We started our journey at Las Ramblas.  While we were visiting Barcelona, that was pretty much the epicenter of everything we did. With our 'trusty' map we set out. As we wandered the streets and alleyways of Barcelona we came across a grocery store with incredibly cheap bottled water. We made a little stop into the store to stock up. Then continued on our way.

    As time progressed, we realized we were lost.  Despite our map reading skills, we really had no clue where the Picasso museum was compared to where we were. We were on a small road and decided to follow it to the next block. When we reached it we crossed the street and looked up. What did we see? A huge arche.  It reminded me of the Arc De Triomphe in Paris. We both kind of just stood there in awe, never even knowing that this existed. I did a little research since that trip and found out it was the Arc de Triomf.   It isn't an actual triumphal arch, because it wasn't created because of a military victory.  It was created as an entry gate for the Universal Exhibition in 1888.

   After taking a few photos (I couldn't take any...my camera had broke the second day we were there), we went over to a street vendor and asked for directions. We each only had a few years of Spanish classes, but we were able to figure out the directions that the vendor had given us.

     Eventually we made it to our destination.  We were surprised by what we saw.  I think we were both expecting a large museum, but instead it was a tiny hole in the wall place.  Inside, we expected to see some of the great works of Picasso.  The cubism work we thought we'd see wasn't there.  The whole museum was pretty much dedicated to sketches Picasso had done early in his career.  Even though we didn't see what we expected we enjoyed the museum and the unexpected journey to find it.

Dam Square and Royal Place:

Dam square and Royal Place are located in the center of Amsterdam. Both has a rich historical background. It is a good place for concerts and artistic activities.

Nieuwe Kerk:

It is the church located next to Royal Palace in Dam Square. Likewise them, it is a historical place from 15th century. Here is also the place where famous poet Vondel was buried.

Rembrant Square:

Another well-known square of Amsterdam. There are many places for shopping activities and also a famous hotel with the same name. However, prizes are a little bit expensive. There are also many pubs, discos and bars for night life lovers.

Van Gogh Museum:

Famous exhibition center of Amsterdam. Every year millions of art lovers and thousands of artizans come to museum for exhibitions. Here is the art center of the city. Famous painter Vicent Van Gogh's works are exhibited.

Stedelijk Museum:

Center of modern art. It is located at Musem Square and near to Van Gogh Museum. In this museum, the paintings and drawings of Karel Appel and Kazimir Malevich are exhibited.

The Museum of London's Pre-historic wing tells the story of pre-historic London in its permanent gallery (newly created around 2002.)

The gallery's objective is to take its visitors back to a time wherein enormous pre-historic animals like the mammoth were found in locations now belonging to recognizable London landmarks like Trafalgar Square.

Men of the time period, respectively, travelled along the river (as opposed to the inter-belt) seeking out fish as a form of food supply along the many waterways.

It is hoped that the gallery will leave the patron enlightened to the fact that the city's true beginnings did not come into focus with construction of Roman style architecture, but rather was pre-dated, in such manner, as to suggest there was life in London before London was truly London (as we know it.) One significant example exists with the finding of a pre-Neanderthal skull within London's perimeter, historically noted as the “Swanscombe Lady” or the city's, of record, oldest lady.

In theory, “Swanscombe Lady” is part of a group that found their way to Dover nearly 400,000 years prior. Additionally, since the discovery of “Swanscombe Lady's” skull in final fragmentation as to making a reconstruction possible (1955 by John Wymer); other hominids, have, as well, been found.

The fragments, or a representation of the discoveries by way of plaster mold are prominently exhibited within the gallery walls. (The true remains are safely “tucked away” at the Natural History Museum.

Such (excavated) representations tell us the tale (of the days) of pre-historic London.

The first Londoners were a hearty lot, and most clever in the art of survival. The Thames River served as their main waterway.

There are other interesting items on display at the “new” gallery. In example, there is a life-like recreation of a woman from the Neolithic period (which is said to have been recovered from a rare burial mound at Staines Road, in Shepperton.)

Also noted, are images of a temple dating back to the Iron Age and round houses found at Heathrow, in the year 1944.

In conclusion, whether you have an interest in archaeology or paleontology or not, prehistoric displays, such as the one mentioned, will open your eyes to the theories of a London before London in new and surprising ways.

More information may be gleaned by going to: www.museumoflondon.org.uk.

Another not-to-miss piece of Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Garden which has the world's finest collection of desert plants. It has 50 acres beautiful outdoor exhibits which is the home to 139 endangered species from around the world. Its located in Papago Park in Central Phoenix.

Climb Piestewa Peak, also known as Squaw Peak is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve is the place from where you can get a great view of the city. The two main attractions at Piestewa Peak are the Summit Trail and the Circumference Trail.

If you adore art walls, there are more than 100 art gallaries in Scottsdale Art Walk that you can enjoy every Thursday evening, year round (except Thanksgiving) from 7-9 p.m. There are Special Event ArtWalks with live music along the streets and special themed events several times a year.

The Phoenix Zoo again is a wonderful place to visit. The Phoenix Zoo is opened most of the year from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. You can see the gila monsters, giraffes, raptors and elephants and also take a pedal boat ride in the lake, enjoy a snack or take the Safari Shuttle. During summer, one should try to get there as soon as possible, since many animals head for shade and hide during the heat of the day.The tickets are very reasonable.

If you love adventure, the Drive Apache Trail is among the best memorable drives you will ever visit. The 46 miles between Apache Junction and Roosevelt lake provides you with the most scenic part of this challenging drive. If you are a nervous driver, it might not be for you.

If you are a fashion freak, the Scottsdale Fashion Square is the best place to visit. With 250 stores and restaurants, this Square is where you can boost your shopping. Tiffany, Burberry, Gucci, Fossil, Foot Locker, Swarovski Bebe, Williams-Sonomoa, Victoria's Secret, name it you have it.

There are many more places like the Chase Field (also known as Bank One Ballpark), Boyce Thompson Arboretum,Rawhide Western Town and Steakhouse, Golf at Gold Canyon Ranch, Dinosaur Course, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, South Mountain Park and Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot that are worth mentioning.

Now I'm not into touristy areas or big throngs of people, but Chicago's Navy Pier tourist trap does offer FREE fireworks every Wednesday at 9:30 and Saturday at 10:15.

The best part is that you don't have to go onto Navy Pier to see them, you can watch them from one of the many Chicago beaches or rooftops in the area. I personally recommend Oak St. Beach.

Local Chicago Radio Stations will also synchronize their music to the fireworks. I don't know any

better way to end an evening than hearing Bruce Springsteen's 80's driving music to giant explosions over Lake Michigan.

Every tuesday in Grant Park the Chicago Park district projects some great movies... FOR FREE! Were not talking about lackluster B films that your friends enjoyed five years ago.

Heres a rundown of the lineup for this summer. All films start when the sun goes down, don't forget a blanket and a cooler of beer!

The 2008 Movies in the Park lineup:

The museum of Contemporary Art isn't chock full of hoity-toity tourist thinking they're cultured (well maybe some.) The MCA is full of abstract displays, interactive art, video projections, audio rooms and a plethora of stimulation. This summer don't miss the Jeff Koons Exhibit, which runs until the 21st of September.

Best thing about the MCA and the reason it made this list, is that it is ABSOLUTELY FREE every Tuesday, all day, all summer long.

So weather you're into a string of christmas lights laying on the ground where the name placard seems to have more thought, or a giant room covered floor to ceiling with Vinyl records, the MCA is for you.

Just Walk east on Chicago Avenue until you see the car that appears to be wrecked into the building.

The Good Chicago Beach

The beaches around Chicago are great. The best part about them is that they are also free!

Many beaches are extremely overcrowded, such as North Avenue Beach. To find some better spots, and a place to actually lay out, try the north side of Montrose Beach or Foster Beach. These beaches are bigger than North Avenue and generally have about a quarter of the number of people.

Bring a cooler and make some sandwiches, or find some local vendors for a tasty regional treat.

Be careful of the water as well, Lake Michigan is known to have had incidents of high levels of mercury. So look out for three eyed fish and mermaids, but if your the adventurous type paddle on out and enjoy a dip. The lake is warmest in Late July and August.

The Baha'i Temple is in Cook County, but north of Chicago in the neighboring suburb of Wilmette. Hop on a bike and enjoy a day trip north along Lake Michigan's biking trail then spend some time at the temple.

The Temple and grounds are gorgeous, standing 140 ft tall and made of white concrete and exquisitely adorned. Spend some

time walking around and don't forget a camera.

You can visit the Baha'i Temple any day of the year, until around 7pm.

So get out there and enjoy summer, because activities are best when they're free. And as Chicagoans know, nothing beats a Chicago Summer, but you sure pay for it in February with the cold.

As you might expect, the museum offers multiple galleries covering the life of the 40th U.S. president and displays such artifacts as the suit Reagan wore on inauguration day and the chest X-ray showing a would-be assassin's bullet lodged close to his heart. Don't expect a dry recounting of presidential history, however. This museum makes abundant and productive use of multi-media to pull you along as you follow the president through his early years growing up and as a high school athlete, as a radio sports announcer, as a Hollywood movie star, and as a U.S. Army officer. You'll also learn about his entry into politics and his service as a two-term governor of California prior to the presidential campaigns that eventually landed him in the White House.

As is the case with most presidential museums, the content is biased in favor of the president with scant attention paid to the Iran-Contra Affair or other controversial aspects of the Reagan years. Overall, however, the museum deserves high marks for presenting an accurate and clear portrait of the president's two terms in office.

Ample attention is also paid to Reagan's wife, Nancy. A Hollywood starlet herself, she met her future husband on a movie set. Visitors will see examples of Mrs. Reagan's trademark designer clothes and other examples of the elegance she brought to the White House.

The couple had been married for more than 50 years at the time of the president's death in 2004 of complications arising from Alzheimer's Disease. A particularly poignant artifact in the museum is the handwritten statement the president prepared to announce to the world the tragic diagnosis.

Reagan's gravesite is located at the museum as well. It is a simple and tasteful memorial overlooking the California countryside he loved so much.

The museum has many attractions, including a section of the Berlin Wall, a poignant symbol of the Cold War which ended in the collapse of the Soviet Union during Reagan's term, a three-fourths scale replica of the White House rose garden and an F-14 “Tomcat” fighter plane.

The most dramatic sites, however, are a full-scale reproduction of the White House Oval Office, recreated just as it looked during Reagan's presidency and the display of Air Force One, the presidential Boeing 707 that carried Reagan and six other presidents on diplomatic missions around the world. Visitors are able to walk through the plane and see it configured just as it was during Reagan's presidency.

Amenities include a café, pub and two museum stores. Parking is more than adequate and wheelchair accessible.

As its name implies, the facility is also a working library for historians to use in understanding the Reagan legacy. The library includes more than 55 million pages of administration and personal documents, over 1.6 million photos, more than 55,000 video and audio tapes and more than 670,000 feet of film.

The Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is one of 12 similar presidential facilities that have been established across the country. It is privately funded through donations, admission fees, gift shop receipts and facility rentals.

Slippery yet beautiful trails, high rivers and washed-out bridges offer a spectacular ambience of lush countryside. Captivating sounds of gamelan, the traditional Balinese musical instrument, provide a terrific "bonus" at the end of your day in the colorful mountainsides of Bali. So take your next holiday beyond the ordinary, beyond the beaches and sprawling night clubs, beyond shopping and themed resorts, beyond the trappings of modern life… and step into the mythical landscapes, rich with enthralling beauty and charming rituals.

Delightful Ubud Art Scene

High on the slopes, just around one hour drive from Denpasar, the capital of Bali, Ubud is not only a delightful mountain getaway but also the center of art and culture in Bali. Dozens of art galleries, workshops, boutiques and cute novelty shops, big or small, locally-owned or internationally-owned, adorn every bit of the main streets in Ubud. Just easily stroll down this trendy neighborhood and you're going to want to stop at every shop and every stall you pass!

What's more, artists from all over the world regularly exhibit their work here in Ubud. One of the most popular galleries that regularly show masterpieces from well-known artists is Puri Lempad. This is actually the family residence of Mr. I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, a celebrated painter and sculptor best known for his famous ink drawings of Balinese Hindu scenes. In this house, Mr. Lempad dedicates the spacious front foyer of his house as a gallery initially to display his family collections and also as a creative space for him to paint or sculpt. Lately, the gallery is often rented to conduct various public exhibitions and art events. What's more remarkable, Puri Lempad is always open because the family still lives there. So as long as you visit at reasonable times, you are always welcome here at the Lempad's house. With so many fancy galleries that cater to modern tastes, the Lempad's house continues to carry on a simple yet captivating art tradition as if nothing has changed!

Puri Lempad Bali

Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Bali

Phone: +62 (0) 361 - 975618

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Open daily from 8 AM to 5.30 PM, the Monkey Forest or Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana is a vast 8-hectare forest in the heart of Ubud, occupied by lots of adorable monkeys. An undemanding trail festooned with towering trees presents an easy 30-minute walk around this forest while listening to the calming sounds of nature and watching the monkeys playing blissfully among the green and flourishing branches along the trail. Bananas or rambutan can be bought at the entrance to feed the monkeys. A small reminder however, even though these monkeys are quite friendly, you should be careful when you are carrying a bag of bananas or other treats for them as they can be very insistent to get them from you. Also make sure that you don't wear any accessories, such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets. The monkeys love to get their hands on these!

Monkey Forest

Jl. Monkey Forest

Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali

Phone: + 62 (0) 361 - 971304

Email: info@balimonkey.com

www.balimonkey.com

Exotic Bird Park

Take the opportunity to use your arm or shoulder as a place for birds to land and rest their tired wings. At Bali Bird Park, this is the perfect place to do so. Enjoy around 1,000 vibrant multi-colored birds singing wildly and flying freely from branch to branch, and sometimes briefly land on your arm or shoulder. Located not very far from Ubud, an early morning visit to Bali Bird Park offers a chance to have breakfast in its open-air restaurant while being enlightened by songs of paradise performed personally by the birds. For families with young children, this is definitely the place you don't want to leave out of your itinerary. Open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Bali Bird Park

Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir

Singapadu, Batubulan, Gianyar
Phone: +62 (0) 361 - 299352

The Spiritual Bedugul

Cold winds blow gently over the fertile land around still dark green waters of Lake Bratan. A Balinese temple, Pura Ulun Danu, soars arrogantly at its side, an architecture representing constant struggles to eternal enlightenment. Its "sister" lakes, the twin Lake Tamblingan and Lake Buyan, sit quietly in a nearby grassy landscape. In a striking combination of beautiful scenery and rich heritage, whether you choose an effortless walk around Lake Tamblingan or a 25-minute canoe trip across Lake Tamblingan to Lake Buyan or a more rigorous hike in the vicinity of Lake Bratan or a visit to the temple to silently chant a solemn prayer, an afternoon trip to the lavish countryside of Bedugul can turn into centuries-old spiritual voyage into the deepest soul you didn't know you had.

Harmonious Village Life of Penglipuran

Set in the midst of Bangli District, 45 Km from Denpasar, Penglipuran Village has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Bali. The ancient village provides a time-capsule vision into the harmonious Bali before it became Bali as we know now. Bali Aga, as they call themselves, literally means Original Bali. This village consists of communities that still practice their old traditions and rituals, as practiced by their ancestors since long before teachings of Hinduism came to the island. Therefore, Penglipuran Village is the only village in Bali that does not recognize the caste system, the pattern of social classes in Hinduism.

All of the houses in the village are neatly structured on a leafy hillside and very clean, each with bright red brick fences around it. Every house also features a traditional kitchen surrounded by bamboo walls, which is separated from the main house, while most of the main houses now have adopted semi-modern styles. Your visit to the village will be warmly welcomed and you can even drop in to each of their houses. Explore the narrow ancient pathways and the down-to-earth characteristics of the people will charm you to death and you can't help falling in love with them. This is the true Bali!

Recommended Museums & Art Galleries

Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)

Pengosekan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-976659

Email: info@armamuseum.com

www.armamuseum.com

Gaya Fusion Of Sense

Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-979253, 979252

Email: gaya@gayafusion.com

www.gayafusion.com

Museum Puri Lukisan

Jl. Raya Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975136, 9711159

Email: museumpl@indo.net.id

www.museumpurilukisan.com

Neka Art Museum

Jl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975074

Email: info@museumneka.com

www.museumneka.com

Puri Lempad Bali

Jl. Raya Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975618

The Blanco Renaissance Museum

Campuan, Ubud

Phone: +62 (0) 361-975502

Email: a-blanco@indo.net.id

www.blancobali.com

Dr Rune Frederiksen, classical archaeologist with a PhD in archeology and ancient history who has been working as sackler fellow in the cast collection for the last three years which comprises of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture in Oxford's famous Ashmolean museum extends an invitation to you to discover the treasures in the exhibition he has worked full time to develop. We caught up with him to find out more about what this exhibition has to offer…

The mesmerizing and enchanting combination of beauty and rarity is unique to all the 200 objects that are on display between 24th May 2006 and 31 December 2008 in the unforgettable “Treasure:Antiques,Eastern Art, Coins and Casts Exhibition” in the world renowned stunning, yet imposing and proud structure sitting in the heart of Oxfords' city centre called the Ashmolean.”The exhibition took eight months to plan and four months worth of full time work with the designer of the Ashmolean Graham Campbell to design and lay out,” says Dr Frederiksen.He goes on to tell us that the objects that have been chosen to be displayed are because of their individual importance and placed in a way so as to tell a story. “We came up with nine themes reflecting the basic functions of these objects and they represent more than thirty cultures dating back to the Paleolithic times to present day,” he explains.

The Ashmolean museum, founded in 1683,is one of Oxford city's main attractions; as Dr Frederiksen agrees, saying “its significance lies in its age; the fact that the story of the museum is also one about how the world is developing since it has acquired objects from centuries gone by and is a museum created around the Oxford University.”Therefore, it seems only fitting that the first of the two items we discuss in detail has links with Oxford and is one that has become a source of national pride.

Buried amongst a hoard of 5000 coins in Chalgrove which is 10 miles southeast of Oxford lay a coin on which was engraved a rare portrait which provided proof of the existence of the Roman emperor Domitianus in AD 271 and it is this coin which sits snugly as treasure number 110 in the exhibition. “The keeper of the coin room describes it as one of the most interesting Roman find ever in Britain. I myself am struck with the fascinating coincidences behind which this coin was found,” says Dr Frederiksen with great passion and marvel.

Treasure hunter Brian Malin stumbled across the hoard with a metal detector in 2003 and it was the curator of the coin room in the British Museum who cleaned the hoard and looked through all the coins, spotting a peculiar coin carrying an unknown bearded face and name along with three letters IMP, short for imperator or emperor. According to the 1996 Treasures Act Malin was obliged to report this find which was bought by the Ashmolean in 2005 for $75,000 around 30,000 pounds; the Domitianus coin accounting for nearly a quarter of the final price.Dr Frederiksen tells us that an identical coin was found in 1900 in the archives of a provincial museum in Southern France but was dismissed due to lack of supporting evidence and information as all that was known about Domitianus was that he was a rebel emperor. The secure circumstances in which the Chalgrove coin was found marked the authenticity of the coins, leading to the press lapping up the story and raising the coins' position to celebrity status and leading to speculation amongst archeologists who believed that Domitianus had never seen Britain and that the coin had made its way to Oxfordshire via trade routes or troop movements.

Unfortunately the story about Domitianus remains an unsolved mystery; the only sources of information being two historical texts written by unknown authors a century after Domitianus's reign and all that is said is that he was suspected of committing treason by Aurelian and was punished. Historians have termed the period which the coins come from as the third century crisis.”Domitianus probably wasn't in power for very long. In AD 271 an emperor Victorinus died and it was the period after his death and before the new emperor Tetricus ruled that Domitianus must have set himself up as emperor. Rebel rulers were not confirmed by the Roman Senate and were given the name tyranus.Coins were one of the media that they used to legitimize their power,” says Dr Frederiksen.

The double dinar coin in the ordinary Roman pot made of turned clay is bronze with less than 2% silver due to inflation.Dr Frederiksen believes that this hoard would have made someone very wealthy at that time and people hoarded coins because of the unrest in the Roman areas of Britain. The portrait on the coin may have been engraved by someone who never even saw Domitianus; but just carved the coin along the lines of the general representation of emperors at the time, especially the one who preceded him, Victorianus.

According to Dr Frederiksen “it is our luck that this coin is amongst us today and it puts all the information we have on the ancient world in a new light. More coins will definitely going to be found.”

The facts and qualities that make our second item worth mentioning are the age it was invented in, the circumstances it was found in and the implications its discovery had on important spheres of life such as religion, history and geography. The St Acheul hand axe stands out of the collection as the oldest item dating back to the Paleolithic times of the Old Stone Age which was categorized by the use of stone tools over 450,000 years ago and according to Dr Frederiksen it is “the most visually unattractive item in the exhibition.”

It was first discovered in St.Acheul, Somme in Northern France amongst fossilled animals buried in layers deep down in the earth and it was with these discoveries that Darwin's theory of evolution gained importance when people started to question the Creation and biblical chronology, with the idea that the planet was just 6000 years old, as surely the process of fossilization must have needed more time then that. Most people at that time rejected the evidence of the theory and for many years it was only a small part of the learned population which showed interest in these new discoveries. “The discovery of the axe”, says Dr Frederiksen,”lay the foundation for the idea that man had evolved over time and at some point been a primitive hunter or gatherer.” The19th century French archeologist Gabriel de Mortillet first used the term Acheulean to refer to remnants of a pre historic industry found near the town St.Acheuls in France. The Acheul hand axe is a large, oval shaped form pointing downwards and was made by striking a rough chunk of rock from a larger stone and removing flakes around its parameter. Experiments indicate that these tools were excellent for butchering activities but were general tools used for a broad number of activities such as breaking shells, killing fish, hunting animals, etc.They give us a picture of what sort of lifestyle man lead in those times.

“The axe sports a label reading Sir John Evans attained it from Southern France. He added it to his collection and later handed it to the museum in around 1850.The stand for the axe was locally made by people in the museum after four or five weekly meetings,” says Dr Frederiksen.He goes on to tell us that there was a very active archaeological community in the 19th century whereby universities and museums throughout Europe were in correspondence with each other and exchanged objects in order to increase the variety of their collections.” The Ashmolean is one of the biggest collections I have worked with and has meant a lot to my work as a archaeologist and for my career,”Dr Frederiksen admits. It is an exhibition worth visiting and you are guaranteed to walk out feeling like you have taken a walk down memory lane and witnessed the greatest unexplored treasure you have-your history.

Topkapi Palace

It's construction started in 1459 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. Mehmet II is one of the important sultans of Ottoman Empire since he was the the conquerer of Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was the home and official residence of Ottoman Emperors from 1465 to 1863. The historical tissue of Topkapi Palace damaged because of big earthquakes and fires. Currently, Topkapi Palace is museum. It is under administration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism. When you visit Topkapi Palace Museum, you can see a large collection of Ottoman art and architecture, Ottoman miniatures, weapons, shields, armor and a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Dolmabahce Palace

It is located at the European side of Istanbul. After 1853, it was used as the official residence of Ottoman Emperors. It was also the administrative center of Ottoman Empire from 1853 to 1922. Dolmabahce palace is the first European style palace in Ottoman Empire history. It was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulmecid II between 1842 and 1853. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder and the first president of Turkey Republic, spent his last years in this palace. Ataturk died in November 10, 1938 in Dolmabahce Palace.

Yildiz Palace

It was built in 1880 and used by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II. Inside Yildiz Palace, there are apartments, pavilions, theatre, opera house, museum and a porcelain factory.

Beylerbeyi Palace

Unlike Dolmabahce, Topkapi and Yildiz palaces, Beylerbeyi Palace is located at the Assian side of Istanbul. It was built between 1861 and 1865 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed in baroque style. It was mainly used as a place to entertain visiting heads of state. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his last years of captivity in Beylerbeyi palace. He died in Beylerbeyi Palace in 1918.

Ciragan Palace

It is located between Besiktas and Ortakoy at the European side of Istanbul. It was built between 1863 and 1867 by the order of Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz. It was designed by famous Armenian architect Nigogayos Balyan and constructed by his sons Hagop and Sarkis Balyan. In 1910, it was destroyed by a great fire. However, the ruined palace was restored in 1991. It was designed in Baroque style during restoration. Currently, it is used as a five-star hotel.