The Chateau de Versailles
Mollie Caselli writes for GulliverGo, a new study abroad and travel Web site.
You’ve accomplished the big hurdle of moving to a foreign country to study abroad. Good Job! What better way to learn about your new culture than by checking out its museums, eating its local cuisine or hitting up festivals? Whether it’s archaeology, film, art or sports cars, you can learn a lot about a host city by what it values most in its museums. Here are a few to check out. For any museums, remember to carry your student ID card for extra discounts!
Versailles, France: Palace of Versailles. When you need a break from the excitement of Paris, hop on the train for an hour and spend your day at the Palace of Versailles. Louis XIV turned the court of Versailles into the center of political power when he moved there from Paris in 1682. Today the estate features royal apartments of former kings and queens, a grand opera, the famed Hall of Mirrors and Louis XIV’s prized gardens. It’s a worthy day trip from Paris.
Naples, Italy: National Archaeological Museum. The National Archaeological Museum in Naples is one of the most impressive in Italy. The art, sculptures, mosaics and literature provide a glimpse into Greek and Roman antiquity. Of course, art history buffs that yearn to see those Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces in person should head north to Florence’s Uffizi Gallery.
Dublin, Ireland: Guinness Storehouse Take a break from the castles and galleries for a real taste of Ireland. Built in 1904, the Guinness Storehouse building housed the fermentation process of Guinness beer until 1988. Not only can you sample a pint, but at the top of the museum you’ll also catch one of the best views of Dublin.
Comments