Konya has served as a spiritual center for centuries. Every December, the Şeb‑i Arûs festival marks the passing of Rumi, the Persian mystic, and draws Sufis and visitors from around the world to witness the Sema. Whirling dervish dance is performed to the sound of ney flutes and drums. In one of the country's most hushed and vivid traditions, performers spin in unison in flowing white skirts, a scene that blends meditation with graceful motion in a way found nowhere else.
Calvi, a picturesque gem on the northwest coast of Corsica, France, enchants visitors with its blend of rich history, rugged landscapes, and sparkling Mediterranean waters. This charming seaside town is dominated by its iconic citadel, a formidable 15th-century fortress that stands sentinel over the turquoise bay.
Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is a city where time seems to have paused in the mid-20th century. Known for its remarkably preserved Italian modernist architecture, the city has earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Holbrook is a small city in northeastern Arizona, located along Interstate 40 in Navajo County and serving as a gateway to several distinctive landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. The community lies near the Little Colorado River and is surrounded by open grassland, desert, and colorful badlands. Holbrook has long been associated with transportation across northern Arizona, and its location on the historic Route 66 corridor remains an important part of its identity.
Photo Credit: Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Thomas Somme on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Photo by Alessandro Santoro on Unsplash
If it wasn't for Paris, Ghent would be medieval Europe's largest city. Steeped in history both rebellious and industrious, it sits at the junction of the Leie and Scheldt rivers and was once the site of armed battles by its townsfolk, who raged against heavy taxes and restricted civil liberties. Ghent is grey and somewhat begrimed — not picturesque like Bruges, but ultimately more realistic. Like Bruges, the town has a belfort well worth climbing and, at the Sint-Baafskathedral, a must-see masterpiece by Jan van Eyck - Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
Other Popular Destinations in Belgium
Bruges
Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a city where medieval charm meets modern allure. Nestled in the heart of Belgium's Flanders region, Bruges is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, winding canals, and cobblestone streets that invite visitors to step back in time.
Brussels
Brussels, the vibrant capital of Belgium, offers a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern sophistication. At its heart lies the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Gothic and Baroque guildhalls.