Are you planning a city break this autumn? This is perhaps the best time of year to visit major European cities. Most places have fewer tourists in the streets, which means that the locals take over the stage. Prices are therefore usually lower, and city life becomes more authentic. According to Countryaah, most of these cities are capitals of European nations. Here are ten suggested destinations for this fall’s city…
Read MoreArt in Lithuania
Early painting in Lithuania shows Byzantine influence, which lasts until the 16th century. The earliest known murals (from about 1300) are found only in fragments in the crypt of Vilnius Cathedral. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which was in union with Poland between the 1400s and the 1700s, had close cultural links with Central Europe. A number of foreign craftsmen and painters worked on decorating church interiors. The art of…
Read MoreTheater and Film in Lithuania
Theater in Lithuania Prehistory of Lithuanian theater Theater in Lithuania began with the Jesuits in Vilnius. They were summoned by leading Catholics who feared that the Great Lutheran Reformation would have an impact in the relatively young Catholic country, which had been in staff union with Poland for a long time. At the University of Vilnius, which they themselves founded in the 16th century, the Jesuits arranged theatrical performances with…
Read MoreBulgaria Overview
According to Digopaul, Bulgaria is located on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe, and in recent years has become a popular tourist destination among Swedes. Most are attracted by the beaches of the Black Sea, but the country also offers ski resorts and hiking trails among the mountains. Capital: Sofia Biggest city: Sofia State: republic within the EU Language: Bulgarian Religion: orthodox christian Surface: 110,910 km Population: 7.3 million (2013)…
Read MoreMoldova Overview
According to Digopaul, Moldova is Europe’s poorest country. Just over a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line, most of them in rural areas and in smaller cities. The country borders Ukraine and Romania. Capital: Chisinau Biggest city: Chisinau State: republic, member of the CIS Language: Moldavian (Romanian), Russian Religion: orthodox christian Surface: 33,843 km² Population: 4.1 million (2013) Population density: 128 residents per km² Life expectancy: 71…
Read MorePoland Overview
According to Digopaul, Poland is a country with a long and rich history. Here is a rich cultural heritage with an exciting mix of communist bragging rights, Jewish quarters, jazz clubs and gleaming cathedrals. Poland is located in northern Central Europe, and has a land border with seven European countries. Capital: Warsaw Biggest city: Warsaw State: republic within the EU Language: Polish Religion: catholicism Surface: 312 685 km² Population: 38.5…
Read MoreRomania Overview
According to Digopaul, Romania is located at the intersection of Central Europe, the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The country borders Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria. Romania has a coastline facing the Black Sea and the eastern and southern Carpathians run through the center of the country. Romania has been a member of the EU since 2007 and of the NATO military alliance since 2004. Capital: Bucharest Biggest city: Bucharest…
Read MoreRussia Overview
According to Digopaul, Russia is the world’s largest country and covers most of Eastern Europe and all of North Asia. The border between the continents goes via the Ural Mountains. The land area is almost twice as large as the world’s next largest country, Canada. Capital: Moscow Biggest city: Moscow State: federal republic Language: Russian Religion: orthodox christian Surface: 17 075 200 km² Population: 143.5 million (2013) Population density: 8…
Read MoreSlovakia Overview
According to Digopaul, Slovakia is located in the heart of Central Europe and borders Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. The country became an independent state in 1993 when Czechoslovakia was divided. Except for a period during World War II when the country was a protectorate under Nazi Germany, the country has never before existed as its own nation. Capital: Bratislava Biggest city: Bratislava State: republic within the…
Read MoreCzech Republic Overview
According to Digopaul, the Czech Republic is a Central European country and borders Germany, Poland and Austria. The country was formerly part of Czechoslovakia, which in 1993 was divided peacefully into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech capital Prague is more than 1,000 years old and houses many historic buildings in various styles. Capital: Prague Biggest city: Prague State: republic within the EU Language: Czech Religion: Christianity Surface: 78…
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