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Brandenburg Gate, Πλατεία Παρίζερ, Berlin, Γερμανία

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The Brandenburg Gate is a famous landmark in Berlin, Germany, built between 1788 and 1791. A fun fact is that it was inspired by ancient Greek architecture, specifically the gateway to the Acropolis in Athens. It is topped with a sculpture of a chariot pulled by four horses. Another interesting detail is that it was once a symbol of division during the Cold War, as the Berlin Wall ran right past it. However, after the Wall came down, it transformed into a symbol of German unity and peace.

The Brandenburg Gate is located on the western side of central Berlin, precisely within the historic square Pariser Platz, in the Mitte district.

Watch this video:

https://youtu.be/nk4_1Dr-W3E?si=CbJB5RhTTpU8mjkN

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From an ideal perspective, this monument today embodies the core values of the European Union: its transformation from an impassable barrier during the Cold War into an open space symbolizes freedom, democracy, peace, and reconciliation among European nations.

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Is it possible to walk freely under the Brandenburg Gate?

The answer is yes. Today, the entire surrounding area is a pedestrian zone accessible to everyone. Historically, however, this was not the case: the five passages had strict rules, and the wider central lane was reserved exclusively for the transit of the royal family and their guests of honor.

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Hallstatt is a picturesque Austrian village overlooking the lake of the same name, in the Salzkammergut region. Famous for its ancient salt mines and distinctive wooden houses overlooking the water, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle in "Frozen."

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Hallstatt is a historic Austrian village famous as one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements and for its defining role in the early Iron Age 

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When is the best time to visit Hallstatt? 

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Schönbrunn Palace is located on the western outskirts of Vienna. In Vienna is a masterpiece of European Baroque, the famous and sumptuous summer residence of the Habsburgs. This immense complex boasted a total of 1,441 rooms, including the historic apartments of Empress Sisi. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by an immense park that houses the splendid Gloriette, the world's oldest zoo, and wonderful formal gardens.

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A masterpiece of Baroque and Rococo style, the setting for crucial political events and the custodian of over three hundred years of memories linked to Empress Sissi and Franz Joseph 

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The Traditional Art of Neapolitan Pizza Making” represents the eighth Italian recognition on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

https://www.unesco.it/it/iniziative-dellunesco/patrimonio-culturale-immateriale/larte-del-pizzaiuolo-napoletano/

The Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo tradition comes from Naples in southern Italy, where pizza-making is an art passed through generations.

It reflects the EU values of cultural diversity, connection, and respect for local heritage. Neapolitan pizzaiuoli (pizza makers) can cook a pizza in under 90 seconds! Also, margherita pizza uses colors of the Italian flag: red, white, and green. Neapolitan pizzaiuoli also follow strict rules for dough fermentation, often letting it rest for 8–24 hours to develop flavor and texture. The dough is stretched by hand, never rolled, preserving its light, chewy crust.

It reflects the EU values of cultural diversity, connection, and respect for local heritage. Neapolitan pizzaiuoli (pizza makers) can cook a pizza in under 90 seconds! Also, margherita pizza uses colors of the Italian flag: red, white, and green. Neapolitan pizzaiuoli also follow strict rules for dough fermentation, often letting it rest for 8–24 hours to develop flavor and texture. The dough is stretched by hand, never rolled, preserving its light, chewy crust.

Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaA0QeL0Gq0

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Cultural diversity, connection, and respect for local heritage.

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What family tradition from your culture would you preserve for future generations?

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Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Epidavros, Grecia

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Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Epidavros, Grecia

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Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Epidavros, Grecia

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Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus – Summer Festivals

The Summer Festivals at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus are a world-renowned cultural event held in one of the best-preserved ancient Greek theatres. Built in the 4th century BCE, the site hosts performances of classical tragedies and comedies by playwrights such as Sophocles and Euripides. The exceptional acoustics and natural setting allow audiences to experience ancient drama much as it was originally intended.

Geographical location:
Epidaurus, Argolis, Greece
Coordinates: 37.5969° N, 23.0803° E

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How does experiencing ancient theatre in its original open-air setting change your understanding of classical stories and their relevance today?

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Syrtaki & Traditional Greek Group Dances

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Syrtaki & Traditional Greek Group Dances

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Syrtaki & Traditional Greek Group Dances

Syrtaki and traditional Greek group dances are an important part of Greece’s cultural heritage. These dances combine music, movement, and teamwork, creating a strong sense of community among participants. Known across Europe and the world, they express joy, cultural identity, and the importance of sharing traditions through folk celebrations and social gatherings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iR2bO9vEUc

Geographical Location:
Greece
Coordinates: 37.9838° N, 23.7275° E
Google Maps: Location of Greece

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How can traditional music and group dances help people from different cultures connect and share their identities?

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Colosseum, Piazza del Colosseo, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

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Colosseum, Piazza del Colosseo, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

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Colosseum, Piazza del Colosseo, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy

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The Colosseum is almost 2,000 years old. It was the largest amphitheater ever built because it could hold 80,000 spectators. Ancient Romans had assigned seating by social class. It had 80 entrances for fast crowd movement. There were many underground tunnels and trapdoors The entry was free Enslaved people, prisoners of war, condemned criminals, and free citizens who volunteered for fame and money fought there. Around 500,000 people and 1 million animals died there.

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As a core component of Rome’s UNESCO World Heritage status, the Colosseum represents the historical and legal foundation of Western civilization. The EU champions the preservation of such monuments because they foster a common European identity, reminding citizens of shared roots that transcend modern national borders. It acts as a massive global hub for intercultural dialogue. By drawing millions of visitors from across Europe and the globe annually, it aligns with EU goals of promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, and openness between different cultures.

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Would you like to fight in the colosseum?

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Milan Cathedral

·          Building started 1386

·          Took 600 years to build

·          Gothic Architecture

·          108 meters high

·          Over 3000 statues

·          Made from white marble

Milan Cathedral is dedicated to the Nativity of St. Mary. It took nearly six centuries to complete (1386 -1965). It is the largest church in Italy and one of the largest worldwide. Napoleon was crowned King of Italy there in 1805. There are over 3,000 statues on the building - more statues than almost any other building on Earth. The cathedral claims to house one of the nails used in the crucifixion of Jesus.

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The Carnival of Venice is a world-famous festival held annually in Italy, renowned for its lavish 18th-century costumes and mysterious masks. Originating centuries ago, this magical celebration transforms the city into a vibrant stage of grand historical balls, parades, and street performances. It remains a timeless symbol of Italian heritage, attracting millions of global visitors.

Famous Feature: Elaborate masks and costumes worn by participants.

Traditional Masks: Bauta, Colombina, and Medico della Peste (Plague Doctor).

Main Activities: Parades, costume contests, masked balls, street performances, and cultural events.

Time of Year: Usually held in February and sometimes extend into early March, depending on Easter.

Cultural Importance: One of the most famous and historic carnivals in the world.

Interesting Fact: Masks originally allowed people from different social classes to interact more freely and anonymously.

Vistor question:

Watch this video: Experience the Magic of Venice Carnival

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The festival celebrates European artistic heritage, historical traditions, and intercultural exchange)

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1. Which event would you like to see?
2.  If you could design your own traditional Venetian mask to reflect your personal identity, what colors and symbols would you choose to represent your culture?

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Meteora is a famous place in central Greece where monasteries were built on top of very high rock pillars. Orthodox monks started building them in the 14th century so they could live quietly and pray away from busy towns. Today, Meteora is known for its beautiful landscape, interesting history, and special buildings. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important part of Greek culture and religion.

Read this article: http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh352.jsp?obj_id=2442

Geographical Location:Near the town of Kalabaka (or Kalampaka), Thessaly Region, Central Greece. The site is famous for its immense, towering natural rock pillars upon which Eastern Orthodox monasteries are built.

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Meteora is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized across Europe as a supreme monument of humanity's cultural and spiritual heritage. For the European Union, it symbolizes religious freedom, the preservation of medieval European history, and the harmonious coexistence of breathtaking natural landscapes with human architectural ingenuity. The EU supports the region through funding for sustainable tourism infrastructure and environmental protection programs to safeguard this unique ecosystem and its historical treasures.

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Why do you think people built monasteries in such difficult and isolated places?

ANSWER: People built the monasteries of Meteora on such precarious, isolated rock pillars to achieve absolute spiritual seclusion for prayer while gaining a natural, highly secure refuge from political turmoil and invading forces.

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The Acropolis of Athens showcases ancient Greek architecture, temples, history, culture, and remarkable engineering achievements today.

The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. The most celebrated myths of ancient Athens, its greatest religious festivals, earliest cults and several decisive events in the city's history are all connected to this sacred precinct. The monuments of the Acropolis stand in harmony with their natural setting.

http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/3/eh351.jsp?obj_id=2384

Location: Athens, Attica Region, Greece. The ancient citadel stands on a flat-topped rock, approximately 150 meters (490 feet) above sea level, in the heart of the capital.

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https://geo.osnabrueck.de/ehl/EN/map

The Acropolis has been awarded the prestigious European Heritage Label. The European Union recognizes this site not just as a masterpiece of classical architecture, but as the fundamental birthplace of Western civilization's core values: democracy, philosophy, theater, and political thought. Furthermore, the EU actively co-funds (via the European Regional Development Fund) major ongoing conservation and restoration projects to preserve these monuments for future generations.

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So imposing, looking down on us after more than two thousand years? What is its true strength?

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Cologne Cathedral, Domkloster, Cologne, Germany

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Cologne Cathedral, Domkloster, Cologne, Germany

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Cologne Cathedral, Domkloster, Cologne, Germany

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Cologne Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, famous for its massive twin spires and 10,000 square meters of stained glass. Construction began in 1248 to house the relics of the Three Kings but took 632 years to complete. Standing 157 meters tall, it remains a vital pilgrimage site and a resilient symbol of German history, surviving significant damage during World War II.

Geographical location: Cologne Cathedral is located in the historic center of Cologne, directly beside the Rhine River. It stands next to Cologne Central Station, making it one of the most accessible major landmarks in Europe.

Check this video: Cologne Cathedral

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EU Value: Cologne Cathedral took over 600 years to build, with contributions from medieval masons, 19th-century builders, and modern contemporary artists (like Gerhard Richter’s pixelated window).

The Connection: When visitors ask about the scary gargoyles or the modern window inside an ancient church, they are witnessing pluralism and tolerance. The EU values cultural heritage because it shows how different eras, styles, and ideas can coexist in harmony—proving that diversity enriches our shared European identity.

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Why are there so many gargoyles and stone monsters hanging up there on the roof?

Answer: The stone monsters on the Cologne Cathedral serve as practical water spouts to protect the masonry from rain damage and as spiritual guardians symbolizing that evil is banished to the outside of the holy building.

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Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival, celebrated every year in Munich. Founded in 1810 for a royal wedding, it now attracts millions of visitors from around the world. Under the large tents, guests can enjoy traditional Bavarian beers which they drink from big glass mugs, pretzels, and local specialties. The atmosphere is unique, with rides, folk songs, and the typical traditional costumes of dirndls and lederhosen. An unmissable experience of celebration.

Watch this video: Oktoberfest, Theresienwiese, Munich, Germany

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The EU strongly protects the right of communities to preserve and express their unique cultural heritage. At Oktoberfest, this is displayed through the proud revival of Bavarian traditions, from the traditional folk music (Blaskapelle) to the wearing of historical garments like Lederhosen and Dirndls. The festival proves that regional identities can thrive dynamically within a modern, interconnected Europe. 
Strict Waste Ban: In line with EU waste-reduction goals, disposable tableware has been banned since 1991; everything must be reusable.  Green Energy & Sourcing: The entire festival grounds run on 100% green electricity, and tents increasingly offer regional foods certified under EU Organic Regulations, showing how large-scale cultural events can align with the European Green Deal.

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Did you know that there is a whole festival about beer?

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Germany’s bread culture, or Brotkultur, is an important part of daily life and national identity. The country is famous for its wide variety of breads, with more than 3,000 types, including rye, sourdough, and whole-grain breads. Traditional bakeries play a key role in communities, offering fresh bread every day. In 2014, UNESCO recognized German bread culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrating its history, craftsmanship, and regional traditions.

Watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRFUlHGKVDw&t=1s

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https://www.unesco.de/staette/deutsche-brotkultur/

Germany’s bread culture, or Brotkultur, is an important part of daily life and national identity. The country is famous for its wide variety of breads, with more than 3,000 types, including rye, sourdough, and whole-grain breads. Traditional bakeries play a key role in communities, offering fresh bread every day. In 2014, UNESCO recognized German bread culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrating its history, craftsmanship, and regional traditions.

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Is it true that in the Middle Ages people believed bread baked on Christmas Day would never go moldy?

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The Viennese Coffee House Culture (Wiener Kaffeehauskultur) is much more than just having a cup of coffee - it is a foundational social institution, a lifestyle, and a living historical tradition. .As the famous Austrian writer Stefan Zweig once described it, the Viennese coffee house is "actually a sort of democratic club, open to anyone for the price of a cheap cup of coffee, where every guest can sit for hours with this little offering, to talk, write, play cards, receive post, and above all consume an unlimited number of newspapers and journals."

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Wiener Kaffeehauskultur - Wien, Österreich

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Wiener Kaffeehauskultur - Wien, Österreich

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The Viennese Coffee House Culture (Wiener Kaffeehauskultur, inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2011) is a unique social and aesthetic institution, historically defined as a place "where time and space are consumed, but only the coffee is found on the bill." Characterized by a distinct aesthetic—marble tables, Thonet chairs, velvet booths, and the iconic wooden newspaper holders—this space embodies the deep values of freedom, equality, and democracy. As Stefan Zweig wrote, it is a true "democratic club" accessible to anyone for the price of a single cup of coffee, where social inclusion and free access to information merge into a celebration of slowness. Originating in the late 17th century with the Armenian spy Deodato, the Viennese coffee house has survived major historical crises: during the Napoleonic blockade (1803–1813), it introduced food and wine to survive, and in 1856, it finally opened its doors to women, transforming into a transnational hub for political debate and intellectual freedom.

https://www.wiener-kaffeehaus.at/das-kaffeehaus-einst-heute/

https://www.wiener-kaffeehaus.at/menschen-im-kaffeehaus/

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Inclusion, democracy, equality.
Both the EU and UNESCO believe that treating people with dignity means respecting and protecting their cultural heritage.In 2011, UNESCO officially listed it as part of mankind's Intangible Cultural Heritage. By recognizing the coffee house culture, UNESCO honors the dignity of the community’s daily lifestyle, identity, and history. 
https://www.unesco.at/kultur/immaterielles-kulturerbe/verzeichnis/element/wiener-kaffeehauskultur/

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Who sat at this exact table 110 years ago?