Travel & Places – Thalysia

The Sagrada Família and the Skyward Reach of Faith

Barcelona has many treasures, but none captures the spirit of the city more than Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. Rising above its surroundings with an otherworldly presence, it is the most visited monument in Spain, drawing nearly five million visitors in 2024 alone. People from every corner of the world flock to its doors, craning their necks beneath its towers, marveling at its stained glass, and whispering their awe into the vast space where devotion meets spectacle. Now, the basilica stands at the threshold of a historic moment. With the construction of its fourteenth tower, known as the Jesus Christ Tower, the Sagrada Família is poised to claim a new title: the tallest church tower in the world.

Great Mediterranean Churches: A Journey Through Sacred Splendor

Traveling across the Mediterranean is like flipping through the pages of a living storybook. Between tasting olives drizzled with oil, wandering through Venetian alleyways, or feeling the salty air of the Aegean, one cannot miss another vital thread woven through the landscape: the magnificent churches and cathedrals that stand as timeless witnesses to centuries of faith, artistry, and culture. Visiting these sacred spaces is not only about spirituality. It is about encountering breathtaking architecture, echoing histories, and moments of stillness amid the buzzing life outside their doors.

Artemisia Museum in Forcalquier: Where Nature, Scent, and Heritage Intertwine

Nestled in the aromatic heart of Provence, the Artemisia Museum in Forcalquier offers a sensory journey through the history, beauty, and wonder of plants. For any guest enchanted by botanical gardens, curious about essential oils, or eager to experience the secrets of the region’s healing flora, this museum is an irresistible destination. It’s more than a showcase, it’s an invitation to touch, smell, explore, and connect with centuries of herbal wisdom.

Discovering Nice for Free: The Best Cost-Free Experiences and Sights

Nestled on the sun-kissed Côte d’Azur, Nice stands out as a city that blends Mediterranean flair, colorful history, natural beauty, and artistic spirit. While swanky beach clubs and luxury hotels might suggest otherwise, exploring Nice does not have to strain your budget. The city offers a wealth of attractions available for free, promising unforgettable days packed with scenic vistas, historic streets, and vibrant culture. Journey through some of Nice’s finest cost-free experiences, from pebbled shores and panoramic lookouts to lush gardens and lively markets.

September in Greece: The New Ecclesiastical Year of the Orthodox Church

September sweeps into Greece with a sense of transformation, a vibrant blend of history, tradition, and hope. For Greek Orthodox Christians, the first day of September isn’t just another stretch of the calendar. It marks the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year, a spiritual reset deeply entwined with centuries-old customs and the rhythms of rural life. Whether in bustling cities or remote villages, the air tingles with anticipation, prayer, and communal activity, drawing an unbroken thread from the past to the present.

Grasse: Where the Art of Perfume Comes Alive

Nestled between the scenic slopes of the southern Alps and the dazzling blue of the Mediterranean, the town of Grasse stands as a vibrant testament to centuries of perfume artistry. This picturesque French town, with its winding serpentine streets and hidden courtyards, welcomes visitors into a world where scent is elevated to craft and history intertwines with the air itself. Yet, as charming as Grasse appears, its true treasures often remain behind closed doors, accessible only to those invited into its secret perfumed sanctuaries.

Furious Feline’s Journey: Cat Naps in the Mediterranean, Wakes Up in Austria!

Sometimes, vacation souvenirs are a little more unexpected, and livelier, than fridge magnets or postcards. This was certainly the case for a family returning from their Croatian holiday, whose homecoming took a dramatic and furry twist no one had seen coming.

The Most Beautiful Parks and Gardens on the Côte d’Azur: A Paradise Between Sea and Mountains

When one thinks of the French Riviera, sparkling turquoise seas and elegant Boulevards may come to mind. Yet, hidden within this glamorous coast lies a quieter realm, a paradise of parks and gardens where nature’s artistry and human vision unite. The Côte d’Azur, with its gentle Mediterranean climate, is a canvas for garden designers, botanists, and plant collectors, their creations blending French prestige with Italian grace. Here, beneath a sky gently brushed by the Mediterranean sun, visitors encounter not only dazzling floral vistas, but also an extraordinary horticultural heritage embracing centuries of style, innovation, and ecological awareness.

The Train de la Côte Bleue: France’s Most Scenic Railway and the Blue Train Legacy

There is a place in the south of France where the Mediterranean meets dramatic cliffs, sunlit beaches lie undisturbed, and azure waters shimmer beneath painted wooden boats. Here, along one of Europe’s most impressively scenic lines, runs the Train de la Côte Bleue. Not just a means of transportation, it is a moving balcony offering extraordinary views and a living testament to the historical elegance of French railway travel. To fully appreciate this railway gem, it helps to understand its delicate dance with the legendary Train Bleu, the luxury express that once defined continental glamour, adventure, and artistry.

Hidden Provence: 5 Secret Corners You Must Discover

If Provence conjures images of endless lavender fields, bustling markets, and sun-soaked squares dotted with pastel shutters, you’re not alone. But while the region’s postcard-famous towns—Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Gordes—draw admirers year-round, the true soul of Provence lies down winding lanes and in hamlets only the locals whisper about. Here, time slows, life feels gentler, and the stories are stitched into the very stones beneath your feet. For the traveler searching for the undiscovered, here are five secret places in Provence that promise wonder and quiet joy.