In the 1600s, a Swiss priest converted an alpine cave into a chapel and hermitage. For centuries, pilgrims traveled to attend church in one of Europe‘s most rustic chapels. After the last hermit died in the mid-1800s, the hermitage was converted into an inn known as Berggasthaus Aescher Wildkirchli that offered food and lodging to…
In the mid-20th century, a young man from the Nong Khai province in Thailand named Bunleua Sulilat claimed that he wandered into a cave and met a religious hermit named Keo Ou and became Keo Ou’s disciple. After Sulilat parted ways with his spiritual master, Sulilat was inspired to create a universal religion. Sulilat amassed…
Italy is famous for its luxury spas where patrons pay extravagant sums of money to soak in mineral pools and receive curative hydrotherapy treatments. One of Italy’s best-kept secrets is a towering waterfall that doubles as a natural hot spring in Bagni San Filippo, Italy, known as Fosso Bianco. Locals lovingly refer to Fosso Bianco…
A city as illustrious and ancient as Rome is bound to have a few hidden ruins. In the late 1990s, a team of archaeologists unearthed an ancient Roman apartment complex surrounded by stately pools that was located underground in close proximity to Rome’s magnificent Trevi Fountain. When the site was discovered, the most exciting revelation…
In the late 1500s, an extreme drought caused a devastating famine in the Ligurian region of Italy. The authorities believed the intense famine was caused by sinister supernatural forces, such as witchcraft. Local authorities began to accuse women of witchcraft in the mountain town of Triora. Womenβespecially poor women, single mothers, and prostitutesβwere imprisoned, tortured,…
When most people think of National Parks, the Midwest is the last region of the country that comes to mind. Indiana Dunes National Parkβwhich is located in Porter, Indianaβis the fourth most ecologically diverse National Park in the United States. Home to towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and peaceful forests, Indiana Dunes National Park showcases…
Approximately 17 miles outside of Vilniusβwhich is the capital city of Lithuaniaβstately Trakai Island Castle is situated in the middle of placid Lake GalvΔ. The castle was first constructed in the 13th century and has undergone several striking transformations throughout the centuries. It is home to an expansive museum that showcases artifacts from Lithuanian history…
In 1950, the powers that be in Greece decided that the best way to preserve the historic character of the island of Hydra was to ban all vehicular traffic. For centuries, Hydra has been home to narrow alleyways and buildings constructed side by side. The narrow cobblestone streets of Hydra are filled with donkeys and…