10 Must-See Landmarks In Europe
Do you dream of wonders of old? Perhaps you’d like to catch a glimpse of the Crown Jewels in London or wander through the Acropolis in Athens as the sun starts to set. Or, we can go even further back in time, say, 5,000 years, and dream of a sunrise ceremony at Stonehenge.
Whatever historic landmark is on your mind, we hope you’ll find a way to make a journey to it this year. Being a part of history in such a way is something that will stay with you forever. Together, let’s take a tour through 10 of the most visited sites and see which one catches your attention.
The Tower of London | England
The Tower of London has one of the most fascinating histories. It’s a Royal Historic Castle with buildings that are nearly 1,000 years old. It was built in the 1070s by William the Conqueror.
What makes it so interesting is that, throughout its time, it’s been used as a castle, prison, mint, and even a menagerie. It’s well worth a visit the next time you’re in London both for its views out over the River Thames and its most fascinating feature – the Crown Jewels. If something like this is up your alley, check out these 20 royal attractions in London.
Edinburgh Castle | Scotland
Like the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle has gone through many iterations. It’s served as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress. As you walk towards it, up Castle Hill, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of ancient soldiers, kings, queens, and even a pirate or two! The castle was strategically built in 1103 atop a hill with steep cliffs, making it difficult for invaders to scale.
Today, you can take a tour of the castle and enjoy various rooms, such as The Great Hall and St. Margaret’s Chapel. Then, when you’re done, be sure to walk down the Royal Mile to another fascination: The Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is the king’s official residence when he’s in Scotland and worth a look around, as well. To help you build out your entire itinerary, here are 30 things you should do while in Edinburgh.
The Colosseum | Italy
We thought the 1070s were old. But, the Colosseum actually dates all the way back to 80AD. It’s the largest amphitheater ever built, and still the largest standing in the world, despite its age. People often debate whether or not it’s worth going inside. In our opinion, it is because it’s a wonder how well-preserved it is. It just goes to show the sheer ingenuity that existed at that time.
Things can get a little busy and crowded in the summertime, however. So, if you think that might remove some of the appeal, see if you can visit Rome in the off-season. And, if you’re a lover of classical architecture, here are a few more must-visit destinations you might enjoy.
Acropolis of Athens | Greece
The Romans and the Greeks – they knew a thing or two about art, architecture, and philosophy. And the Acropolis is no exception. Most of the buildings on the Acropolis today were built throughout Perciles’ building program in the middle of the 5th century BC. His program included other famous buildings that still stand today like the Parthenon and the temple of Athena Nike. Can you imagine touching structures that old?
Coming to the Acropolis is one of the most fascinating things you can do in Athens. And it’s a good bang for your buck, considering the number of sites to see within. Like the Colosseum, it can be a little tricky if you come anytime between June and August. The wait time to get in can exceed two hours and, once within, the crowds can take away some of the wonder of it all.