A weekend trip to Ghent is simply not complete without a visit to the mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’. This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent past, closely intertwined with the complex—often stormy—political and social history of the city. It is the only remaining mediaeval castle with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Your visit to the Castle of the Counts will give you a complete picture of heraldic culture in the 12th century. The gatehouse, ramparts, keep, count’s residence and stables are open to visitors. Be sure to go up the long spiral staircase to the museum of torture devices on the top floor of the Castle of the Counts. Here, you will find a unique collection of instruments for torture and coercion, as well as a collection of weapons. The Castle of the Counts also hosts all kinds of cultural activities, events and activities, for example during the Ghent Festivities. It is also a popular place to get married for Ghent’s locals. Let’s not forget the time the Castle of the Counts was occupied by protesting students in 1949! Explore the castle during your weekend trip in Ghent and find out all about the ‘Battle of the Castle of the Counts’. The keep, symbol of the Counts’ power Go back in time inside this majestic fortress. Its history goes back to the time of the Roman occupation, when there was already a settlement on a sand bank by the River Lys. After a brief period of Viking plundering, the Counts of Flanders converted the earlier wooden constructions into a keep (living quarters) in the Middle Ages, with ramparts built entirely of stone, replete with 24 towers. The imposing building with its military architecture was a symbol of the Counts’ power in the turbulent city of Ghent. Do you want to dig deep into the history of Ghent? This is where you need to be. Ghent, full of charming history and modern vibrancy.

The Pyramid of Tirana, once a museum and a monument honouring dictator Enver Hoxha, has been transformed into TUMO Center Tirana, an IT hub for creative technologies. Reopened in 2023, the renovated site now features cafés, studios, workshops and offices for start-ups, alongside classrooms where Albanian youth can learn technology skills for free. Steps added to the pyramid’s sloping façade allow visitors to walk on the symbolic structure, while colourful boxes scattered around the park create a vibrant public space.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Birmingham's city centre lies Gas Street Basin, a historic canal network that was once a bustling port and has now transformed into a charming hub of bars, cafés, and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque canal side, immersing yourself in a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern living. Interestingly, the name itself holds a clue to its significance, as Gas Street was the pioneering location in Birmingham to introduce gas lighting, marking a milestone in the city's history.

The tower is a unique example of a fortified tower that dates back to 1533 when Hyeronimus Saracenis concluded an agreement with Ivan, a stone-mason from Hvar, to begin construction. The initials H S, which stand for Hieronymus Saracenis, are inscribed on the coat of arms that is displayed on the eastern wall. The tower frequently changed ownership and at one time in the 17th century it was in the possession of the Fondra noble family from Šibenik that used the tower as their place of residence.