Built between 527 and 565 AD at the foot of Mount Sinai for Emperor Justinian, this monastery later took its name from St Catherine of Alexandria, whose remains are said to rest here. It’s more fortress than church, with thick stone walls guarding the Church of the Transfiguration, the chapel of the Burning Bush, and a monks-only library packed with ancient manuscripts. Inside, you’ll find mosaics, religious ornaments, and some of the oldest illuminated manuscripts in the world on display. Outside, don’t miss Moses’ Well and the garden with centuries of history. The place is open most mornings but closed on Fridays, Sundays, and Orthodox feast days. Still active today, the monastery holds importance across Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, and continues its Greek Orthodox traditions uninterrupted.

Back in 2013, Nantes became the first French city to earn the title of European Green Capital—a recognition of its long-standing efforts in sustainable urban planning. And it didn’t stop there. From car-free zones and electric trams to public parks, bike paths, and nature reserves along the Loire, the city continues to invest in green living. It’s a place where environmental goals actually shape how the city feels and works today.

The Town Hall was designed by the architects Gudolf Blakstad and Hermann Munthe-Kaas and was given as a gift to the town. It opened officially in 1931 and the park opened in 1949. The Town Hall is one of the most famous buildings in Norway and contains a wealth of artistic decorations.

The Zeppelin museum is a must-see for all aviation fans, as it boasts the world’s largest selection of airships, including full-scale reconstruction of parts of the famous Hindenburg Zeppelin.