Velvet Escape

One of the best things to do if you’re visiting Würzburg, a historic city in southern Germany, is to join the locals for a glass of wine on the Main Bridge. Read more about things to see and do in Würzburg: https://velvetescape.com/things-to-see-do-in-wuerzburg/

Walking around Amsterdam a few days ago, my attention was drawn to this stone sculpture perched on the side of a building at Muntplein. It shows a naked man killing a crocodile with a machete. The building itself, built to house a life insurance company, dates from the late-19th century and is a creation by Berlage, one of The Netherlands’ most prominent architects at the time.

I researched the sculpture and learned that it was created by Lambertus Zijl, a famous sculptor, and depicts Hercules stabbing the crocodile as a symbol of how the insurance company protects against dangers.

I’ve lived in Amsterdam for over 30 years and walked past this spot countless times but this is the first time I saw this sculpture. It’s one of the many reasons I love Amsterdam: there’s always something new to discover!

I first heard of Gravina in Puglia after watching the last James Bond movie and researching the filming locations in southern Italy. I visited this ancient city not long after and fell in love with its beautiful architecture and stunning location. Read more: https://velvetescape.com/things-to-see-in-gravina-in-puglia/