History buffs won’t want to miss visiting Europe, which boasts an abundance of fascinating treasures with captivating histories. Be it Ancient Civilisations or 20th Century History – Europe offers something truly unforgettable that makes any trip truly worthwhile.
Stonehenge remains one of the world’s most intriguing historical landmarks, yet no one truly understands why it was constructed thousands of years ago. Take an evening or sunrise tour to uncover its many charms!
1. Stonehenge
Stonehenge stands on an undulating plain in southern England and remains one of the world’s most mysterious human-made structures. Over centuries it has mesmerised visitors and mystified scientists alike.
The intricate stone circles, lintels and trilithons erected at this site are unparalleled in terms of both design and engineering. Astronomically significant structures were thought to have had alignments aligned with sunrise at both summer and winter solstices for maximum impact.
Recent excavations at this site revealed cremated remains dating from 3000 – 2500 BC buried at this burial ground for both adults and children, as well as evidence that healing pilgrimages took place here. Understanding why ancients chose this particular spot is key to understanding why they did; while its ruins speak volumes about the incredible knowledge and engineering skills possessed by prehistoric residents.
2. The Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis has long been recognized as an important religious and political landmark since it first rose from prehistoric ground. Boasting an array of temples and monuments that date back to its construction during Athens’ Archaic era.
The two most iconic structures in Athens are the Parthenon and Erechtheion. The former is an immense Doric temple dedicated to Athena; sailors sailing into Athens from sea can see its spear-like spear and crest clearly.
The Erechtheion Temple Complex consists of statues depicting Athens kings as well as Caryatid columns designed by architect Mnesikles. However, during 1687 Venetian cannonade, Acropolis became used as gunpowder storage facility resulting in Lord Elgin moving some Parthenon sculptures to London where they remain today.
3. The Berlin Wall
After World War II, the victorious Allies set up occupation zones across Germany: with the US, UK and France occupying its western half and Soviet Russia controlling its eastern side. Berlin became part of this zone but remained separate from other parts of Germany.
The Berlin Wall started life as barbed wire fencing but eventually evolved into a concrete barrier defended by armed border guards, standing for 28 years and becoming an iconic symbol of Cold War tensions.
On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell. Private citizens tore down sections and celebrated its collapse; its fall opened up German reunification and ended the Cold War. To learn more about its history and legacy visit an official memorial site, outdoor exhibit or Chapel of Reconciliation.
4. The Roman Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, stands as an iconic structure and represents Rome’s power, brilliance and brutality during ancient Empire times. It includes seats reserved for different social classes; cavea platform that could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators; arena used for gladiatorial fights, bestial slaughter and other spectacles; as well as its tiers with individual social class seating areas.
After ceasing to host spectacles around the mid-5th century AD, it served as a quarry for centuries with stone robbers taking its stones for use elsewhere in other buildings. Over time it became used for grazing as well as Passion plays when Christianity became dominant religion. Since the 1700s restoration projects have been undertaken to ensure its preservation.
5. The Vatican City
The Vatican City boasts an extraordinary collection of architectural and artistic treasures, such as St Peter’s Basilica, Apostolic Palace, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel. A Vatican tour with Walks Rome allows visitors to discover these breathtaking buildings while having your guide explain their history and significance.
Though technically part of Italy, Vatican City became an independent city-state in 1929. Ruled by Pope, and supported largely through donations from Catholics worldwide, its budget relies mainly on donations received through Catholic donors worldwide. With its own railway and radio stations as well as Swiss Guards who have protected him since 1506, as well as newspapers and banks; it boasts the world’s only one without prisons or hospitals!
