Europe offers some truly astonishing historical landmarks for history enthusiasts to visit when traveling through. From Ireland’s mysterious Newgrange tombs to Versailles Palace in France and more. Below are a few must-see spots in Europe when planning your travel itinerary.
Pompeii, one of the ancient Roman cities preserved by ash and pumice after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, offers visitors an insight into daily life at that time.
Rome
The Eternal City is an incredible destination for foodies, culture vultures and fans of street art. Once home to an empire that stretched across Europe and North Africa.
The Colosseum, one of the last remaining remnants of Roman antiquity, inspired modern football stadium design. St Peter’s Basilica may well be one of the world’s most spectacular churches while Vatican Museums house one of the greatest collections of art ever assembled.
Vatican City
The Vatican City serves as both an autonomous state and the central authority of the Catholic Church, possessing its own legal framework that addresses both secular and religious matters.
St Peter’s Basilica stands as the central point of Vatican City and contains many popes’ tombs. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescos which took four years to create; truly magnificent sight!
Stonehenge
Stonehenge on England’s Salisbury Plain has long baffled archaeologists and mystified visitors, thought to have been constructed by Neolithic hunters-gatherers over several stages.
Numerous theories exist as to its purpose, from an astronomical calendar or gathering place for prehistoric pilgrims, to its bizarre symmetry that beguiles visitors and history lovers alike. A must-see spot!
The Acropolis
Athens’ highest point, this complex of monuments and sanctuaries honors democracy, philosophy, theatre and freedom of speech. Constructed from white Pentelic marble that reflects light differently with each shade reflecting back at it, its exterior columns curved minutely so as to make them appear straight.
Take your time here – on a bright day the Parthenon’s columns glimmer with gold, ivory and pale beige hues under changing light; admire Erechtheion’s famed porch; and peer into Athena Nike’s Cyclopean walls to take it all in.
The Palace of Versailles
This magnificent palace and its expansive grounds were an opulent symbol of France’s absolute monarchy until the Revolution, and have now been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Versailles on a boat ride around the Grand Canal or with a golf cart tour, discovering its many intimate “rooms.” Don’t miss musical gardens for an experience Louis XIV would envy!
The Alhambra
The Alhambra is an absolute must-see when visiting Spain, standing as an irrefutable testament to the country’s longstanding Islamic past.
Building began for the Nasrid Dynasty during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries; later becoming part of UNESCO World Heritage. Even though Catholic Reconquista eventually overtook it, much of its charm remains as many walls are decorated with intricate geometric designs.
The Brandenburg Gate
Built between 1788 and 1791 by Prussian King Frederick William II, this elegant city gate served as a symbol of Berlin’s division during the Cold War; today, however, it serves as an emblematic representation of German unification. At its centre is Quadriga: a statue depicting Victory pulling her chariot while decorated with an iron cross and crown-crowned eagles adornment.
Be amazed by Pariser Platz’s striking neoclassical architecture and admire one of two plaster models of Quadriga, one being located near Pariserplatz.
The Tower of London
One of England’s premier tourist attractions, the Tower of London has played an instrumental role in some of its most dramatic historical moments. Serving as fort, prison, royal mint and even menagerie.
Inside the walls, explore the crypt of St John’s Chapel where Guy Fawkes, two young princes and their uncle Richard III were imprisoned; also visit the somber scaffold site where Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey (Henry VIII’s first and second wives respectively) were beheaded.
The Chateau de Fontainebleau
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent palace provides an amazing window into several centuries of French history. Beginning with King Louis IX’s expansion of this exceptional castle in 12th Century, various monarchs and emperors expanded and embellished it over the next millennia.
Napoleon Bonaparte restored it following its destruction during the French Revolution, including his throne room, Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir, impressive formal gardens and even a museum! This palace stands testament to Napoleon Bonaparte’s visionary leadership. See his throne room, Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir as well as impressive formal gardens that grace this landmark building.
Prague
Prague is an enchanting city with a fascinating past spanning millennia. From ancient battles to more contemporary tragic events, this location provides plenty to intrigue history enthusiasts.
This 16th-century palace houses the Princely Collections museum, which exhibits priceless paintings and furniture. Additionally, there is an amazing courtyard to enjoy in this must-see destination.
