Augsburg

Since its foundation by the Roman Emperor Augustus between 15 BC and 8 BC, Augsburg is the crossroads for the most important traffic connections on the continent. Augsburg also owed its great importance to this privileged position in the Middle Ages. The wealthy Fugger family and sea-trading Welser family gave Augsburg reputation of the world city, of the city of the emperors, which was famous for its painters, sculptors and musicians.

Augsburg is the third largest city in Bavaria, mainly a university town, the seat of the government of Swabia, and a major economic center with internationally renowned companies offering state-of-the-art computer technology and electronics.

If you are in Augsburg, you can visit the following:

The Augsburg Town Hall - the landmark of the city's richest citizens: the Augsburg Town Hall is one of the most important Renaissance buildings north of the Alps and is one of the most impressive city halls in Germany. Together with the Perlachturm it is the landmark of the city of Augsburg. Because of its historical importance, it is under consideration of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflicts.

Augsburg  Oldtown - Shopping and exploring in a Mediterranean atmosphere: It is almost like visiting Italy. The Augsburg Oldtown radiates Mediterranean flair. Narrow streets and squares invite you to take a stroll, while on the other hand there are many captivating small restaurants or cafes. There are no large department stores, but only small shops, tanneries, jewelry stores or galleries. If you’re looking for a place to rest, the old town of Augsburg is the right place for you. This is not a coincidence - it is free of transit traffic. Constant companions on the stroll through the Old Town are the Lech canals, which speaks volumes about the importance of water for Augsburg.

The Golden Hall : The Golden Hall is one of the highlights of the interior design of the Renaissance in Germany. He takes its name from the rich gold jewelery that decorates its interior. Originally, the splendid ceiling of the hall was hung with 27 chains on the wooden truss. Today it is attached to a steel stone ceiling. The cover is covered with gold leaf (231/2 carats). The Golden Hall is located on the second floor of the Augsburg Town Hall and is 14 meters high. In 1944 it was completely destroyed, but after a 17-year restoration,  he was finally completed in 1996.

Fuggerei - the oldest social settlement in the world is in Augsburg: This oldest existing social settlement in the world was founded in 1521 by Jakob Fugger for the innocently impoverished Augsburg citizens and it was built between 1514 and 1523. It consists of 67 houses with 140 apartments, a church and administrative buildings. The annual rent is still only 0,88€ (formerly a Rheinischer Gulden). Three prayers daily for the souls of the founder family are an integral part of the tenancy agreement.

The Pearl Tower: With its 70 meters, the Pearl Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Augsburg. In 989 it was built as a watchtower. At that time it was not even half as high as today. In the course of the centuries it experienced numerous transformations. In 1526 it was increased to 63 meters. Shortly thereafter, the tower received a clockwork with a bell. When Elias Holl, the city master builder, rebuilt the city hall, he also placed his hand on the pearl tower. Thus, from 1612 to 1618, it got its present appearance withits columns, roof, and the figure of the city goddess Cisa.

Today is rather controversial where the name "Pearl" comes from. There are three theories, but since none of the three theories are historically documented, the origin of the name will remain a secret forever.

Augsburg has so much to offer and you will not be sorry because you can find pleasure in this center of the historical treasury.

Banja Luka is the largest city of the Republika Srpska entity and second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the capital Sarajevo. The city lies on the River Vrbas and is well known in the countries of the former Yugoslavia for being full of tree-lined avenues, boulevards, gardens, and parks. According to the 2013 census the City of Banja Luka, has 185,042 inhabitants.

Banja Luka has a moderate humid subtropical climate which borders a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The warmest month of the year is July, with an average temperature of 21.3 °C. The coldest month of the year is January, when temperatures average near freezing at 0.8 °C.

Due to its long history, Banja Luka is rich in culture. There are several museums including the Museum of Bosanska Krajina, the Ethnographic Museum established in 1930, and the Museum of Modern Art of Republika Srpska which is also called MSURS the Museum of Contemporary Art. Banja Luka is also the home of the national theatre and library, both dating from the first half of the 20th century, and of numerous other theatres. The headquarters of the Archives of Republika Srpska is situated in the building known as Carska kuća or Imperial House, build around 1880. It has been in continuous public use longer than any other structure in Banja Luka.

The natural beauties of the surrounding area guarantee the city of Banja Luka a good position in tourism. he city and surrounding area boast a number of popular tourist attractions. Among the most famous are the pools, thermal springs, and spas in the region. Due to its parks and over 10 000 trees Banja Luka was once nicknamed the "Green City".