Nestled in Cork Harbour, Spike Island is a captivating 103-acre island boasting a remarkable history. Once a site of monastic seclusion, its strategic significance transformed it into a fortress and, intriguingly, a prison. Among its historical treasures, the impeccably preserved star-shaped military fortress stands tall, guarding the sole entrance to the harbour, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Constructed on the site of a former mosque from the Islamic city, this church dates back to between 1402 and 1417, according to the oldest documented evidence. Featuring a single nave design and side chapels nestled between buttresses, the original Gothic structure has undergone significant modifications due to restorations and extensions carried out between the 16th and 18th centuries. Notable elements within the church include a Renaissance presbyter, shaped like a triumphal arch, and the chapel dedicated to the Holy Family (1765-1766), which showcases the artistic influence of sculptor Francisco Salzillo. The main entrance of the church, adorned with the shield of the Catholic Monarchs at its peak, is in the Isabelline Gothic style. In contrast, the adjoining communion chapel exhibits a more Baroque aesthetic, featuring an entrance constructed between 1726 and 1735.

Designed by the modernist Oscar Niemeyer, the Copan Building is a 118.44-metre tall, 38-story residential building in downtown São Paulo. It has 1,160 apartments as well as 70 commercial establishments. With its serpentine facade and sunshades, it is one of the most unusual architectural monuments and an icon of the Brazilian metropolis.

TIM is the country’s main venue for traditional and contemporary cultural events, including dance, drama, music, and film. There are frequent appearances by troupes of dancers from Bali and elsewhere and by gamelan musicians. You can find the monthly calendar of events at hotels and tourist offices, or check the Jakarta Post for listings.