History

This past June, my husband, Fred, and I rented a car and drove through Bulgaria and the Transylvania region of Romania. As I planned the trip, I discovered the monastic history of both countries and their numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Beginning in Bulgaria 

A new, permanent WWI exhibit, “Latvian Population in World War I,” at the Latvia War Museum (20 Smilsu St., Riga, LV-1050, Latvia; phone +371 672 23743, www.karamuzejs.lv), tells the story of the Christmas Battles and the formation of the independent Republic of Latvia in 1918.

The museum, located in the 14th-century Powder Tower, part of the old fortifications of Riga, houses artifacts of Latvian military history, with a focus on the 20th century but with some items dating back to medieval times. 

The cave paintings at Ennedi, northern Chad, were defaced with graffiti on an unknown date. The art at the site in the Sahara depicts human and animal forms and dates back more more than 8,000 years, before the area became desert. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. 

The graffiti was written in French and Arabic, and Chadian officials believe that locals are responsible. Restorationists are unsure if the graffiti can be removed without damaging the original images.

What’s new in Germany, Spain and Portugal

There’s plenty going on in GERMANY in 2017.

• The big news is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation began in 1517 when Martin Luther, a priest and professor of theology, wrote and published his 95 theses, questioning the corrupt ways of the Catholic Church. Throughout Germany, visitors will find events and exhibits honoring this anniversary, highlighted by three special exhibitions running from April until November in three different cities.

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In the shadow of Mount Etna

Travelers with an Amazon Kindle or the Kindle app can download the ebook “The World Heritage Sites of France” by travel writer Jérôme Sabatier. 

In addition to historical and cultural info on the UNESCO sites of mainland France, the interactive travel guide includes maps, lists sites’ hours of operation and entry fees, suggests self-guided-tour itineraries and has links to updated info (connection to Wi-Fi or a phone network is required for Web interactivity). 

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(Second of two parts)