During the reconstruction of the city of Nantes in the ’50s, after World War II, and having the idea of relieving the housing shortage at that time, Le Corbursier conceived La Maison Radieuse, one of the unité d’habitation (unit room) that have become a landmark in the twentieth century’s civil architecture which later, served as inspiration for many European cities.

The first of these Unité d’habitation was built in Marseilles. Later on, in 1955, was built a very similar version but slightly refined in Rezé, just 3 or 4 miles from Nantes.

At first sight, it is surprising that this building with symmetrical structure and vivid coloured windows in contrast to the gray of its structure was so revolutionary at that time. The idea was that the 294-duplex-apartments building would work formally and functionally independent as a boat. For that purpose, he included games communal areas and gardens.

Nowadays, most of the apartments are inhabited, but a few can be visited in this sort of original House-Museum.

Imagen de Pymouss44

A place well worth discovering! Check out our flights here.

By Anastasia Fontanesi de A Travel’s Tale

Despite the popularity of Ibiza for its discos, parties and nightlife, the island can still offer the experience of living an authentic and typical atmosphere. I am talking about San Joan de Labritja, the less populated village located in the north side if the island.

San Joan is silent, peaceful and surrounded by a gorgeous mediterranean nature: maritime pines, olive trees, fruit trees and magnificent flowers. It is pure countryside and the life there passes slowly.

There aren’t big attractions, big hotel or restaurants but this is what makes S. Joan particular and beautiful in its way: you can still taste the real Ibicean way of life. Just walk down its small streets, sit down for a beer or a coffee, take a walk in the beautiful woods in the surroundings and you will be absolutely fulfilled by its precious simplicity.

June 23/24 is the main local party to welcome the summer. Close to the village there are several beaches such as Cala des Xinclar, S’Illot des Renchi, Portinatx and Cala de S. Vicent

Somewhere well worth discovering for yourself! Check out our flights here.

 By Anastasia Fontanesi de A Travel’s Tale

A forty-minute by bus ride from Palermo takes you to the Cathedral of Monreale. This cathedral was constructed during the reign of William II of Normandy, between 1172 and 1190, and is a living example of the fusion of cultures and religions that existed in Sicily during that period. It boasts a syncretic style as it was built by combining Norman architecture with aspects of Moorish art. It consists of a main nave with two wings and an apse. The most surprising features are the interior walls, as they are covered with more than 6,000 m2 of Byzantine gold mosaics inspired by those in the Palatine Chapel in Palermo. The mosaics recount episodes from the Bible, from the creation to the passion of Christ in chronological order from left to right. An impressive Christ Pantocrator crowns the apse leaving visitors speechless.

Adjacent to the cathedral can be found the cloister and its 228 columns, each one supporting a different ornament, along with a number of Arab-inspired arches.

You can travel to Monreale by bus (number 389), which passes by the Piazza Independencia in Palermo. It costs nothing to get into the cathedral but you can hire an audio-guide for 5 euros. Entry to the cloister costs 6 euros.

Image:Urban

By Isabel Romano from Diario de a bordo

A place well worth discovering! Check out our flights here.

A place well worth discovering! Check out our flights here.