With 5,000 wooden struts beneath it to hold it up from the swamp Timisoara is built on, the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral was built between 1936 and 1946. It has memorial crosses to those who died during the revolution of 1989. Also, this cathedral, now considered one of the symbols of the city, is located in a central and quiet area surrounded by parks.

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.

This eighteenth century fortification was named after Queen Maria Theresia (mother of Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France) who actually acted and was considered as an empress in the Habsburg states. Theresia Bastion is a nice venue for hanging out with friends during summer evenings because of the different cafés and bars that create a lively atmosphere.

Housed in the Archbishop's Palace, the Museo Diocesano di Palermo boasts an impressive collection of sculptures from the 15th to 18th centuries. It also displays interesting artworks, such as religious silverware and textiles, frescoes and Italian and Flemish paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries.