The village of Tintern is the stunning home to the spectacular ruins of a world famous Cistercian abbey and to an ancient industrial heritage. The Cistercian abbey of Tintern is one of the greatest monastic ruins of Wales. It was only the second Cistercian foundation in Britain, and the first in Wales, and was founded on 9 May 1131 by Walter de Clare, lord of Chepstow. The remains consist of nave, chancel, tower, chapel and cloister. It was partly... 

Tikal is a large archaeological site in the Guatemalan department of Petén. In the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. The ceremonial centre contains superb temples and palaces, and public squares accessed by means of ramps. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tikal Mayan ruins attract curious investigators of all... 

Aland is the smallest of the three Nordic autonomous territories with a population of 28,000. One third of the population lives in the capital, Mariehamn. The glorious Åland archipelago is a geopolitical anomaly: the islands belong to Finland, speak Swedish, but have their own parliament, fly their own blue-gold-and-red flag, issue their own stamps and have their own web suffix. Their special relationship with the EU means they can sell duty free... 

The Scotland of the imagination is a land of rolling green hills, kilt-wearing bagpipers, and crumbling castles. Scotland is one of the most beautiful place on earth. The Falkirk wheel, Falkirk, Scotland, United Kingdom Dunnottar castle from the beach, Stonehaven, Scotland, United Kingdom Bow fiddle, Portknockie, Scotland, United Kingdom Eilean Donan castle, Dornie, Scotland, United Kingdom Sligachan bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom Kilchurn... 

Ellis Island was America’s largest and most active immigration station. Ellis Island opened in 1892 as a federal immigration station, a purpose it served for more than 60 years (it closed in 1954). Millions of newly arrived immigrants passed through the station during that time. the immigration station spread over 3 connected islands with numerous structures including a hospital and contagious disease wards. It is estimated that over 40 percent... 

On the right-hand side of Market Street is a massive domed building, the Old Courthouse, which is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. It was built in the mid 1800s and has been the scene of several important trials, including the suit by Dred Scott for freedom from slavery and Suffragist Virginia Louisa Minor for the right to vote. The courthouse now showcases historical exhibits. The Gateway Arch is often referred to as the Gateway... 

Nymphenburg Palace was built as a summer residence for Bavarian kings. It is a magnificent structure artistically shaped by the various Electors over its history. Exhibiting both baroque and rococo styles, the rooms are decorated with fantastic frescos and tapestries. The massive Great Hall was decorated in the Rococo style by Johann Baptist Zimmermann and François Cuvilliés the Elder under Elector Max III Joseph. A famous feature of the palace... 

For Texans, the Battle of the Alamo became an enduring symbol of their heroic resistance to oppression and their struggle for independence, which they won later that year. The Alamo was the scene of a pivotal battle in the fight for the independence of Texas from Mexico. In the early 1800s, Texas belonged to Mexico. During the Texas war for independence from Mexico, Spanish troops occupied the abandoned building, now used as a fortress, calling it...