Pomorie, Bulgaria (917 AD) The Battle of Achelous was one of the last major efforts of the fading Byzantine Empire to re-expand their territory, and influence, into southeastern Europe. Instead, it was an unmitigated military disaster for the Byzantines, essentially leaving their entire northern frontier exposed to conquest by Bulgarian armies from Western Asia. Moreover, … [Read more...]
BASILICA OF ESZTERGOM
Esztergom, Hungary Since the Middle Ages, Hungary has been the easternmost outpost of the Roman Catholic Church, jutting deep into traditional Eastern Orthodox territory. It became so thanks to the efforts of its first true king, Stephen, who dedicated his life to spreading Christianity in Eastern Europe. While his home town of Esztergom served as the national capital for … [Read more...]
BABA VIDA FORTRESS
Vidin, Bulgaria The Baba Vida Fortress is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in southeastern Europe. Located along the banks of the Danube, this strategic location has been fortified and fought over since Roman times. While not as large as some of other old fortifications in the region, it is historically the most important castle in Bulgaria. Its excellent state … [Read more...]
BRAN CASTLE
Brasov, Romania Bran Castle is counted among Europe’s most storied and mysterious castles. Located in the heart of Romania near the edge of the Carpathian Mountains, Bran Castle is the legendary heart of the region known as Transylvania. Certainly that it is how it is promoted by the local tourist industry. In reality, Bran is one of the finest and best preserved castles to … [Read more...]
BUDAPEST FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Budapest, Hungary Of all of the Jewish peoples residing in Europe during the long years of the Diaspora, none have had quite so eventful a history as the Jews of Hungary. Located at the crossroads of many empires, peoples and religions, no other group of Jews suffered as much virtually continuous persecution throughout their history. By the same token, no other group of … [Read more...]
DOHANY STREET SYNAGOGUE
Budapest, Hungary Of all of the Jewish peoples residing in Europe during the Diaspora, it is fair to say that none had quite so eventful a history as the Jews of Hungary. Located at the crossroads of many empires, peoples and religions, no other group of Jews suffered as much virtually continuous persecution throughout their history. By the same token, no other group of … [Read more...]
RILA MONASTERY
Rila, Bulgaria Bulgaria and the Rila Monastery enjoy a special distinction in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Bulgaria was the first Slavic nation to convert to Chrisitanity, and was home to the first autocephalous Church that was in communion with Eastern Orthodoxy. John of Rila was Bulgaria’s first aescetic, and by extension the first true monk in Slavic Eastern Europe. … [Read more...]
