The structures include monasteries and fortresses that showcase the reign of the Lombards, who played a major role in the development of medieval European Christianity.
Inextricably tied to the D-Day invasion of World War II, this northern French region of orchards, dairies, horse farms and seaside villages along the English Channel draws visitors who come to honor the fallen or visit famous medieval fortresses and abbeys.
—
Seth Sherwood,
New York Times,
21 Aug. 2025
Euganean Hills are a treasure trove of biodiversity, and not only naturalistic but also historical, artistic and cultural, thanks to the presence of Venetian villas, castles, villages, monasteries and abbeys.
My room overlooked the cloisters and chapel to the rear and the Gulf of Salerno to the front (from its own hot-tub terrace).
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 Oct. 2026
Several portraits in medallions high on the walls of the cloisters show decapitated Dominican Friars who worked as inquisitors with just a stump for a neck and their heads held in their hands.
Historically, such spaces were often features of religious buildings around the world including monasteries and convents, keeping animals out and fresh water, herbs, vegetables, and flowers safely inside.
—
Michael James Gardner,
Architectural Digest,
26 Oct. 2026
Then, in 1882, by which time the culture of the European Grand Tour amongst wealthy British and North American youth of rank had peaked, the convent finally transmogrified into a hotel (like other convents along this fabled coast).
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