Despite its abundance of natural beauty, Europe is also home to numerous man-made wonders, some of which are so iconic that visiting them is a need for every trip there. Here are the ten most recognizable sites in Europe that you have to visit at least once in your lifetime.
1. Eiffel Tower, Paris
The most frequented paid-for monument in the world, the Eiffel Tower draws about 7 million visitors annually. The tower, which was completed on March 31, 1889, held the title of highest man-made construction for 41 years, up to the 1930 opening of the Chrysler Building in New York. Many people think that Paris is the most romantic city in the world because of the Eiffel Tower, or perhaps it’s the tower’s 20,000 lights that shine like stars at night.
2. Big Ben, London, UK
Big Ben, the moniker given to the Great Bell of the Clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, is one of the most well-known locations in all of Europe.
Big Ben, one of the five bells in the tower, is the largest four-faced chiming clock in the world and weighs 13.5 tonnes. Stay until dusk to see the four clock faces illuminated for a breathtaking spectacle, and to get the most out of your visit to Big Ben, do so.
3. Colosseum, Rome
Rome’s most famous structure, which is a combination of a circus and a sports stadium, is not to be missed, particularly now that the underground passageways where gladiators and wild animals formerly roamed have been made accessible to tourists. As you stand inside the amphitheater, you can’t help but marvel at the valiant men who took part in these bloody bull battles.
4. The Sistine Chapel in Vatican City
Although Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel are its most well-known feature, Sisto commissioned artists like Botticelli to fresco the chapel’s two long side walls long before Michelangelo. The stories of Christ and Moses were presented side by side. The best frescoes in the world are currently found in the Sistine Chapel.
5. Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy
One of the most well-known structures in the world is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which offers equal portions of beauty and foolishness. It’s important to consider that the tower was erected on a swampy foundation with obvious engineering flaws using stolen goods. The tower is notorious for tilting up to 10 degrees in different directions over time.
The tilt has been lowered to 3.99 degrees as a result of ongoing restoration efforts. Yet it is quite a marvel that it is still accessible to the general public and that you can ascend all the way to the top of the tower to take in the city even though it has a reputation for being structurally unstable!
6. Acropolis & Parthenon in Greece
The Acropolis is most likely the most well-known and often visited structure in the entire globe. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Parthenon is the most impressive of the Acropolis of Athens’ monuments, which serve as global icons of the classical ethos and civilization of ancient Greece.
An impressive sight, the Temple of Parthenon honors the goddess Athena, who served as the city of Athens’ protector. Many western universities, government structures, palaces, parliaments, and libraries have been inspired by the country’s distinctive architecture.
7. Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in Spain
The genuine meeting place of religions is here! The Cordoba Mezquita, or “mosque,” is a symbol of the numerous religious transformations that Spain has endured through the ages. When Muslims took over Spain in 711, the church was split into Christian and Muslim portions.
It now stands tall like a phoenix with columns made of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite that were salvaged from the Roman temple that once stood where it now stands and other Roman structures that were demolished across Spain.
8. Brandenburg Gate in Berlin
More than just Berlin’s lone remaining city gate, the Brandenburg Gate is one of the most recognizable landmarks in contemporary, vibrant Berlin. This iconic building represents the split of Berlin into East and West during the Cold War, as well as a united Germany following the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Although it’s open all year long, if you want to experience it in all its splendor, come here to enjoy New Year’s Eve with the locals or watch the FIFA World Cup or UEFA EURO Championships being broadcast to everyone.
9. Charles Bridge in Prague
Charles Bridge, Prague’s most breathtaking sight, is a gothic stone bridge with 16 arches that is adorned with 30 baroque statues of holy figures. Czech musicians, painters, and souvenir sellers frequent the area as well. Go across the cobblestone bridge to be taken back in time, but don’t forget to admire the bridge’s towers for their stunning views of the Vtlava River and its stunning architecture.
Visit the bridge in the evening for a beautiful view of Prague Castle against the night sky that has been fully illuminated, or early in the morning to avoid the crowds and take in a magnificent sunrise.
10. Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian Parliament building is one of Budapest’s and all of Hungary’s most stunning structures.
One of the most well-known structures in all of Europe is this architectural marvel, which was built in the neo-Gothic style, and is situated on the Pest side of Budapest, close to the Danube river.
The parliament building is a stunning sight from any angle, but at night, when it is lighted by a shimmering golden light, it is just breathtaking. You will be in awe of this magnificent European icon.
