At the height of the pandemic just two years ago, very few people traveled anywhere. The great cities of the world had almost no tourists, and extremely popular tour guides who were once booked months in advance found themselves with plenty of time on their hands. We asked some of them to present virtual city tours — here are five highlights.
Paris
The Eiffel Tower has been the #1 sight to see in Paris ever since it was finished in 1889 for the Universal Exhibition — as a temporary structure. Tour guide, Laurent Bonneval, explains how it became permanent.
Florence
The Baptistery in Florence is renowned for its artistically important bronze doors. As tour guide Kristin Stasiowski details, Michelangelo actually dubbed the east doors the “The Gates of Paradise.”
Barcelona
The world-famous Basilica of the Sagrada Familia truly gives new meaning to the phrase “not yet finished.” Tour guide Guille Genestar tells us just how long this delayed status has existed.
Jerusalem
The Western Wall is one of the most famous sights in Israel. In fact, it’s among the most famous in the world. As Rutgers Professor (and tour guide!) Gary Rendsburg explains, its actually only a very small part of the enormous temple that once existed on that site.
Rome
Most people think Rome has been Italy’s capital city for many centuries. In fact, as tour guide Andrew Kranis explains, it only happened in 1871 — the year after Italy’s Unification.
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