Modern marvels of engineering are truly something to behold. But they don't seem to hold a candle to historic marvels. While our capabilities have grown exponentially over the past centuries, there is something awe-inspiring about seeing monumental feats performed in the absence of our new capabilities. Sainte-Chapelle, or the Holy Chapel, is a prime example. Sainte-Chapelle is in the absolute heart of Paris, on the Île de la Cité, and couldn't be more deserving of its central location. These beautiful stained glass halls were commissioned by Louis IX in 1242. His goal was to create a place beautiful enough to be worthy of housing his holy relics. Furthermore, he hoped it would show him as a worthy successor to Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor. They are, beyond doubt, one of the most beautiful examples of stained glass on Earth.

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This is not the typical type of scene that catches my eye. But then again, Rovinj is not a typical town. Rovinj, which is along Croatia's Adriatic coast, is one of the most beautiful, most romantic, most "cleansing" places I've ever been. Everyone you meet on the street is so friendly. All the architecture down even the most hidden alley seems exquisitely crafted. But these are not what felt cleansing to me. What felt cleansing was the perception that this is how it has always been. And how it always will be. Now, I'm sure that's not true. Any city this old has undergone countless dark eras. Nevertheless, in Rovinj time seems to stand still. Or rather, it seems to simply not matter. The town seems cohesively united against the rat race of the rest of the world. And it was very contagious.

Higher resolutions of this image are available (the maximum resolution for this image is 5824x2945). For usages that require a resolution higher than 3000px, or are otherwise beyond the standard terms and conditions, please email me directly at matt@matttilghman.com to discuss use-specific pricing.

For some of my photographs, I record and post the entire Photoshop editing process from start to finish. This is one of those photos, and you can see watch the recording here: "A Moment In Time - Peaceful Rovinj Street" editing procedure on Youtube

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The City of Dubrovnik seems to take on a different character depending on the perspective. From up in the mountains, the destination of the cable car, it looks diminutive and almost afraid. A small town, walled up to protective itself from the big unsafe world beyond. From on top the walls, it seems like a city of opportunity. You can retreat inward, to the safety of home, or venture outward to the infinite great beyond. But from this angle, viewing Dubrovnik from the sea, it looks downright imposing. I suppose this was the intent, since their enemies usually attacked from the water. But don't let its ancient history fool you, this city is home to some of the most hospitable hosts I've met!

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The Dubrovnik city walls are world famous, in part because they are the filming location for King's Landing in the hit show Game of Thrones. But if one imagines Croatia's Dalmatian Coast to feel anything like the show, they couldn't be more mistaken. In the show, the location is often somber and ominous. But Dubrovnik is anything but. It is bright, vivid, friendly and delightful. And instead of some treacherous impassible ocean, this shoreline of the Adriatic Sea is beautiful and inviting, with both locals and tourists happily jumping in to cool off.

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In the famous town of Kotor, Montenegro, visitors may opt to take a grueling hike up the imposing city walls. These walls ascend straight up the steep Dinaric Alps, ending at the St John's Fortress which overlooks Kotor. The vantage from the top offers stunning views of Kotor Bay, and for that reason the climb is a very popular – and crowded – activity. However, there's a small hole in the wall that most visitors walk right by, since you will undoubtedly be out of breath, and staring at your feet to avoid tripping on the fallen rocks. I happened to notice this hole, and popped my head through. What I saw amazed me: stunning mountain scenery and ancient church ruins in disrepair, as if from some medieval fairy-tale. I instantly lost interest in the St John Fortress, and instead explored this scene in solitude.

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Dubrovnik, Croatia, is one of the favorite tourist destinations along the Dalmatian Coast. From this vantage point, high above the city, it is easy to see why. The inviting Adriatic Sea shimmers a beautiful shade of aquamarine, while the medieval walls embrace the beautiful town. Although they no longer ward off enemies, they still cage in the energy and verve of the vibrant people inside. It's no surprise to me that this city has become known as the "Jewel of the Adriatic." It has intrigue of all types: history, culture, architecture, and stunning natural beauty.

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Along the Adriatic coast, the little town of Rovinj, Croatia, embodies the feeling of romance. As beautiful as it is by day, dusk pushes this village into a whole new realm. The modest lighting of a handful of ancient dwellings, which crowd the small hill from crest to coastline, dances off the water in a way that evokes thoughts of a time when candlelight was all we knew. Then, as if sensing that the scene was not yet complete, the historically-styled sailboat silently glided into view, turning my awe into pure fantasy. The whole scene was so cohesively archaic that I almost forgot I lived in modern times!

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Rovinj is a village in the Istria province of Croatia. The town is tiny, but is world-renowned for its character and romance. It used to be an island, but many years ago the small strait was filled in with land in order to connect the town to the mainland. The iconic church atop the hill, the Church of Saint Euphemia, is known for the weather vane on its spire. The vane is a statue of Saint Eumphemia that points out to sea when the weather of favorable, signaling that sailors are safe to leave the harbor, and points towards land when bad weather is coming. All in all, the Rovinj waterfront is one of the most magical and romantic I have ever visited!

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