In Europe, one can barely turn a corner without coming across a magnificent monument—the continent, in fact, is a veritable treasure trove when it comes to great architectural wonders. It is not necessary to provide a brief description of many of Europe's most renowned monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome or the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Jump to:
Of course, with so many renowned landmarks in Europe, you won't be short of options when planning your next big European adventure—the only difficult part will be deciding which ones to visit first on your list. Each of these locations, which range from enigmatic 5,000-year-old monoliths to a quirky work-in-progress basilica, is brimming with magnificent architecture, artwork, and historical significance.
This list contains the ten most renowned sites in Europe, each of which deserves a place on your Europe bucket list. Click through to learn more about each one.
1. Paris's Eiffel Tower
Paris' 1,063-foot-tall Eiffel Tower, which rises over the city's southwest side from its base in the 7th arrondissement and serves as a beacon for the whole country, has become a symbol not just of the French capital, but also of the entire country of France.
Even though the open-lattice, wrought-iron tower, designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World's Fair, was intended to be destroyed after just 20 years, it is difficult to believe that the building was only meant to be ephemeral.
Indeed, the tower's unique aesthetic was a source of much public debate; nevertheless, it was eventually spared destruction, owing in large part to its prospective use as a telecommunications tower. In modern times, the city's iconic spire has become a permanent feature in the Parisian skyline, marking one of the most recognised sights in Europe, if not the whole globe.
Paris cityscape with the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Whenever you visit Paris, you can't help but be struck by the background of the enormous tower's slender frame towering in the distance (bonus: it provides a reliable orientation point for visitors). There are also unrivalled city views from the top—a mix of elevators and steps will take you up to three tower floors and observation platforms, each with its own set of attractions such as a Champagne bar, Michelin-starred restaurant, and clear glass floor.
Aesthetically, the tower is even more impressive at night, when it shines in the intermittent lighting of hundreds of sparkling lights. If you want to take in some of the most spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower, go over to the Palais de Chaillot esplanade, which is directly over the Seine River from the Louvre.
2. Colosseum, Rome
Not only is the Colosseum in Rome one of the most renowned monuments in Europe, but it is also a lasting emblem of the ancient world. Indeed, the Colosseum's sheer scale is as impressive now as it was almost two thousand years ago, when it was built on the orders of the Roman emperor Vespasian, in the year AD 72, when it was completed. It was eventually finished by his son and successor Titus in AD 80, and was known as the Flavian Amphitheatre at the time of completion.
The enormous stone and concrete building, which stands 160 feet tall and has a diameter of 1,788 feet, is located just east of Rome's relic-filled Palatine Hill. Its size is mind-boggling for the historical period, and it is made of stone and concrete. Consider it as you walk around the circumference of the building, taking notice of the travertine-clad walls and the three tiered sitting levels, each with an arch topped by a different column type (Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian). It should be noted that, in the past, a large retractable velarium (awning) protected spectators from the weather.
Imagine ancient gladiators and wild animals fighting within the elliptical bowl of this architectural marvel, which was once home to 50,000 spectators watching violent and gruesome displays of conflict during the height of the Roman Empire.
3. Athens' Parthenon
The Parthenon temple, a cream-colored marble structure that stands atop Athens' rocky Acropolis mountaintop, is yet another iconic structure of European antiquity (the sacred heart of the ancient city). Athens is visible from the belvedere of the shrine, which is surrounded by Doric columns and offers a beautiful view of the Acropolis.
Athenian statesman Pericles had the monument built as a tribute to Athena Parthenos, the city's patron goddess (it once contained a massive gold-and-ivory statue depicting her likeness), as well as to serve as the city's treasury. It is one of the most important landmarks in Greece. The monument is one of the most important landmarks in Greece. It is estimated that the temple was built sometime around the mid-5th century BC.
From the Acropolis, a difficult climb on foot transports visitors back in time to the birthplace of Western Civilization. While there are many historical ruins strewn across this area, the Parthenon, which stands at the summit of the Acropolis and has been standing for almost 2,500 years, still reigns supreme.
Visitors are not permitted to enter the monument due to the need for conservation measures. The exterior, on the other hand, does not disappoint, with its 46 elegant columns and perch from which to enjoy panoramic city views.
In the adjacent Acropolis Museum, you may view many sculptures and objects that were previously used as temple adornments, which can help you get a better sense of what the temple's interior looked like in the past. There will also be a replica of the temple's missing friezes, which will include a replica of the so-called Elgin Marbles, which are now on exhibit at the British Museum in London, where they are the subject of continuing debate.
4. The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
The La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the unrivalled accomplishment and passion of renowned Spanish architect Antoni Gaud, is one of the most recognised monuments in Europe, as well as one of the finest cathedrals to have ever graced the face of the globe. The neo-Gothic/Art Nouveau basilica, which was built on a grander-than-life scale and is one of a kind, has been a work in progress for more than a century after construction started in 1882 and is still under development.
Extending up to 566 feet in the air, the façade is a riot of ornate spires, turrets, carvings, and sculptures that extend upwards and reach dizzying heights. Zoom in to see the exquisite and fanciful features carved into the stone—flora and fauna, nativity scenes and biblical tales, gargoyles and dragons abound—and then zoom out to see them all at once.
The inside of the Sagrada Familia is reminiscent of a forest canopy.
Even those who are not religious may find themselves drawn to the cathedral's lofty interior, with enormous, twisting pillars rising toward the central nave in what seems to be a landscape evocative of a forest canopy. There is enough space for 13,000 seated worshippers to sit and reflect.
Last but not least, the long-awaited completion date for La Sagrada Famlia is within reach: 2026, which would commemorate a century after Gaud's death (he is buried in the crypt under the structure).
5. Historic Stone Structures in England
This ancient circle of megalithic pillars in the English countryside, on Salisbury Plain, has captivated generations of inquisitive onlookers with its mammoth and enigmatic presence. Many doubts persist about the importance of this site and its construction, even though it is often considered the most significant ancient monument in Britain with roots dating back as far as 3000 BC.
The stones are precisely oriented to the solstice dawn and sunset, according to some historians, indicating that it was an astronomical observatory. Those who disagree consider it to have been a ceremonial burial place. The massive bluestone and sarsen stones itself (some weighing as much as 45 tonnes) are the most unusual feature of the site for engineers, since they were transported from as far away as neighbouring Wales to construct the structure in the first place.
Visit the legendary archaeological site to see what echoes of the past are revealed to you; however, bear in mind that you will have to contemplate the enigmatic monoliths from a distance since it is not allowed to touch the stones.
Leave a Reply