Illumination of the Royal Route in Warsaw (2019) - the Festival of Light

We had several times the chance to admire the illumination of various parts of the Royal Route in Warsaw. In 2014 we have been to Wilanów. Since five years have passed, I think it is time to go there again. 

As always, the first thing we can spot are the decorations on the city lanterns.

They look like large snowflakes.

As we approach the royal palace of Wilanów, you can immediately spot a tunnel guiding us in the right direction.

A tunnel of light of course.

The main gate features the colours of the Polish flag.

Inside, it is really crowded despite the snow.

Why don't we sneak out to the gardens.

Those torches seem to be really burning.

All the pieces of small architecture have been used as a pretext to put more light into the garden. Like this small fountain.

In the back of the palace you will find Janina, the coat of arms of king Jan Sobieski, the founder of Wilanów.

On the main terrace you will find a field of apple trees.

Very enchanting apple trees.

Below the terace, you will find even more lights, with yet another enchanted fountain.

The garden around it is calm and partly dark ...

... until it is not.

But the most amazing thing about it is that it dances in between.

Even the smallest fountains seem to be alive, despite negative temperature.

I find it really smart.

Before you run for a cup of hot chocolate to warm you up, I propose that we take just a few steps and go to the other side of the street,  next to the District Council Hall. First, we need to pass through a giant gingerbread. Both scary and mouth-watering, isn't it?

Then we can gallop together with a Horse of Light.

And remember all those that we love.

Feels like walking in a Winter Wonderland!

Liptovský Mikuláš

Liptovský Mikuláš is a small town in Northern Slovakia, just next to the Chopok mountain. It has something around thirty thousand inhabitants and is a perfect location for a short stroll on a winter night.

The history of Liptovský Mikuláš dates back a thousand years. In the Middle Ages it was granted several privileges, coming into force through parchments and great seals made of red wax.

Have you noticed something special? Yes, the name of the town is different there. In fact, the original name of the town was until 1952 Liptovský Svätý Mikuláš which means "Saint Nicolas of Liptau", where Liptau is the region in which it is located. So where is the Saint Nicolas? In the church of course.

The gothic church of St. Nicolas is one of the landmarks of the town. Inside you will immediately recognise the high arches on the ceiling.

The small organ is decorated with pictures of the twelve apostles.

The gothic altar is covered with gold and includes tall and pale figures. Am I the only one to see here a whole team of Maries?

Outside the church you will notice a monument. It is the monument of Janko Kráľ, a romantic poet, one of the first ones to write in modern Slovak language. He was also a patriotic activist in times where Slovakia did not exist as a country but was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. 

Because Liptovský Mikuláš is an important place for the Slovak identity. Just look at this building.

Between 1713 and 1793 it was the capital of the Liptov region and this was the first County House.

But do not think that Liptovský Mikuláš is only living its past. They have public wifi all around the Town Hall.

The Town Hall is located, not surprisingly, on the Market Square.

As you can see, the building is nicely lit up with Christmas lights. So are the streets around it.

The only dark place is directly behind the Town Hall. This is a monument commemorating the soldiers of the Red Army. Soviet heritage is not valued high these days in Eastern Europe.

The snow has invaded the town.

So I propose that we stop here and order a good warm burger.

Illumination of the Royal Route in Warsaw (2017)

Last year I missed to take you to our traditional walk along the Royal Route in Warsaw. This year we will be making up for it and strolling along the nicely illuminated streets once again. Let's get out on the Świętokrzyska metro station.

On the left hand side you can see the Nowy Świat street with some garlands on top and a type of Christmas tree bulb on the lamps.

But we will go this time to the right, to the Krakowskie Przedmieście street.

Here, the lanterns are decorated into something I do not really understand. Any ideas what this shape is supposed to symbolise?

First, next to the monument of Copernicus and the Polish Academy of Science, you will see the solar system.

A few steps further, you can try to imagine yourself entering the gates of the Warsaw University, allegedly the best in the country.

As we move on, we pass besides a very special book, exhibiting the highlights of Warsaw.

Look, this is a Chopin bench, like the one we have seen in Łazienki.

And here comes the Presidential Palace, with the Christmas tree lit up in the colours of the Polish flag.

Finally, we arrive to the heart of the Old Town.

This is also a station for a very special train.

That transport a very special cargo.

Finally, we enter the Castle Square. The streets around it are nicely decorated.

But it is the Castle itself that is the most impressive this year.

The Christmas tree is so tall. Looks like a good omen for the upcoming year.

Happy New Year everyone!