Spanish steps
Rome’s Spanish steps are an iconic image of the city. People have loitered on the stairs since the 16th century. Not everyone knows the reason behind the name. Why would it be the Spanish steps when it’s in Italy?
The startling story behind the Hebrew inscription
One of the more curious sights on Prague’s Charles Bridge is that of Hebrew script on a Roman Catholic crucifix. The crucifix is a religious symbol that points to the break between the Jewish faith and Christianity so the story behind this is intriguing indeed.
The amazing Koněprusy caves
The Koněprusy cave complex is in the middle of a nature reserve and is 40 km away from Prague. Don’t think this is a mere collection of caves because it is one of the most unique cave networks in the world.
The mystical messianic troglodyte of Comino
One early scholar of Kabbalah was a 13th century mystic called Abraham Abulafia. He had visions, tried to convince the Pope of his reasoning and lived in Malta.
But who was this strange troglodyte?
Churches that are not sanctuaries
There are a few chapels and churches around Malta which sport an intriguing Latin sign: “Non gode immunity ecclesiastica” ("Doesn't provide ecclesiastical immunity"). I wanted to understand why a church would not be a place of refuge, and why some other churches still were.
The lost rotunda of St Wenceslas
Rotundas used to be common in Central Europe. Prague was no exception and it is a shame so many have disappeared. This article explains how archaeologists re-discovered St Wenceslas’ rotunda which stood in the Lesser Town Square (Malostranské náměstí).
The trek to Drahotuše castle ruins
The Drahotuše ruins are magnificent – huge gnarled tree trunks grow through these ruins abandoned since the 15th century. Apart from a brisk hike through the forest, I discovered the
Enjoying a weekend in Graz
I often bookmark interesting articles and ✨ tips for places I want to visit. I organise these into an itinerary to make sure I don’t miss anything. This article is my guide to spending a weekend in Graz, Austria.
The mysterious secret of Dr James Barry
There weren’t many female physicians in the 19th century. Irishwoman Margaret Bulkley pretended to be a man for over 40 years to practise medicine. This article explains how this happened, Bulkley's life in Malta and how we know what happened.
A photographic ode to Holešovice
If there is one constant in life, it’s that things never remain the same. Like all neighbourhoods, the one I live in, Holešovice, changes too. This article is a photographic ode to place I currently call home.