folklore

Rosslyn Chapel

javier — Tue, 20 May 2008 18:30:35 +0200

Roslin
Midlothian
Edinburgh

Rosslyn Chapel is a church which dates back to the 15th century and it is located in a town called Roslin which is six miles south of Edinburgh. The chapel is renowned for its magnificent architecture and the worn biblical scenes and pagan sculptures related to Templar traditions.

Rosslyn was designed by William Sinclair, the Count of Caithness and was founded in 1446 as the Collegiate Chapel of St. Matthew. There are various legends and myths about the church which have become quite famous, one of which claims that a line starting in France runs through the church and that there is an underground secret chamber which lies undiscovered below the building.

Following the release of the famous book and film, The Da Vinci Code, the number of visitors to the chapel has somewhat increased as it plays a key role in the last part of the story.

Edinburgh Guide | Historical Buildings in Edinburgh

Bocca de la Verità

sonia.chaves — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:04:53 +0200

Piazza della Bocca Della Verità
Rome

The Mouth of Truth is located on the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church in Rome. It measures 1.75 metres in diameter and is the face of a man made from marble. In the Middle Ages there was a famous legend which claimed that the stone had powers. It was believed that the Mouth of Truth was a lie detector, and so if someone lied while their hand was in its mouth, the stone would bite off their hand.

Rome Guide | Monuments in Rome

Fontana di Trevi

sonia.chaves — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:00:42 +0200

Piazzale di Trevi
Rome

Trevi Fountain is the most elaborate of the Baroque fountains in Rome. It was designed by Nicole Salvi and is found at the junction between three streets and indicates the end of the ancient aqueduct, Aqua Virgo which was used to supply Rome with water.

The fountain has a statue of the god Neptune which is being pulled along by two sea horses and it has been used as a scene for various films. The most famous scene filmed at the fountain was in Fellini's, La Dolce Vita and since the film Three Coins in the Fountain was released, it is believed that if you throw three coins into the fountain you will return to the city.

Rome Guide | Monuments in Rome

Museo Municipal de Madrid

javier — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:16:25 +0200

Calle Fuencarral, 78

Madrid

If you enjoy learning about history, the Museo Municipal de Madrid is a great place to visit. The historical changes in Madrid and life in the city are explained at the museum, as well as how town-planning changes took place and there are also works of art on display. The collection in this museum includes paintings, pictures, porcelain, weaponry, coins and models. Entrance to the Museo Municipal de Madrid is free.

Back to Museums in Madrid

Virgen de la Paloma

javier — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:53:24 +0200

To celebrate the annual "Verbena de la Paloma" festival which takes place on the 15th August, the inhabitants of Madrid, madrileños, wear traditional clothes. Men dress in traditional costumes called "chulapos" and women wear the popular "Mantón de Manila." The streets are decorated with coloured lamps and people dance a traditional dance called "chotis." The open-air dances take place mainly in La Latina, Lavapiés and Vistillas quarters.

Back to Madrid