Brú na Bóinne is a monument complex located in County Meath, Ireland. Three of the most well-known sites at Brú na Bóinne are the impressive passage graves of Newgrange, Dowth, and Knowth, which help make up the world's largest and most spectacular assemblage of prehistoric megalithic art. Although not entirely understood, the site is thought to have been the center of economic, religious, and funerary functions for the ancient people of Ireland. The monument is spread over nearly 2,000 acres of land on the banks of the River Boyne and contains 40 passage graves and other smaller stone works such as Cloghalea Henge. This World Heritage Site is one of the most visited sites in Europe.
Brú na Bóinne
Donore
County Meath
Ireland
+353-41-988-0300
heritageireland.ie
Perched on a hill overlooking the city of Granada is the Alhambra, one of the most important examples of 13th-century Moorish architecture in Spain. The Alhambra--which means "The Red One" because of its color--was a palace-citadel built for Ibn al-Ahmar, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty in Granada. A sprawling structure, the Alhambra contains royal residential chambers, court complexes, a mosque, and a bath, but the most celebrated parts of the structure are the courtyards. Deeply influenced by Islamic poetry, the courtyards use light and water to create a dramatic and peaceful environment, in marked contrast to the hot climate of the region. The Lion Court, in particular, is known for its tile and statuary ornamentation and the use of water to create a restful sound environment. Now a World Heritage Site, the Alhambra is one of the most popular and important monuments in Spain.
The Alhambra
Palacio de Carlos V
Granada
Spain
+034-93-492-3750
turgranada.es
The Lascaux Caves of southwestern France are considered to hold the best example of paleolithic cave painting in the world. The paintings are spread over the interior of a cave gallery 66 feet wide and 16 feet high, depicting animals figures such as deer, antelope, bears, wild horses, and aurochs. Many geometric figures also cover the walls, the meaning of which is not known. The caves were sealed from the time they were created until 1940, when they were discovered. After being open for 25 years, the original cave of Lascaux was closed to the public because of damage accrued from artificial light and fluctuating temperatures. A detailed replica, called Lascaux II, was opened to the public shortly after the cave was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979. It remains a very popular destination for those interested in Europe's prehistoric past.
Lascaux Caves
Route de la Grotte de Lascaux
Montignac
France
+330-55-305-6565
lascaux.culture.fr
