Briancon is a UNESCO listed, medieval town located in the Alps region of south-eastern France and just happens to be the highest town in the EU at an altitude of 1,326 metres. Briancon is a strongly fortified town sitting high on a plateau. This photo captures from a nearby laneway, one of the two towers of the parish church which was built from 1703 – 1726.
Photo courtesy of Travel Tips Plus reader Lavinia.
Sigiriya (Lion’s rock) is an ancient rock fortress rising 370m straight up over the plains of north central Sri Lanka. It’s also is the home to vast palace ruins. The flat topped rock formation makes it very distinct and within the area water gardens, terraced gardens, frescoes and inscribed poems known as ‘Sigiri graffiti’ can be viewed.
Sigiriya is a popular tourist destination and despite its age, the splendour of the palace still furnishes a stunning insight into the ingenuity and creativity of its builders. The upper palace on the top of the rock includes cisterns cut into the rock that still retain water. The moats and walls that surround the lower palace are still exquisitely beautiful. UNESCO declared Sigiriya a World Heritage Site during 1982.
Travel Photo of the Week: High Country Maze, Victoria, Australia
After such a fabulous summer holiday to Jamieson last year we decided to return again this year! Though this 8 day break was far more relaxing as we’d done a lot of the sites the year before. However, we did decide to return to the High Country Maze which is just out of Mansfield and off the road to Jamieson, to see how the gardens were developing as it’s really only a fairly new maze.
This sculpture is near the entrance and really is eye catching. You’ll notice the angel clipped into the maze hedge in the background. You’ll find lots of quirky features throughout the 6 acres of maze and garden rooms.
Travel Photo of the Week: Contemporary Architecture and Fine Food at the Olinda Tea House
The Olinda Tea House is one of my favourite nearby award winning tea houses and restaurants. It’s probably no more than 20 minutes away! It’s not long been opened (landscaping is still underway) and the contemporary architecture, combined with its layout and building products, make it an environmentally sustainable venue. It brings the beautiful outdoors of the Dandenong Ranges, indoors!
If you’re ever in the area to enjoy the attractions of the Dandenong Ranges, you must include stopping here for lunch or a cuppa.
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