Not to be mistaken with the larger lake of the same name on the River Shannon, Lough Derg in Co. Donegal is a renowned place of pilgrimage. A traditional three-day pilgrimage takes place each August, but the Lough is open to visitors (including anglers!) year-round. The Lough is composed of over 30 islands and inlets, the most famous of which is Station Island - it is said that when St. Patrick traversed Ireland converting kings to Christianity, Jesus appeared to him here and revealed the entrance to Purgatory! The Lough's name comes from the Irish word "dearg" (red) as a local legend holds that a local mortal once called the magic powers of the lake to transform a worm into a vicious cow. Once defeated, the red blood of the cow changed the colour of the rocks (which are in fact sandstone) to red.

45 minutes of a nice commented stroll around the city! You can discover all the best spots of Grenoble.

Nestled in the picturesque Marathasa Valley, Kykkos Monastery is not only the wealthiest and most lavish on the island, but also a significant cultural and religious site. Perched at an altitude of 1,318 metres, this historical gem is a must-visit for anyone keen to understand modern Cyprus. The monastery's origins can be traced back to the end of the 11th century when it was founded by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. Although the original structure has not survived the various fires that have swept through the region, today's buildings are beautifully maintained and filled with intricate murals and religious treasures. One of the monastery's most prized possessions is an icon of Panagia (the Virgin Mary) attributed to Apostle Luke. This silver gilt-covered icon is housed in a stunning tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl shrine, which stands in front of the iconostasis. When visiting Kykkos Monastery, be sure to explore the grounds, including the museum that showcases antiquities, documents, vessels, vestments, ornaments, icons, frescoes, and woodcarvings. You'll also find that the monastery produces Zivania spirit and other alcoholic drinks, and hosts religious fairs on September 8th (Birth of the Virgin) and August 15th (Dormition of the Virgin). As a place of worship, observance, and commercial enterprise, Kykkos Monastery offers a unique insight into the lives of Greek Cypriots and their religion. Don't miss the chance to experience this captivating site during your time in Cyprus.

Locals call it La Manquita — 'the one-armed lady' — because only one of its towers was ever finished. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, the cathedral mixes Renaissance design with a Baroque front. It actually sits on the site of a former mosque, and you can still spot a few traces of that. There's a long-running rumour that money meant for the second tower went to support the American War of Independence — not confirmed, but it’s part of the local lore.