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If you find yourself spending time in the southeast of France, perhaps near Lyon, then a trip out into the countryside, to visit the medieval city of Perouges, is a must. Situated on a hill, overlooking the surrounding valleys, the site has been inhabited for centuries. In its early life, Perouges was an important local center, and it was involved in a fair amount of political strife. Surviving sieges and changes in allegiance throughout the 1200 – 1600s, it remained a rich city and a center of the textile industry. However, as railroads developed and rerouted traffic from the area, Perouges fell on hard times. Like many cities forgotten by the modern era, the authentic stone walls and houses remained standing, even as the population fell from over 1,500 to only a handful of families. At the beginning of the 1900s, the medieval charm of the city was rediscovered, and restoration began. These days, Perouges thrives as a destination for visitors to experience a true medieval city. While industry may have left, the city is now famous for is its classification as one of the most beautiful cities in France (Plus Beaux Villages de France), and for a unique type of sugary pizza sold in its bakeries. So if you want to lose track of time in medieval surroundings, Perouges is a good choice for admiring period architecture while soaking up sunshine in the main square!

If you find yourself in the foothills of the Swabian Alps in Germany, a visit to the small town of Hechingen may be in order. The countryside is picturesque, but it is Castle Hohenzollern which draws visitors. Situated on Mount Hohenzollern, overlooking Hechingen, a castle has occupied the site since the 1000s. The original castle, home to the Counts of Zollern, was praised as one of the most beautiful in the region, but there is no trace of it today. After being destroyed in 1423 during a siege, a new castle was built in its place – but this is still not the castle that greets visitors today. Construction on the third (and current) incarnation of Castle Hohenzollern was begun in 1850, by a descendent of the original Counts of Zollern. Without the need for defenses, the new structure was designed to be a showpiece of Gothic Revival architecture, complete with all the turrets needed for a fairy tale castle. Indeed, the Hohenzollern family used the castle as a showpiece, befitting their imperial status, as rulers of Prussia and later Kaisers of Germany. Castle Hohenzollern retains the memory of that illustrious past, with mementos such as the crown of Kaiser Wilhelm II, personal effects of Frederick the Great and even a letter from George Washington to Baron van Steuben (also of the Hohenzollern family) thanking him for his aide during the American Revolutionary war. While Castle Hohenzollern may be more fairytale than truth, it still holds a place in world history, and a magnificent view of the Swabian Alps well worth the climb.

The city of Madrid, capital of Spain, is an impressive city by any standards. It is the second largest in the European Union and while it is an economic and technological hub, throughout its growth it has managed to maintain areas of historic charm. One such area is the Plaza Mayor. It has been at the heart of historic Madrid since it first rose to prominence in 1561, when King Philip II first relocated the royal court there. Originally a market, the plaza was redesigned in the early 1600s, and closed in by impressive buildings. The architecture changed over the centuries due to frequent fires, but by 1854, the square had assumed its present-day façade, complete with 237 balconies lining the square and 10 arched entrances. The architecture was not the only thing to change frequently. The name of the plaza has had a tendency to reflect the turbulent politics of Spain. In times when a parliament ruled, it was called the Plaza de la Constitución, and when absolute monarchies held power, it was the Plaza Real. It was only after the Spanish Civil war, in the 1930s, that the famous square was rechristened Plaza Mayor – a name which has stuck (so far). The heart of Madrid may have moved since its historic founding, but the plaza still remains a central feature of Madrid and a great place to relax over a cup of coffee for tourists and natives alike.

Situated on the sea, the Netherlands has been inexorably linked to the water. The Dutch battle against the sea has shaped the nation – in this case literally! Nowhere can this be seen more clearly than in the Zuiderzee region, at the heart of the Netherlands. Originally, the Zuiderzee connected directly to the North Sea. Many cities and towns made their living from fishing and trade, such as Enkhuizen, which served as a headquarters for the Dutch East India company. Despite the many advantages of the Zuiderzee, it could also be vicious, causing devastating destruction with its storms. The last great flood in January of 1916, sparked the Dutch to start building an ambitious new dam, cutting off the Zuiderzee forever. With the opening of the Afsluitdijk, on May 28, 1932, the Zuiderzee was split into the Waddenzee to the north and the Ijsselmeer, now a freshwater lake at the heart of the country. While the dam brought safety from flooding, it also changed the way of life for the region forever. To preserve the local history, in 1950 the Zuiderzee Museum was opened, in the city of Enkhuizen. Displaying preserved boats, artefacts from the Dutch East India company, and an outdoor museum set up as a traditional fishing village, the museum offers a rare glimpse into Dutch life in its battle with the sea that is well worth a visit!

The city of Venice evokes many different emotions and has inspired art and architecture for centuries. Built on a series of 118 islands in the Venetian Lagoon, the city was already the capital of the Republic of Venice in 697. During the expansion of the republic, the city grew in influence. With its canals, it acquired an iconic architectural style, and many of its most famous palaces reflect the Gothic tastes of its golden era. Not only a powerful city, Venice was home to renowned artists, who immortalized the canals, and developed a unique cultural heritage. Perhaps the most famous remnant is the Carnival of Venice. Celebrated before Lent, the carnival is said to have begun in the mid-1160s to mark a military victory. However, as centuries passed, the celebration came to be associated with lavish clothing and Venice’s distinctive masks. The fall of the Republic of Venice occurred in 1797, after being conquered by Napoleon. Later that year, it was ceded to the Holy Roman Empire, and the carnival disappeared. Despite several turbulent centuries since, Venice has remained a center of the arts and culture and in 1979, it was once again home to Carnival, complete with its distinctive masks. Definitely a colorful event for all to enjoy.

The name Cadillac can conjure many images. For most, it refers to a brand of car. For others, it is a quiet and picturesque town on the banks of the Garonne river, in France. Both are true, and inexorably linked through the actions of one man: Antoine Laumet, who became known as Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. Antoine was born in a small town in France in 1658, but he emigrated to the New World when he found himself penniless and destitute in his mid-20’s. His explorations took him across New England and Canada, searching for trade opportunities. Only a few years in this new land, Antoine had completely reinvented himself. He gave himself ties to the nobility, by adopting the name “Cadillac” (an inspiration from the Baron of Lamothe-Bardigues, lord of Cadillac, Launay and Le Moutet – all villages located close to his birthplace), and he even invented a crest to go along with the titles. In possession of a new identity, Antoine went on to hold several positions within the provincial French government of the New World, eventually becoming the governor of Louisiana in 1710. However, his most famous deed was his founding of the Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit on July 24, 1701. This settlement grew exponentially, to become known as the city of Detroit, and the home of the Cadillac car company, named in Antoine’s honor. Thus, a humble French village, situated in an area known primarily for production of Sauternes wines, has also become linked to a major metropolitan area in the United States and automobile production.

Politics and religion have shaped the modern world we live in, and the German city of Wittenberg has been involved in its fair share of both. Walking through the historic city center, the appearance of a sleepy town is deceiving. A fledgling town in the 1200s, by the late 1400s, Wittenberg was an important political hub and the seat of the Elector of Saxony – a very powerful title within the Holy Roman Empire. The Elector, in turn, founded the University of Wittenberg in 1502, attracting scholars, clergymen . . . and some radical ideas concerning religious reform. One of their number was Martin Luther, who is remembered as a key figure of the Protestant Reformation. According to tradition, the upheaval began when he nailed 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in 1517. Despite centuries of wars and plagues, Luther might still recognize the old town of Wittenberg – since rechristened Lutherstadt Wittenberg in his honor. The distinctive bell tower of the Castle Church, which served as the University’s chapel, still stands watch over the city. However, the wooden doors were lost in the 1760s, due to fire. The bronze doors which now grace the church continue to commemorate Luther’s legacy, with their inscription of the 95 Theses. Though its history may be highly controversial, a stroll through the old town of Wittenberg is sure to delight!

Situated along the River Scheldt, the city of Antwerp has been a cultural and business capital for centuries, despite fortunes which have risen and fallen with Europe’s politics and conflicts. Antwerp first rose to importance during the 1500s, fueled by the trade that poured into its docks. The meteoric rise to become the economic capital of the continent was followed shortly after by the turmoil of the Dutch reformation and their struggle for independence against the Spanish. After suffering multiple sieges, and treaties that closed trade along the Scheldt for centuries, Antwerp slipped into obscurity . . . until the city again gained prominence under Napoleon in the 1800s, who planned to make the port a rival to London. With his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon’s vision could not be realized, but Antwerp was not forgotten, even hosting the 1920 Summer Olympics. The devastation of two World Wars was offset in the mid-1950s, when the port was fully revitalized to attract new industry, and the city reimagined itself in the 1990s as a center of fashion. Throughout the city there are reminders of Antwerp’s rich history, and its notable residents – not the least of which was Peter Paul Rubens, who made the city his home from 1609 until his death. If you are in the area, a stroll through Antwerp is a wonderful way to spend a day, with its many historic brick gables, fine art, and fashionable vibe – just don’t be caught in the rush hour traffic!

There is little doubt that American pioneers and inventors, not only shaped the United States of America, but also had a major influence on science and culture around the world. Preserving that legacy was a dream of the automobile giant Henry Ford, and one that he pursued with enthusiasm in the 1930s. The result is over two hundred years of the American spirit and ingenuity on display at Greenfield Village, part of The Henry Ford (Dearborn, Michigan). Building the village was no small task. Henry Ford bought and relocated historic buildings from around the country that were either associated with historic people and events – such as Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park or the bicycle shop of the Wright Brothers – or that represented particular time periods or walks of life. As such, southern plantations are nestled next to log cabins and store fronts display period pieces of haberdashery just down the street from working farms. Not only are the buildings and items historic, but the transportation is, as well. The visitor can walk around on foot, catch a ride from a horse and carriage, travel by steam in restored locomotives, or choose to see the sights from a Model-T (Henry Ford’s signature automobile). What brings the magic to life are the reenactors who work tirelessly to make everything real, which involves a great deal of hard work! With so many unique experiences and a backdrop of beautiful scenery – especially during harvest season – Greenfield Village is fun for all ages.

Amusement parks fascinate the young and old alike – and have for many generations! Nowhere is that tradition more evident than in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. While many may associate the city with Hans Christian Anderson’s little mermaid (who sits on a rock in the bay), for those who are young at heart, it is also known for Tivoli gardens. The gardens opened on August 15, 1843 on the outskirts of town. By the 1850s, they had relocated to the heart of the city, and have remained in continuous operation ever since – which makes it the second oldest in the world, and one of the most visited. In fact, the gardens are so famous, that in many Scandinavian languages, the word Tivoli is synonymous with an amusement park. It has always been filled with attractions, which have changed over time, including pantomimes, orchestras, and roller coasters. The fun takes place in a beautiful setting, complete with fairy tale buildings, trees and flowers. However, Tivoli truly becomes magical at night, when the paths are illuminated with thousands of lights. Whatever season, or time of day, it is worth taking some time for a walk through these memorable gardens!