7 Famous Historical Places
in europe to visit
Europe is known for its scenic beauty and carefully preserved historical treasure that attracts thousands of visitors to the continent yearly. From sunny beaches to soaring mountains to snowy lands to bustling metropolitans, Europe has all the perfect tourist attractions to sate your soul.
If you are planning a vacation to check out some of the historical gems in Europe or planning a getaway with your romantic partner, here are some of the famous landmarks in Europe that you definitely do not want to miss out on visiting.
Pompeii, Italy
Visit one of the most intriguing historical locations in the world, known as Pompeii city, while you are in Italy. About nearly two thousand years ago, Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the famously doomed city of Pompeii behind a thick layer of volcanic ash and lava.
As a result, most of Pompeii’s unfortunate inhabitants perished almost quickly, but the city itself was miraculously saved. Pompeii was a bustling Roman metropolis, and its previous residents have left behind a slew of valuables, including furniture, gold, and tools, all of which have been preserved.
Experiencing a city that has remained almost unchanged for the last two millennia is an adventure that you will remember for a lifetime.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Undoubtedly you must have heard of Paris as it’s one of the most renowned places in Europe, but do you know that there is more to Paris than just the Eiffel Tower. Notre Dame Cathedral is undoubtedly one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks. There are few cathedrals as large or ornate in Europe like this one when it comes to Catholic design.
Notre Dame Cathedral was constructed around 1345 over a period of more than 180 years to complete the construction process. Even from the street view, one can easily see the cathedral’s distinctive French Gothic design style.
Visitation to Notre Dame is open to everyone, which is an incredible privilege for history lovers to rejoice in the historical glory of the cathedral. Upon entrance to the cathedral, you can purchase audio guides or join a tour for a nominal fee. Antiques and artifacts also fill every corner of Notre Dame Cathedral. After climbing the 387 steps of the cathedral top, you also get to see the cathedral’s bells and gargoyles
Chateau de Cheverny
Among some of the famous castles in France, Château de Cheverny is believed to build around the vestiges of the old castle that formerly existed there.
The modern Château de Cheverny is one of the most recognizable structures in the Loire Valley. As a matter of fact, since Château de Cheverny was built in the most pristine Louis XIII classical style, it lacks any resemblance to Renaissance-style architecture.
Château de Cheverny, built in the early 17th century, is an excellent example of Baroque architecture. The castle was made from stones borrowed from the Bourré quarry in the Cher Valley, which was famous for its brilliant white stones. The stones from this valley are not only famous for their whiteness, but as it ages, this particular stone gets both whiter and tougher because of which the castle has preserved its luster to date.
There is a rigid architectural layout apparent throughout the structures of the castle, such as its domes, belfry-style roofs, and other French-style roofs.
The castle was built by Jacques Bougier, an architect, master mason, and sculptor of his time. The work he did on a royal palace reflects Cheverny’s desire for perfection that even after 350 years, Cheverny’s facade still remains perfectly intact.
Berlin Wall, Germany
Known as the symbol of liberation, the German wall is another famous historical landmark in Europe. This reinforced building was built overnight in August 1961 in an attempt to prevent hundreds of Germans from East Berlin from entering West Berlin.
German wall served as a barrier between eastern and western regions of the country for almost 28 years, both intellectually and physically. With European and German democratic rallies demonstrated in November 1989, East Germany eventually opened its borders and dismantled the Berlin Wall.
As you visit the Berlin wall, as well as the museum attached, you get to feel the remnants of the German past, as well as the memories, etched on the wall.
Much more circles the Berlin wall, including the Buildings dating from both World Wars as well as monuments honoring those who lived in both East and West Germany. As much as it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the fall of the Berlin Wall is a historical event worth revisiting.
Big Ben, London
Located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster is home to one of London’s most recognizable monuments known as the “Big Ben.” It’s known as the world’s third-largest free-standing clock tower in terms of height and circumference.
The construction of Big Ben started in 1843 and lasted until 1856. The clock tower earned London the status of one of Europe’s most recognizable cities in the world.
Do not forget to visit Big Ben when you’re in London, where you’ll get a taste of the city’s glorious past. One of the historical significance is that it served as a symbol of hope for the Londoners during WWII.
When visiting this historical landmark, to make your trip more memorable, it is best if you visit during the night time when the tower is brightly lit and stands tall against the darkness of the night sky.
Buckingham Palace, England
Oxford and Buckingham palace are the two major highlights associated with the country of England. Located in London, the Buckingham Palace has housed various sovereigns since its construction in 1837 and continues to do so now. The first sovereign to reside in the palace was the famous Queen Victoria.
Visiting the palace, you will get to witness various historical landmarks and relive the glory days of England during the colonial era. The daily “Changing of the Guard” ceremony is the highlight for tourists that you certainly do not want to miss.
Colosseum, Italy
If you’re interested in learning more about Imperial Rome’s way of life, the Colosseum is a must-visit. Even if you’ve been to the Colosseum before, the experience can be both thrilling and intimidating for a traveler. The Colosseum is awe-inspiring with a rich history, too.
For many years after its construction, the Colosseum served as a location for a wide range of Roman activities, including festivals, animal hunts, and executions, as well as the world-famous gladiator battles.
Because of the Flavian dynasty that erected it, it is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre Vespasian started the building of the Amphitheatre, and Titus got it completed by the year 80AD.
The Colosseum is a round concrete and sand amphitheater which is around 620 feet long and is known to be the world’s longest and widest amphitheater. It is quite rare for galleries from this age to be cut into the side of a hill for stability.
You will definitely not regret visiting this marvelous historical monument when visiting Italy.
This is my list of the 7 best famous historical places in Europe to visit
There you go with a list of some of the famous historical places in Europe to visit.
Let us know which place intrigued you the most or the ones you would like to add to the list. Waiting to hear from you all in the comments section.
This post was contributed by Zunaira is an architect and designer on paper, but a writer at heart. She’s got a Bachelors in Architecture and a passion for traveling.
Both of which combine in her writings about timeworn castles and fortresses that have withstood the tests of time and stand proud to this day.
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