Julian Worker's Blog, page 10

The Book – Travels through History: The Peloponnese on sale.

The travelogue ‘Travels through History’ for The Peloponnese in Greece is available here

Discover the Wonders of the Peloponnese: A Journey Through Myth and History

The Peloponnese, a captivating peninsula in southern Greece, is connected to mainland Greece by the Isthmus of Corinth, a narrow land bridge that separates the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf.

Rich in history and mythology, this region is home to iconic sites such as:

Mycenae, the seat of Agamemnon’s legendary kingdom,The theater of Epidaurus, renowned for its acoustics,Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games,The Byzantine splendor of Mystras,The historic city of Sparta, steeped in tales of heroism and ancient warfare.

The Peloponnese offers a breathtaking mix of landscapes, from rugged mountains and lush valleys to idyllic coastlines and charming offshore islands. Visitors can explore mountain villages, seaside resorts, and hidden historical treasures off the beaten path.

Off the peninsula’s eastern coast lie the Saronic Gulf islands of Spetses, Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, each easily accessible by ferry. To the south, the Ionian island of Kythira invites exploration with its unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Whether you’re drawn by the myths of Hercules and Zeus, the allure of ancient ruins, or the stunning scenery, the Peloponnese is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences at every turn.

Travels through History : Portugal

I’ve published a new book about Portugal in the Travels Through History series.

Discover the Beauty and Diversity of Portugal

From the vibrant city of Porto in the north to the serene charm of Tavira in the Algarve, this comprehensive guide takes you on an unforgettable journey through Portugal, including the enchanting islands of Madeira and Porto Santo.

In Lisbon, a city of contrasts, explore walkable neighborhoods full of culture, history, and charm. Navigate its efficient underground system and discover train connections that whisk you to stunning destinations:

Sintra, where fairytale palaces crown lush, rolling hills,Évora, steeped in history with the Temple of Diana, an ancient aqueduct, and the haunting Chapel of Bones.

Travel north to iconic sites such as:

Fátima, the world-renowned pilgrimage center,Óbidos, a walled medieval gem,The awe-inspiring monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, each a marvel of Gothic architecture.

Venture further to discover Coimbra’s university heritage, the colorful canals of Aveiro, the historical depth of Braga, and the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães.

Finally, head south to the sun-drenched Algarve, where golden beaches meet history in Faro and the charming Roman influences of Tavira.

Whether you’re drawn to Portugal’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, or vibrant culture, this guide is your perfect companion to explore a country where every region tells a story.

Callanish on the Isle of Lewis

After I visit places such as Callanish I am always bewildered, as I am sure that I can’t satisfactorily answer any of the obvious questions – why was it built, how was it built, who built it, what was the reason for building it here rather than on any other hillock in the area? Even the question as to when the site was constructed is open to discussion.

Callanish comprises a number of different elements – a stone circle containing a central monolith and a chambered tomb, three rows of stones intersecting with the circle, and an avenue of stones heading roughly northwards away from the circle. All the stones are Lewisian gneiss and were quarried locally.

The stone circle consists of thirteen stones, with an average height of 3 metres. The circle is not quite perfect as the east side is slightly squashed. The circle covers an area of 124 square metres with a diameter of 11.4 metres. The circle was built between 2,900 BC and 2,600 BC making it slightly older than Stonehenge. 

The 6.4 metre long chambered tomb, in the central part of the circle, was almost certainly added after the circle was set up and was used for many centuries, as not only local pottery was found, but also Beaker vessels dating from 2000BC. 

The central monolith stands 0.8 metres west of the true centre of the stone circle. The monolith is 4.8 metres high and 1.5 metres wide. This stone is on an almost perfect north to south axis, making me wonder how people 5,000 years ago could align a 7-tonne stone so accurately.  

The avenue connects to the stone circle from the north-northeast and is just over 83 metres long. There are 19 stones remaining in the avenue: nine stones on the eastern side, ten on the western side. It’s tempting to think that some of the original stones might have been taken for building projects on the island as there seems to be no real consistency in the layout of the stones on the two sides of the avenue. The largest stone in the avenue is 3.5 metres high and stands on the western end of the row. The two rows are not parallel, but fan out the further away they get from the circle – at the north end the rows are 6.7 metres apart, but only 6 metres apart at the south end, nearer the stone circle.

Travel Through History: Évora and Portugal’s Iconic Sites

I’ve published a new book about Portugal in the Travels Through History series. This book is available here at a discount until 10th February 2025.

Évora, steeped in history with the Temple of Diana, an ancient aqueduct, and the haunting Chapel of Bones.

Travel north to iconic sites such as:

Fátima, the world-renowned pilgrimage center,Óbidos, a walled medieval gem,The awe-inspiring monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, each a marvel of Gothic architecture.

Travels through History : Lincoln and Loughborough

Discover Leicester, Lichfield, Lincoln, and Loughborough in this book

Lincoln is renowned for its impressive cathedral and iconic castle, home to original copies of the Magna Carta and The Charter of the Forest, powerful symbols of freedom and justice.

Loughborough preserves industrial heritage with:

Britain’s last remaining Bellfoundry,The Carillon Tower, a unique musical war memorial,The Great Central Railway, the UK’s only double-track heritage line where full-size steam engines pass each other.

From royal tombs to steam trains, these cities offer a journey through England’s rich and remarkable history.

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Travels through History : Leicester and Lichfield

Discover Leicester, Lichfield, Lincoln, and Loughborough in this book

Leicester made headlines for the extraordinary discovery of King Richard III’s remains, unearthed beneath a car park exactly where archaeologists predicted—a triumph of history and research.

Lichfield celebrates Dr. Samuel Johnson, the creator of the first English dictionary. His birthplace is now a museum, and the city’s stunning three-spired cathedral, heavily damaged in the First English Civil War, remains a Gothic marvel.

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Travels through History : Portugal

I’ve published a new book about Portugal in the Travels Through History series. This book is available here at a discount but only until 10th February 2025.

Discover the Beauty and Diversity of Portugal

From the vibrant city of Porto in the north to the serene charm of Tavira in the Algarve, this comprehensive guide takes you on an unforgettable journey through Portugal, including the enchanting islands of Madeira and Porto Santo.

In Lisbon, a city of contrasts, explore walkable neighborhoods full of culture, history, and charm. Navigate its efficient underground system and discover train connections that whisk you to stunning destinations:

The Book – Travels through History: The Peloponnese on sale.

The travelogue ‘Travels through History’ for The Peloponnese in Greece is available here at a discount.

Off the peninsula’s eastern coast lie the Saronic Gulf islands of Spetses, Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, each easily accessible by ferry. To the south, the Ionian island of Kythira invites exploration with its unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Whether you’re drawn by the myths of Hercules and Zeus, the allure of ancient ruins, or the stunning scenery, the Peloponnese is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences at every turn.

The Book – Travels through History: Armenia and Georgia – on sale.

The travelogue in the ‘Travels through History’ series for Armenia and Georgia is available here at a discount.

Between these highlights lies a landscape brimming with treasures:

The majestic Caucasus Mountains, with peaks soaring above 5,000 meters, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.Ancient fortresses, castles, and cave cities that whisper tales of centuries past.Tranquil vineyards, where Georgia’s winemaking tradition stretches back thousands of years.Surreal remnants of the Soviet era, including abandoned spas and towns frozen in time.For fans of popular tourist attractions, the illuminated wonders of the Prometheus Cave offer a glimpse into Georgia’s geological splendor.

Together, Armenia and Georgia promise a journey through history, culture, and landscapes where the ancient and modern coexist. Whether you’re exploring timeless monasteries, savoring local wines, or scaling mountain peaks, the Caucasus will leave you spellbound.

The Book – Travels through History: Armenia and Georgia – on sale.

The travelogue in the ‘Travels through History’ series for Armenia and Georgia is available here at a discount.

Georgia , on the other hand, enchants visitors with its diverse offerings. Wander through the vibrant and charming capital, Tbilisi , with its winding streets, eclectic architecture, and welcoming atmosphere. Head to the Black Sea coast to experience the modern energy of Batumi, a seaside town blending contemporary design with resort-style leisure.