Best Places to Visit in Nepal

Nepal is a surprisingly diverse country that draws tourists for various reasons. Some are drawn to the mountains and want to climb or trek in the Himalayas, others are drawn to the culture and the famous city of Kathmandu and others come in search of spiritual awakening. Nepal can be an adrenaline rush, a cultural awakening, a life-altering experience, or all of the above.

Most visitors visit sacred and historical sites in Kathmandu before continuing to other parts of the country. Outside of the capital, the best places to visit for wildlife viewing are Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park, as well as the lakeside town of Pokhara, which is famous for trekking.

Trekkers will find many options throughout Nepal, with the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions being the most popular.

A major earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, causing severe damage in Kathmandu and other areas, and reconstruction is still ongoing. Things take time to happen in Nepal, and when they do, they tend to happen unevenly, so progress has been significant in some areas but limited in others. However, much of the damage to the major attractions has been repaired, though some historical treasures have been lost forever.

Read through our list of the top attractions in Nepal to find the best places to visit. Everyone loves to travel! Our friends over at https://xpconstructioncorp.com/ recommend Nepal!

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1. Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital and largest city, is unlike any other city in the world. The decaying buildings in the city centre starkly contrast the vibrant atmosphere that pervades the streets. The aroma of incense wafts from stores as street vendors push their wares, and people go about their daily lives against a backdrop of historic temples and carved statues.

Kathmandu, along with Bhaktapur and Patan, was one of three rival royal cities for hundreds of years. These three are so close together that they almost run together today.

Durbar Square, the largest of the three royal cities’ palace squares and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has long been a highlight of Kathmandu. There are temples and monuments of various shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths here.

The 2015 earthquake severely damaged Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, with many buildings destroyed beyond repair, but it remains a special place to visit.

2. Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath)

The Boudhanath Stupa, located just outside Kathmandu, is one of the world’s largest stupas and dates back to the 6th century, if not earlier. Bhaktapur lies on the old trade route to Tibet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The stupa symbolises enlightenment in and of itself, but the symbolism is evident at Boudhanath. Each shape represents one of the five elements, which are the attributes of the five Buddhas: earth, water, fire, air, and sphere. Their unity, brought together in the form of the stupa, reflects the structure of the universe itself abstractly.

The stupa suffered minor damage during the 2015 earthquake but has since been fully repaired.

3. Pokhara

Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most scenic cities, located at the base of the foothills and surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I. Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas and the starting point for treks to Jomsom and the Annapurna region for trekkers. It’s also a great place to unwind before or after a hike.

It is the second largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu in terms of population, but it does not feel like a big city. You’ll immediately notice the much cleaner air and pleasant climate as you travel from Kathmandu, 200 kilometres to the east. Lake Phewa is ideal for those looking for some relaxation, with its cluster of lakeside hotels, restaurants, and shops.

4. Trekking in the Annapurna Region

The Annapurna Region is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, with treks ranging from a few days to a few weeks. The Annapurna Region’s three main routes intersect and combine in places, and you can choose to do a portion or a variation on the routes. The routes are marked and simple to follow.

The Annapurna Circuit, which circles Annapurna Mountain for about 21 days, is extremely popular with those who have the time. The “Apple Pie Circuit” refers to the fact that most tea houses along the route serve their version of fried apple pie.

The trek to Poon Hill (3,210 metres) near Ghorepani is a popular hiking destination in this region, often included in hiking packages that include the Annapurna Circuit. Most hikers try to arrive at Poon Hill before sunrise to catch a glimpse of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Singa Chuli.

The Annapurna Sanctuary is located between the Annapurna peaks and takes five days to reach. Muktinath is on the way to Annapurna but has since grown into its destination. The Muktinath route takes seven days and runs through the Kali Gandaki Valley on Annapurna’s east flank. Mustang, a small region north of Muktinath, was only opened to tourists in 1992. This region has its own culture.

5. Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is the place to visit if you want to see a different side of Nepal. This is an excellent location for wildlife viewing, with a safari-like atmosphere. Chitwan has a tropical monsoon climate, quite different from what you’d expect to find in Nepal, despite being only 100 metres above sea level in some areas, much lower than Kathmandu at 1,400 metres.

Visitors come to see the wildlife. Rhinos, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (buffalo), deer, and other animals can be found in the park. Rivers and streams are home to freshwater dolphins (Gangetic) and crocodiles, but they are rarely seen. Chitwan is a birder’s paradise, with over 500 species of birds. Tours from the lodges take you into the park, either on foot or, more commonly, on elephants, for up-close encounters with the animals.

6. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Swayambhunath, located on a hilltop west of Kathmandu, is the second most important shrine in the Kathmandu Valley after Boudhanath. The temple is more affectionately known as the Monkey Temple because of the resident monkeys who inhabit parts of it.

The temple complex’s focal point is the Swayambhu Stupa, painted with the omnipresent god’s eyes. The temple complex dated from the 5th century and was originally a prehistoric cult site. Swayambhu is essential in the lives of Vajrayana Buddhists in Northern Nepal and Tibet, especially Kathmandu Valley Newari Buddhists.

The 2015 earthquake damaged the Swayambhunath temple complex; however, repairs are now complete, and the temple has been restored to its original state.

Sights You Must See While Visiting Costa Rica

If you are ever fortunate enough to visit Costa Rica, one of the smallest, but undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in all of the world, be sure to take along a camera and plenty of batteries and film to capture the unforgettable sights and scenery.

La Finca de Mariposas – The Butterfly Farm

At La Finca de Mariposas, a netted butterfly garden housing up to 45 species of over 500 butterflies, you will be delighted at the sights that await. At the farm, which first opened as a tourist attraction in 1990, colors seem to appear from out of nowhere while iridescent jewels take flight all around you.

After making your way through the garden, head over to the laboratory where you will see both larvae and pupae being nurtured to maturation. Pay a visit to the farm’s gift shop and stop in The Blue Crowned Motmot Restaurant, which was named after a native bird, for a bite to eat before heading off to the next exciting adventure.

The National Parks of Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s national parks and wildlife refuges are divided into 11 different regions covering one fourth of the country’s total area. For the past 50 years now, Costa Rica has taken an active role as a country to protect wildlife and become a leader in the world of ecotourism.

The national parks of Costa Rica are tucked away in the rainforests, the cloud forests, in both the lowlands and the highlands with something interesting to see anywhere you look. Explore just one or two of the many parks and you’ll see things like canals, caves, lagoons, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and volcanoes along with collections of ancient relics from pre-Columbian days and plenty of flora and fauna.

Located in the central Pacific region is Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular in all of the country. This park is open from Tuesdays through Sundays and features activities like hiking, walking, swimming, picnicking, and observing creatures like anteaters, eagles, ocelots, and pelicans.

Another popular tourist attraction in Costa Rica is Tortuguero (turtle catcher, in English) National Park, open every day from 8am to 4pm, and home to animals including sloths and monkeys, birds like the toucan, and aquatic creatures such as the manatee and giant sea turtle.

On the Caribbean coast lies Cahuita National Park, a preserve founded in 1982 that is open every day of the week. Bring your snorkeling gear to Cahuita and head to the sandy, white beaches before exploring beneath the surface of the crystal clear waters.

Nearly all of Costa Rica’s national parks will have at least a few trails that are maintained on a regular basis, save for the rainy season when mud and muck are inevitable. If you aren’t familiar with an area, by all means hire an experienced travel guide or enlist the services of a park ranger before attempting to hike or explore on your own.

Parks like Corcovado or Santa Rosa have excellent trails and if you visit during the rainy season, chances are you’ll see fewer people and more wildlife.…

Visit the Gambia – Good Reasons to Go to Africa’s “Smiling Coast”

The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa, but quite possibly offers the warmest welcome. Situated on the west coast of Africa it has been dubbed as “The Smiling Coast” and it is easy to see why. As soon as you arrive the locals meet you with a warm genuine smile.

The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal to the north, south and east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Tourism plays a huge part of life in The Gambia and I have compiled a list of good reasons as to why you should visit.

1. There is no jet lag. The Gambia is just a six hour flight from the UK.

2. For the weather, Gambia offers guaranteed sunshine with average daily temperatures over 30°C!

3. There are an excellent range of restaurants in the Gambia, from local takeaway to Chinese, Indian, Lebanese and Italian

4. The Gambia is one of the safest destinations in the world, with a very low crime rate and attacks on tourists are extremely rare

5. The Gambia offers a good choice of hotels – from 1* no frills to 5* luxury spa hotels.

6. The Gambia offers good nightlife, Kololi (or Senegambia as known locally) has an excellent range of lively bars

7. Fantastic beaches. The Gambia offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa to enjoy the hot sunshine.

8. Good range of flights from UK airports. Flights to The Gambia are now available from London Gatwick, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester airports.

9. Over 500 different species of bird and is one of the best destinations for bird watching.

10. The Gambia has excellent sea and creek fishing.

The Gambia is a former British colony and only gained independence on the 18th February 1965 so English is widely spoken by local people. The Gambia is a peaceful country and has a

population of around 1.5 million people. Religion is made up of 90% Muslim and 10% Christian and other religions.…

Animal Sanctuaries That You Should Visit

A plethora of beauty and wonders will fascinate you while in Devon. If you are staying at one of the Devon holiday cottages, you will have easy access to major tourist attractions in the country such as beaches, nature trails, traditional villages, parks and restaurants, shopping complexes, and animal sanctuaries. The Devon cottages boast of excellent accommodations at a price you can afford. Choose a cottage that will match your preference and will meet your needs as a family. Your island getaway is the best time to bond with your children, be closer to nature, and keep yourself healthy.

Paignton Zoo

A trip to the Paignton Zoo while at the Devon holiday cottages is a great idea. The Paignton Zoo is a safe haven for hundreds of flora, fauna, and wildlife creatures. It is a wonderful opportunity to be close to all these beautiful animals, birds, and plants. Exploring the zoo is such a soothing and revitalizing activity. Bring a fully charged camera because you would not resist clicking away to such beauty and charm. The savannah, the desert, and the forest surround the Paignton Zoo and are just truly awe-inspiring.

Animals and Birds

Eastern Bongos- The Eastern Bongos are almost extinct animals because they are hunted for their meat. The deep forests are its home. It has a unique reddish-brown color as well as bold stripes on its body which can be easily camouflaged. The Bongos are night animals and only come out after dark to search for food.

Gouldian Finch- The Gouldian Finch is scarlet, yellow, and black in color. Although the male and female both look the same, you can tell the difference by determining which has a darker hue – the female. These beautiful birds are perched up on the branches of the trees all the time and rarely come down to the ground. You can participate in feeding the Gouldian Finch before going back to the Devon holiday cottages.

Senegal Bushbaby- The Bushbaby is another primate that only becomes active at night. It leaps from one tree to the other, to find its dinner. Its big eyes are very helpful in judging the distance as it jumps between trees. If the big eyes are for fine vision and movement, its keen sense of smell is used for detecting food. The Bushbaby can jump up to a height of 5 meters. A queer behavior of the Bushbaby is urinating on its hands and feet as well as leaving its scent on trees as a way of marking its territory. Take pictures of all of these unique creatures which you can print when you get back to the accommodations.…

South Korea Tourism

To arrange a good and memorable trip to South Korea, it is advised to read travel guides about this beautiful country, and then contact a local travel professional who may help you organize this tour in the most effective way for reasonable money.

South Korea has a lot of natural places to be observed and historical landmarks to enjoy. The country plays an important role in the protection of the heritage of world culture and natural attractions. Apart from that, it is considered a hospitable place for foreigners and a prospective tourism destination.

In the south-east of the country, one will find Bulguksa monastery and the Seokguram cave temple adjacent to it. Another noteworthy place is Temple Jongmyo, located in Seoul, where memorial tablets of the monarchs of the Joseon Dynasty are stored.

Seorak Mountain is a part of the Diamond Mountains, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. Hallasan mountain is an extinct volcano. Both picturesque places are loved by numerous international visitors. The city of Gyeongju is known for its Tumuli Park, Onyn Five Tombs, Chhomsonde Observatory, the tomb of General Kim Yu Sin, and Mount Namsan with the ruins of pagodas and monasteries. Gyeongju National Museum and the resort on Lake Pomun offer wonderful recreational opportunities.

Ganghwa Island in Korea is known for its historical monuments and beautiful nature. Among the main attractions of the island one should name an altar built by Tangun, the legendary founder of the nation, the fortress walls, the ancient furnace for the production of celadon built in the 13th century, and Chondynsa monastery. The beaches of the eastern coast of Korea are known for weak currents and are considered the best in Korea.

Korea will surely capture your imagination with plenty of Buddhist monasteries and temples, palaces, exquisite statues, which have ancient and rich history. Seoul is perhaps the main place for tourists, with its National Museum, the Institute of Korean classical music named Sejong Cultural Center, Hoam Center for the Arts, Namsan Tower, and Korea House. In the capital of Korea one can visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, known as The Palace of Radiant Happiness, and one of the five palaces in Seoul. The main palace was built by the founder of Joseon dynasty, King Lee Sung-Te, when the state capital was transferred to Seoul. On the palace grounds, there is the National Folk Museum with a rich exposition, which introduces you to the history, culture and traditions of Korea.

No less interesting is Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, which consists of the king’s residence and Secret Garden. Built in 1405, it is the only palace that has preserved the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty. The Secret Garden is a place for entertainment of the ruling dynasty: nature has harmoniously created its 300-year-old trees, the pond and the pavilion.…

South Korea : The Three Plentiful in Jeju Island – the Wind, the Women and the Rocks

In recent years, South Korea has become a popular travel destination for many Singaporeans. We decided to give Korea a try after hearing praises about this “Land of the Morning Calm”. Well, I am glad to say that we made the right choice!

Jeju Island, also known as the “Honeymoon Island”, is a must-try in South Korea. We arrived at Jeju Island in the late morning of March, after an hour’s flight from Seoul. The weather in Jeju Island is usually about one to two degrees Celsius higher than Seoul. Soothing weather, if you compare with the warm and humid climate along the equator.

Three things are plentiful in Jeju Island – the wind, the women and the rocks!

— The Wind —

You will regret it if you decide to tuck away those windbreakers of yours. Although the temperature is supposedly warmer, the strong wind is sure to chill you to your marrows! So, wherever you go in Jeju Island, make sure you have your warm clothing (scarves, gloves, thermal wear, etc) with you. Warm water helps to combat the chills quite effectively. A thermo flask of warm water would come in handy. Make sure you put on moisturiser (preferably one that contains UV screen) before you leave the hotel, to protect your skin against the dry weather. Lip balm is another essential item to bring along, as it provides moisture to your lips. Do not attempt to wet your lips with saliva, it will only cause the condition to get worse!

— The Women —

In the olden days, young men left their families in Jeju Island to earn a living in the cities. Women stayed behind to work in the fields and look after the young and old at home. That explains why there were many more women than men in Jeju Island during those days. If the weather is calm and you are lucky, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the lady divers in Jeju Island. An extremely dangerous occupation, it is no longer a popular job amongst the younger Korean women. Increasingly rare, these divers consist of older women who earn a living by selling shellfish and marine products (such as clams, mussels and seaweeds) that they collect from the seabed.

— The Rocks —

It is interesting to know that Jeju Island was formed millions of years ago, as a result of volcanic eruptions. Try stamping your feet on its ground, and you will realise that it sounds hollow. Rocks in all shapes and sizes can be found everywhere in Jeju Island. The Yongdu-am (Dragon Head Rock) is a must-see in Jeju Island. The majestic rock that faces the sea can be found at the western end of Jeju Island. While most people felt that the rock resembles the head of a dragon, some people felt that it is more like the head of a horse. Well, I shall leave that to your own imagination! If you love seafood, you would be able to come across some older women selling fresh seafood around the area.…

Things to See on Your Holidays in South Korea

Yet another country in East Asia, South Korea, is the other half of North Korea. It has been divided with the Demilitarized zone and remains as popular as it did before. There are thousands of tourists who throng to visit this place, since they are curious to know more and wish to learn about the differences between the countries.

People who are obsessed with nature, and make sure to not affect their surroundings, South Koreans are very humble and down to earth. They make sure everyone is comfortable and then take care of their own needs, being selfless at times.

When visiting South Korea on a holiday, make sure to keep this list of five things ready on hand, so you don’t miss out on the must see sights that this beautiful country has in store.

Gangwon is said to be the most popular destination by the Korean government and it is located in the central region in South Korea. Nearly 3/4th of the land is mountainous, and it has two regions each with its own identity. The Eastern runs along the coast, while the western faces Seoul and the southern part is the inlands. This is where one begins their climb on the Diamond Mountains and to Mt Baekdusan which lies in North Korea. This place is beautiful in winter, with snow covering the mountains and there is white snow everywhere.

Seongnamsa is a temple that should be visited and it is regarded as a masterpiece. A walk along the 800 meter stone path leads to the park entrance and thereon to the temple. Once you reach there, take a minute to admire the pagoda at the top of the temple, and the various bamboo trees around it.

The Korean folk village is situated on the banks of the river and is a quiet place where the locals go about their daily routine. This is a place that gives the visitors the chance to be part of the locals and learn their way of life. Cooking, gardening, and local traditions are all displayed by those who live here. There are parades, dance performances apart from all this, which makes it more fun for families, especially with kids.

Dodong Mineral Spring park is another popular tourist destination. To catch the beautiful sunset and become one with nature, it is best to come to this mineral spring park. The geysers and the park are a visual treat for anyone coming here. There are stories surrounding this park that if one were to drink the water from this mineral spring, it could cure their ailments, since it has medicinal benefits as well.

The most beautiful place in all of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung, is the grandest palace around. It has been around for nearly 300 years, and there are English tours conducted around this place for interested tourists.…

Things to Do When Next you’re in Texas

If you’re planning on visiting Texas sometime in the near future you should know that there are an almost infinite variety of activities that you can take part in when you’re in the second biggest state in the union, and whether you’re looking for a San Antonio DJ, San Antonio DJs, wildlife and nature, or cultural events, you can find it all in Texas.

If you’re looking for more natural wonders in Texas you will certainly have an amazing variety to choose from, as you will be able to go camping in the great wilderness parts of the state, which can be a great getaway from the cities and the hectic work week, as well as a great opportunity to show the family the natural wonders of the world and catch those fish with those new fishing rods you’ve been waiting for the opportunity to try out for so long. Southern Texas can be a great mix of overall Texas culture as well as the beach culture and the great beauty of the Gulf coast, and you’re family will love the beach and the warm waters of the Gulf, so it is a great vacation to bring the kids along on. Texas also boasts one of the most abundant and diverse populations of indigenous wildlife anywhere in the entire United States, and whether you want to bring your binoculars to bird watch thousands of species of birds in the area or if you would rather see the diverse wildlife in one area like a zoo or a petting zoo for the desert wildlife, this is another option you will have if you want to get all your wildlife in at one stop and not have to worry about having to go out and seek it for yourself.

A traditional Texas rodeo is also a must see when you come down to visit Texas, as it is a great opportunity to see a great part of western culture and see the horse riding skills that helped America win the west. The cattle driving and farming culture of Texas is a great part of every American’s heritage, and everyone should experience a rodeo at least once in their lives as it is a celebration not only of a certain culture but of American culture as a whole because it is a piece of history and the present day world that belongs to all of us.

Texas also boasts a number of big fairs every year that can be great fun and an adventure for the whole family, and there is always a great fair that can be found all year round no matter where you go in the state. Food is another big part of Texas culture that simply can not be ignored once you enter the state, as you will be delightfully bombarded with the big taste and big size of Texan food and once you eat it you’ll never want to taste anything else again, or at least enjoy it a lot.…

Experiences to Have in Finland

Finland is found in the northern part of Europe and has for its neighbors Sweden, Norway, Estonia and Russia and is considered to be one of the largest countries found in Europe, ranking sixth among all European countries, but it is also one of the least populated. Most natives of the country speak their national language, Finnish, although a small minority also speak Swedish, and Helsinki is the capital of Finland. An important trivia for kids about Finland is that it is considered the world’s Christmas capital because they say this is where Santa Claus truly lives, and they say that the Christmas spirit and celebration here is incomparable.

Museum

Finland’s Contemporary Art Museum in Kiasma is one of the most visited places in Helsinki because of its rich local and foreign collection of contemporary art. Its offerings on theater programs include performance art, film, drama, and such. The architectural structure of the building is actually a bonus sight already.

Cathedral in the Square

The Helsinki Cathedral is a sight to behold. There are also the neighboring buildings like the Government Palace, the capital’s state university main building and Finland’s National Library for you to visit. The Square is actually more commonly referred to as the Senate Square.

Market Square

This famous square is lined up of several booths that offer different kinds of Finland’s native foods and food products, native crafts and mementoes. This is a favorite destination of tourists especially those looking for a melting pot of food from different cultures. This is also a great place where you can buy your souvenirs.

Ice Park

Whether you’re there to go ice skating or to simply sit back and enjoy people-watching, the Ice Park in Finland’s Railway Station Square is also a destination every visitor must see. There are cafes here to warm cold visitors. There are also thematic shows that will surely entertain every local and tourist.…

Attractions in Turku

Turku is Finland’s oldest city, its original Capital, and is currently the third largest city in Finland. Turku has Finland’s most important year-round ice-free port and is a major gateway to Stockholm.

Although Turku is the official Christmas city of Finland, and it sure sounds like a nice place to be around Christmas time, you’d probably be better off visiting in July. This is not only because July is the warmest month, but you’ll want to catch the Medieval Market Festival held throughout the month.

Turku has a wealth of museums, including the Turku Art Museum and the Waino Aaltonen Museum of Art. If you’re a music fan, you’ll want to visit the Sibelius Museum, which is the only museum in Finland that specializes in the field of music. You’ll also want to visit the Turku Castle which has been a functioning historical Museum since 1881. There is such an abundance of culture in Turku that the city is going to be the European Capital of Culture in the year 2011. In light of this, the City Council has approved several projects designed to boost the image of the city for this honor.

The river Aura winds its way through the center of the city. The river is lined with small boats and features green parks all around, along with some of the city’s most modern buildings through the city. And there is no shortage of restaurants, bars and coffeehouses in downtown Turku. Don’t forget to come to the morning market on the big square at Kauppatori, and you’ll love the flea market in Aninkaisten Tori. Then head over to the diverse Hansa shopping mall in the town center for all the shopping you could possibly want to do.

The great Turku fire destroyed most of the city in 1827. However, a few buildings survived including the Turku Cathedral, which was damaged but rebuilt. Also a survivor of the fire is an area called Luostarinmaki, featuring late 18th century housing and now functions as a handicrafts Museum.

Major Sights in St. Petersburg

Listed among UNESCO world heritage sites, St. Petersburg has an extraordinary architectural, religious, cultural and literary heritage, which makes it one of the most attractive cities in the world. Its attractions can impress even the most discerning travelers.

The Cathedral of the Resurrection (St. Savior on the Spilled Blood) with its beautiful colorful domes is ranked number 1 on the list of St. Petersburg attractions. This magnificent church is clearly visible from the Nevsky prospect. It was built by Tsar Alexander III beside the Griboedov Channel on the spot of the assassination of his father, Tsar Alexander II the Liberator. The Tsar’s carriage was blown up on March 1, 1881 by a bomb thrown at by members of a revolutionary group calling themselves “People’s will”. The evil irony consists in the fact that this terrorist group assassinated the very Tsar who 20 years earlier had issued the famous Emancipation Manifesto liberating Russian serfs, as a result of which Russian peasants became free of serfdom. It is built in the Old Russian style and strongly reminds of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. The church is richly decorated with beautiful mosaics both inside and outside. Services resumed here after the fall of the Soviet regime and are now held on a regular basis.

The Alexander Nevsky Lavra is a monastery located in the very center of the city. In 2013 it celebrated the 300th anniversary since its foundation. The monastery, surrounded by stone walls and moats, is dominated by the Holy Trinity cathedral housing the holy relics of St. Prince Alexander Nevsky. The monastery is believed to have been built on the very spot where St. Alexander defeated Swedes in 1240 in the famous Neva battle. Saint Prince Alexander Nevsky is the Patron saint of St. Petersburg.…