Temple of Apollo, site of the Oracle at Delphi, Greece
A truly stunning site. Stunning even in winter. Standing on the slopes of Mount Parnassus above the Temple ruins one can imagine the great and the good from antiquity who came to this very spot: emperors, philosophers, warriors, kings. To receive divine guidance from a priestess, the Pythia, in a trance from volcanic vapours, who mediated between them and the God Apollo. The temple would have been magnificent with its soaring columns and statuary on this craggy spectacular mountainside.
Trakai Castle, Trakai, Lithuania
This picturesque 15th century castle on an island in Lake Galvé near Lithuania’s capital is up there with my favourite spots. Approaching via the long wooden bridge over the still blue waters of the lake, the castle is a glorious sight with those orange towers surrounded by trees, the rustling reeds on the foreshore, and the boats. Loads of history too. A fortress first, then the residence of the Grand Duke Vytautas, it has been the site of numerous events of historic import. Although it was a complete ruin by the 18th century it has since been fully restored. Splendid inside with the Ducal Palace and keep and a museum stuffed full of exhibits.
Mdina, Malta
My favourite spot in Malta. At various times ruled by the Phoenicians, the Arabs and the Knights of St John, Mdina is steeped in history. With an area of only 0.3 square miles, this small “silent city”, once the capital, is surrounded by ancient ramparts enclosing cobblestone streets, charming courtyards with medieval buildings, palaces, churches and museums. Views from the bastions are over pastoral landscapes stretching to the capital Valletta, the great Mosta dome and the Mediterranean Sea. Plenty of eateries too to be found within the ancient walls. Outside of the ramparts one can walk around in the neatly laid out Mdina ditch garden.
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