Author: enneproject

Porto Fashion School in the spotlight!

Post author By enneproject
Post date 28 August 2020
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Recently, the Portuguese newspaper “Expresso” published the interactive ranking of Portuguese schools. Among 682 schools with vocational courses, the associated partner of the Portuguese National Network of the ENNE project, Porto Fashion School, stands out. Thanks to its excellent work, it has achieved an excellent rating: 1st place in the municipality of Porto, 3rd place in the district of Porto and 14th place nationwide. Porto Fashion School awards these excellent results to “its availability and high quality monitoring of students, specialized teachers and experience in the fashion industry, and also the close relationship with the companies and industry in the region”.

The school also mentions that throughout the school journey, its students have the opportunity to participate in many collaborative projects and in Erasmus+ projects, which certainly contributes to the enrichment of their personal and professional development. Congratulations, Porto Fashion School!

Bulgarian news

Pomorie in Bulgaria

Pomorie is an ancient city and a seaside resort in southeastern Bulgaria, located on a narrow rocky peninsula in Burgas Bay on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. It has a population of circa 14000 inhabitants.

Pomorie hosts the Museum of Salt, this is the only museum in Bulgaria and Eastern Europe for the production of salt by solar evaporation of sea water. The museum consists of an exhibition hall and 20 decares of open-air salt pans, where salt is still mined. The salt pans at the museum produce salt in the same way as in ancient times. It is located in the town of Pomorie, on the shores of Lake Pomorie.

Another important attraction is the reserve “Old Pomorie houses“, located near the beach, at the eastern end of the old part of the town of Pomorie and presents the architecture and specific elements of the houses built here in the 19th century. The typical Pomorie house, which tourists can see while walking through the cobbled streets, has two floors – a stone ground floor and a rafter floor.

Lake Pomorie is the northernmost of the coastal Burgas Lakes, located in the immediate proximity of the Black Sea and the Bulgarian town of Pomorie. Lake Pomorie is a protected area since January 2001. Sea salt is obtained in the north part and curative mud in the south. Located on the Via Pontica bird migration route, the lake is inhabited by 215 species of birds, 4 of which globally endangered, and is thus of ornithological importance.

Pomorie welcomes the most attractive brass bands and cheerleaders from all over the country. For fourteen years, the city hosts the national festival combining music and dance “Rhythm of the Sea“, part of the summer festival “Sea of Wine” in Pomorie. The event is not competitive, but creates friendships between people of different ages and gives them the opportunity to exchange creative ideas.

For more information about the upcoming events you can visit Cultural calendar with events in the town of Pomorie: www.pomorie.bg/kulturen-kalendar-2019

The official website of the town of Pomorie, where upcoming cultural events are published: www.pomorie.bg/posts/0kultura

Bulgarian news

Ztara Zagora in Bulgaria

Stara Zagora is a city in southern Bulgaria, one of the main economic centers in the country. It is the sixth-largest city in Bulgaria, located in the historical region of Thrace. The population of Star Zagora is circa 215 000 inhabitants.

The city is home to the oldest Bulgarian theater in Thrace – Geo Milev Drama Theater, the ancient Forum of Augusta Trayana, and 14 km from the city center is the national spa resort Stara Zagora Mineral Baths. In 1925 the second opera in the country after Sofia was opened – the South Bulgarian Opera (today the State Opera Stara Zagora). The city also houses the Museum of Religions and the Neolithic Dwellings Museum.

Augusta Trayana Ancient Forum Complex is located about 200 meters from the Historical Museum and keeps the remains of an ancient scene from Roman times, which today, especially in the warmer months of the year, comes to life and becomes a center of cultural life in Stara Zagora.

The city has several attractive museums and galleries among which are:

“Zagorka” Brewery houses a museum of the beer –starazagora.love/bg/have-fun/museum-of-the-beer
Art Gallery – Stara Zagora – artgallerystz.com
Museum of Religions – www.rimstz.eu/en/architectural-complex-museum-of-religions

The defenders of Stara Zagora is another important landmark of the city – a park and a majestic monument, built in honor of the battle of Stara Zagora, which took place on July 31, 1877.

Stara Zagora Mineral Baths is the place where you can combine a fruitful holiday in the mountains with the therapeutic properties of mineral water.

Information about the upcoming events in the city can be found on the following weblinks: starazagora.love/bg/have-fun/ and www.starazagora.bg/bg/kulturen-kalendar and www.starazagora.bg/bg/sabitiya/.

Belgian news

Yambol, a city in the south-eastern region of Bulgaria

Post author By enneproject
Post date 3 August 2020
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Yambol is a city in the south-eastern region of Bulgaria and is the capital of the Yambol Province, a region bordering with Turkey. With roots dating back to ancient Thrace, Yambol has a rich history but is a thoroughly modern town.

One of the symbols of the city of Yambol is the ancient Tracian site of Kabile.

Kabyle was established four thousand years ago and is a major archaeological attraction today. People consider the archaeological reserve as one of Bulgaria’s top 100 attractions.

Parts of the site are beautifully restored and give you a feel of what it looked like in the different periods – pre-historic, Thracian, Hellenistic, Roman. The Kabyle Archaeological Reserve is located about 10 km from the city of Yambol.

Yambol is also famous with the spectacular kukeri festival.

Every year in February, Kukeri mummer groups from all over Bulgaria, gather in Yambol to participate in a pageant and competition. The event is called ‘Kukerlandia’ and is most commonly known as the Yambol Kukeri Festival. In the Bulgarian tradition, the masked dancers both imitate and repel demons and other evil influences. They purify village homes and welcome the spring. The date varies from year to year.

Medieval Yambol Fortress

It is assumed that the Yambol fortress was built in X-XI century, after the fall of Bulgaria under Byzantine rule.

Artefacts from two other settlements, dating between the periods of the IV-VI century, were found after several archaeological studies of the region.

More information about trips and attractions in this amazing city you can find at the following link: www.touristsecrets.com/destinations/get-the-most-out-of-your-stay-in-yambol-bulgaria/

Portuguese news

Itinerary of ENNE cities

The Summer is here and with it came the desire to go out, to visit and see different places. Portugal has the privilege to have a magnificent diversity of landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, a delicious cuisine and a unique combination between tradition and contemporaneity. In spite of being a small country, Portugal has so much to see and explore that it would be impossible to choose a single region or city.

Our National Network of VET Schools already extends throughout the country. We have schools located in big cities and smaller towns, and in all of them there are fantastic things to discover. So, we ask all of our schools from the network to choose a place in the cities of their schools to visit, and we gather all the suggestions in the list below.

Caminha

We will start well up north. COOPETAPE – Teaching Cooperative is located in Caminha, a border town of the district of Viana do Castelo. Characterized by its vast cultural and natural heritage, Caminha tells the story of Portugal through its Castle and walls, its churches, its cobblestones, its narrow streets, and its romantic corners. Here in Caminha, we highlight the emblematic Clock Tower. Classified as a national monument, this tower is currently the only remaining tower of the medieval walls of the village. In 2008, it was rehabilitated and reopened to the public with the Museological Nucleus of the Historical Centre of Caminha. A journey through the history of the village of Caminha.

Fafe

Next, to the Room of Visits of Minho, or Fafe. Home to the School Group of Fafe, the city is located between the rivers of Vizela Ferro and has a lot to offer, from its gastronomy, through its cultural heritage to its superb natural beauty. Here, the “Casa do Penedo” is worth highlighting. At the top of mountain of Fafe, 10 km from the city centre, we can find a small and curious rural house built among four huge rocks. The also known as the “House of the Flinstones“, is surrounded by silence, nature and tranquillity. Its interior follows the same natural lines, with all rooms taking unique forms, furnished with stone and solid wood objects, with no running water and no electricity. Certainly, a unique visit!

Guimarães

Right next to Fafe, we find Guimarães, where two schools from our National Network are located: Francisco de Holanda Secondary School and Vocational School Bento Jesus Caraça Guimarães. It is the cradle city of Portugal, where D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, was born. The historic centre, an area within the city walls, is associated with the formation and identity of the country and was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. In this mythical city we will highlight two places of great interest: the CAAA and the Library of Martins Sarmento Society. The Centre for the Affairs of Art and Architecture (CAAA) is located in an old textile factory, in the centre of Guimarães, which was recovered to welcome this centre. It is a non-profit cultural institution that supports artistic creation and interaction between numerous artistic areas – visual arts, design, cinema, literature, multimedia and performing arts – and architecture. Also in the city centre is the Martins Sarmento Museum, where the magical library is located. This magical place has more than 100 000 books, among which we can find the first edition of “Os Lusíadas” by Luís de Camões, the masterpiece of the Portuguese Literature. A mandatory stop for art lovers!

Felgueiras e Lixa

We continue our trip through the North of Portugal and stop at two small towns, Felgueiras and Lixa. Here we have three schools from our National Network: Vocational School of Felgueiras and the Secondary School of Felgueiras, both in Felgueiras; and the School Group of Lixa, in Lixa. The cultural and gastronomic heritage of the municipality is truly rich and diverse. We highlight the Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro and the House Museum of Pão de Ló. The Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro is one of the oldest monastic institutions in Portugal and has been documented since 853. It is considered the maximum expression of the remote origins and cultural richness of the lands, being classified as a national monument since 1910. And since we’re in this region, why not try the famous “famoso Pão de Ló de Margaride”? This delicious cake has about 300 years of tradition and has been served at the table of the Portuguese Royal Family since the 19th century. Nowadays, we can visit, watch and participate in the confection of this magnificent Portuguese delicacy at House Museum of Pão de Ló. It is certainly a delicious stop!

Matosinhos

Now we go to the Portuguese coast. EPROMAT – Vocational School of Matosinhos is located in Matosinhos, where gastronomy, contemporary architecture and the immense maritime coast are inescapable charms. The Porto Cruise Terminal was inaugurated on July 24, 2015 and has already received more than 300 thousand passengers and 500 ships. The Port of Leixões has a privileged position in the context of the European port system and intends to link the activity of cruises and the urban integration, associated with increasing sociability with the surrounding population. The Porto Cruise Terminal is an important gateway to the region and was recognized in 2017 by ArchDaily with the building of the year award in the “Public Architecture” category.

Porto

Continuing along the coast, we arrived in Porto, a fascinating, charming city full of a rich history and culture. It is home to four schools from our National Network: Vocational School Bento Jesus Caraça Porto, Porto Fashion School, Art and Vocational School Árvore, and Teaching Cooperative Vocational School of the Youth Center of Campanhã. In Porto, we will highlight two magnificent places: the Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto and the “Palácio da Bolsa”. Located in the Botanical Garden of Porto, the Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto was established in 2015. Its main focus is the preservation, enhancement, study and dissemination of the vast heritage associated with the natural sciences, both exact and human, built through the educational and research activities developed within the University of Porto over more than two centuries. Also in the centre of the city we find “Palácio da Bolsa”, one of the city’s most emblematic monuments, both for its historical and cultural context and its privileged location. It is the headquarters of the “Associação Comercial do Porto” and hosts the most diverse cultural, social and political events of the city.

Espinho

A little over 20 minutes from Porto, we find Espinho and the Vocational School of Espinho. The city is known for the quiet beaches and its immense blue sea. In this area of election in the North of Portugal, we highlight the Municipal Museum of Espinho. Located in the Forum of Art and Culture of Espinho, former canning factory “Brandão, Gomes & C.ª”, the museum consists of two permanent exhibitions – Brandão, Gomes & C.ª and Xávega Art – and of the temporary exhibition galleries Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. Every year, it receives exhibitions of drawing, painting, sculpture and documentary and also several projects related to the preservation, promotion and dissemination of the local historical heritage and plastic arts, including art residencies, the International Biennial Women of Arts and the CriArte.

Arrifana

Arriving to the centre of Portugal we find Arrifana, a small town from the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira. Here is located Arrifana’s School Group. Arrifana is characterized by being a resplendent and prosperous town, with a secular history and a great pride in its historical roots. One of the most important historical landmarks of the area is the Monument to the Martyrs of the Peninsular War. This monument, besides being a great part of the identity of Arrifana, is also an important part of the Portuguese history. The event that this monument represents is the massacre of Arrifana during the French Invasions. A French marshal was killed during an ambush and Arrifana was handed over to custody of the fire. The population took refuge in the church, but still several men were shot on April 17, 1809. A mandatory stop to know a little more about Portugal.

Elvas

From the centre of Portugal, we go to Alentejo, more specifically Elvas, where we can find the School Group nº 3 of Elvas – Secondary School D. Sancho II. This city from Alentejo was classified by UNESCO in 2012 as a World Heritage Site for being a border and garrison city and for its fortifications. It houses the largest fortification in the world, has a religious heritage with about 40 churches and convents, and the military buildings are more than 20. Among the museums, megalithic and archaeological monuments, and architectural heritage disseminated throughout the city, it is very easy to understand why Elvas is so emblematic. We decided to highlight “Forte da Graça”. This splendid and grand building is a remarkable example of 18th century military architecture and is considered by many historians to be one of the most powerful fortresses in the world. This stop would be an exciting visit to the past!

Ponta Delgada, Açores

And so we reach the islands. The school from our National Network, EPROSEC – Vocational School, is located in the city of Ponta Delgada, in the largest island of the Azores archipelago, the island of São Miguel. In the centre of Ponta Delgada there are many great architectural marks, scattered along its narrow and flat streets and contrasting with all the natural splendour that the island has to offer. About 17 km from Ponta Delgada is the magnificent Viewpoint of Boca do Inferno, which is surrounded by a breathtaking wild and natural landscape. Here you can enjoy beautiful views over the Seven Cities Lagoon, Santiago Lagoon, Rasa Lagoon, and Canary Lagoon. Without a doubt, one of the most spectacular places to visit.

Funchal, Madeira

The last stop is in the city of Funchal, in Madeira. With an urban and even sophisticated character, the capital of the island offers an involving and charming historical context, where a sovereign landscape between the sea and the majestic mountains dominates. As a highlight in the wonderful city of Funchal, our Institute for Qualification IP-RAM suggests a visit to the “Jardim Monte Palace”, in the parish of Monte. The journey to this garden can be made by cable car, from the Old Town to Monte. At the “Jardim Monte Palace” you can observe and enjoy a space dedicated to the Madeiran flora, with a large part of the Macaronesian Laurissilva varieties, as well as many other endangered species. As a return trip to the city, we suggest you to go down in the Basket Carts or Toboggans – a unique transport in the world!

Bulgarian schools

“Multicultural work experience for successful career start – JobStart”

Post author By enneproject
Post date 30 July 2020
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JobStart project partnership includes National High School in Finance and Business – Sofia, School of Commerce – Burgas, Vocational High School of Economics – Yambol and Europrojects Foundation. The host organization will be Ripeze Ltd, UK, which provides economic and business analysis services, software solutions and consulting to SMEs in the field of digitalization. The receiving organization will provide work placement for the students, and will manage the accommodation and all logistical issues in the host country.

The three high schools provide education in the field of “Economy and Management” and “Business Administration”. The majors are currently popular and sought-after, but successful fulfillment in the fields requires a combination of practical knowledge and skills. Students’ practical activities are performed in learning-training environment or at local companies that often lack supervisors experienced in training or cannot spare the time and resources to conduct high-quality internships. Thus the practical experience gained at the school is insufficient to raise young people’s employability and ensure a smooth transition onto the labor market.

The National Consortium implementing the current project envisages the sending of 21 students in grades 10-11 (7 students and 1 teacher from each VET school) from the specialties “Economics and Management” and “Business Administration” from the three VET school to a two-week work placement in an English service company in July 2021 in order to develop key skills necessary for the economic profession.

Based on the identified needs, the main project goals are:

Developing key practical skills and competences for lifelong learning for future economists and managerial staff in the three VHS by working in a real intercultural environment in response to the current business requirements and needs for enhancing students’ competitiveness on the European labor market;
Increasing the use of up-to-date teaching methods for more interactive learning to achieve more attractive and quality VET and sustainability of project outcomes;
Developing language skills in international environment and building work habits;
Enhancing the capacity for international cooperation with businesses, educational organizations and VET and for creating new partnerships for projects;
Updating curricula in VET according to the observed good practices, transfer of know-how and the business needs.

The objectives of the project correspond to those of Key Activity 1, Erasmus+.
The project envisages the following activities:

Information and initial selection
Preliminary preparation of the selected candidates
Final selection
Practical and logistic organization
Conduction of the mobility
Conclusion and evaluation
Dissemination of results
Preparation of final report to the National Agency

21 students will be involved in the project and will undergo pedagogical, cultural and linguistic preparation improving their knowledge of business English, acquainting with the historical and cultural heritage of England, broadening their viewpoint, learning about the approach, work, traditions and practices of English society, reflecting on the EU’s values and priorities, providing added value to their education. As a result of the practice students will develop many practical skills such as:

prepare PESTLE and SWOT analysis; analyze the organizational structure;
prepare a business plan;
evaluate different financing alternatives;
calculate ROI;
apply the techniques of brainstorming, SCAMPER, Crazy Eights;
develop and test a concept for a new product;
create a product virtual prototype;
analyze cultural characteristics using the Hofstede model;
implement various project implementation monitoring tools – GANTT, PERT, WBS.

The long-term impact of the project will be the contribution to improving the quality of education in the field of economics in the three VET schools, as the practical training of students will be improved in modules in the compulsory elective subjects and facultative subjects based on the experience and knowledge gained in the receiving organization. The curricula will be updated on the basis of the observed developments and new European business realities in the practical exercises in England. By upgrading the vocational education programme in the 3 VET schools, the attractiveness of VET will be also enhanced.

Bulgarian news

Bulgaria, the great opportunities for your holidays

Post author By enneproject
Post date 30 July 2020
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Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is one of the most ancient cities in Europe, it was inhabited since at least the 30th millennium BC. Sofia has many natural and cultural landmarks.
One of the symbols not just of Sofia but of Bulgaria itself, is the massive, awe-inspiring Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It was built between 1882 and 1912 in memory of the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died fighting for Bulgaria’s independence during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–78). In the Aleksander Nevski Crypt is Bulgaria’s biggest and best collection of religious icons from the last millennium, brought from churches all over the country.
Regarded as the oldest preserved building in Sofia, the Sveti Georgi Rotunda, in the courtyard between the Sheraton Hotel and the Presidency, dates from the 4th century AD. This circular Roman structure, also known as the Church of St George, was largely rebuilt in the 6th century after being knocked about by invading Huns.
The murals inside were painted on three layers between the 10th and 14th centuries. You’re also allowed to wander around the unlabelled Roman ruins behind the church.

The Church of Sveta Sofia is the oldest Orthodox church in the Bulgarian capital, to which it eventually gave its name. The church fell victim to invading hordes, fires and earthquakes several times over the centuries, and after a devastating 1858 earthquake, the building, then used as a mosque, was abandoned. The present, rather sober, red-brick structure is mostly 19th century, and was restored as a church in the early 20th century.

If you are interested in art, then you can visit the National Art Gallery which holds one of the country’s most comprehensive collections of Bulgarian art, with several galleries full of mainly 19th and 20th century paintings and sculptures. The National Gallery for Foreign Art – Square 500, also located in the city center, hosts an eclectic assemblage of international artworks on display.

The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is Bulgaria’s national theatre, as well as the oldest and most authoritative theatre in the country and one of the important landmarks of Sofia. It is located in the centre of the city, with the facade facing the City Garden.

Along with the beautiful monuments, in Sofia you can find many green parks and relaxing gardens.

Borisova gradina or Knyaz-Borisova gradina is the oldest and best known park in Sofia. Its construction and arrangement began in 1884 and it is named after Bulgarian Tsar Boris III. The newest addition to the park is the Rosarium which opened in 2019 and accommodates more than 2000 roses.

Another green park within the heart of the city is “Yuzhen park” (translates as South Park). The idea of the park was to create the illusion of an extention of Vitosha Mountain. Visitors can enjoy a stunning view of the mountain from specially designed open areas. The main entrance to the park meets the end of Vitosha Boulevard.

Shopping in Sofia
The main shopping areas in Sofia centre on Vitosha Boulvard, Graf Ignatiev Street and Rakovski Street. The Tsentralni Hali (Central Food Halls), on Maria Luisa Blvd, is a well-organised bazaar, open daily. There is also a large book market at Slaveikov square, near the National Theatre.
Souvenirs such as reproduction icons, jewellery, ceramics, wooden items, embroidered tablecloths and lace are for sale at stalls at Alexander Nevski square. Also worth investigating for souvenirs are the shops in the subway between the Central Universal Store (TSUM) and the Balkan Sheraton Hotel, the subway of the presidency and the ground-floor shop of the National Ethnographic Museum.
While in Sofia, don’t forget to taste some of the Bulgarian cuisine famous dishes such as Tarator, Shkembe chorba, Musaka, Sarmi and Banitsa.
You can find useful information about tourist attractions, transportation and places to eat at the following website: www.visitsofia.bg
For upcoming events in Sofia you can check the municipal calendar: www.sofia.bg
Upcoming festivals are announced here: fest-bg.com

Italian news

From north to south: All the beauty Italy has to offer

Post author By enneproject
Post date 28 July 2020
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Let’s start our journey in the north of Italy in Montferrat’s area (Piedmont). There you will have the chance to discover the city of Asti, famous for its beautiful hills and located in the eastern part of Turin along the banks of the river Tanaro.

Together with Cuneo and Alessandria territories, it is located in the Langhe hilly area, which is famous for wines, spumante (sparkling wine), truffles and cheeses.

Among the most known wines and sparkling wines, there are Moscato d’Asti, Barbera red wine, Martini, Gancia and Riccadonna.

In September there are many events you can join: Asti’s Festival of Festivals takes place during the second Sunday of the month (a street food festival where you can taste the typical regional products), following there is the famous Palio di Asti, a medieval traditional Italian festival that culminates with a bareback horse race.

For more info: www.astiturismo.it/en

Ph: Piedmont

The journey continues on to the green heart of central Italy: Umbria. The region is famous for its villages and small towns but also for its slow pace. Even though the region has no sea coast, you will be still surrounded by nature and its cultural heritage sites while discovering the culinary tradition made of wines, truffles, lentils, potatoes and pork products.

There are several cities worth visiting: Foligno is known for the Giostra della Quintana, a knightly jousting tournament in June and September, Spello for its Infiorata flower Festival in June, Cannara and the Onion Festival. Come to Castelluccio and Norcia especially during the flowering to discover its marvellous plains and landscapes and Norcia’s pork butchery products; visit Todi and the church of Santa Maria della Consolazione and much more: Perugia, Gubbio, Marsciano, Gualdo Cattaneo, Bastardo, Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto Nocera Umbra, and, last but not least, visit the Trasimeno Lake.

For more information, visit www.umbriatourism.it

Ph: Umbria

Our journey ends into the south, first of all in Naples and its amazing squares, history and food as pizza for example. In front of the Campania Region you can visit the famous islands of Capri and Ischia and waiting for amazing landscapes along the beaches.

For more information: www.visitnaples.eu

Ph: Naples

The other region you should see is Sicily, famous for its beautiful beaches and amazing food such as granita, arancini, croissants with ice cream. Furthermore, all over the island, you may find Arab, Greek and Spanish traces dating back to previous dominations.

The must-see cities include Catania – the Saint Agata event – and its old town at the foot of Etna volcano, Taormina facing out toward the Mediterranean Sea, Agrigento and its Valley of Temples, Syracuse, Palermo. Do not forget to visit Sicily’s smaller islands, known as the jewels of the Mediterranean sea that still preserve its unique art, culture and food and wine traditions.

For more info: http://www.visitsicily.info/en/

Ph: Sicily

Belgian news

Belgium, the great country in the north of Europe

Post author By enneproject
Post date 28 July 2020
No Comments on Belgium, the great country in the north of Europe

Located between France, the Netherlands and Germany, Belgium seems small but it is big in its versatility and therefore worth a visit.

From the coast on the North Sea to the wooded south you will encounter a lot of nature, history, culture and good food.

On visitflanders.com is the best way to find all information but some absolute headlines deserve the spotlight.

Visit the Han caves or a walk in the Ardennes forests and combine with the citadel of Dianant.

Drink the best coffee in the coziest setting.
Dive into the expirience of music and festivals like Tomorrowland, Rock Werchter or choose smaller for otter trotter or campo solar.

Dine in style with typical Flemish products such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus in one of the many restaurants.

Enjoy a Ghent waterzooi!
Inhale the peace of the the ruin of the Abbey of Villers La Ville.

German news

The city of historical architecture and stunning views: Dresden

Post author By enneproject
Post date 21 July 2020
No Comments on The city of historical architecture and stunning views: Dresden

Dresden with the view towards Saxon Switzerland/ Dresden mit Blick in Richtung Sächsische Schweiz - Photo: ddpix.de (Licence: DML-BY)

Dresden with the view towards Saxon Switzerland/ Dresden mit Blick in Richtung Sächsische Schweiz – Photo: ddpix.de (Licence: DML-BY)

Although having less inhabitants compared to Leipzig, Dresden always used to be and still is the capital of the Federal State of Saxony. Situated in the Elbe Valley and surrounded by hills and vineyards you don’t need to go far to get a stunning view of the old town and the surroundings. Due to the fact of historically being home to princes and nobility especially represented by August the Strong, Dresden still nowadays has the charm of a residential city with many baroque buildings like the Dresden Zwinger, the cathedral or the rebuilt Church of Our Lady. These baroque architecture lead to Dresden being called Florence on the Elbe or Jewel Box.

In the attempt to make gold, the first European porcelain has been invented in Dresden. Saxon’s ruling family, the Wettin Dynasty, is immortalised in a huge mosaic with 23.000 tiles out of Meissen porcelain. The rulers resided in the castle, which has been destroyed in WW II. The cellars were used to grow mushrooms during the communist era and after the restoration it is now a museum presenting among other things art, masterpieces of jewellers and goldsmiths and a coin collection. Take one of the steamboats along the Elbe to admire the Elbe Castles on top of the hillsides slowly making your way to Pillnitz Castle.

Bars in the neigbourhood Dresden Neustadt/ Bars in der Dresdner Neustadt
Photo: Moritz Schlieb (Licence: DML-BY)

But it’s not all about pomp and circumstance. Crossing the Elbe from the old town you will eventually get into the alternative and colourful neighbourhood of Dresden Neustadt. With all its cafés, bars and clubs it is definitely the right place for a night out. But also during the day you will be amazed by the cute little shops like for example in the courtyards forming the so called Kunsthofpassage, the perfect place to find handmade presents and local produce.

And there is a lot more to discover in this city. Did you know that the first milk chocolate was produced in Dresden? And that is not everything. It was here where Melitta Bentz invented the paper coffee filter, Adolf Rambold the still widely used model of the tea bag with two chambers, Christine Hardt in 1899 patented the first modern bra and the Dresdener Robert Sputh is considered the inventor of the beermat. As you can see, Dresden has a lot to offer – for tourists, its inhabitants or passers-by. Besides big companies or the Transparent Factory of Volkswagen, you will find SMEs in all kinds of sectors, as well as traditional crafts and start-ups keeping the legacy of famous inventors in the city alive. Come to Dresden and join creative, inventive and innovative people.

The kiss in the Dresden Zwinger/ Der Kuss im Dresdner Zwinger
Photo: Sven Döring/ Agentur Focus (Licence: DML-BY)

Especially during summer Dresden and it’s beautiful surroundings invite you to relax. Stroll along the Great Garden, a huge park in the heart of the city, enjoy the summer outdoor cinema at the bank of the Elbe with the old town in the background or listen to concerts in front of the Japanese Palace. If you prefer your days to be more active, bike along the river banks on one of the nicest cycleways in Germany, go for a walk in the cities own large forest Dresden Heath or take a short ride on the train to the beautiful Elbe Sandstone Mountains for a hike.

If you happen to find yourself in Dresden during winter time, don’t worry, there are things waiting for you to experience them. You will be enchanted by the illuminated city with its Christmas markets, mulled wine and Stollen, a special yeast-risen pastry with raisins and spices for the Christmas time. And if the weather is really not inviting you to stay outside, hide from the natural forces in the Hygiene Museum with its permanent exhibition “Human Nature” and changing temporary exhibitions. You won’t just go through it, but you will get to experience it with all your senses through different experiments, which makes it really fun and interactive.

You can have a peak of some splendid views over Dresden also online under.

Or get to know the city by themes using this online map.

This site offers 32 Cool Things to do in Dresden.

You can find the official website of the tourist information here.