Recently updated on August 30th, 2022 at 03:48 pm
From logic-defying ancient monuments and sacred holy sites to palatial architectural wonders, Europe certainly isn’t short of a monument or two. Tick these extraordinary European landmarks off your list next time you visit.
1) Palace of Versailles, Paris
From its jaw-dropping Hall of Mirrors to its many gilded rooms, the eye-watering opulence of the Palace of Versailles has to be seen to be believed. It’s truly one of the world’s most beautiful buildings.
See it on: Paris Explorer
2) Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Steeped in myth and legend, the megalithic Stonehenge poses more questions than it answers, though its incredible scale casts no doubt over the power of those that resided in ancient times.
See it on: Real Britain
3) Blue Mosque, Istanbul
With its smooth domes and vertiginous pointed minarets piercing the sky, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul is an imposing historic complex dominating the mouth of the Bosphorus Strait.
See it on: Highlights of Turkey
4) Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
Once a symbol of division, today the Brandenburg Gate is a totem of unity after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Neo-Classical building should be at the top of your German must-sees.
See it on: Best of Germany
5) Doge’s Palace, Venice
Overlooking the endlessly romantic St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace is stunning inside and out. Explore its stately, Byzantine rooms and cavernous Chamber of the Great Council.
See it on: Italy Bellisimo
6) The Hofburg, Vienna
Once Vienna’s imperial palace, the Hofburg is now the noblest conference centre you could ever imagine. Almost every Austrian ruler ordered modifications, so expect a gorgeous architecturally diverse complex.
See it on: Switzerland and Austria
7) Fatima Shrine, Portugal
A holy site that’s a magnet for millions of pilgrims, Fatima Shrine continues to captivate those that visit its three buildings: the Chapel of Apparitions, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and Basilica of the Holy Trinity.
See it on: Best of Portugal
8) Hungarian Parliament, Budapest
A Neo-gothic structure that puts most governmental buildings to shame, Hungary’s parliament is grander than grand, sitting proudly on the banks of the Danube. In fact, it’s the world’s third largest parliament. It’s most spectacular when viewed at night.
See it on: Prague, Vienna and Budapest
9) Meteora monasteries, Greece
Atop the dizzying Meteora rock formation sits the most precariously yet ingeniously built monastery complex. Seemingly defying nature, these mystical monasteries are an ancient phenomenon.
See it on: Best of Greece with 7 Day Aegean Cruise
10) La Sagrada Família, Barcelona
Gaudi’s mind-bending church is a feat of architectural splendour. A tantalising mishmash of styles, stonework and colour, La Sagrada Familia is unlike any other religious building on the planet.
See it on: Best of Spain
Image credits: Palace of Versaille © Myrabella/WikimediaCommons. Stonehenge © iStock/AndyRoland. Blue Mosque © iStock/LeoPatrizi. Brandenburg Gate © iStock/sborisov. Doge’s Palace © iStock/Dreamer4787. Hofburg © iStock/TomasSereda. Fatima © iStock/Pascale Gueret. Hungarian Parliament © iStock/Lord Runar. Meteora © iStock/Ihor_Taliwand. Barcelona © iStock/Mikada.