The 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth is in 2014. Here are 10 places connected to Shakespeare, his works, and his legacy. We’ve also put together a Pinterest map if you’d like to explore!
1. Stratford-upon-Avon, England
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Shakespeare’s birthplace. He was born in 1564.
2. Scotland
sourse: fitaloon
Scotland opened up “The Macbeth Trail driving route” in 2013, opening up a different type of story of Macbeth for visitors. The trail consists of various locations that are related to the real Macbeth, including the Glamis Castle. Macbeth was an 11th-century Scottish king, who was born in 1005, and reigned from 1040 to 1057. Also, since Scotland is the place to visit in 2014, this trail should be on top of the list!
3. Messina, Sicily, Italy
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Messina, Sicily was the setting of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”. Picturesque location to spend a relaxing holiday.
4. Helsingør, Denmark
source: Benjamin Asmussen
Pictured is Kronborg Castle or Hamlets Castle. It is one of northern Europe’s most important Renaissance castles, and Denmark’s most famous. Known to most through Shakespeare ‘s play, Hamlet.
5. Shakespeare’s Globe, London, England
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Though the original theatre was destroyed in a fire in 1613. Though quickly rebuilt, it was once again destroyed by demolition, due to England’s Puritan administration in 1642. This new theatre is it’s reincarnation of the Tudor style glory and there’s always something on in the Globe.
6. Verona, Italy
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When in Italy, visiting the very popular “Casa di Giulietta” is a must! You can check out the balcony and touch the bronze statue of Juliet for good luck. Though Romeo and Juliet were completely fictional, this area is flocked by tourists every day, taking pictures and adding little notes to the wall for romantic luck and pleas.
7. Shakespeare and Company, Left Bank, Paris, France
source: Hanna Eliasson
Though this is not directly linked to Shakespearean plays or history, this bookshop bares his name. Before this 1952 bookshop opened, another one existed from 1919 to 1940. It was a popular gathering for writers such as Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce in the 1920s. The current shop was renamed in 1964 in memory of the other shop. Since then, the shop remains a haven for writers and bibliophiles alike. Also, the shop appeared in Woody Allen’s film Midnight in Paris.
8. Shakespeare in the Park, Central Park, New York, USA
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Shakespeare in the Park is an annual and free event that’s held at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. The even occurs over the course of the summer, with two running productions. Produced by The Public Theater, this New York tradition has shown over 100 shows which would make Shakespeare proud.
9. Bard on the Beach festival, Vanier Park, Kitsilano
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Since 1990, Vancouver has celebrated Shakespeare with this June through September annual festival. The setting is a spectacular one in itself, with open-ended tents against a backdrop of mountains, sea and sky. The festival’s purpose is to offer accessible Shakespearean productions to everyone.
10. Shakespeare Country Park, Maruyama, Japan
source: Transmedial Shakespeare
How about a replica of Shakespeare’s birthplace in Japan? Yes, this place has existed since 1997, was built by Julian Bicknell and Associates. There’s an onsite theatre that puts on Shakespeare’s plays, in Japanese!
