sweden's dynamic capital combines contemporary attractions-- avant-garde art, chic shopping, innovative dining -- with regal palaces and gabled buildings. Stroll through fantastic parks and gardens (the 19th-century Skansen was the world’s first open-air museum), over bridges connecting the city's islands, and down cobblestone streets of Old Town Dedicate some tome to explore Stockholm’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Drottningholm Palace (the residence of the royal family) and the magical Skogskyrkogården (aka Woodland Cemetery).

+ Stockholm is regarded as one of the world's most inviting and inclusive cities. The neighborhood of Gamla Stan (Old Town), which dates from the 1200s is a living, breathing museum in its own right.