Tag Archives: must see sights

Cagar Budaya Gianyar, Bali

This amazing temple is about thirty minutes drive from Ubud.

I didn’t know this temple existed until my latest visit to Bali (my 12th time in the last 3 years)!

It is so worth the visit.

The mere fact that the caved sanctuary was built  over 1000 years old makes this place a spiritual mecca.

Originally serving as a meditation school, the temple has recently been used for offerings from local farmers.

The incredible arches, reaching up to the sky give the place a surreal and natural ampitheatre.

The sound in the kings meditation dome is amazing. It is over the river and up behind the large wall alcoves.

There is no rush to pass through this temple and once you pass through the eager shop assistants you will be able to move through at your own pace.

I did some meditation in one of the alcoves and really relaxed in the beautiful grounds.

I can highly recommend this place. Oh – it does have a few steps (300+ apparently). Not a drama for most but definitely an issue if you don’t like steps.

The Vatican

The Vatican , as it is referred to, is a principality inside the city of Rome.

As the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, many make the pilgrimage here to pay honour to the home of the Pope and one of the strongest religions world wide.

Inside the grounds of the Vatican are the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Church (St. Peter’s Basilica) , St Peter’s Square and many museums.

This historical and religiously significant venue is best seen before ALL the crowds arrive. It is one of the most visited places in the world… with millions streaming through ever year.

The good news is the Sistine Chapel and church open really early in summer – usually 7-730am. I would suggest setting an alarm clock and being one of the first in queue. If you don’t want to leg it alone, definitely do a tour as you can jump the queues and this is well worth it otherwise you may spend an hour or two(!) in a line up which is plain exhausting.

The police of the Vatican are the Swiss Army and are a step back into medieval times with their kit and custom. They are friendly and don’t mind a photo but are on duty so don’t be a pest.

St Peter’s square is massive and surrounding the periphery are significant people from the Roman Empire. If the pope is in town and giving a sermon, it will be in this square.

For more events at the Vatican, check out the official website here. 

The Roman Forum

The grandiose centre of the Roman Empire stems from the Roman Forum.

Located in central Roma, this is a must see place when in Roma.

I didn’t have time to fully explore the space (it was closing as I arrived) but I got a fantastic insight to the sophistication of the Roman Civilisation from the hill surrounding the Forum, known as Palatine Hill.

The monuments still standing are incredible!

Built nearly 2000 years ago in Caesar’s rein the buildings give a great insight to the confidence this empire had.

Not only confidence but the pioneers of architecture.

The columns, the arches, and layout still being used by many engineers today.

I am stunned at the incredible details and stories scribed on the great arches.

On Palatine Hill is a great art gallery and many water falls and sculptures.

There is something very special here… make sure you put it on your map. Even if to have a red vino on Palatine Hill watching the sun set over Roma. You can do night tours here which I imagine would be spectacular. Check out more here.