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Exploring the World of the European Ossuary

February 21, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

The enduring popularity of both murder mysteries and true-life crime illustrates the human fascination with death and the macabre. These subjects exert a hold over us that we relish despite our discomfort or even revulsion. The reasons behind our love of the grislier side of life are rooted in our feelings about our own mortality, and many worthy tomes and scientific papers have been written examining this phenomenon. Whatever lies behind it, the demand for books, films, TV shows and other forms of entertainment that draw on this fascination with death shows no sign of diminishing. If you are one of the many who loves these darker experiences, you will probably enjoy visiting one of Europe’s amazing ossuaries, where real human bones are preserved and displayed.

Italy

Palermo’s Capuchin catacombs in Sicily are home to a collection of 8,000 bodies, embalmed after death and then put on display. The remains are generally skeletal, but seeing them dressed in their finest clothes for their funerals brings an element of the bizarre to the display. Rome, home of so many historical wonders, has its own ossuary in the church of Santa Maria della Concezione. The bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks have been used to create artistic displays, in what is intended to be a celebration of life and the importance of living every day to the full.

Portugal and France

Evora’s Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in Portugal is constructed entirely from human remains. The crown molding is formed from rows of human skulls, and the walls are packed with ribs and tibias. The chapel was decorated by 16th-century monks when they ran out of room for burials and had to fit 5,000 bodies within the chapel. Possibly the most well-known underground collections of bones are in the Paris Catacombs. The remains of an astonishing six million French citizens are stored in the maze of subterranean chambers, due to a historical lack of burial space above ground, coupled with the practical application of using bodies to help support the abandoned mines that were posing a threat to the stability of the city above.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is home to a vast collection of around 60,000 skeletons which have been used to decorate the chapel of the Kutna Hora church. The Sedlec Ossuary features skull candelabras and huge bone pyramids amongst its gruesome décor, with a chandelier formed from all the bones of the human skeleton taking center stage. The Brno Ossuary had lain almost forgotten until 2001 when construction excavations began under St Jacob’s Square. The archaeologists brought in to perform routine checks on the area were amazed to find the bodies of 50,000 people, thought to have been dug up and placed in storage in the underground channels to make room in the cemeteries for the newly deceased.

These collections of bones and skeletons may sound morbid and creepy, even if you do have a taste for a good scare, but when you visit an ossuary, you will be struck by how beautiful some of these displays can be, and what a marvel the mind and body of the human being can be.

Filed Under: Europe, Travel Tips Tagged With: adventure, Destinations, Europe, exploring, Ossuary, travel

Old and Bold: Three Senior Adventure Tours Across America

June 8, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

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Age is just a number, so why should it keep you from an intense and exotic adventure? More and more seniors are breaking stereotypes and ditching the lazy vacations by the pool for kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing in some of America’s most adventurous locations. Some say your life doesn’t begin until you’re 50, so why not live it to the fullest? Here are some of the boldest locations and senior adventure tours in the United States that you just have to jump on.

Explore the Missouri River with Row Adventures

Missouri may not seem like a typical vacation spot, but it has everything you need for an adventure that gets you in touch with the nation’s roots. Row Adventures, a multisport travel group, takes you along the journey of Lewis and Clark. Travel back in time on your 34’ canoe dugout as you listen to the stories of the river. On your journey you will visit the camps Lewis and Clark stayed at 200 years ago, hike the famous White Cliffs area, and explore Native American cultural sites. Suitable for anyone in reasonable physical condition, it is a great way to dive into America’s past.

Rock the Waves of Hawaii with Road Scholar

Hawaii is regularly listed as one of the favorite vacation destinations for seniors. But why not explore Hawaii in style? Get your feet wet on a marine adventure through the islands with Road Scholar. Originally called Elderhostel, Road Scholar is a travel group that organizes educational travel for older adults. Road Scholar dismisses the idea of simply laying out by the beach and plunges you right in the waters of Hawaii. On your tour, you will learn how to surf and navigate the waters in a canoe. Then, explore the water underneath the waves in a submarine and snorkeling adventure. The program is geared towards grandparents and their grandchildren so bring your loved one along for a journey you’ll never forget.

Navigate the Glaciers of Alaska with ElderTreks

Alaska is full of magnificent animals from the humpback and orca whales to the sea lions. But what if you could get up close and personal with these animals? ElderTreks, an exotic adventure tour agency catered towards travelers over the age of 50, coordinates a cruise through the Alaskan waters. You will travel aboard a motor yacht and sail through the infamous icebergs as you explore the beauties of Alaska. Along the way you can also hike on glacial moraines and sea kayak for sights of whales and sea lions.

If you’re the adventuring spirit, these three tours are sure to impress. Ditch the regular vacation, and embark on an adventure that you will remember for years to come. Remember, age is just a number – to being old and bold!

Filed Under: The Americas Tagged With: adventure, exploring, holiday, tours, USA, vacation

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