The layers of history and overlapping of cultures that make up Europe make it a rich mine of everything from the mediaeval and antiquity to the baroque and art nouveau periods of art history. When you combine this with the arctic circumstances in the north and the lovely Mediterranean temperatures in the south, you get a complete side dish of nature to accompany the main dish of culture that can be found on this magnificent continent.
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Sinking cities, falling castles, and mysterious ancient towns are interspersed with Catholic cathedrals, deep lochs, and vast fjords in this region of northern Europe. This teeming cauldron of history and culture is an undoubtedly fascinating location for any visitor to explore, so here is a list of the best tourist attractions in all of Europe to help you plan your next trip.
10. Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower, named after Gustave Eiffel, is a recognisable icon of Paris and a sight that should not be missed when visiting the French city. The tower, which was constructed between 1887 and 1889, was initially intended to serve as the grand entry to the World's Fair in Chicago in 1889. The tower, which rises at 324 metres tall, was astonishingly the world's highest man-made building until the Empire State Building surpassed it in 1930, when it was demolished.
Take the elevator all the way up to the observation deck of the tower and take in the views of the boulevard and the pattern of parks below from the observation deck. Alternatively, you might just sit on the Champ de Mars and admire the lattice structure itself.
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9. Prague Old Town
There are many historical attractions in the ancient Old Town of the Czech Republic's capital, which is one of the reasons it is such a popular tourist destination. The Old Town Square is the beating heart of the city, and it is here that you'll discover the Old Town Hall, which is home to the Orloj – or Astronomical Clock – which goes back to 1410, making it the world's oldest clock still in operation.
With the Charles Bridge, you may cross the Vltava River and connect Prague's Old Town with the Lesser Town of Prague. It was not until the early 15th century that the bridge's construction was finished, despite the fact that it began in 1357. There are many pubs and a thriving nightlife culture in and around the Old Town, making it a pleasant location to spend time after dark.
8. The Basilica of St. Peter
St Peter's Basilica, located in Vatican City, is the largest cathedral in the world and one of the most renowned examples of Italian Renaissance architecture. It is the most visited attraction in the city. Michelangelo himself was one of the architects that worked on this monument, which started construction in 1506 and was completed in 1508.
This is the location where the Pope personally addresses the tens of thousands of worshipers who have gathered in the nearby St Peter's Square. The present Basilica was built to replace the ancient St Peter's Basilica, which had existed in the same location since about the year 360 AD. The church itself is believed to have been constructed over the grave of St Peter.
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7. Venice's canals
Venice is the world's first canal city, and every other canal city in the world is measured in comparison to it. In this mysterious, soggy city, there are more than 150 canals and 400 bridges, including the world-famous Bridge of Sighs, which spans the Seine.
The Grand Waterway, which runs for two miles beyond St Mark's Square and is flanked with some of Venice's most ancient buildings – ranging from the Medieval to the Baroque – is the city's major canal and the most visited. Gondoliers ferry tourists about the city in striped shirts and wide-brimmed hats, although boats on the river are employed for a variety of tasks, like garbage collection, that are not always tourist-oriented.
6. The Palace of Versailles
Versailles is a landmark unlike any other; when it comes to palaces, Versailles is unquestionably the best of the best. From 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789, this opulent structure served as the primary home of the French royal family.
In addition to its beautiful façade, the castle's interiors are no less stunning than its appearance. Some of the rooms inside the structure are as well-known as the palace itself, such as the Hall of Mirrors, which is lavishly decorated with gold leaf. In the geometric Garden of Versailles, conical trees interrupt the landscape, which is intertwined with canals and fountains.
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5. Norway's fjords
The magnificent fjords of Norway are one of the most popular reasons for visitors to visit the country. The towering U-shaped valleys and their carved cliffs, sculpted by glaciers over an incomprehensibly long period of time (about 2.5 million years), create a breathtaking scene that is almost too large to comprehend.
Norway has over 1000 fjords, only a fraction of which are visited in large groups (such as the Hardangerfjord and Geirangerfjord), making it possible to find a little of quiet in the midst of a crowded destination. When travelling by cruise ship, you may get a fantastic view of the towering walls of the fjords as the boat glides over the sea. Alternately, climbing to the top of the fjords will provide you with an unparalleled perspective of the magnificent scenery.
4. Alhambra
The Alhambra, a combined palace and castle in Granada, Spain, was built on the remains of Roman defences in 889 AD and is the world's largest building. Many parts of the Iberian peninsula were controlled by the Islamic Moors for almost 1,000 years, with Andalusia (the region in which the Alhambra is situated) serving as their most long-lasting stronghold.
Its citadel, which is the oldest portion of the castle, may be explored today, as can its watchtower, which overlooks the magnificent Moorish gardens and courtyards. You can also be astonished by the exquisite geometric patterns that can be seen throughout the complex. The fact that Alhambra is situated against the background of the Sierra Nevada adds to its magical atmosphere.
3. Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom)
In its heyday, Hagia Sophia was the largest church in the world, and it is still an impressive sight for everyone who has a chance to see it. The Hagia Sophia was originally constructed as an Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in 537 AD, when Istanbul was renamed Constantinople. It was converted into an Ottoman mosque in 1453 and is now a museum open to people of all religions.
The Hagia Sophia's dome is a wonder in and of itself, and the structure as a whole is a perfect reflection of Byzantine architecture – as well as Istanbul's patchwork history – in its entirety. Today, when you go about the building, you can piece together the history of the city thanks to the fascinating paintings and unique objects that have been preserved.
2. The Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis of Athens is an absolutely breathtaking site to see. A variety of historic sites, some of which date back to the 5th century BC, may be found on this colossal hill. The Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and, of course, the Parthenon are just a few of the sights that make up the Acropolis' crowning glory.
The Parthenon, which was built at the height of the Athenian Empire in 447 BC, is a symbol of Greece, and its colossal number of columns leaves a lasting impression. It was originally dedicated to Athena, but it was converted into a Christian church in the 6th century AD and subsequently into a mosque in the 1460s after the Ottoman conquest. After sunset, the Acropolis is illuminated with a luminous light that can be seen all across Athens.
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1. The Colosseum
A magnificent representation of the strength of the Roman Empire at its height, the Colosseum stands as a testament to this. It was constructed in 72 AD and was intended to accommodate 50,000 people, making it the largest amphitheatre in the world at the time of its construction. From animal hunts and executions to bloodthirsty gladiatorial combat, everything was staged here. It was even filled with water for fake sea wars at one point!
Despite the fact that it is virtually a ruin, the Colosseum is nevertheless regarded as a symbol of Rome. You may go on a tour of the building by stepping within the arches. Take a seat and try to picture yourself as a spectator in ancient Rome, watching the great exhibitions and spectacles that took place within the arena.
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