20 Must-Visit Cultural Sites in Europe to Celebrate the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018
Europe boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage, ranging from architecture to art, music, and literature. The European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 is a wonderful opportunity to explore and celebrate this heritage. In this article, we are going to walk you through 20 must-visit cultural sites in Europe that you should include in your travel itinerary.
1. The Acropolis in Athens, Greece
The Acropolis is a masterpiece of ancient Greek architecture, perched high above Athens. It features several iconic buildings, including the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheum, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
2. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
The Colosseum is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Rome. It is an elliptical amphitheater built in the 1st century AD, capable of hosting up to 80,000 spectators.
3. The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
The Sagrada Familia is a breathtaking Catholic basilica designed by the genius Antoni Gaudi. Its construction started in 1882 and is still ongoing, with an expected completion date in 2026.
4. The Louvre Museum in Paris, France
The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest art museum, featuring over 380,000 objects and 35,000 artworks spread over eight departments. It is home to some of the most famous masterpieces in history, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
5. The Vatican Museums in Vatican City, Italy
The Vatican Museums are a treasure trove of art and history, featuring 54 galleries that showcase the rich heritage of the Catholic Church. The highlight is undoubtedly the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century.
6. The Alhambra in Granada, Spain
The Alhambra is a majestic fortress and palace complex built in the 13th century by the Nasrid dynasty. Its intricate design, decorated with geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy, is a masterpiece of Islamic art.
7. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, featuring over 8,000 objects that document the country’s art and history. Its most famous painting is undoubtedly the Night Watch by Rembrandt.
8. The Tower of London, United Kingdom
The Tower of London is a historic castle that has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a fortress. It houses the Crown Jewels, some of the most iconic symbols of British royalty.
9. The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany
The Brandenburg Gate is a neoclassical triumphal arch that has become a symbol of German unity and democracy. It was built in the 18th century and survived the destruction of World War II.
10. The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey
The Hagia Sophia is a magnificent Byzantine church that was later converted into a mosque and then a museum. Its dome, designed by Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles, is still one of the largest in the world.
11. The Castle of Versailles in Paris, France
The Castle of Versailles is a grandiose palace where French monarchs lived in splendor. It features over 2,300 rooms, including the famous Hall of Mirrors, decorated with 357 mirrors.
12. The Pompeii Archaeological Site in Naples, Italy
The Pompeii Archaeological Site is a unique window into the past, featuring the ruins of an ancient Roman city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It offers a rare glimpse into daily life in the Roman Empire.
13. The Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that has played a key role in Scottish history for over a thousand years. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, which is said to have been used in the coronation of Scottish kings.
14. The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany
The Neuschwanstein Castle is a fairytale castle that was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It is a masterpiece of Romantic architecture, with a stunning view of the Alps.
15. The Prado Museum in Madrid, Spain
The Prado Museum is one of the world’s most important art museums, featuring over 7,000 paintings, including masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, and El Greco.
16. The Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, United Kingdom
The Canterbury Cathedral is a magnificent Gothic cathedral that has been a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of the Church of England.
17. The Royal Palace of Stockholm in Stockholm, Sweden
The Royal Palace of Stockholm is a unique combination of Baroque and Rococo architecture that has been the residence of the Swedish monarchs since the 18th century. It houses several museums and is open to the public for tours.
18. The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the life of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who died during the Holocaust. It is located in the house where she and her family hid from the Nazis for two years.
19. The Tower Bridge in London, United Kingdom
The Tower Bridge is a famous landmark of London that crosses the River Thames. It is an engineering marvel, with a unique bascule and suspension design that allows ships to pass through.
20. The Orsay Museum in Paris, France
The Orsay Museum is a former railway station that has been transformed into an art museum with a focus on Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. It houses masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and many others.
Conclusion
These 20 must-visit cultural sites in Europe are just a glimpse of the rich and diverse heritage of the continent. Whether you are interested in history, art, or architecture, Europe has something to offer for everyone. Don’t hesitate to explore further and discover more hidden treasures. The European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 is the perfect occasion to do so.
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