When you’re strolling along the streets of your favourite European destinations, do you ever stop to think about what’s underneath your feet? More often than not there’s a lot more to discover on a luxury holiday to Europe than you’d think.
Discover the bones of Saint Peter
Saint Peter’s tomb is an impressive site located under the beautiful St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Here you’ll find several graves and what Vatican authorities have said is a special memorial for Saint Peter – a tomb in a series of mausoleums that date back to roughly AD 130. At first, no one was really certain the bones found here belonged to Saint Peter, but when even more bones were discovered, it was finally confirmed.
The building
St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City is an impressive building and one of the largest churches in the world, with a nave of 218 metres and an interior including 45 altars. The basilica’s dome is also one of the world’s largest, measuring 42 metres in diameter and reaching over 450ft. You’ll want to take your time walking around before you seek out the underground extras. You can visit for free and get a spectacular view of Rome from the plaza too, but be sure to dress nicely.
Paris and the catacombs
Paris has a deep connection to the underground that’s old and rich and full of mystery. Underneath its sprawling streets is a network of tunnels making up one of the world’s densest subway and sewer systems, but you’ll probably have a better time in the Catacombs.
Don’t just see the Eiffel Tower
The Cemetery of the Innocents was used to house Paris’s dead for almost 10 centuries, but things were getting crowded. Eventually in 1785 it was decided that the contents would be relocated to the disused quarries, which happened overnight following a ceremony by a procession of priests. Eventually, the remains from all the cemeteries of Paris were sent to the Catacombs and they were reopened in 2005 as a tourist attraction. A visit makes for a fascinating look at Paris’s history and you’re bound to get some truly eerie photos to go along with all those fun ones of you posing by the Eiffel Tower.
Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern, also known as the “Sunken Palace”, was constructed in the 6th century in order to provide water to the Byzantine Palace. These days the underground maze, accessible from Sultanahmet Square, is one of Istanbul’s primary tourist attractions and can make for a fascinating few hours away from the heat of the city.
Look out for Medusa’s head
At 132 metres long and 65 metres wide, the Basilica Cistern has now been renovated. Water drips through the ceiling and the sound of classical music echoes all around. Perhaps the spookiest part, however, is the upside-down Medusa’s head. It’s believed to be in this position to help ward off evil spirits, but don’t let the thought of it ward you off. The Basilica Cistern is well worth a visit on your holiday to Istanbul.
To find about more about luxury holidays in Rome, Paris and Turkey, contact our Concierge Traveller specialists today.
