A wonderland to unleash all the worries decked with impressive landscapes, woodlands, and calming beauty of the coral reefs is the amazing Spain. It is most likely on the list for every traveler to visit this joyful place. Today most people from all over the world look forward to living in this place after retirement. Thus it makes it a hot spot for retirees to settle in Spain, yet there are few pros and cons of living in Spain.
Let us see how this wonderful destination, which is the most popular in entire Europe, draws so much traction. Continue Reading
Scotland is a country where one will never run out of places to visit and things to see. The Rosslyn Chapel or the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew is a very popular place among them. Brought into popular culture by Dan Brown in ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ the chapel brings in tourists from everywhere. In this article, we will try to explore it in-depth.
Brief History and Importance of Rosslyn Chapel
William Sinclair – the 1st Earl of Caithness of the Scoto-Norman Sinclair Family – was the one who built the chapel. He established it on a small hill atop Roslin Glen as a Catholic collegiate church in the 15th century. If you were unaware, this church is third on the list of Sinclair places of worship at Roslin. The first and the second ones are Roslin Castle and what is today known as Roslin Cemetery, respectively. One can still see the latter’s buttresses (though collapsing) at Roslin Cemetery even today.
Sinclair’s motive behind founding the college was to celebrate the Divine Office 24/7. He also wished to celebrate Masses for all faithfully departed individuals. These included the Sinclair family members as well. During this time, the use of plainsong or polyphony was rampant to enhance the liturgy singing. William Sinclair also decided to fund the priests and choristers forever. The priests, however, had to fulfill their parochial responsibilities.
The year 1560 saw the Catholic worship in the chapel come to an end after the Scottish Reformation occurred. The Sinclair family never deserted their Catholic beliefs until the early 18th century. But they had to stop public worship in the abbey. It was until 1861 that it reopened based on the rites of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Sacred Messengers of God:
In 1914, this place was subject to a terrorist bombing. During this period, suffragettes started bombing and arson attacks throughout the country to campaign for women’s suffrage. As a result, on 11th July, a bomb exploded inside the building.
The chapelis not pretty small. However, the intricate stone carvings on the building have brought it a lot of fame worldwide. The place is vibrant and seems to tell its story itself through these striking stone carvings. Such carvings have given rise to many conspiracy theories. We will talk about some of those later.
In those times, bees were regarded as the sacred messengers of God. Thus, a concealed beehive was made high up the roof so that the bees could come and reside there.
Secrets and Mysteries Surrounding Rosslyn Chapel:
The place has been a hot topic among mystery enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists throughout the years. It is because the place is surrounded by mystery. For example, some people believe that the chapel has the Holy Grail buried under it. They say that if we take a look at historical and religious texts, we can find evidence supporting this claim. Also, it is a fact that the church had ties with freemasonry and the Knights Templar. The members of the Knights Templar fled to Scotland after they faced a deadly uprising. For your info, the Sinclair family had close ties with these members.
Here’s another interesting fact. While the claim was long rejected, there has been enough evidence to prove the Freemason-Knights Templar tie. After fleeing their country, the knights who came to Scotland were known to reside a few miles away from Rosslyn. Thus, their known location was close to the Sinclair family’s allies.
The Da Vinci Code:
There are some people who believe that the building was indeed a hiding spot for some mysterious treasure. They believe it could have even been the Holy Grail and that the crypts and underground chambers have the answers. Some scenes from ‘The Da Vinci Code’ movie have been shot in an underground chamber here. Visitors can freely enter this chamber. Nonetheless, the building contains yet another underground crypt that has stayed sealed for centuries.
As expected, this sealed chamber has given rise to curiosity among people. Some even claim that they are certain that this chamber hides something valuable and mysterious. Unfortunately, the location of this crypt sometimes makes visitors miss it. So, remember to look straight down to the left side of the entrance. Their official website says they get flooded with one question a lot. Why not investigate the vaults and put an end to the speculation of what lies underneath? Their answer to this question is that the vaults beneath the building are burial grounds of several Barons of Rosslyn. It’s no surprise that the Earl of Rosslyn has zero intention to perturb the final resting place of his ancestors.
Moreover, they say that it would harm the chapel’s structural integrity if they conducted such an excavation. But, as we all know, the building has been restored multiple times already. So, they can’t take any such risk.
William The Cat:
Another mystery was the appearance of William the Cat. A cat, really? Yes, a cat. For many years, William was a resident and the feline guardian of the chapel. The local tour guides explained that William came from a bloodline comprised cats coming to the abbey for decades. The locals had seen William frequenting the place for over 14 years, just like his father did before him. Sometimes the cat slept on the church pews. He seemed unfazed by the hundreds of visitors who assembled inside the church every day. Other times, he was seen walking under the cherry blossom trees. Nobody could answer why the cat or his ancestors visited the church.
Interestingly, he had a home in Roslin village, and his owners used to adore and care for him. Still, William the Cat showed up day in, day out to guard the mystifying abbey. Unfortunately, the cat died last year. But it is still a mystery even today.
Let us now take a look at the exact location of this architectural wonder to make things easier for you.
Residing close to Edinburgh, the church stays open every day all year long save Christmas and New Year’s. The church timings are 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (6 PM in the summer). However, you got to remember that you have to enter half an hour before the church closes. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enter it at all. Adults have to pay 9 GBP as an entry fee, while kids can enter the place free of cost.
You can find six guided tours (only three on Sunday) throughout the day. Therefore, you can avail such a tour if you want answers to the many questions you have in mind. FYI, the tour schedule is subject to change. So, it would be best to check their official site for the most current schedule. If you don’t own a car, you can take either bus 37 or 40 from Edinburgh. Don’t worry. It would take about 45 to 60 minutes to reach the place, depending on the traffic.
Best Time to Visit Rosslyn Chapel
As we mentioned earlier, the chapel stays open all year long except Christmas and New Year’s. So, you can visit the church any time you want. However, if you wish to get a better view of the church’s exterior, it’s best to choose summertime. It is because, in summer, the weather is more likely to be in your favor than winter or monsoon. Additionally, summer is the perfect time of the year for exploring the grounds as well. Also, try to visit the chapel on weekday mornings to get some peace of mind. Again, it’s because, during this time, the area remains very pleasant and tranquil.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is buried under Rosslyn Chapel?
Inside the chapel, a Spartan stone crypt has given rise to many myths and legends. Some even believe that the treasure of the mythical Knights Templar is stored in a deep vault whose entrance is sealed.
Is the Holy Grail in Rosslyn Chapel?
Some people believe that the church is home to many hidden treasures, one among them being the Holy Grail. While there has been no evidence of the Holy Grail being kept there, they still believe so.
Was The Da Vinci Code filmed in the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew?
Yes, it was. The church was selected as a location for ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ adapted from the novel of the same name. It was chosen for its ambiance and the mysterious aura that surrounds it.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Rosslyn Chapel is one of the most popular places to visit in all of the UK. The architecture’s popularity was its amazing stone carvings and the mystery surrounding it. The mysterious vibe it emits results in it being a subject to uncountable myths, legends, and conspiracy theories. So, don’t wait any longer. Visit it ASAP to experience first-hand what it has to offer.
The Great White North is one of the most popular countries for natural beauty. These include national parks to gin-clear lakes to snowy mountains. Also, when we talk about the country, we must mention the Canada hot springs. These places are perfect for any person who wants to relax and revitalize their body and mind. Plus, one will find beautiful landscapes around them. Here, we will give you a list of some of the best geysers found in this country.
List of Most Amazing Canada Hot Springs
Fairmont
Takhini
Temple Garden Mineral Spa
Spa Le Nordik
Harrison
Lussier
Banff Upper
Halcyon
Miette
Top-Rated Hot Springs in Canada
1. Fairmont Hot Springs
As we all know, British Columbia is a place full of natural mineral geysers. It is the reason why it has become this popular among both locals and tourists. Fairmont happens to be the largest among all the Canada hot springs. Interestingly, the water you will see here is not only gin-clear but also has no odor.
Fairmont is located 27 km southeast of Invermere, close to the Pintler Mountains. Nearly 1.5 million gallons of water have minerals and healing properties low into three pools from the Columbia Valley. The water temperature remains more or less 39°C all year long in the soaking pool. At the same time, the large swimming pool and diving pool’s water temperature are 32°C and 30°C, respectively. Booking a classic room here would cost around 72 USD.
2. Takhini
If you ever come to cross Whitehorse, it would be best if you take a day off. It is because you can reach Takhini by driving only about half an hour and start relaxing. This geothermal pool resides on the Alaska Highway. So, there’s no hassle in finding it. Takhini is pretty much a pool rather than being a pit on the ground. The boiling water comes straight to the pool. FYI, the water here has a reddish tint. It is because of the Calcium, Iron, and Magnesium present in the water. Plus, it doesn’t have the sulfur stink that most natural geysers emit. The water temperature remains 35°C which is perfect for a relaxing soak. A single entry to Takhini costs 11.50 USD for adults. However, kids and elderly people need to pay 8 and 10 USD, respectively. Takhini also conducts an annual Hair Freezing Contest that adds to its appeal.
3. Temple Garden Mineral Spa
Another wonderful spa that you should visit is the Temple Garden Mineral Spa. FYI, it resides in the historic downtown Moose Jaw. One specialty of this spa is that it has both indoor and outdoor pools. Both of these pools are linked to each other through a running water tunnel. The water comes out from the permeable rock formations of an ancient sea bed over 4500 ft. below our planet’s surface. Also, it is the largest refreshing geothermal mineral water pool in the country. If you didn’t know, the water here is full of minerals like Sodium, Calcium, etc. So once you enter the waters, you will feel calm. No matter which time of the year you visit the place, the water temperature stays 45°C. If you’re an adult, it will cost you 17 USD to enter the pool. However, kids don’t need to pay any fee.
4. Spa Le Nordik
When talking about Canada hot springs, not mentioning Spa Le Nordik would be a crime. Located in the beautiful Old Chelsea village, this exotic spa could be your perfect escape from your daily bustle. While you are here, you can immerse yourself in a great and relaxing experience. As it nestles in the Outaouais area on the outskirts of Gatineau Park, it offers its visitors unforgettable scenic views. The geothermal pool waters don’t have a constant temperature. It fluctuates between 10°C and 39°C throughout the year. So, check the temperature and only enter them when you feel right. The thermal pools full of minerals have a therapeutic effect. Thus, you’re bound to have a relaxing experience every time you enter them. It will cost you 55 USD on Monday to Thursday and 65 USD on other days and peak days.
5. Harrison
If you don’t wish to visit a spa but get the natural feel, Harrison is the place to be. Situated in Esplanade Avenue, this place has a great setting and geyser for one to relish. You can find it by driving two hours from Vancouver. The water temperature remains around 38°C-40°C that is ideal for a relaxing bath. Plus, the geothermal pool is famous for having healing abilities and can treat conditions like arthritis. That is the reason why the Coast Salish initially used it. However, there is a little problem. One can only access the geyser if they are guests in the resort. The general public can’t access it. It is located on the Coast of Harrison Lake; the famous Harrison Lake Beach Park is just minutes away. So, you can go out and enjoy the area’s scenic beauty after taking a rejuvenating soak. Renting a room in this resort will cost you around 240 USD. Therefore, this could be a big issue if you’re on a tight budget.
6. Lussier
Lussier is among the most well-known Canadian hot springs in the world today. In fact, it is the most popular one in the Rocky Mountains region. It is located between Canal Flats and Whiteswan Lake in Southeast British Columbia’s East Kootenay. There are four natural geothermal pools here, and the temperature of these pools varies between 34°C and 47°C. One unique feature of this place is that the thermal pools here line the sides of an icy river. Therefore, if your body gets too hot while soaking in hot water, don’t worry. Take a dip in the Lussier River, and you’d be fine. And, the best part? Lussier is entirely free of cost.
7. Banff Upper Hot Springs
If you’re in Banff, don’t forget to visit Banff Upper. Banff Upper is situated close to the famous Sulphur Mountain, is publicly accessible, and has healing abilities for its minerals. The area is filled with natural beauty. Plus, the water temperature here fluctuates between 27°C and 47°C, depending on the season. So, it’s best to check the temperature before entering the geothermal pools. Interestingly enough, heated municipal water fills the pool during winters. It is because the natural water volume of the pool decreases during that time of the year. While bathing, you will be able to view the Rocky Mountains, which will provide you with a memorable experience. The entry fee of Banff Upper is 7.30 USD for adults and 6.30 USD for kids.
8. Halcyon
Halcyon is located in a picturesque waterfront location on the gorgeous Upper Arrow Lake. The resort has four different pools. These include a hot (40°C), a warm (37°C), a plunge (13°C), and a mineral (30°C) pool. The Lithia waters here have healing properties and cost adults 12 USD for a single entry (free for children under 4). FYI, Halcyon’s water is so effective that it was once used to be shipped worldwide as a health tonic. The visitors can bathe in either of the pools or take a dip in the refreshing Upper Arrow Lake waters. Also, while bathing in the warm geothermal pools, one can enjoy the superb views of the nearby Monashee Mountains. That’s a beautiful bonus that helps increase the overall pleasure of anyone who visits Halcyon.
9. Miette
Miette Hot Springs is undoubtedly the hottest thermal pool found in the Rocky Mountains area. You can find it in Alberta’s famous Jasper National Park. The water temperature is 54°C when it flows from the mountain. However, the temperature drops to a comfortable 40°C when it comes to the geothermal pool. In the mid-1800s, the iconic Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company employees visited Miette. They learned about it through local indigenous people. The waters here are famous for being mineral-rich and having healing properties. Plus, you can enjoy the surrounding tranquil panorama that includes a view of the stunning Ashlar Ridge while soaking. Or, you can take a picturesque drive along the Fiddle River Valley. Today, adults have to pay 7.75 USD to visit it, while for kids under 3, it’s free.
Without a doubt, Santorini is one of the most popular summer destinations not only in Greece but the entire Mediterranean (if not the globe)! Instantly feeling a magnetic pull toward the Queen of the Cyclades, it is impossible to resist its allure. Rugged cliffs adorned with whitewashed, sugar-cube houses, blue-domed chapels blending with the cloudless sky, volcanic landscape creating unique formations and terrain, and the most heart-stopping sunset views ever seen by human eyes. These are some of the things that will stand out the moment you step out of the plane or boat.
In fact, Santorini is a vast dream land, waiting to pamper visitors with its profound and unusual allure. And although the island is full of charms and dream-like attractions, four things are definitely a must-visit if you want to get the most mind-blowing views. Continue Reading
If you want to escape the bustle of your daily life, you might be planning to go on a vacation. When people think about tourist spots, popular ones like London or Paris come to their minds first. Yes, they do have their own charm. But, they are nothing new. Now, if you would like to try something unorthodox, why not give Brisighella a visit? It is a nice, picturesque village in Italy. We can bet that most foreign visitors have not even heard about this place before. If you are also one of them, read on. In this article, we will discuss things that you can do in Brisighella, Italy. Continue Reading
The place has been a hot topic among mystery enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists throughout the years. It is because the place is surrounded by mystery. For example, some people believe that the chapel has the Holy Grail buried under it. They say that if we take a look at historical and religious texts, we can find evidence supporting this claim. Also, it is a fact that the church had ties with freemasonry and the Knights Templar. The members of the Knights Templar fled to Scotland after they faced a deadly uprising. For your info, the Sinclair family had close ties with these members.
Fairmont is located 27 km southeast of Invermere, close to the Pintler Mountains. Nearly 1.5 million gallons of water have minerals and healing properties low into three pools from the Columbia Valley. The water temperature remains more or less 39°C all year long in the soaking pool. At the same time, the large swimming pool and diving pool’s water temperature are 32°C and 30°C, respectively. Booking a classic room here would cost around 72 USD.
If you ever come to cross Whitehorse, it would be best if you take a day off. It is because you can reach Takhini by driving only about half an hour and start relaxing. This geothermal pool resides on the Alaska Highway. So, there’s no hassle in finding it. Takhini is pretty much a pool rather than being a pit on the ground. The boiling water comes straight to the pool. FYI, the water here has a reddish tint. It is because of the Calcium, Iron, and Magnesium present in the water. Plus, it doesn’t have the sulfur stink that most natural geysers emit. The water temperature remains 35°C which is perfect for a relaxing soak. A single entry to Takhini costs 11.50 USD for adults. However, kids and elderly people need to pay 8 and 10 USD, respectively. Takhini also conducts an annual Hair Freezing Contest that adds to its appeal.
If you don’t wish to 
Lussier is among the most well-known Canadian hot springs in the world today. In fact, it is the most popular one in the Rocky Mountains region. It is located between Canal Flats and Whiteswan Lake in Southeast British Columbia’s East Kootenay. There are four natural geothermal pools here, and the temperature of these pools varies between 34°C and 47°C. One unique feature of this place is that the thermal pools here line the sides of an icy river. Therefore, if your body gets too hot while soaking in hot water, don’t worry. Take a dip in the Lussier River, and you’d be fine. And, the best part? Lussier is entirely free of cost.
Halcyon is located in a picturesque waterfront location on the gorgeous Upper Arrow Lake. The resort has four different pools. These include a hot (40°C), a warm (37°C), a plunge (13°C), and a mineral (30°C) pool. The Lithia waters here have healing properties and cost adults 12 USD for a single entry (free for children under 4). FYI, Halcyon’s water is so effective that it was once used to be shipped worldwide as a health tonic. The visitors can bathe in either of the pools or take a dip in the refreshing Upper Arrow Lake waters. Also, while bathing in the warm geothermal pools, one can enjoy the superb views of the nearby Monashee Mountains. That’s a beautiful bonus that helps increase the overall pleasure of anyone who visits Halcyon.
