The Old City of Bern was built on a hill surrounded by the Aare River in the 12th century and became the capital of Switzerland in 1848. The architecture of the Old City of Bern reflects the changes of history. The city preserves the elegant 16th-century arcaded walkways and fountains. The main structures of this medieval town were rebuilt in the 18th century and have retained...
The Alpine Museum is a museum dedicated to showcasing the natural scenery and cultural landscapes of the Swiss Alps. Located at Helvetiaplatz 4 in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, it is an essential stop on the way to Zermatt. The Alpine Museum is a typical three-story building, with the first floor displaying...
Introduction The University of Bern was founded in 1834 and consists of seven faculties. It is particularly renowned for medical research, and at the same time, it has made outstanding contributions to space exploration. The "Solar Wind Composition Experiment" developed by its Physics Institute was actually used on the American spacecraft Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16 during their moon landings from 1969 to 1972.
Bern is located in the central-northern part of western Switzerland and serves as the capital of the canton of Bern as well as the country’s capital city. It is the third-largest city in Switzerland, after Zurich and Geneva. The Aare River divides Bern into two parts: the Old Town on the west bank and the New Town on the east bank, with the Old Town having been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bern is a peaceful and serene pocket-sized…
The Federal Palace is located in the Swiss city of Bern and serves as the seat of the Swiss Federal Parliament. It was inaugurated on April 1, 1902, at a cost of 7.198 million Swiss francs, and is one of the most photogenic buildings in Bern. Designed by architect Hans Auer, the Federal Palace is a...
Bern National Zoo is located on the banks of the Aare River in Bern, near the Old City of Bern. Opened in 1937, it is a public zoo managed by a private organization, covering 37 acres and home to more than 3,000 animals that live peacefully without outside disturbances. Bern National Zoo…
Highlights Dublin Zoo: The famous Dublin Zoo is built around a lake within Phoenix Park, where swans and pelicans leisurely glide on the water. The zoo is also renowned for taming large feline animals such as lions, earning a distinguished reputation worldwide. Deer: The outer edges of the park feature densely wooded valleys, and near the city center…
Introduction The name "Dublin" originally referred to the "black pool" near the castle, from which the city got its name. At the time of its construction, Dublin Castle was one of the most magnificent castles in Europe in terms of architectural style and scale. It is rectangular in shape, with four corner towers, and served as a "city within a city" during medieval Dublin. In 1169, the Anglo-Normans landed in Wexford, Ireland, and controlled Dublin for several years thereafter. Thirty years later (on August 30, 1204), King John of England authorized the construction of a castle to store his taxes and treasures and to serve as an English base in Ireland. Dublin Castle was built against this historical backdrop. Most of the original castle was destroyed in a major fire in 1684, which left the medieval structure almost unrecognizable, with only one tower remaining intact. As a result, most of the older buildings now found in the castle date back to the 18th century. Dublin Castle primarily functioned as a state-level reception venue and the residence of the Lord Lieutenant. Historically, it also long served as the seat of British power in Ireland. The lavishly decorated St. Patrick's Hall (banqueting hall), State Apartments, and Throne Room were once the main venues for the activities of the British Viceroy in Ireland. Today, Dublin Castle is one of Ireland’s most important venues for state events, hosting presidential inaugurations, state banquets for foreign heads of state or government leaders, and more. Transportation Address: Dublin Castle, Dame Street, Dublin 2. On foot: A five-minute walk from Trinity College. Bus: Take bus 77, 77A, 56A, or 49 from Eden Quay, or bus 123 from O'Connell Street, and get off at Palace Street Gate. Admission / Opening Hours Adults: €4.50, Children: €2. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am–4:45pm, Sunday and public holidays 2pm–4:45pm.
Trinity College was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 and is one of the best universities in Ireland and the world, with research standards at the forefront globally. Its programs in law, computer science, business management, literature, and theology rank among the top in universities worldwide. Located in the heart of Dublin, it covers…
Introduction Located on the west side of the southern bank of the Liffey River in downtown Dublin, St. Patrick’s Cathedral (St. Patrick's Cathedral) stands at the oldest Christian site in the city. It is said that St. Patrick was baptized and converted to Christianity at an ancient well here. The earliest...
Introduction: When in Ireland, you must visit one of Dublin’s iconic landmarks—the Guinness Storehouse. While the Chinese may not be very familiar with Guinness Stout, almost everyone has heard of the Guinness World Records. In fact, “Guinness” is simply another transliteration of the beer brand’s name...
Introduction Occupying just a 28-acre narrow stretch, this area is densely packed with over 50 galleries and cultural venues. Such a high concentration of art and culture isn’t found in Paris or London, but in Dublin’s Temple Bar, the capital of Ireland. When people first hear “Temple Bar,” many might…
Introduction Archbishop Marsh's Library was established in 1701 by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh (1638–1713) and is the oldest public library in Ireland. The library houses 25,000 books dating from the 16th, 17th, and early 18th centuries…
Introduction: Dublin is known as the city of writers and the city of literature. If you want to discover, explore, or simply get a feel for Dublin’s rich literary atmosphere, the Writers Museum is an excellent choice. Located in a restored Georgian building on Parnell Square…
Introduction St. Stephen's Green is a famous Victorian-style park in Ireland. The park features gardens, an artificial lake, and over ten statues of Dublin celebrities, including James Joyce. On June 16th each year, the St. Patrick’s Day festivities are held in St. Stephen's Green, featuring large concerts…
Bunratty Castle is a masterpiece of refined Irish architecture, showcasing a collection of exquisite medieval furniture and decor gathered by its owners. The original structure was built in the 13th century by a Norman named Thomas. Due to wars, the castle has changed hands many times, but it remains one of Ireland's best-preserved...
The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland, are the tallest sea cliffs in Europe. Located at the westernmost edge of the mid-western part of the island, they face the vast Atlantic Ocean and are renowned for their dramatic and rugged beauty. The Cliffs of Moher are awe-inspiring, having been shaped by tectonic movements and pounded by the fierce waves of the Atlantic for countless years—a breathtaking masterpiece of nature.
Cork is a widely renowned tourist destination, surrounded by green hills and shaded by lush trees. The city features hills, rivers, and valleys, with beautiful beaches dotting its coastline, offering quite a magnificent view. What makes the experience even more unforgettable for visitors is the warmth and friendliness of the locals, as well as the ancient churches and the impressive modern architecture blended with Georgian...
St. Anne’s Park is the largest urban park in Dublin, featuring expansive woodlands and various recreational facilities. However, the park is most renowned for its rose garden. The best time to admire the flowers is from June through September. Address: Raheny, Dublin 5. Transport: Take the 130 bus from Lower Abbey…
Kilkenny Castle was built on a bend of the River Nore, and this Norman-era structure has weathered centuries of history. Constructed in 1172 by Strongbow, it was later destroyed by King Donald O'Brien of Thomond. In 1195…