Text Index: Europe on the Matrix
Europe Home Page: Introduction to the European section of this web site. Stay tuned! More countries will be added over the next month.
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Bosnia-Herzegovina, once a part of Yugoslavia, suffered during the early 1990s from war and other atrocities. Peace has come, the country is rebuilding, the scenery is spectacular and there is much to see.
Goražde: During Bosnia's long war, Goražde was a Muslim enclave surrounded by Bosnian-Serb artillery. More than ten years later, the scars of war are still readily visible in this otherwise quiet and picturesque town.
Jahorina: When Bosnia was still part of a peaceful Yugoslavia, Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics. Some of the alpine events were held at Jahorina mountain, which today remains a beautiful area and a bargain for skiers.
Mostar: During Bosnia's wars of independence, the old city of Mostar and its famous bridge got hit from both sides, first from the Bosnian-Serbs, then from the Croats. The city survived, though scarred, and the bridge has been rebuilt. The old part of Mostar is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and well worth a visit.
Sarajevo: Sarajevo has seen empires and conquerors come and go. Today, it is rebuilding after a vicious four-year siege in the early 1990s at the hands of the Bosnian-Serbs. The exotic Baščaršija area – the old Turkish quarter – is alive with craftsmen, shops and cafés and the cosmopolitan feel that historically was Sarajevo's trademark has returned.
Srebrenica: The small village of Srebrenica gained world notoriety in 1995 as the scene of the worst cold-blooded massacres on European soil since the end of the Nazi era. Some 8,000 Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian-Serbs (with help from Serbian nationals) over a period of several days. The memorial and cemetery outside Srebrenica is a moving remembrance of this tragic episode in human history.
Višegrad: Višegrad is a small town along the Drina River with a 16th century stone bridge made famous by Yugoslav writer (and Nobel Prize winner) Ivo Andrič. The surrounding mountains and valleys are beautiful.
Map of Bosnia-Herzegovina: Provided by Google Maps.
Czech Republic: The Czech Republic is quickly shedding it's Communist past and is becoming one of the most successful countries in modern Europe. It certainly has a lot to offer visitors in terms of historic castles, grand churches and scenic villages and the world has taken notice. The Czech Republic is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Český Krumlov: This charming town in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic boasts a castle second in grandeur only to the royal digs in Prague and a well-preserved town center that has earned it a place among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
Kutná Hora: Kutná Hora, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes well-preserved Gothic and Renaissance buildings throughout the town center, plus the unique St. Barbara's Cathedral.
Plzeň: As the home of two of the Czech Republic's most famous exports – Pilsner Urquell beer and Škoda automobiles – Plzeň is best known as an industrial center. But the historic area in the center is well-preserved and worth a visit if you are in the area.
Prague: Prague has been discovered! It is easy to see why. The historic center of Prague and the nearby castle area teem with grand edifices from another age. And just when you've had enough of palaces, churches and museums, there are the outdoor cafés, strolls along the Vltava River, boat rides and a quiet walk in the scenic city park.
Tábor: About 30 miles south of Prague, Tábor is a small but well-preserved town rich in history.
Map of the Czech Republic: Provided by Google Maps.
Estonia: The only page in the Estonia section (so far) is for the capital city of Tallinn. It has a well-preserved Old Town and the nearby Art Museum of Estonia (KUMU) is worth the short trip from the city center.
Map of Estonia: Provided by Google Maps.
Hungary: The only page in the Hungary section, so far, is Budapest. But it's a great city – in fact my favorite in Europe. Grand buildings, the beautiful Danube River, friendly people and great food and wine. What's not to like?
Map of Hungary: Provided by Google Maps.
Latvia: This Baltic nation, which achieved independence in 1991, is a wonderful country to visit.
Jūrmala: This beach area near Rīga was once a favorite of high-ranking Communist Party officials. Today, it's known for its endless beaches and interesting wooden houses from the early 20th century.
Rīga: The capital of Latvia is the largest and most cosmopolitan of the three Baltic capitals. It has a well-preserved Old Town, an ornate Art Nouveau district and lots more to see.
Sigulda: Sigulda has been billed as the "Switzerland of Latvia". While that's a bit of an overstatement, it is a scenic area and home to some historic castles.
Map of Latvia: Provided by Google Maps.
Lithuania: Lithuania was the first of the Baltic nations to declare independence from the former Soviet Union. Today, the country welcomes tourists and offers an eclectic mix of Lithuania, Polish, Russian and German influences.
Neringa (Curonian Spit): Lithuania shares this Baltic sliver of dunes and beaches with the Russian province of Kaliningrad. It is known for its natural, and largely unspoiled, beauty and its amber.
Trakai: Trakai served for a brief time as the capital of Lithuania. Today, it is scenic getaway from Vilnius offering the carefully restored Island Castle and traces of the Karaim society that once thrived in the area.
Vilnius: Vilnius is known for its ornate Catholic churches and its old town that reflects the city's history as, at various times, part of Poland, Russia, the Soviet Union and, at last, capital of independent Lithuania.
Map of Lithuania: Provided by Google Maps.
Poland: Only one page, so far, for Poland, but it's for the wonderful historic city of Kraków. Its large Market Square and its magnificent churches and old town have made Kraków a prime tourist destination and a must-see!
Map of Poland: Provided by Google Maps.
Slovakia: Slovakia – the other half of the former Czechoslovakia – has natural splendor in its High Tatras mountains and many historic cities and towns.
High Tatras: The highest peaks in Europe's Carpathian mountain range are in the High Tatras of Slovakia. It is a beautiful area that is popular with both winter skiers and summer hikers.
Košice: Slovakia's second largest city also has a well-preserved historic center lined with many interesting buildings. It also boasts Slovakia's largest church, the Gothic Cathedral of St. Elizabeth.
Levoča: A small, but charming town that is filled with Renaissance architecture and still surrounded by its medieval wall.
Map of Slovakia: Provided by Google Maps.
Slovenia: Slovenia is a wonderful country that a lot of people don't seem to know about. It combines beautiful Alpine scenery, Austrian efficiency and Italian food. You can't get much better than that!
Bled: Bled is a scenic resort set in the Julian Alps. Its lake is one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Ljubljana: Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is one of my favorite cities in Europe. Its small size makes it easy to get around, but there is plenty to see and do. I highly recommend a visit!
Map of Slovenia: Provided by Google Maps.
Ukraine: Ukraine is the largest country wholly within Europe and one of the region's newest as well, gaining independence only in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. But Ukraine's heritage stretches back centuries and there is much for the traveler to see.
Brovary: Brovary is a suburb of Kyiv (Kiev) and, though a nice enough place, a town of little interest. But the town came alive on May 9, 2004 to celebrate victory over Nazi Germany in 1945. Hundreds of people attended, but the highlight was seeing World War II Soviet veterans displaying chests full of medals.
Chernihiv (Chernigov): One of the oldest cities in Ukraine, Chernihiv is known for its many historic churches and other sites.
Crimea: With its rugged mountains and beautiful Black Sea coastline, Crimea is one of the most scenic locations in the world. Within Crimea, there are separate pages for: Bakhchisaray, Balaklava (a former Soviet nuclear submarine base), Black Sea Coast, Yalta & Novi Svet, Crimea Landscapes, Sevastopol & Khersones, Simferopol and Yevpatoria.
Lviv (Lvov): The main city in western Ukraine is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the fine architecture in its historical center that reflects Polish and Austro-Hungarian influences..
Kyiv (Kiev): Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is a surprisingly beautiful city. Despite centuries of invasions and destruction, the city today boasts wonderful parks, broad and lively public spaces and some of the world's most magnificent churches.
Odessa: Ukraine's fourth largest city, Odessa has been an important seaport for centuries and today reflects that multi-cultural heritage.
Map of Ukraine: Provided by Google Maps.
Europe Information: Information about Europe. [Under construction.]
Europe Regional News: Recent news from Europe.
