History lovers like Kulvir Singh Virk are constantly looking for intriguing and educational travel experiences that will enable them to discover and study the past. The world is full of fascinating historical places that provide a look into the rich cultural legacy of our planet, from ancient ruins to well-known landmarks. Here are a few of the best locations for travellers who enjoy history.
Rome, Italy
As one of the world’s most iconic and historical cities, Rome is a must-visit destination for any history buff. Visitors can experience the splendour of Ancient Rome and immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural legacy by visiting historic sites and landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Nestled high in the Andes mountains, Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city that has fascinated travellers for centuries. History fanatics can explore the many temples, palaces and plazas that make up this remarkable site and learn about the Incan culture that once thrived here.
Athens, Greece
Athens is a must-visit location for every history enthusiast because it is home to some of the world’s most famous historical sites. Visitors can see the origin of Western culture and explore some of the most well-known ancient monuments, including the Acropolis, Ancient Agora and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Giza Plateau, Egypt
For history aficionados, the Giza Plateau is a must-visit location because it is the birthplace of the ancient Egyptian civilisation. The Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid of Giza and a host of other intriguing sites are all open to visitors to this extraordinary area.
Petra, Jordan
Every history enthusiast should visit Petra, a breathtaking UNESCO Heritage Site tucked away in the middle of the Jordanian desert. It forms one of the Seven Wonders of the World, primarily because it is carved out of the mountains and has fascinating architecture. Visitors can explore the many tombs, temples and dwellings that make up this ancient city.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world, consisting of more than a thousand buildings. A dynasty of Khmer kings oversaw the city of Angkor, one of the most advanced kingdoms in Southeast Asia’s history – making it a fantastic location for history buffs who seek to discover the splendour of Khmer culture.
Budapest, a city renowned for its rich historical and cultural significance, is home to a stunning array of architectural wonders that vary in age and style. Its cuisine and architecture have captured the attention of tourists from all over the world, including Kulvir Singh Virk. Budapest’s structures stand as a testament to the city’s enduring legacy, from the famous Chain Bridge that spans the River Danube to the magnificent Parliament Building that dominates the city’s skyline. Beyond their striking exteriors, these landmarks offer a rich environment for culinary research and gastronomic experimentation.
The Stunning Buildings of Hungary’s Capital
The Hungarian Parliament Building, a massive gothic revival-style structure that sits on the banks of the Danube River, is arguably the most famous building in Budapest. The structure, which was opened in 1904, is the third-largest parliament building in the world and a genuine masterpiece of Hungarian design.
St. Stephen’s Basilica, a beautiful neoclassical church that dominates the city’s skyline, is another must-see structure in Budapest. Built over half a century, it contains the mummified right hand of its patron, King St. Stephen.
Art Nouveau
Another must-see in Budapest is the Museum of Applied Arts, which is one of the most notable examples of art nouveau architecture with its distinguishing green tile roof. Art nouveau architecture in Hungary first emerged in the late 1880s and was heavily influenced by the Hungarian architect Odon Lechner. The art nouveau movement still permeates the city today, characterised by its use of natural motifs and vibrantly coloured ceramics.
Budapest’s Culinary Scene
Budapest’s culinary scene is as rich and diverse as its culture and architecture. Hearty stews, flavourful soups and sumptuous meats take centre stage in the city’s traditional meals.
Hungarian cuisine represents a diverse mix of many cultures. Due to the 150-year Ottoman occupation, ideas from traditional Turkish food and the food of other nations in the Austro-Hungarian Empire have all influenced Hungarian cuisine.
Budapest’s traditional national cuisine, which evolved as a result of all these outside influences, may be undergoing yet another significant transformation as inventive chefs rethink and amend age-old recipes. Exploring the intersection of food and architecture in Budapest will leave tourists with a newfound appreciation for the way in which culture, history and cuisine are intertwined.
Russian cuisine is a melting pot of various cultural influences. It is best known for its hearty and comforting dishes; from savoury soups to delicious dumplings, there are many traditional Russian foods to try. Some of the most popular and iconic dishes include Pelmeni, Borscht, Blini and Kotleti. Each dish has its own unique flavour and texture, and they are often served with sour cream.
Kulvir Singh Virk is a freelance architect and food aficionado who loves trying local dishes and cuisines that are typical of the country he is currently visiting.
Pelmeni
Pelmeni are small, traditional Russian dumplings that are typically filled with meat, such as ground beef, pork or lamb. The dough is made with flour, water and eggs, rolled thin and cut into circles. The filling is placed in the centre of each dough circle, and the edges are pinched together to seal the dumpling. The dumplings are then boiled and typically served with sour cream. Pelmeni is a very popular and traditional dish in Russia and is also enjoyed in other countries with a significant population of Russian immigrants.
Borscht is a traditional soup from Russia made with beets as the main ingredient. Borscht is usually made with a variety of vegetables – such as cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions and sometimes tomatoes – and can be made with either meat or vegetable broth as a base. The beets give the soup its characteristic deep red colour, and it is typically garnished with sour cream and served with pampushka, a special garlic bread. Borscht can be served either hot or cold and is a very popular and comforting dish in Russia. It’s also popular in other Eastern European countries, and variations of the dish can be found in Ukraine, Poland and Lithuania.
Blini
Blini are thin, round pancakes that are a traditional food in Russia. They are often made from wheat or buckwheat flour and are served with various toppings such as sour cream, caviar and smoked salmon. They are typically eaten as part of a festive meal, such as during the Russian Orthodox holiday Maslenitsa (Butter Week) or Shrovetide, which is the period of feasting before the start of Lent.
Kotleti
Kotleti are Russian patties made from ground meat such as beef or pork. They are typically shaped into small, flattened patties and are pan-fried or baked. Kotleti is often served as a main dish with potatoes or vegetables and podlivka (Russian gravy). They are a popular and traditional dish in Russia, and variations of kotleti can be found in other Eastern European countries like Ukraine and Belarus.
The Indian cities of New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra are referred to as the Golden Triangle. The three cities in northwest India – which have the highest number of visitors in the country – are linked by a road and rail network. The distance between the three cities ranges from 125 to 155 kilometres.
The three cities form an almost equilateral triangle on a map and are home to many tourist attractions. Most tour providers offer itineraries covering all three cities, beginning in New Delhi before heading south to Agra and then west to Jaipur.
India’s interesting past can be seen up close in the country’s architectural masterpieces, many of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Golden Triangle and its surroundings are home to many must-see sites, ranging from ancient temples to modern design. This mixture of old and new is something that architects such as Kulvir Singh Virk can greatly appreciate.
Delhi
The architecture in Delhi is amazing. Tourists can visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is supposed to have inspired the Taj Mahal. This tomb, constructed in 1570, is culturally significant since it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi was the first of the vast dynastic mausoleums that became synonymous with Mughal architecture.
Another must-visit in Delhi is the Qutub Minar, the world’s highest brick minaret and one of India’s most popular landmarks. Its astonishing height of 238 feet is the equivalent of a modern 20-storey high-rise residential skyscraper.
In Agra, visitors should see the famed and magnificent Taj Mahal, which is a mausoleum complex. It is regarded as the best example of Mughal architecture.
Mughal architecture blends Persian, Indian and Islamic styles. The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most recognisable structures, with millions of people visiting it each year.
Jaipur
In Jaipur, most people visit the Amber Fort. It is perched high on a hill and is one of the main tourist attractions in the Jaipur area. Raja Man Singh I built the Ambert Fort, which is famous for its aesthetic style. It combines Hindu and Rajput features and is made of white and red sandstone. Raja Man Singh I began work on the Amber Fort in 1592.
St. Petersburg is one of Russia’s most popular tourist destinations for a number of reasons. Awash with culture, stunning architecture and fantastic food , it is a dynamic, pleasant and open city. It has fewer cars and less commotion when compared to Moscow, with many of St. Petersburg’s residents describing the city as having a European feel.
St Petersburg’s Architecture
St. Petersburg, founded in 1703, has a unique, colourful and eclectic design that has changed over time, ranging from Baroque-style buildings and Soviet architecture to Neoclassical structures and Style Moderne. This is something that keen architects such as Kulvir Singh Virk are quick to acknowledge and appreciate.
Neoclassical Structures
Neoclassical architecture is a type of building that flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries with the renaissance of Classical Greek and Roman architecture that began around 1750. Catherine the Great intended to deviate from her predecessors’ chosen style, which was High Rococo. She favoured Neoclassical architecture over Baroque designs and commissioned Scottish architect Charles Cameron to design the Alexander Palace. He was also commissioned to redesign Palace Square. This explains the nod to the Neoclassical that is prevalent in the city.
Soviet Architecture
‘Soviet architecture’ is commonly used to refer to two architectural styles associated with the Soviet Union: constructivist architecture, which was popular during the 1920s and 1930s, and Stalinist architecture, which was popular from the 1930s until the 1950s. One widely-discussed piece of Soviet Architecture in St. Petersburg is the House of Soviets, a symmetrical, no-nonsense tower built in the 1930s.
Baroque-Style Buildings
Baroque architecture is a dramatic construction style that emerged in Italy in the 17th century. The Baroque style was primarily represented by cathedrals, churches, mansions and palaces and was intended to demonstrate riches and power. The Winter Palace is one of the most famous Baroque-style structures in St. Petersburg. It is adorned with two rows of columns, and statues and vases line the perimeter of the roof. The staterooms, private rooms and boudoirs’ interiors are all works of art in their own right.
White Nights is a phenomenon that occurs in St. Petersburg from mid-June to early July. The city is illuminated by sunshine throughout the whole day. This is also the time of year for the White Nights Festival, a series of ballet, opera and symphonic performances at the world-famous Mariinsky Theatre. This is a fantastic time to visit St. Petersburg and to take in its stunning architecture.
