Antarctic Ice Kingdom. About heavenly prosphora

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Many tourists travel to Barcelona to admire the architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí. But you don't have to fly to the Catalan capital. All his legacy...

The personality of Antonio Gaudi is enigmatic and mysterious. The second person who, in my opinion, has a similar aura is not even a real person, but a character in the novel by Francis Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby. And with what ease the hero of the novel enchanted his audience with soirees, with the same ease Gaudí's works capture our heart, soul and memory. What is his genius?

Perhaps the answer lies on the surface. He is around us. Gaudi deified nature and drew inspiration from it. He was the first to decide to transfer the laws of nature to architecture.

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Its church spiers top with sheaves of cereals and ears of corn, the arches of the windows are crowned with baskets of fruit, and bunches of grapes hang from the façades; drainpipes meander in the form of snakes and reptiles; chimneys are twisted with snails, and fence grates are forged in the form of palm leaves. Everything ingenious is simple!

During his life, Antonio Gaudí created more than 20 architectural masterpieces, 10 of which are located directly in Barcelona.

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I invite you to take a fascinating walk through the streets of Barcelona and get acquainted with the masterpieces of Gaudí's architecture, which have no analogues to this day.

And you can stay in Barcelona in these hotels:

1. House Vicens (Casa Vicens)

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The House of Vicens was Gaudí's first significant work. It was built between 1883 and 1888 by order of the owner of the ceramic tile factory, Manuel Vicens Muntaner.

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For the first time inspecting the site of a future construction site, Gaudi discovered a giant flowering palm tree surrounded by a carpet of yellow flowers - marigolds. All these motifs Gaudi later included in the design of the house: palm leaves found their place on the fence, and marigolds became the pattern of ceramic tiles.

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Gaudí developed the design of the entire building, from the meticulous finishing of the exterior to the decorative solutions. interior spaces, up to the painting of walls and stained-glass windows.

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Since the house is a private property, it is closed to the public. However, one day a year, May 22, the owners of the house open its doors to guests.

2. Pavilions of the Guell estate (Pavellons Güell)

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It was on this project that two great men met who for many years to come determined the image of Barcelona: the architect Antonio Gaudí and Count Eusebi Güell. By order of Güell, Antonio had to reconstruct the patron's summer country residence: remake the park and erect a gate with a fence, build new pavilions and design stables with an indoor arena. And in order to show a single idea for the entire project, the architect made all the buildings in the same style, using the same building material and a pattern resembling dragon scales.

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It was during the construction of the Guell pavilions that Gaudi first used the trencadis technique - facing the surface with irregularly shaped pieces of ceramic or glass. Later, we will meet this technology in the design of benches in the Park Güell and many other works of the architect.

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Unfortunately, today only the entrance group with a gate decorated with a dragon has survived from the building. As conceived by Gaudi, the dragon guarded the garden with golden apples, giving eternal youth and immortality.

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When the gate was opened, the head and paws of the dragon moved, frightening and surprising guests and passers-by. Today, you can approach the Dragon without fear - it will remain motionless and freely let you into the estate.

3. Palau Güell

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The next large-scale project created by Antonio Gaudi for Güell is a residential building, or rather, a palace. This magnificent Venetian "palazzo" is squeezed into a small space of 22 by 18 meters.

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It is impossible to fully appreciate the appearance of the entire Palau Güell from any point, because Carrer Nou de la Rambla is very densely built up. To surprise viewers who are at a great distance from the building, Gaudí designed unusual chimney towers.

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Gaudí believed that there was only one architectural element cannot be a worthy decoration of the roof. Therefore, in the castle, the roof is designed according to the "scenographic" principle. Each chimney is made in the form of a whimsical turret, turning the roof into a magical garden. Gaudi uses this favorite technique in many of his future projects.

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At the entrance, between the two forged gates of the palace, Gaudi placed the coat of arms of Catalonia, and engraved the initials of Euzebi Güell - "E" and "G" on the gates themselves.

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4. College of the Order of Saint Teresa (Collegi de las Teresianes)

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"Collegi de las Teresianes" - a school at the monastery of St. Teresa - also became one of the architectural masterpieces of Antonio Gaudi. The college building was built between 1888 and 1890 by order of Enric d'Usso, the priest who founded the Teresian Order.

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Initially, the development of the plan was entrusted to the architect Juan B. Ponsom. He was working on a project whole year, and even managed to build the building up to the second floor, when the construction was entrusted to Gaudi. The young brilliant architect managed to make significant changes to the initial design and complete the construction in less than a year.

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For Gaudi, this was an unusual project. Firstly, he had to work on a limited budget, so ordinary brick and imitation stone were used in the construction. And secondly, his fantasy was "framed". Antonio first coordinated all his architectural and decorative ideas with the priest, and only after that he could bring them to life. Not surprisingly, most of the plans were rejected.

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The architect nevertheless decorated the school as much as possible. To do this, he used numerous neat arches and decorative elements on the battlements of the building, which look like professors' hats.

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5. House Calvet (Casa Calvet) Another masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona at first glance seems ordinary and unremarkable, but it's worth taking a closer look...

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Gaudí's Calvet House was built by order of the widow of the late industrialist Pere Calvet, in accordance with all the criteria for a "profitable" house. Shops were located on the first floor, the hostess herself lived on the second floor, and the remaining levels were given to tenants.

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It's a paradox, but the most "ordinary" creation of Antonio Gaudi immediately after construction, in 1900, was recognized as the best building in Barcelona. For many, this came as a surprise, since by this time Antonio had completed several projects that looked more refined and sophisticated. However, the authorities of the capital of Catalonia, it was this creation that seemed the most worthy.

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In the design of the facade, Gaudi thought through every little thing. So, honeycombs suggested the shape of the peephole to the architect. When creating it, the genius dipped his fingers into the clay mass several times, and then filled the resulting shape with metal.

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And the knockers on the front doors hit the image of the bed bug. Perhaps, according to the ancient Catalan custom, the killing of this insect brought good luck and prosperity to the house. Or maybe Antoni Gaudí just didn't like pests.

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Today, the Kalvet house is still used for its intended purpose: the basement is reserved for warehouses, the first floor is occupied by an office, and residential apartments are located on the remaining floors.

6. Figueres House on Bellesguard Street, Barcelona (Casa Figueras)

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At the beginning of the 15th century, King Marty the Humane built on the slope of Mount Tibidabo magnificent palace who called Bellesguard - translated from Catalan " beautiful view". Five centuries later, in 1900, a completely different, more modest neo-Gothic palace by architect Antonio Gaudi arose on the same site. Subsequently, he received the name House of Figueres.

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The house turned out in a rather bizarre style. The structure seems to be directed upwards, although the structure itself is far from being high. Gaudi achieved a similar effect by using a sharp spire in the construction, as well as by deliberately overestimating each part of the house. The height of the basement was 3 meters, the first floor - 5 meters, mezzanine - 6 meters. The total height of the house reaches 33 meters and it looks completely completed in the vertical direction.

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In the course of construction work, Gaudí displaced the medieval road somewhat and placed it on vaults with inclined columns. He also uses this technique in Park Güell.

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Until 2013, the house of Figueres was closed to the public, but since the owners needed funds for reconstruction, they decided to open it to tourists.

Slowly, we are approaching the most interesting. These are the well-known and popular sights of Antoni Gaudi's hands in Barcelona, ​​and the first of them is Park Güell.

7. Park Guell. Garden City (Parc Güell)

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Probably, each of us at least once saw Gaudí's gingerbread houses - one of the symbols of the capital of Catalonia, which is found on postcards, magnets and other souvenirs. We can find them at the entrance to Park Güell, or sometimes it is called "Gaudi Park".

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Once upon a time, this popular park in Barcelona began its development as a commercial project. After a trip to England, Güell was impressed by the park areas and set about creating something similar in Barcelona. To do this, he purchased a large plot on a hill and asked Antoni Gaudí to take over the project. According to Güell's idea, the park was to become a residential community for the Catalan elite. But the inhabitants of the city did not support his efforts. As a result, only 3 exhibition copies were built from residential buildings, in which the authors of the project themselves - Güell and Gaudi, as well as their lawyer friend, settled. Later, the Barcelona City Council bought the property from the heirs of the patron and transformed it into a city park, and opened a municipal school and a museum in two houses. The lawyer's house still belongs to his family.

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The architect did a great job. He designed all the necessary communication systems, planned the streets and squares, built viaducts, ramparts, entrance pavilions and a staircase that leads to the hall "100 columns". On the roof of the hall is located big square, surrounded by a bright curved bench around the perimeter.

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8. Casa Batlló

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"House of Bones", "Dragon House", "Yawning House" are all names by which Casa Batllo in Barcelona is known. This attraction is located in the very center of Barcelona, ​​and with all your desire you will not be able to pass by without noticing it. A humpbacked roof that looks like a dragon's spine, a mosaic facade that changes color depending on the lighting, balconies that resemble the faces of big-eyed flies or skulls - all this makes an indelible impression.

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The order for the reconstruction of the house Antonio Gaudí received from the textile magnate, who planned to completely demolish old building. Keeping the original structure of the house, the architect designed two new facades. The main one overlooks Passeig de Gracia, the back one goes inside the quarter.

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To improve the lighting and ventilation of the building, Gaudi combined the light shafts into a single courtyard. Here, the architect created a special play of chiaroscuro: in order to achieve uniform lighting, Gaudí gradually changes the color of the ceramic cladding from white to blue and blue.

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Part of the façade is covered in a mosaic of broken ceramic tiles that starts in golden hues, continues in orange, and ends in blue-green.

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9. House Mila - Pedrera (Casa Milà)

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Casa Mila is Antonio Gaudí's latest secular project. After its construction, the architect devoted himself entirely to the main masterpiece of his life - the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Initially, the people of Barcelona did not accept Gaudí's new creation. Mila's house was nicknamed "Pedrera" which means "quarry" because of its uneven and ponderous appearance. Builders and owners of the house were even fined several times for non-compliance with generally accepted standards. But soon the passions subsided, they quickly got used to the house and began to treat it as another creation of a genius.

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When building Pedrera, Antoni Gaudí used technology that was far ahead of its time. Instead of the classic supporting and load-bearing walls, it used an irregularly shaped steel frame reinforced with arches and columns. Thanks to this, it was possible to give the facade of the house an unusual floating shape, and the layout of the apartments, at the request of the owner of the house, could change at any time. This technology is also very popular among modern builders who use it in the construction of monolithic-frame houses. But more than a century has passed!

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Sagrada Familia is the main masterpiece of Antonio Gaudi, the project of his whole life, to which he dedicated 43 years. The construction of the cathedral began in 1882 under the direction of the architect Francesco del Villar. But a year later, young Gaudi was appointed in his place. According to his idea, the height of the cathedral should be only one meter lower than the highest mountain in Barcelona - 170 meters. With this, the architect wanted to show that what was created by human hands cannot be higher than what God created.

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The expiatory temple of the Sagrada Familia, like many other creations of Gaudí, is designed in the spirit of the philosophy of unity with nature. The building should be crowned with 18 towers - this is a symbol of the apostles, evangelists and Jesus Christ.

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The facades of the cathedral are already decorated with sculptures depicting not only biblical characters, but also animals, grapes and various symbols reflecting facts from the life of saints.

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It is noteworthy that the animal figures were created by Gaudí himself. He put his "models" to sleep and created their exact sculptures.

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The interior of the cathedral is also thought out to the smallest detail. Gaudi assumed that from the inside the cathedral would resemble a forest, with stars visible through the branches of trees. As a reflection of this idea, multifaceted columns appeared in the cathedral, supporting the high vaults of the temple.

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Closer to the vaults, the columns change their shape and branch out like trees. The stars in this grandiose project were the window openings located on different height.

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The death of Antonio Gaudi was as extraordinary as his whole life, as well as his work. On June 7, 1926, at the age of 73, he was hit by a tram. The architect lost consciousness, but the cabmen were in no hurry to take him to the hospital: he had neither money nor documents, and he looked extremely untidy. As a result, he ended up in a hospital for the poor. Gaudí died on June 10, 1926 and was buried in his favorite place - in the Expiatory Church of the Sagrada Familia.

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vedma_cook
30/12/2015 17:00

The opinion of tourists may not coincide with the opinion of the editors.

Ecology

There are natural wonders in every country, and in some countries there are those that are known to the whole world. This list brings together a few little-known wonders that are incredible in their beauty, and these are exactly the places that are definitely worth visiting when planning your next vacation. Below you will find only one beauty in each of the countries represented, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.

natural wonders

10. Erg Chebbi

Morocco

Erg is an area that is covered with huge sand dunes. Erg Chebbi is the only erg located in the Sahara in southeastern Morocco. The length of these sand dunes is more than 22 kilometers from north to south and about 5 kilometers from west to east. South part erga is located near the village of Merzouga, which serves as a local tourist center.

It is worth noting that the height of the dunes in this area is about 150 meters, they are very beautiful orange and are very popular among tourists. Erg Chebbi is located in the very center of the rocky desert, and its sand arrives in constant motion.

Until the early 2000s, it was extremely difficult to get to the erg, because no paved roads were built to it. Later, a road was built that goes around the erg.

Besides the fact that these stunning, created by the wind sand dunes take you to another world, they are supposed to have healing powers, so Moroccans visit these places every year to plunge into the hot sand up to their necks.

9. Bryce Canyon

Everyone knows about the Grand Canyon in the USA, but hardly anyone living outside the USA has heard of national park Bryce Canyon, located in Utah. The main attraction of the park is Bryce Canyon. Although it is called a canyon, Bryce is more like a huge amphitheater, built by the erosion of sedimentary rocks under the influence of water, wind and ice.

Hoodoos, as these geological structures of bright colors (red, white, orange) are called, are a very beautiful sight at any time of the day, especially at sunset or sunrise.

Bryce is much higher than the others famous parks (Grand Canyon and Zion), it is located at an altitude of about 2500 meters above sea level. Therefore, the territory of the canyon is very different in climate and ecology. Thus, tourists, who often combine visits to all three parks during their travels, feel this contrast.

The area surrounding the canyon was inhabited by Mormons in the mid-19th century. The name of the canyon was in honor of Ebenezer Bryce. It was he who founded the estate in this place, the area around which, 53 years later, in 1928, became a national park. The park is visited by fewer tourists compared to Zion and the Grand Canyon due to its remoteness.

unknown nature

8. Pantanal

Brazil

The swampy lowland Pantanal (this is how "pantanal" is translated into Russian) is a huge tectonic depression on the territory of Brazil. Parts of it are in Paraguay and Bolivia, and total area is over 150,000 square kilometers, making it the largest wetland in the world.

The nature in this region is striking in its contrasts, the animal world is also quite diverse. The Pantanal is home to 80 species of mammals, more than 3,500 species of vegetation, more than 200 different types fish, about 700 species of birds and more than 50 reptiles live here.

More than 20 million alligators and crocodiles, giant eating ants and capybaras live here. Moreover, on the territory of the Pantanal there is a nature reserve, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The main city of the Pantanal is Corumba, which is the port of the Paraguay River. It is worth noting that the city is connected by rail with Sao Paulo.

7. Playa Ostional

Costa Rica

It is one of the most important nesting sites for ridley turtles in the world. You can watch the turtles laying their eggs on Ostional Beach almost all year round, however, the largest number of turtles "stay" here during the rainy season, from May to December.

Thousands of females come ashore to lay 100-120 eggs in the black sand.

The most "massive arrival" was recorded, as a result of which 300,000 - 500,000 animals laid eggs at the same time! Can you imagine several million turtle babies 50 days after each "invasion"?

When you take a boat trip across the ocean, you will also see a large number of turtles floating on the surface of the water, they do this to get oxygen. You can dive into the water and have a little swim with these incredible animals while the dolphins watch you.

Monuments of wildlife

6. Blue Lagoon

Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa that is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. Water with steam is part of lava formations. The spa is located on the so-called lava fields in Grindavik (Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland). The geothermal complex of the blue lagoon is clearly visible from any satellite.

The warm water (temperatures range from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius) is rich in silica and sulfur minerals, and swimming in the lagoon is known to help some people suffering from skin conditions such as psoriasis.

However, if you decide to take a dip in the lagoon, keep in mind that due to the laws of hygiene, all bathers are required to take a nude shower before and after visiting the lagoon. There is also a research center on site, where scientists are trying to create medications to fight skin diseases with mineral-rich water.

The water in the lagoon comes from a nearby geothermal station and is updated every 2 days. Superheated water is vented from the ground near the lava flow and used to run a turbine that produces electricity.

Passing through turbines, steam and hot water pass through a heat exchanger to heat the municipal system. The water then enters the lagoon for recreational and medicinal purposes.

It is alleged that in June 2007 the Blue Lagoon acquired a green hue, which caused bewilderment local residents and tourists.

5. Valle de la Luna

Chile

Once in Valle de la Luna, you may think that you have miraculously landed on the moon. The Valley of the Moon is located in the Atacama Desert in Chile.

In the valley there are a huge number of various stone and sand formations that were formed with the help of wind and water. The valley itself has an impressive range of colors and textures, so its surface is somewhat similar to the surface of the moon.

There are also dry lakes in the valley, where salt deposits cover the area in white, and various salt outcrops look like man-made sculptures. Moreover, it is also observed big variety caves. In 1982, due to the incredible beauty of the valley, it was declared a natural monument, and thanks to the strange lunar landscape, it got its name.

The valley is also considered one of the driest places on earth, and some areas of it have not received moisture for hundreds of years. It was here that the prototype rover was tested due to the dry and forbidding terrain of the valley.

4. Colca Canyon

Peru

Colca Canyon is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US and is still inhabited by people who maintain the food-growing fields in the state they flourished in the Incas. The locals also strictly maintain the traditions of their ancestors.

This is the third attraction of Peru in terms of the number of tourists. Despite being referred to as the world's deepest canyon, its "walls" are not as vertical as those of the Grand Canyon.

The Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley with pre-Indian roots and towns founded during Spanish colonial times. Through the Colca Valley you can get to the most remote source of the Amazon River.

Other attractions include the Infiernillo Geyser, the dormant Hualka Hualka volcano, which can be reached on foot, horseback or mountain bikes. Not to be missed are a number of houses called "casas vivenciales" where tourists can stay with a local family and contribute to their daily activities.

3. Wai-O-Tapu

New Zealand

Wai-O-Tapu (translated as "sacred waters") is one of the incredible "thermal" wonders of New Zealand. You can walk through all this wonder in three hours, however, around every turn you will find a new surprise, from geysers to stunning colored lakes that you need to see with your own eyes to believe that they are real.

On the territory of this miracle there are mud pools and boiling mud springs, as well as an incredibly beautiful geyser called Lady Knox. Before the occupation of this territory by Europeans, it was inhabited by the Ngati Vaoa tribe, who constantly traveled by canoe.

Wai-O-Tapu has long been extremely popular among tourists. Despite the fact that this territory has been protected since 1931, it still remains a favorite tourist destination. Among the most famous hot springs are the Champagne Pool and the Artist's Palette.

2. Jiuzhaigou Valley

China

Jiuzhaigou means "nine villages" in translation. And it got its name thanks to the nine Tibetan villages located in the valley. The whole valley is full beautiful rivers, lakes, multi-level waterfalls and is surrounded by snowy mountains. This natural wonder of such incredible beauty that it is considered a world biosphere reserve.

The valley is made up of three small valleys that together form a Y-like shape. Compared to other popular Chinese landscape attractions, the valley is difficult to access by land.

Tourists, in order to be able to contemplate the incredible beauty, must travel by bus for 10 hours along the road, on which rockfalls often occur, and in the rainy season, landslides, which, in turn, adds 2-3 hours to the journey, and sometimes more.

1. Tsingzhi du Bemaraha Nature Reserve

Madagascar

The reserve is an honorary member of the list of objects world heritage UNESCO. Thanks to the incredible limestone formations, the reserve got its name.

The date of creation of the reserve, with an area of ​​152,000 hectares, is 1927, the reason for its creation is the protection of unique mangrove forests and incredible wildlife (lemurs, indri, etc.).

The limestone plateau forms a real forest of stones, while, nearby, the Manambolo River flows through a multi-colored canyon. There is a huge amount of virgin tropical deciduous forests, as well as xerophytic plants.

Travel portal Budget Travel has compiled a list of ten wonders of the world that may disappear by 2030. The inevitability of death will attract an additional influx of tourists to the miracles. They will want to look at the sights of the Earth, which will soon be gone, experts say.

(Total 10 photos)

1 Belize Barrier Reef

Belize Barrier Reef already suffered severe damage in 1998, losing up to 50% of corals in many places. Its corals are still bleaching, both due to global warming and human activities.

2. Congo Depression

Congo depression - the second largest massif of the jungle after the Amazon basin. By 2040, up to two thirds of the unique flora and fauna, according to the UN, will be lost if effective measures are not taken to protect them.

Forests are subjected to merciless cutting for the purpose of grazing, mines, and also during the guerrilla war in this region of Africa. A decrease in forest surface area leads to a reduction in carbon dioxide absorption, and hence rainfall, which contributes to climate change.

3. Dead Sea

Over the past four decades, its area has decreased by a third, and it has become shallow by 24 meters. former beaches now one and a half kilometers further from the coastline. Water in the Dead Sea comes only from the Jordan River, but the countries surrounding it take more and more water from the river. As a result, after 50 years Dead Sea won't at all.

Moreover, the manufacturers of cosmetics and potassium carbonate are constantly depleting the mineral reserves of the seabed.

4. national park Everglades (Florida, USA)

The swamps that occupy the main part of its territory are subject to pollution from the surrounding farms, as well as the invasion of alien living beings.

Not to mention that 60% of the local water is pumped out for delivery to nearby cities and on farms.

As a result, the area of ​​the park - the only place where the Florida panther lives - has already halved since 1900. Within 40 years, the Florida panther, like 20 other animal species, may disappear completely.

5. Madagascar

If you do not save the forests of this island African state, in 35 years they will be completely cut down and burned, and their inhabitants will die out. Reserves occupy only 5% of the island, preventing animals from moving safely throughout Madagascar.

Some of the island's rare animal species have not even been studied and registered, and may become extinct before they can be explored.

6. Maldives

If global warming continues, these islands, rising just over two meters above sea level, will be flooded. In 2008, the President of the State already announced the acquisition of land in other countries, in particular, in India, for the resettlement of citizens who were forced to leave their homes flooded by the ocean. In 2009, to emphasize the coming danger, he held a government meeting underwater.

7. North and South Poles

Global warming threatens 80% of Antarctica's emperor penguins with extinction. In the Arctic, destruction threatens polar bears, because along with melting polar ice Entire ecosystems are dying, including food chains. New ice massifs will stop forming in Antarctica within 20-40 years.

8. Tiger population

More than half of the world's tigers live in India. Total in the world wild nature there are 3,200 left, while in 1900 there were 100,000 in India alone. Completely tigers can become extinct in 12 years. For the needs of the Chinese traditional medicine kill an average of one tiger per day. Reserves for tigers exist, but they do not provide reliable female migration routes necessary for the full reproduction of the population.

9. Jungle Tahuamanu (Peru)

In the Peruvian province of Madre de Dios, there are almost the last mahogany reserves in the world. And it grows in the jungle of Tahuamanu. But due to illegal logging, they are declining. The US buys about 80% of the mahogany. After all, from every tree you can make furniture worth a million dollars.

Lumberjacks build roads that allow farmers and hunters to enter the jungle, which in turn disturbs the indigenous people and destroys the ecosystem. In addition, gold mining that is carried out in neighboring areas leads to air and water pollution with mercury.

10. Yangtze River Basin

Many observers, including Chinese officials, have already acknowledged that most of the flora and fauna that inhabit this natural region is under threat of extinction.

This is due to deforestation, the construction of dams and the formation of reservoirs. There is also the danger of an earthquake.

Tourist flows can have a dual effect on the corners of nature: on the one hand, they obviously worsen the ecological state of the unique places on the Earth, only accelerating their death. On the other hand, local governments can spend tourism revenue on measures to preserve natural wonders.

Sometimes the well-known phrase “If you don’t destroy, you won’t create” is true, but more often than not, as a result of the destruction of something by people, nothing appears or something absurd arises, especially when it comes to the destruction of objects of cultural, historical and natural heritage. The fact that the wonders of the world, to which this collection is dedicated, are on the verge of extinction, you should not blame only people - sometimes their dilapidation and destruction occur due to natural causes, but one way or another, if you want to see them not only in photographs, it makes sense do this in the very near future.

1. Easter Island, Pacific Ocean, 3703 km west of the coast of Chile

Of course, above all, the island is known stone statues, which the locals call moai. So far, 887 statues have survived, and contrary to a common misconception, they “look” not towards the ocean, but deep into the island.

Stone giants are so popular with tourists that in recent years, the inhabitants of the island (as of 2012, the population was 5806 people, about half of them - the indigenous people of Rapa Nui) have raised the issue of limiting the influx of curious people, among whom there are many idle irresponsible onlookers, causing significant damage to the ecosystem of the island and the moai themselves.

If you want to enjoy unique sculptures, hurry up - you may soon have to obtain special permission for this and go through numerous formalities, proving that you are not going to destroy the national heritage of the islanders.

2. Antarctica

Research by NASA employees shows that Antarctica is gradually melting, and although it is still far from the moment when the last block of ice on the continent turns into a puddle of water, scientists are very worried about the pace of this process. Already, they are taking measures to minimize human impact on the Antarctic ecosystem: for example, since recently commercial ships carrying more than 500 passengers have been banned from entering Antarctic waters.

While most of the mainland's beauties have not fallen victim to global warming, it is worth taking a look at them with your own eyes. To do this, it is most convenient to contact the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) - its employees develop routes that are safe both for the ecology of the mainland and for travelers, thus promoting a responsible attitude towards the Antarctic nature.

3. Choquequirao, the "sister" of Machu Picchu, the Andes

Probably, many of you have heard about the famous Machu Picchu (in the lane from the Quechua dialect - “Old Peak”) - the ancient city of the Incas, located in the mountains, on the territory of modern Peru. At the same time, only a few people know about another outstanding monument of Indian architecture - the city of Choquequirao, located near Cusco, relatively recently became the object of attention of archaeologists and tourists: excavations began only in the 1970s, although one of the European travelers mentioned its existence back in 1768 year.

Choquequirao (translated from the language of the Quechua people - "Golden Cradle") is often called the "sister" of Machu Picchu. The cities are very similar in style of architecture, but if the flow of tourists to Machu Picchu is so great that the authorities had to limit it to 2.5 thousand visitors a day, then Choquequirao is much less like a tourist "gateway". Only the most inquisitive get here, because in order to admire the beauties of the city, you need to make a 2-day hike, there is no other way here (as well as back).

To make Choquequirao more accessible, the Peruvian government is about to open a cable car almost 5 km long, and it is expected that after that the daily flow of tourists will increase to several thousand. The opening of the funicular is scheduled for 2015, so you still have time until the beautiful architecture of Machu Picchu's "sister" is trampled far and wide.

4. Mount Kilimanjaro, United Republic of Tanzania

There are few places in the world that can compare with the highest mountain peak beauty of the African continent. Ernest Hemingway even devoted his story to the snow-covered volcano, thereby ensuring the increased interest of travelers in this beautiful mountain.

According to a study, the results of which were published in one of the editions of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, in a couple of decades the snows of Kilimanjaro may disappear, remaining only the hero of the work of the same name by the brilliant writer. Over the past hundred years, the mountain has lost 85% of its snow cover, and the melting process continues.

Those wishing to enjoy the indescribable beauty of the views of the Kilimanjaro snow cap should not waste time - several tour operators are ready to organize climbing the mountain, providing travelers with everything necessary, including experienced guides.

5. Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast of Australia

The world's largest coral reef is one of the most popular places for diving. Every year, thousands of scuba divers come here, causing significant damage to the local ecosystem, polluting the water and destroying the unique inhabitants of the reef.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the magnificent creation of nature, which has been formed over the course of seven millennia, is being destroyed at a terrifying rate and may cease to exist in about 40 years.

If you decide to visit the Great Barrier Reef, it's better not to put it off - its splendor, like everything else in this mortal world, is not eternal. When diving, do not be like barbarians breaking off pieces of the reef "for memory" and generally try not to touch it - corals are extremely fragile.

6. Culebra and Vieques Islands, Caribbean Sea

Culebra and Vieques are a pair of islands off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. It is hard to believe, but several decades ago this paradise was used by the US military as a training ground for practicing air strikes, during which the valiant pilots of American bombers won convincing "victories" over the island's flora and fauna.

After numerous protests from local residents, the exercises stopped, but another problem arose - an overly violent invasion of civilization in the form of numerous tourists, which also damage the ecosystem of the islands. In recent years, residents have been trying to convince the authorities of Puerto Rico to take care of the preservation of the natural heritage of Vieques and Culebra, but so far they have not achieved noticeable success, so the nature of the islands is still under threat.

Now there is still an opportunity to admire the almost pristine beauty of these places, swim in the brightest luminous bay of Vieques in the world and see the fabulously beautiful coral reef of Playa Carlos Rosario off the coast of Culebra.

7. Dead Sea, the border of Israel and Jordan

One of the most saline reservoirs on Earth, unfortunately, is on the verge of extinction - this is the result of the activities of various industrial enterprises, taking up to 80% of the water that should flow into the sea. According to a study commissioned by the Israeli government, over the past hundred years, the water level has dropped by 25 meters and continues to fall at a rate of about one meter per year. To save a unique natural phenomenon, a project called "Red-Dead" is being developed, during which it is supposed to "dilute" the Dead Sea with water from the Red.

Members of one of the Middle Eastern environmental organizations are confident that the project will destroy the unique ecosystem of the Dead Sea, but in any case, if the Red-Dead is not implemented, the reservoir will dry up completely in about 40 years, so experts consider this compromise justified. To catch the Dead Sea in a more or less natural state (not counting the shallowing), have time to visit it before the start of the project.

8. Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, the king of the Mughal Empire after Mumtaz Mahal, one of his beloved wives, died in childbirth, the huge mausoleum is now one of India's main attractions: every year it is visited by about three million people. However, do not flatter yourself too much, believing that you can come to admire it at any moment - in five years, at the initiative of UNESCO, the cultural and historical monument may be closed to visitors.

Due to polluted air, crowds of tourists, a population explosion in the country and the fact that the Indian government does not give a damn about the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum-mosque is deteriorating disastrously quickly. If you haven't seen this marvelous example of Mughal architecture, its stately chambers, decorated unearthly beauty patterns, marble flowers and gem mosaics, there is no time to waste.

9. Venice, Italy

The legendary floating city is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but its beauty, alas, can sink into oblivion, that is, into the waters Adriatic Sea. Floods in the Venetian Lagoon have been known for a long time: the first inhabitants of these places rebuilt the city twice, moving to more high islands, but in the 20th century the problem became especially acute, mainly due to the deplorable state of the wooden supports of buildings, industrial water intake from artesian sources and congestion of the city with buildings and residents.

Now the “Serene” (one of the nicknames of the city, in the original - La Serenissima) goes under water at a speed of five millimeters a year, and, despite all the efforts of the authorities, it is not possible to stop the sinking: according to experts, by 2028, Venice may become uninhabitable.

If you would like to taste local cuisine and sip Venetian wine, as well as visit the many sights of the city such as St. Mark's Cathedral with its amazingly beautiful mosaics, it's not worth the wait, and not because the city may end - it's just worth it.

10. Tibet

In 1950 this amazing Mountain country was under the rule of the Chinese invaders, which had the most detrimental effect on its culture. Despite all the hype around Tibet and the loud statements of famous personalities advocating the liberation of the country from Chinese oppression (for example, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama or actor Richard Gere), cultural traditions Tibet, including the ancient language of its inhabitants, continues to be mercilessly destroyed.

Occasionally Chinese government closes the country to tourists, so you will have to buy time to visit Tibet, but if you are still lucky enough to get here, the original splendor of the Potala Palace, Ganden Monastery and other masterpieces of Tibetan heritage will not leave you indifferent.

Every summer, a huge number of tourists from Russia fly abroad for holidays, spending a lot of money not only on air travel and hotel reservations, but also on purchases that are not cheap at the current dollar and euro exchange rates.

But what if the point is not at all in the prestige of overseas curiosities, but in the ignorance of Russians? The vast majority of our citizens simply do not know that there are a huge number of places worth visiting in our own country. In all corners of our vast Motherland there are beaches, mountains, lakes with mineral water and healing springs, which are not inferior to the Alps or resorts like Baden-Baden. Their only drawback is that they are not so heavily advertised.

There are many beauties in Russia, all of them are worthy of attention, however, heading for patriotic tourism, we will consider analogues that will pleasantly surprise you.

1. Most famous pink lake in a world called Hiller is located in Australia, every year crowds of tourists flock to it.

Lake Hillier

But, as it turned out, it is not at all necessary to go to another continent for such a curiosity - you can admire this beauty in the Crimea. Koyash lake - salt Lake unusual pink color in the south Kerch Peninsula (East End Crimea) on the territory of the Leninsky district with an area of ​​​​slightly more than five square kilometers.

Koyash is part and main attraction of the Opuk nature reserve and is protected by the state. Once it was part of the sea, but under the influence of the surf over the past two thousand years it has been transformed into a separate body of water. In ancient times, salt was mined in the waters of Koyash - one liter contains 350 grams of this mineral.

The water in the lake is healing and used for medicinal purposes.

Koyashskoye lake

Scientists have conducted many experiments and studies, trying to find out the reason why the water turns pink, but there is still no exact answer. The most likely version is the active life of a microscopic green algae. The water in Lake Koyashskoe shimmers with all shades of pink - from pale lilac in spring to rich purple in the midst of summer. The combination of salt deposits, high temperatures and the functioning of various types of microorganisms made the lake look like strawberry yogurt.

There is one more feature - the algae dulaniella salina, which grows in abundance at the bottom of the lake, produces beta-carotene, due to which the salt acquires a delicate smell of violets.

Koyashskoye lake

Among other things, not far from the lake are the ruins ancient city Kimmerik (a Greek city founded in the 5th century BC) and the rocks of Elken-Kaya - “stone sailboats”, which received its name for its resemblance to ships. So inquisitive tourist there is something to enjoy here.

2. Croatia has always been known for its deep reservoirs with the purest water. But Russia can also boast of them, and not just one.

Blue Lake in Croatia

Blue lakes - a group of five karst lakes in the Cherek region of Kabardino-Balkaria. They are located 30 kilometers from Nalchik in the valley of the Cherek-Balkarsky river. They are usually divided into Lower (Cherek-Kel) and Upper (including Dry and Secret). There are tourist bases on the coast. The water is crystal clear, transparent, the bottom is clearly visible. According to legend, one of the lakes was formed as a result of the fall of a dragon killed by a folk hero, the ancestor of modern inhabitants. North Caucasus. The lower lake is unusually deep; Jacques Yves Cousteau himself could not accurately determine its depth.

Lower Blue Lake

As it turned out, there are lakes with incredibly clear blue water not only in Croatia. There are several dozen of them in Russia, the Kabardino-Balkarian ones are among the most beautiful. In clear weather, the color of the water is usually pale blue, in other weather conditions changes to azure - no worse famous beaches Canary Islands. Swimming is unlikely to succeed - the temperature usually does not rise above 10 degrees, but this does not stop divers, so the Dive Center of the same name was built especially for them.

Lower Lake in winter

The Upper Blue Lakes are home to a large number of fish, including carp, trout and grass carp. Western and Eastern are almost indistinguishable from each other and are closely connected by isthmuses. Not far from them is secret lake, which got its name due to the beech grove that hides it from prying eyes. It is very shallow - only 17 meters.

The fourth lake, Dry, is perhaps the most amazing. It is located at the bottom of a huge depression 177 meters deep, but the lake itself is very shallow. Dry is so strongly dependent on precipitation that it changes its size constantly - it almost spills, then it suddenly becomes shallow.

secret lake

3. Few people know that the rocks of Cappadocia in Turkey have a worthy rival.

Cappadocia

Lena Pillars - unique nature reserve located in Yakutia on the Lena River. It is vertically elongated rocks stretching for many kilometers, whimsically piled on top of each other. It is located 104 kilometers from the city of Pokrovsk. Between the settlements of Petrovskoye and Tit-Ary, the rocks huddle together quite closely. The height of the pillars is amazing - some of them reach 220 meters. Mountain formations began to form 560-540 million years ago, but they took their modern form relatively recently.

Lena Pillars

Park "Lena Pillars" was founded in 1994 and consists of two branches - "Pillars" and "Sinsky". The main task of the park is the development of ecological tourism (a kind of tourism, which consists in visiting places untouched by anthropogenic impact). In addition to the amazing mountains in the park, you can see fluttering sands-tukulans, the site of an ancient man and stone tools found at the mouth of the Deering-Yuryakh stream. Also during archaeological sites in the reserve were found the remains of long-extinct animals - mammoth, bison, woolly rhinoceros.

Lena Pillars

To some, the rocks resemble the ruins of an ancient castle, and someone was even able to discern in the interweaving of several stone formations silhouettes of outlandish animals. On the pillars near the river bank you can look at cave drawings made by ancient people with red and yellow paint. The Decembrist Alexander Bestuzhev-Marlinsky spoke of the pillars like this:

“Some kind of holy silence lies on the virgin creation, and the soul merges with the wild, but majestic nature”

Lena Pillars

4. Iceland, Norway and Finland known for the incredible beauty of the aurora borealis, but such a winter adventure with watching the colorful sky, riding dog sled and skiing can be easily organized in Russia.

Northern Lights in Finland

The main thing is to do it on time, since the radiance can be seen only in a certain season. Usually this is the period from the autumn to the spring equinox, that is, from September to March, in time - from 10 pm to 3 am. The Arctic Circle crosses half the country, and these are, as a rule, cold latitudes, traveling through which is not always comfortable, and sometimes expensive. But there is still a way out - from Moscow or St. Petersburg to hunt for the northern lights, it is better to go to the Murmansk or Arkhangelsk regions. It is both cheaper and more accessible.

Here is such a heavenly show that was captured by the traveler Dmitry Chistoprudov in Teriberka:

In the Komi Republic, the northern lights are also not uncommon, but to increase your chances, you need to go a little further north, to Vorkuta. And the village of Khatanga in the Taimyr region Krasnoyarsk Territory- the choice for those who are looking for not only amazing natural phenomena but also adventure. There are many museums with the rarest expositions, as well as the Taimyr Reserve.

Polar lights in the village of Khatanga

5. Lake Baskunchak in the Akhtubinsky district Astrakhan region is an analogue of the Dead Sea, as it is quite a bit inferior to it in salinity.

Dead Sea

It is located on the territory of the Bogdinsko-Baskunchaksky Reserve and is a canyon on top of a salt mountain, covered with layers of rocks. Many springs and springs flow into the lake, which bring with them more than 2.5 thousand tons of minerals per day.

Lake Baskunchak

Salt has been mined here for a long time - since the 8th century, but Baskunchak was first mentioned in 1627 in the Book of the Big Drawing (the first geographical description Russia) as a place where “they break salt as clean as ice”. The quality of the extracted product is so high that it makes up 80% of the total salt production in Russia. Especially for the export of the main food additive in 1884, the Baskunchakskaya Railway.

Swimming in the lake is especially nice - no matter how you behave, salty water will push you to the surface like a cork, so you can lie on the surface in any position and enjoy the wonderful views. And there is something to admire - very close is Mount Bogdo, the only mountain and the most high point Caspian lowland.

Baskunchak

Swimming in Baskunchak is good for health. In addition to the fact that saline solution promotes rejuvenation and heals wounds, local air with a high content of useful elements has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.

6. Zelenogradsk is a wonderful city in Kaliningrad region, architectural structures which is in no way inferior to the beauty German city Hameln.

Hameln

It is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea and is a resort of federal significance.

The history of the town, which until 1946 was called Kranz, begins in 1252, when the knights of the Teutonic Order paved the way to the Curonian Spit. However, Kranz became a resort only in 1816, when doctors came to the conclusion that Fresh air, salt water, sun and mud baths are much healthier than bloodletting. From the beginning of the 19th century, the city began to actively rebuild, the first men's and women's baths appeared, and very soon, in 1844, Kranz received the status royal resort. The railway laid from Koenigsberg also greatly contributed to the popularity of the town.

Zelenogradsk

Zelenogradsk survived the Second world war, but, fortunately, well preserved, the historical center, built back in German times, remained untouched. Among the attractions, the sea promenade, the local promenade (a place for walking) with a beach, big park, smoothly turning into Pinery. On the outskirts of the city begins the famous Curonian Spit, included in the UNESCO list of natural monuments.

Zelenogradsk

7. Volcano Klyuchevskaya Sopka in Kamchatka looks just like famous volcano Fujiyama in Japan.

Fujiyama

The volcano is active, and is the most active on the Eurasian continent, the last eruption was recorded on August 15, 2013. Its age is approximately 7000 years.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka erupts about once every 5-6 years and among the volcanoes of Eurasia is inferior in activity only to Karymskaya Sopka, but it greatly exceeds it in power.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka

The name of the hill was due to the proximity of the village of Klyuchi, replete with springs. Some indigenous peoples consider the volcano to be sacred, and they think that it was in it that the world was created.

Klyuchevskaya Sopka

8. Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea is famous for its picturesque places, similar to the rocks of the French commune of Etretat.

Etretat rocks

The white cliffs in its southern part served as the backdrop for the films "Amphibian Man" and "Pirates of the 20th Century." The water is crystal clear and warms up to 30 degrees in summer, so the cape was chosen not only by tourists, but also by divers. Underwater photography competitions are regularly held on Tarkhankut.

Cape Tarkhankut

One of the most interesting places on the cape is a 98-meter tunnel pierced by waves in one of the rocks. Also on the territory of the cape there are many caves through which you can travel both by boat and by swimming. Tarkhankut attracts mainly extreme sports enthusiasts, but connoisseurs of picturesque views should also not bypass this place.

Tarkhankut

9. Manpupuner or Pillars of weathering - a kind of Russian Stonehenge. stonehenge

stonehenge

Represents geological monument in the Troitsko-Pechora region of the Komi Republic in Russia and is located on the territory of the Pechoro-Ilychsky reserve. About 200 million years ago, in place of the pillars, there were high mountains, over time, weak and soft rocks collapsed. The hard shales that made up the remnants were less prone to destruction, and therefore have survived to this day.

There are 7 pillars in total, one of them is 34 meters high, each has bizarre outlines. Many legends and beliefs are associated with Manpupuner. The monument has long been the object of the cult of the Mansi, who believed that climbing the hill and inspecting the remnants close up was the greatest sin.

Manpupuner

10. The Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka can compete with Iceland's famous hot springs.

Geyser in Iceland

It is surprising that the only geyser field in Eurasia is located on the territory of Russia. It is also protected by the state and is located in the Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve.

The valley is deep canyon, in which numerous geysers, hot springs, mud pots and waterfalls seethe on an area of ​​​​about 6 square kilometers.

Geyser in Kamchatka

The Valley of Geysers was discovered in 1941 by geologist Tatyana Ustinova. Since then, it has become one of the most visited places by tourists. However, due to the vulnerability of hot springs to external influences and anthropogenic factors, strict rules apply in the valley. All visits are coordinated with the administration of the reserve, it can be not only hiking, but also helicopter tours. You will be able to see not only the unique thermal site, but also representatives of the local fauna in their natural habitat.

Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka