Few in the West had ever heard of Narva – the city of some 60,000 residents, more than 80 per cent of whom are ethnic Russians, located on the eastern border of Estonia – until Vladimir Putin’s propagandists, in the wake of the Russian Anschluss of Crimea, raised the question in NATO capitals, “are you prepared to die for Narva?”
That question was intended to sap Western support for its NATO ally, Estonia, and more generally for NATO countries neighbouring Russia and threatened by Putin’… (View original article)

Published:
06:02 EST, 16 January 2017
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Updated:
06:09 EST, 16 January 2017

A ghost hunter claims the spirit of one of William the Conqueror’s favourite barons haunted them during the investigation of a castle – giving him a medieval-style beard in an eerie photo.

Andrew Alexander, 47, was investigating 14th century Spofforth Castle in North Yorkshire along with ghost hunting pals when colleague Julie Cockroft took a photo of him.

But the team were stunned to… (View original article)

Kent is home to some great tourist attractions, including stunning castles, beautiful gardens and cathedrals.

But some of the county’s sites of interest are perhaps less well known to people who don’t live in the area.

Here’s our list of nine places and attractions in Kent you have probably never heard of – but they may be worth a visit.

Grain Tower This is a 19th century gun tower located off the Isle of Grain in the mouth of the River Medway. It was built … (View original article)

Blarney Castle is not the biggest castle in Ireland, nor is it the oldest. (That honor goes to Kilbrittain Castle, about an hour south.) But it easily ranks as its most popular, with hundreds of thousands of travelers coming from all across the world to stroll the 1,500-acre grounds, explore the 14th-century castle, and, of course, kiss the famous Blarney Stone. According to legend, puckering up to the hulking, rather grimy, extremely old stone imparts the gift of gab, or eloquence. But that… (View original article)

Outlander Leoch Castle 
( Youtube / ItalianOutlander IlMondoDiJamie&Claire )

‘Outlander’ has become a huge hit to the point that its fans have been curious about what is it to see the castle in person. The setting of the said series is the “Perthshire Castle” which was made famous by the TV show. The historic castle is currently undergoing major restoration following the huge influx of visitors at Doune Castle.

Thanks to “Outlander” the Doune Ca… (View original article)

23rd April guided tour of Alhama de Murcia castle

Each month the tours take visitors to the newly restored castle

The castle which dominates the skyline of Alhama de Murcia can be visited by joining one of the regular monthly guided tours offered.

This month there are visits on the 8th, 13th and 23rd April

There is also an additional guided tour in English on the 15th April

The tours are in Spanish, and are given by one of the archaeologists wor… (View original article)

Published:
17:03 EST, 14 January 2017
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Updated:
21:24 EST, 14 January 2017

With its spectacular views over the Avon Gorge – and with the magnificent Clifton Bridge as a backdrop – No 1 Windsor Terrace has to be one of the most desirable addresses in the country.

The five-storey Grade II listed Georgian end-of-terrace property in Bristol, which has just gone on the market for £2 million, will certainly appeal to buyers with a sense of drama – it is perched on top of … (View original article)

It was built in 1142. But the magnificent Crac de Chevaliers in Syria may not survive the war presently engulfing it.

High on a hill, almost halfway between Homs, Syria, and the Mediterranean Sea, sits a grand and formidable castle. All imposing turrets and towers, winding parapets, and massive stretches of limestone walls, the Crac des Chevaliers is the stuff of Disney-worthy dreams. 

One can only imagine the historical events that this castle has witnessed from tha… (View original article)

JOLIET – The group that bought the former Diocese of Joliet property hope someday to open a winery in the 19th-century limestone house known as “The Castle” because of its solid stone walls and turrets.

The house, which was the residence of a brewer years before it became the first home for the bishop when the Diocese of Joliet was formed in 1949, is one of three buildings on the property.

The Joliet Zoning Board on Thursday will consider a request for a variance on another … (View original article)

Humble, charming little Wales is a land of lusty men’s choirs, salty harbors, slate-roofed villages, stunning mountains and stout castles.

For many travelers, these mighty castles alone are reason enough to visit, and Wales is slathered with them. During the late 13th and early 14th centuries, English King Edward I started building these awe-inspiring fortresses — arguably the most breathtaking you’ll find anywhere in Europe — to subdue the rebellious Welsh. These castles were mas… (View original article)