Europe is an outstanding destination for anyone interested in visiting some of the world’s most beautiful cities and landmarks. Whether you are interested in history, art, or urban culture, there are many wonders to see and explore. Here we have compiled a list of our top 10 most famous landmarks in Europe that visitors should not miss. So take a trip worldwide and come back with stories to share with your friends!
1. The Rotunda of Galerius at The Forum Romanum (Rome)
Built by Constantine I in 315 AD, this circular building was initially intended to hold circuses and gladiatorial combat events under one roof. It was the largest building in Rome at that time. It was built according to a complicated system of inverted cones, which were pulled together using ropes. The space inside the Rotunda is covered with marble mosaics, including a triumphal arch for Constantine and his wife Fausta. An equestrian frieze depicting Babylonian warriors, and other decorative elements. The Rotunda was turned into St. Peter’s Basilica after the fall of Rome. And has been expanded over Europe centuries before it had to be rebuilt several times due to wars and earthquakes.
Germany’s most famous landmark and one of the world’s most unusual tourist attractions is a water slide on the roof of an old warehouse converted into a hotel. Visitors are invited to pay to ride down this huge slide made from 130,000 plastic pipes, which were joined together in rows to form a track 1,100 feet long, 10 feet wide, and 10 feet high.
2. The Acropolis of Athens
Built-in the 5th century BC, the Acropolis of Athens is one of the most famous landmarks in ancient Greece. The word “Acropolis” comes from the Greek “Akro,” which means “edge, peak,” and “Polein,” which means “to settle.” It was also known as the “Parthenon.” The center of religious and political life in ancient Athens was found here. Erectheus built the first temple in 1250 BC after a flood destroyed the city.
3. Sagrada Familia (Spain)
The Sagrada Familia is the most prominent landmark in Barcelona. It is the first major architectural piece to be created in modern Barcelona and the symbol of Catholicism and freedom of expression. Antoni Gaudí designed the church after he won a competition to design the Sagrada Familia in 1883. It is known not only for its unusual shapes but also for its rich ornamentation, abundant use of color. And elaborate Catalan-inspired designs. Work on the sanctuary was finally completed in 1914, but the construction was later interrupted during World War II. Construction resumed after world war II and has been under construction since 1954 before finally being completed in April of 2010.
Tour and Tickets: Book Sagrada Familia Tour in advance if you plan your visit to Barcelona. The Ticket cost will be approx 53 Euros.
4. Duomo Florence (Vatican City)
The Duomo of Florence is the name of a church in the city of Florence (Italy). Arnolfo di Cambio built the church between 1063 and 1077 in an Early-Gothic style. It is one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture and a masterpiece of humanism and expression. In 1436 the dome was completed, but it was heavily damaged during World War II. And has been restored a few times since then. It hosts various exhibitions, including one devoted to Michelangelo, who designed its windows and façade.
Tour and Tickets: If you are planning your visit to Vatican city, don’t forget to take Duomo Florence Tour to make sure to book your tour in advance.
5. Uffizi Gallery (Italy)
The Uffizi Gallery is the name of an art gallery located in Florence, Italy. The gallery was built between 1560 and 1564 by Giorgio Vasari with the aim of housing the German masters of the art. Who had been expelled from Florence after the sack of 1512. It is located in Piazza della Signoria and was finally opened to the public in 1761. The gallery houses paintings by artists such as Botticelli, Polidoro da Caravaggio, Lorenzo di Credi, Alessandro Allori and Titian. It also has important collections of ancient sculptures and terracottas from Ancient Greece and contemporary art from all over Europe.
Tour and Tickets: If you are an ancient paintings lover, you should Visit Uffizi once in a lifetime. Book your Uffizi Gallery Tickets in advance if you have only one to visit Uffizi.
6. Louvre Museum (France)
The Louvre, or L’Oreal Museum, is an art museum in Paris. It houses one of the most important collections of art worldwide and holds a very high reputation worldwide. Louis XIV built it for King Louis XIII between 1661 and 1763, who hired architect Salomon de Brosse to make it. The beautiful building has the shape of a rectangular Cour d’honneur with two large pavilions which form the wings on both sides Europe.
The collection includes more than two million pieces from ancient and modern history spread over six buildings around the central courtyard with its famous sculptures, paintings, fine arts, and architecture.
Tour and Tickets: Book Louvre Museum Tour
7. Stonehenge (London)
Stonehenge is an ancient monument located in Wiltshire, England. It is composed of a circular setting of large stones with at least five stone circles and dozens of standing stones. Stonehenge was erected in several stages between 3000 and 1600 BC and was designed as a place of worship for prehistoric people. Much mystery still surrounds its function and also the way it was built. The site holds special spiritual significance for pagans, druids, and followers of the Neopagan religion of Wicca, as it is believed to be a center for ancient pagan rituals.
8. Eiffel tower (France)
Eiffel Tower is a comfy structure having an unusual shape. It was initially built for the 1889 Paris World Fair and is one of Paris’s most visited tourist attractions. The tower consists of an iron lattice tower and high-rise base, located on the Champ de Mars (a large ring-shaped park in front of the Louvre Museum), and stands 325 meters tall. The iron lattice at the core was designed as a safety feature to keep all weights inside safe from collapsing. The Eiffel Tower has also served as a telecommunications antenna, letting people with short wave radios contact each other around the world.
There are so many monuments from different parts of the world that could be included on this list. However, there is no doubt that these ten sites stand out in terms of Europe historical importance and artistic designs. Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions or opinions, please leave a comment below!
